I teach domestic classes too and most of the designs and ideas translate easily to the domestic machine. One of the things you can do is practice on things that have boundaries. You know the orphan blocks you made but didn't use? They are the perfect thing to practice on because you have a boundary - you know a triangle or a square and they are easier to handle than a big quilt. Plus you end up with a nice block to place under a lamp or a pot or if it is really bad feel no guilt when you toss it.
What I tell my students is practice on small samples so you can get your stitching and directional issues worked out before you work on that bigger quilt. It really helps. If you don't have orphan blocks you can make a square sample - grids of say 6" x 6" or so but the outside measurements should be no larger than 24" x 36". You say you don't have time to practice your machine quilting? ...challenge yourself to fill a square each time you sit down to sew something else - just one square and it doesn't matter what color thread etc. and before long you will see a marked improvement in your quilting. I get emails from former students telling me "wow Linda you were right, I do have time to practice and I am getting better" so I know it works. Glad you ladies are enjoying the series.....if you want to see more let Gammill know
hugs from chilly MI where it is 5 degrees! LT
