April 2008 Archives
Good lighting is always a concern for quilters.
I was recently asked about the overhead lighting I have for my longarm:
We purchased the overhead wiring feature (the basic framing/rails, etc.) from APQS
as an "add on" when I ordered the machine. But, the lights are separate
components that Jeff added by attaching them with clamps to the frame.
He purchased the lights from Home Depot. There are two light units. So...two pieces of rail/track with 3 lights in each. More individual lights can be purchased and added on to each track. The feature I like best is that you can turn each individual light to the direction you choose (within the limits of it's turning capability). I think we paid around $40 per unit.
Thanks to Stephanie for asking for clarification. Happy quilting to all...
I was recently asked about the overhead lighting I have for my longarm:
We purchased the overhead wiring feature (the basic framing/rails, etc.) from APQS
as an "add on" when I ordered the machine. But, the lights are separate
components that Jeff added by attaching them with clamps to the frame. He purchased the lights from Home Depot. There are two light units. So...two pieces of rail/track with 3 lights in each. More individual lights can be purchased and added on to each track. The feature I like best is that you can turn each individual light to the direction you choose (within the limits of it's turning capability). I think we paid around $40 per unit.
Thanks to Stephanie for asking for clarification. Happy quilting to all...
I have a tall (for me, but I'm short) table that Jeff built for me years ago when I started machine quilting on my domestic sewing machine. I always preferred to quilt larger quilts while standing up. Standing is less stressful for my back.
Jeff--being my hero--came to my rescue and built the tall table and it was wonderful. But, now that I have the longarm I don't intend to quilt anything very big on the domestic machines anymore.
So...what to do with this great table? I love recycling items into other functional items so I decided to turn it into a quick and dirty pressing table. The top is approx. 44" wide, so it's perfect for pressing cotton fabrics. Picture below shows side view.
How did I make my quick & dirty pressing table? I grabbed my staple gun, some Insul-Bright and some fabric stash. First I staple-gunned the Insul-Bright, then I tacked down the "skirt" which consists of 3 stash pieces/panels around 3 sides (there was no edge finishing here because it's simply QUICK & DIRTY).
The under side of the table will be for storage and the skirt hides the stash/storage from the side views. This is my front/"working" side of the table showing the "under storage" area. You really can't see this area unless you are in the working area. I may add a skirt panels to this side later...if it starts looking too disorganized or messy.
It's a true quick & dirty pressing table and I LOVE IT!!! When the top "cover" fabric is in need of changing, I'll simply pop out the staples and wash it or replace.
Jeff--being my hero--came to my rescue and built the tall table and it was wonderful. But, now that I have the longarm I don't intend to quilt anything very big on the domestic machines anymore.
So...what to do with this great table? I love recycling items into other functional items so I decided to turn it into a quick and dirty pressing table. The top is approx. 44" wide, so it's perfect for pressing cotton fabrics. Picture below shows side view.
How did I make my quick & dirty pressing table? I grabbed my staple gun, some Insul-Bright and some fabric stash. First I staple-gunned the Insul-Bright, then I tacked down the "skirt" which consists of 3 stash pieces/panels around 3 sides (there was no edge finishing here because it's simply QUICK & DIRTY). The under side of the table will be for storage and the skirt hides the stash/storage from the side views. This is my front/"working" side of the table showing the "under storage" area. You really can't see this area unless you are in the working area. I may add a skirt panels to this side later...if it starts looking too disorganized or messy.
It's a true quick & dirty pressing table and I LOVE IT!!! When the top "cover" fabric is in need of changing, I'll simply pop out the staples and wash it or replace.
This morning I took my daughter, Natalie, down to the Albuquerque MEPS station for the last time. She was sworn in to the US Coast Guard Active Duty, signed the contract and we said good-bye. She's on her way to Cape May, New Jersey for the next 8 weeks of Basic Training.
It's hard to say goodbye and let her go.
I'm so proud of all her work these last several months. She lost almost 30 pounds and she's become a much stronger and confident and thoughtful young woman.
I know she's going to have some tough days ahead...but I believe in my heart that she will be just fine.
I miss her already.
Since I posted about Maximus (my new longarm), several people have emailed me inquiring as to my research and how I decided which machine brand and model.
Because these machines are so costly, I very strongly encourage you to TEST every brand and model you can get your hands on. Just like domestic sewing machines, everyone has their preferences and priorities. I chose my Millennium because it is so light and easy to maneuver. I plan to do a LOT of freehand work and experimentation with a variety of specialty threads. I believe my choice is the best choice for me...but only you can determine what is the best choice for you.
Just like shopping for a car, you really need to do your own research, shop around and TEST DRIVE, TEST DRIVE, TEST DRIVE.
How can you test drive a longarm?
- Try to make it to one of the bigger quilting shows where several of the manufacturers will have demo models.
- If you can't make it to a big show, try contacting the various manufacturers and ask if they can put you in contact with a "local to you" sales rep so you can see a demo.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Longarm_Quilting
http://www.apqs.com/
http://www.a1quiltingmachines.com/
http://www.gammill.net/
http://www.nolting.com/
http://www.kenquilt.com/
http://www.protostitchwizard.com/
http://www.nustylequilting.com/
http://www.prodigyquilter.com/
http://www.tinlizzie18.com/
http://www.longarmuniversity.com/longarm_newbie_info.htm
If you are considering a longarm to start a business quilting for hire, PLEASE treat it as you would if starting any other business. Take time to understand the cost and the requirements of running a business. Working for yourself can sound wonderful...BUT...do you really understand what all that entails? Are you ready to get your business license? Will you have enough customers? How will you market yourself? How will you handle customers? How will you handle interruptions (from family, friends, others who may not take your business seriously since you will probably be working from home)? How will you handle the physical demands? How will you handle deadlines and demanding customers?
Please research thoroughly before diving in.
Side View:
Front View 1 (depth is not perceivable here -- the cutting table is approximately 3 feet from the front of Max):
Front View 2:
My desk/office area:
Max arrived on April 8th. Linda and Terry Robinson of Santa Fe (new APQS Sales Reps) came to put Max together on April 9th. I've been bonding with him ever since.
Here are Max's stats:
Name: Maximus (because he takes up maximum space and he's a strong machine like The Gladiator)
I wish I could multiply the hours in a day. I've finished a couple "practice" scribble muslins...Dozer & Ginger love their new "blankies". Jeff & I still need to install the Micro-Drive, but I still I love working with Max. The stitch regulator takes some getting used to but it is really SLICK!
I know it takes time to develop the coordination and movement needed to get him to do the things I want him to do...the things I've dreamed about for so long! One step at a time...just one step at a time.
Front View 1 (depth is not perceivable here -- the cutting table is approximately 3 feet from the front of Max):
Front View 2:
My desk/office area:Max arrived on April 8th. Linda and Terry Robinson of Santa Fe (new APQS Sales Reps) came to put Max together on April 9th. I've been bonding with him ever since.
Here are Max's stats:
- 2008 APQS Millennium Longarm
- 12 foot table
- overhead lighting
- motorized fabric advance
- hydraulic lift
Name: Maximus (because he takes up maximum space and he's a strong machine like The Gladiator)
I wish I could multiply the hours in a day. I've finished a couple "practice" scribble muslins...Dozer & Ginger love their new "blankies". Jeff & I still need to install the Micro-Drive, but I still I love working with Max. The stitch regulator takes some getting used to but it is really SLICK!
I know it takes time to develop the coordination and movement needed to get him to do the things I want him to do...the things I've dreamed about for so long! One step at a time...just one step at a time.
Meet Ginger, the most recent addition to our family. Ginger is a "rescued" female English Bulldog.
My gut feeling is that Ginger was being used in a puppy mill setting...her eyes are so sad. While she stayed at Animal Welfare (before she entered Bulldog Rescue), she was spayed, received some treatment for her eyes and a mammary tumor was removed. She has dry eye and she will need eye treatments for the rest of her life.
When she came to us, she was terrified of small spaces and very shy about walking through doorways. She appears to have had multiple litters even though the vet estimates she is only 5 years old. I truly think she is probably younger (maybe as young as 3) -- she still acts so much like a puppy in her curiosity, agility and energy levels.
Ginger is very sweet but extremely needy and starved for attention. She's still learning manners, but she is a good student. She loves to walk with me in the mornings and after dinner. After "eating" her 2nd favorite activity is to take naps while I practice quilting and work on the website, etc.
If you're looking for a dog, please consider checking with your favorite breed's local "rescue" group. There are so many wonderful fur babies out there that need love and deserve a break.
My gut feeling is that Ginger was being used in a puppy mill setting...her eyes are so sad. While she stayed at Animal Welfare (before she entered Bulldog Rescue), she was spayed, received some treatment for her eyes and a mammary tumor was removed. She has dry eye and she will need eye treatments for the rest of her life.When she came to us, she was terrified of small spaces and very shy about walking through doorways. She appears to have had multiple litters even though the vet estimates she is only 5 years old. I truly think she is probably younger (maybe as young as 3) -- she still acts so much like a puppy in her curiosity, agility and energy levels.
Ginger is very sweet but extremely needy and starved for attention. She's still learning manners, but she is a good student. She loves to walk with me in the mornings and after dinner. After "eating" her 2nd favorite activity is to take naps while I practice quilting and work on the website, etc.
If you're looking for a dog, please consider checking with your favorite breed's local "rescue" group. There are so many wonderful fur babies out there that need love and deserve a break.
ABOUT THIS PUZZLE:
This puzzle is a word scramble with a hidden message. To figure
out the hidden message, you must unscramble all the words. Then place the letters in the specially numbered boxes in the corresponding number box in the Hidden Message line.
Click
here to download a nice printable document version of the "image" above
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Note: Sew Thankful is unable to
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click thumbnail to view larger image in a pop-up window
Click
here to download a nice printable document version of the "image" above (this is a PDF file that requires a recent version of Adobe Acrobat Reader, available for FREE from adobe.com).
Note: Sew Thankful is unable to provide technical support for Adobe Acrobat Reader. If you can't open, download or print that file, you are welcome to print this page but the graphics won't print out as nicely.
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Sew Thankful is currently offering two fantastic KWIKSew pattern promotions!
For a limited time, save $3.00 off the regular retail price of each specially selected pattern. Each promotion has 12 different, popular designs to choose from.
Fun & Easy Patterns - click here
For a limited time, save $3.00 off the regular retail price of each specially selected pattern. Each promotion has 12 different, popular designs to choose from.
Fun & Easy Patterns - click here
If you've ever used those "hard" U-shaped handles in your handbag making, you may have experienced the little screws coming loose on you. In the picture below, I'm referring to the silver U shape and the screw that attaches it to the handle. I know it has happened to me...so I bet it has happened to others.
A very quick, inexpensive and invisible "fix" is to fully tighten the screw and then dab a bit of clear nail polish (on head of the screw and on the threaded side if you can reach it) to seal it the screw. It has been at least two months since I tried this fix and it is still holding beautifully.
I mean...wow...it's no fun to be shopping and one side of your handle pops off your gorgeous bag! I was especially bummed because it happened to me about the 2nd week I was carrying my Miranda Bag (the bag I made is pictured below -- click here to read my review of The Miranda Bag pattern & see more pictures):
Are you looking for some handles or hardware for your next handbag project? Click here to check out some ideas at Sew Thankful.
Are you looking for a fabulous new handbag pattern? Click here to see what's available at Sew Thankful.
A very quick, inexpensive and invisible "fix" is to fully tighten the screw and then dab a bit of clear nail polish (on head of the screw and on the threaded side if you can reach it) to seal it the screw. It has been at least two months since I tried this fix and it is still holding beautifully.
I mean...wow...it's no fun to be shopping and one side of your handle pops off your gorgeous bag! I was especially bummed because it happened to me about the 2nd week I was carrying my Miranda Bag (the bag I made is pictured below -- click here to read my review of The Miranda Bag pattern & see more pictures):
Are you looking for some handles or hardware for your next handbag project? Click here to check out some ideas at Sew Thankful.
Are you looking for a fabulous new handbag pattern? Click here to see what's available at Sew Thankful.
Kristine Poor started Poorhouse
Quilt Designs in September 2006, after designing the Sampler Tote as a
gift for a family member. The tote was a hit and a pattern company was
born! Kristine has a degree in Mechanical Engineering and was bitten by the quilt bug fifteen years ago. She works with mom, Jean Johnson (pattern editor/sample maker/creative assistant) to put together patterns that are a palette for your creativity.
Click here to see Sew Thankful's current selection of Kristine's patterns.
It's SEW exciting! I am so happy to announce that Sew Thankful is the proud sponsor of the "One Fabric - Silk" sewing contest at PatternReview.com .
There will be two winners, based on votes.
Prizes: Sew Thankful has donated a $150 and a $100 eGift Certificate for the 1st & 2nd place winners (respectively).
Visit the PatternReview.com website (click here) for more contest details.
There will be two winners, based on votes.
Prizes: Sew Thankful has donated a $150 and a $100 eGift Certificate for the 1st & 2nd place winners (respectively).
Visit the PatternReview.com website (click here) for more contest details.
