Homemother

You are so wise to practice on something small before you work on something larger! I have a sketch pad that I keep handy and I practice in there before I try something new. It creates muscle memory in your hands and in your brain. I guarentee you that your machine quilting will look far better than your hand drawn lines. I always think I will never be able to make a design look like it should, then I get on the machine and find out it's so much easier to quilt a design than to draw the design.

RainyBC

Good job! For your first time, I think you did a fabulous work. I'm still working on simple stipple.

copycat

You are doing great! Keep going... I like Leah Day's videos for learning to free-motion quilt. She has a ton.

The potholder is a great size to work with learning. Good luck with your binding.

twinkie

You are doing every bit as good as I did on my first one. Keep practicing.

Jingle

Very nice. Just keep going. I wear gloves with rubber nubs, makes it easier to move the quilt. This time of year they keep my hands warm too.

Texas_Sue

This is a great first try. I think you did a great job. Keep practicing and you'll get the rhythm before you know it.

PenniF

You are going great guns getting started !!! Kudos !!

ONE THING.....if you are going to use this as pot holder - be sure your batting is 100% cotton...anything with poly can melt - and i don't want you to get a burn.

Mariposa

Great start! Pot holders are always needed, though do use cotton batting only). Keep practicing, it gets better. You will find your rhythm. A dry-erase board and its markers also help with muscle memory.
Please do show us your quilt when it is quilted and finished. We look forward to it!

EmiliasNana

Great way to learn FMQing and have a finished product. I found quilting on a project was a lot more fun than on a muslin sandwich. Just keep practicing and you will notice improvement. Save them for a couple months and compare to boost your confidence! I have "graduated" to baby quilts for charity. They are coming out great, but I don't have any new babies in the family right now.

annette1952

You are doing a great job. Potholders is a good place to start too. If you get too many they make great gifts. You will be quilting your quilt in no time