Hi, I am new to this website and very new to cake decorating... I hope I am in the right forum. I have just enrolled in September for cake decorating lessons at my local college. But wanted to have a go so I know what to expect.
I am ok with cake toppers as I am used to crafting with clay, however Icing it totally new to me... I can cover a cake in icing and it comes out quite smooth, however I am really struggling with fancy piping as when I squeeze it out it just goes in to one blob and loses all its pattern...
Can anyone tell me what i am doing wrong?
Thanks for reading
Sarah 
It sounds like your frosting is too soft. Try adding a little less liquid and be sure that your are not working in a hot environment.
Pressure is another key issue when piping. A little trick that helps with control for borders is to squeeze the bag as if you are squashing the head of someone that made you angry (ex-hubby, boyfriend, IRS, whatever), and then let go of the anger as you pull away. So....it's get mad, let it go an pull away, get mad, let it go, and then pull away. It sounds crazy, but it works.
Good luck with your classes.
Michele
Hi and Welcome to CC, sarand. 
Decoding CC acronyms:
http://forum.cakecentral.com/cake-decorating-ftopict-2926-.html
Look forward to seeing your cakes!
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