It took me a long time and a lot of picked out stitches, but I rock the needle successfully now. What amazes me is everytime I try to make only one stitch, it isn't even with the rest of them.

I make my own motifs too. Some stencils, not many as I only have two. I make templates for a lot and mark with a Bohn pencil similar to the resin one Fons and Porter have available. It takes me about 5-6 months to quit a queen size.

I hope to try a whole cloth next or get into feathers, plumes or fruit quilted in. I love handquilting and find it very relaxing. I learned at a quilting bee right out of any historical book you can read. It still exists and I miss those wonderful ladies so much after I moved away.

I use a thimble with the edge on it to catch the back of the needle and push it through. I use a broken piece of balloon to pull the needle the rest of the way if it gets stuck.

I am familiar with Quilter's Dream Batting, do you like the cotton? or something else? I can not find a batting that gives me the results I am looking for. Every manufactor seems to have changed what they produce.....going green....please tell me the specific name because it sure looks like you are getting a great result.

beautiful!

Beautiful work! Thank you for sharing your technique. However, your needle choice is too small for my crocked fingers to grasp. One stitch-at-a-time sounds tedious, but your end result is outstanding.

Your work is beautiful and sooooo precise.

Thanks for sharing!

Nice photos! I generally don't use a thimble either, and bringing the stiches toward you seems to be a more accurate and faster way for me than going away from me...I use my fingernail to 'rock ' the needle and do a few stiches at a time. I love your work!

Your quilting is excellent, nice even stitches. When I first started quilting, I didn't have anyone to teach me, so I stitched one stitch at a time. I took some classes, made one quilt for my daughter that was handquilted, but developed carpal tunnel, so I only machine quilt now. I could possible do a small project if I paced myself, but I'm too impatient for that. Whatever works for you and your method is obviously working.

Your quilting is truly exquisite! Thank you for sharing your technique...I am going to try your method.

Put it in the frame but relax it a little. Some one told me like the cat slept on it. I think most of us put it too tight in the frame or hoop. When I use a hoop and pull it in place and then push the back of my fist in the center before thightening it.

Awesome workmanship. Great pictures. Thank you for sharing them.