this is a practice cake where i was trying my projecta scope for the first time. either i was even more nervous than i thought or my tip was too small because the line came out squiggerly. or is there something else causing it? not to mention the fact that i haven't figured out how to use my camera.

I would use a bigger tip to outline, but have you tried the pattern transfer, Course 1 Wilton? That works great too.

Your icing may also be too stiff. It will come out of the tip curled. You can add a bit of corn syrup.

also remember to support the bag with your other non-squeezing hand. I have this problem, usually solved by remembering to support the bag.

Really it looks OK, but you might try using a bigger tip so you don't have to squeeze the bag quite so hard--that has happened to me.

thanks all...next time i will add the corn syrup and use a bigger tip.

I think it's a great job, but next time use larger tip.

The icing you're trying to pipe may be too thick- this would cause pressure to build up and be released jerkily, which would cause squiggles. Possibly the tip you're using may have a little nick in it which would also cause wonky piping? I'd try thinning the icing a little as the first thing - even with a very fine tip icing doesn't have to be squiggly - good luck!