I've never tried SID.....too scared :-) I think everyones work looks better than mine,but long ago I decided so what.Piecing quilt tops is a fun,relaxing thing for me.My work isn't perfect,not even near,but that's ok.

I admire others work,but still enjoy my own.We're all in it together.

BTW.....if you want to practice lines.....use plaid or patterned fabric with lines.

Everyone is right don't be hard on yourself. I am not perfect with quilting my own quilts but I'm proud I can do it and it does get easier with time. Just enjoy your quilt making and be proud you are a QUILTER!!!

I think SID is not so easy just because of what you said. I have given up on that and use decorative stitches, many times across the seam lines. That way it even hides when my seams don't match perfectly. It can't be way off, but I have wiggle room with slight variations.

Arlene

I have lots of finished quilt tops, table toppers, table runners, and wall hangings done and waiting to be sandwiched and quilted - guess I'm just afraid to start FMQ - straight lines I can do, but FMQ looks like much more fun!

After years of practice, mine are getting a lot better. Problem is I know where the mistakes are, no one else has ever found them. I think we are our own worst enemy when it comes to critisism

If you look up SID in the quilter's dictionary, it says to sew R-E-A-L S-L-O-W-L-Y! That is the only way I can follow the lines, and I used to work in a sewing factory! If you decide to post, we will ride by real fast, just for you. Straight sewing does not make a quilt any warmer....

did you know that the amish who are known for their quilting, make at least one mistake in every quilt because only god can make something perfect! see, you don't have to worry about your mistakes!

I agree, chin up, enjoy yourself in your adventure with quilting... you will improve with practice. Save the quilts that you aren't happy with for the car for the kids to keep warm on cool nights, or to use in the park or on the beach.

As far as SITD, try a stitch in the ditch sewing foot, it does help, but if you don't have one and not ready to buy one maybe to discover that it doesn't help you, use a decorative stitch to go down the seam.

warm quilt hugs, sue in CA

Practise, practise, practise. Just make up a rough sandwich with batting and two bits of waste material and keep quilting on it until it starts to look OK. You will eventually improve and continue to improve with each quilt. I was frightened at one stage when a friend got me to help her quilt some charity quilts - now I still get out the rough piece before I start, and do about ten minutes of 'loosening up' exercises on it and then get going on the quilt. Just be confident and consistent.

I'm to afraid to even start quilting. I tie my finished tops. This is my easy way out! It reminds me of quilts my mom used to make when I was a child. When they look at mine, perhaps it will spark one of the grandkids to begin making quilts.