Stipple

grab a pencil and paper -- and start there... just "Doodle away" ....

I found this a BIG help in just getting into the flow -- the problem for me isn't managing the machine -- it is orchestrating the design. With enough "drawing" practice... you can jump to the machine and do pretty well.

Kate in MI

I had problems stippling just on and off all day today. Was about to ask you all to remind me what refreshments to serve at a pity party. Since I changed everything I could think of except DH, I decided the problem was the 'bargain' batting I was using. But, back to WV's question - it's really just a matter of playing with it. Make yourself a practice 'anything goes' piece about 18" square should be plenty and pretend that you are a lazy bee. Forget the rule that you can't cross a line. Of course, you can. Draw some cursive e's or l's. Draw a cactus with three fingers (?), a whirl, ocean wave caps . . . write your name. Just anything. You really don't have to go 'pedal to the metal'. Whatever speed makes you happy. Do try very hard to remove your basting safety pins before you get too close. Removing a firmly stippled pin is really tedious. Needle nose pliers are helpful. Don't ask. Polly

I find it difficult, too, because I don't allow myself enough time to really practice. However, one thing I will pass on is: allow yourself to stop, if you find yourself trapped into a corner, take the needle out and start again somewhere else. I used to believe that 'people who could do this' did the whole area in one pass, so I had to too. I discovered that such an aim was not worth the shoulder tension >g< . In message , WV Quilter writes

Practice. Sounds boring, but it IS easy. Lots of people swear by doodling on paper to learn the technique. This helped me a little, but I tend to do microscopic doodles with a pencil, not really what you want. I needed to loosen up. Tai chi helps (running through the forms in your mind), or anything that will help relax your shoulders and make you breathe slowly and regularly. Music is good. The trick seems to be to disconnect the critical part of the brain, not focus on the needle but where you want your thread line to END. If you aren't happy with the style that looks like jigsaw pieces or fly flight paths, try the McTavishing technique. The book comes with a DVD so you can watch her do it. I also love Harriet Hargrave's book. Follow her advice and use cotton batting, also the best thread you can find and a new needle that *fits your thread*. Roberta in D

"WV Quilter" schrieb im Newsbeitrag news: snipped-for-privacy@q40g2000cwq.googlegroups.com...

It took me hours of practicing - for about 3 months - before I got the hang of stippling. I'm not perfect by any means but my DH thinks it looks great :)

I was fortunate in having several machines to choose from to try stippling on when I first attempted it. The machine that 'did it' for me was a vintage Signer 201. Now I can stipple on anything LOL =20

But even now, before I actually sit down to do stippling, I find I need to practice on a swatch for a few minutes to get into a 'groove' - then all's well. Otherwise, I will mess up right off.

Irene

-------------- You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough.=20

--Mae West=20

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The first quilt I stippled had VERY small stipples. Talk about arm cramps - didn't help my arthritis in the least. Well, I got out my scraps again and concentrated on making the stipples larger and more flowing. Much better! Next quilt I used my new stippling skills and believe it or not it turned out much better.

Hope this helps.

Lot of practice. HArriet HArgraves book is a must read too. Paula Reid has some good tips:

WV Quilter wrote:

There's a little free video that someone showed me that helped me to get the hang of it. I think this is it:

-Lynn

WV Quilter wrote:

I pick up printed panels whenever I find them. I use them to practice my stippling before I start a major quilting project. The finished panels get binding, and then are donated to a local charity.

On Thu, 4 Jan 2007 21:49:34 -0600, Kate G. wrote (in article ):

I second what Kate says! My stippling has improved a lot since I've started doodling with pen and paper. I "stipple" in the margins of my notes at a lot of meetings when my particular issues/subjects/concerns take a back seat to those of the Bureau of Land or the Bureau of Water.

Maureen

make sure you use good thread. you won't believe how my free motion quilting changed from beginner to good looking when I switched from star cotton thread to aurifil or polyneon madeira embroidery thread! amazing!

Too funny, Polly! A pair of needle-nose pliers is always in my sewing kit, LOL. For much the same reason.