Recently in Longarm Quilting Related Category
Nick is my eldest son and he turned 23 this month. He is active duty in the US Coast Guard. I haven't made him a quilt since he was about 14, so it was time to practice my "fast" quilt method again.
I used the Dave Hudson Lighthouse 11" panto, Glide Thread, Magna Glide Bobbins and Wide Quilt Back Fabric to make this quilt super FAST. The top fabric (shown below) was a dark/navy blue mottled slash texture. The thread was a light turquoise/teal.
Panto review: I really liked using a Dave Hudson panto. He includes periodic arrow marks which makes it easier for newbies to keep track of direction. I would rate this design difficulty in the confident advanced beginner to intermediate skill level category. Lots of straight lines, tight points, several areas where the lines pass within a 1/4" of each other mean you need to have a bit of experience/confidence (or be ready to practice frogstitching) for success.
Here are some close-ups - click image to view larger picture in a pop-up window.
It was after dark when I took these pictures so there were serious lighting issues. I am NOT an expert in photography but I'm doing my best. In this case, when I got the thread to show close to the right color, the quilt fabric was off. When I got the fabric close to the correct color the thread was off. Oh well...you get the idea. In the end, I am very pleased with how the quilt turned out. This was my largest quilt yet at approx. 112" x 108".
Nick's been out to sea on a mission but is expected to be back in port today. Hopefully he'll like his present.
I used the Dave Hudson Lighthouse 11" panto, Glide Thread, Magna Glide Bobbins and Wide Quilt Back Fabric to make this quilt super FAST. The top fabric (shown below) was a dark/navy blue mottled slash texture. The thread was a light turquoise/teal.
Panto review: I really liked using a Dave Hudson panto. He includes periodic arrow marks which makes it easier for newbies to keep track of direction. I would rate this design difficulty in the confident advanced beginner to intermediate skill level category. Lots of straight lines, tight points, several areas where the lines pass within a 1/4" of each other mean you need to have a bit of experience/confidence (or be ready to practice frogstitching) for success.
Here are some close-ups - click image to view larger picture in a pop-up window.
It was after dark when I took these pictures so there were serious lighting issues. I am NOT an expert in photography but I'm doing my best. In this case, when I got the thread to show close to the right color, the quilt fabric was off. When I got the fabric close to the correct color the thread was off. Oh well...you get the idea. In the end, I am very pleased with how the quilt turned out. This was my largest quilt yet at approx. 112" x 108".
Nick's been out to sea on a mission but is expected to be back in port today. Hopefully he'll like his present.
Click images to open a larger image in a pop up window.I gave Max (if you are new to this blog, my longarm is named Max) a really good workout this week.
I'm not working on anything special...just a practice muslin piece, using red Glide Thread and a coordinating red MagnaGlide Bobbin. I've had almost no breakage or tension problems and the ones I did have were related to operator error (silly me, I didn't notice that my thread had come out of one of the guides). I just *LOVE* this thread. The picture doesn't do justice to the sheen.
This
practice piece is all scribbles in red thread, punctuated with random scribble stars. Here's a close-up.
My goal is not to make a masterpiece out of this. Everybody has to start somewhere. I've read many places that longarm quilting is a lot like dancing and I think that is very true. We weren't born dancing. We have to learn how to crawl and walk before we can dance. The same goes for longarm (and even domestic) quilting. My goal *is* to get really comfortable with quilting on Max. This exercise has been exceedingly successful in doing that. I'm much more at ease as I quilt.
If you're new at longarming, my tip for this week is to put on a small practice piece (just layers of muslin is fine). Now quilt! Just lay down a LOT of thread. Practice, practice, practice. Feel the machine, watch the thread, just let it flow. Don't be afraid. Practice movements in all directions, circles, squares, swirls and anything your heart desires. Then when you're done, scribble over all of it until you can't see any recognizable designs any more.
This exercise has been very therapeutic for me and I've had several small "ah-ha!" moments! Try it--I bet you will too.
My goal is not to make a masterpiece out of this. Everybody has to start somewhere. I've read many places that longarm quilting is a lot like dancing and I think that is very true. We weren't born dancing. We have to learn how to crawl and walk before we can dance. The same goes for longarm (and even domestic) quilting. My goal *is* to get really comfortable with quilting on Max. This exercise has been exceedingly successful in doing that. I'm much more at ease as I quilt.
If you're new at longarming, my tip for this week is to put on a small practice piece (just layers of muslin is fine). Now quilt! Just lay down a LOT of thread. Practice, practice, practice. Feel the machine, watch the thread, just let it flow. Don't be afraid. Practice movements in all directions, circles, squares, swirls and anything your heart desires. Then when you're done, scribble over all of it until you can't see any recognizable designs any more.
This exercise has been very therapeutic for me and I've had several small "ah-ha!" moments! Try it--I bet you will too.
There really is no substitution for practice, practice, practice. Don't be afraid--get in there and just do it!
If you are a longarm quilter, you won't want to miss this YouTube video by Dawn Cavanaugh. She shows you very quickly just how easy it is to use your longarm quilting machine to couch fibers, yarns & more on your quilts.
The last few weeks have been so packed for me it has been really difficult to spend bonding time with Max (the longarm).
Finally, I was able to work on (and FINISH) another practice panto piece earlier this week. I chose Wild Horses by Deb Geissler.
Click here to see this panto on SALE at SewThankful.
Click here to see more pantos by Deb Geissler.
I used the large (12" design) panto and Superior King Tut #925 Caravan thread with Fil-Tec Magna-Glide bobbins to practice edge-to-edge quilting on muslin again.
I LOVE this design and once I got the hang of where I was going, it was no problem to complete...though I did "motion practice" the design several times before I started quilting. I love how the variegated thread turned out and I have very almost zero issues (LOVE those Magna-Glide bobbins). I'll definitely use this panto again! Jeff and the boys love it too.
Here's how it turned out (click each image to open larger image in a pop up window):
I still have a LOT to learn, but I'm feeling good about it because I can definitely see progress in my work. FUN!
Want to know when I post new panto and product reviews, demos and more? Be sure to join the Sew Thankful eNews -- click here.
Finally, I was able to work on (and FINISH) another practice panto piece earlier this week. I chose Wild Horses by Deb Geissler.
Click here to see this panto on SALE at SewThankful.
Click here to see more pantos by Deb Geissler.
I used the large (12" design) panto and Superior King Tut #925 Caravan thread with Fil-Tec Magna-Glide bobbins to practice edge-to-edge quilting on muslin again.
I LOVE this design and once I got the hang of where I was going, it was no problem to complete...though I did "motion practice" the design several times before I started quilting. I love how the variegated thread turned out and I have very almost zero issues (LOVE those Magna-Glide bobbins). I'll definitely use this panto again! Jeff and the boys love it too.
Here's how it turned out (click each image to open larger image in a pop up window):
I still have a LOT to learn, but I'm feeling good about it because I can definitely see progress in my work. FUN!
Want to know when I post new panto and product reviews, demos and more? Be sure to join the Sew Thankful eNews -- click here.
Last year I joined a new forum for Longarm users called MQResource. At that time, I wasn't very comfortable with the "forum" format and really didn't participate much.
Recently, I've given it another chance and I have found it wonderfully refreshing.
If you are a longarm user looking for a warm and friendly group to share ideas, feedback and more you need to check out MQResource at: http://www.mqresource.com/home/
MQ Resource is owned and administrated by Suzanne Earley, the author of these two fantastic books:
Meandering Magic
More Meandering Magic
Recently, I've given it another chance and I have found it wonderfully refreshing.
If you are a longarm user looking for a warm and friendly group to share ideas, feedback and more you need to check out MQResource at: http://www.mqresource.com/home/
MQ Resource is owned and administrated by Suzanne Earley, the author of these two fantastic books:
Meandering Magic
More Meandering Magic
As I mentioned in my last post on Panto Progress, I had to spend some time frog stitching (rip it, rip it) because I learned lesson #1 the hard way (NEVER take your eyes off the panto design line...and when you do, make sure your needle is DOWN).
So, learning how to rip the stitching out was a good (notice I didn't say FUN) experience for me. I have a new favorite tool...my Superior Snippers. They are PERFECT for handling this job. The very sharp, fine point is fantastic for getting under those tiny stitches and popping them out (always use care when using a seam ripper or sharp instrument on your quilt top).
How do I frog stitch? I discovered that "for me" if I just pop about every 5th - 6th stitch and then reach underneath and PULL that bobbin thread out it goes the fastes. For any straggling top thread bits, I use a lint roller (or a piece of packing tape works great too)...swipe across and they're gone. Quick spritz...let it dry and I'm ready to quilt again.
I finished the panto...but changed to a different top thread, a Superior LAVA thread; I used Magna-Glide bobbins on the whole thing...they are AWESOME! Then I decided to "use" the quilted panto design (my rendition wasn't that great) and "shadow quilt" over it again from the front (freehand style). When I ran out of the blue LAVA thread, I decided to test a new thread (it's the yellow one) which I really like.
Doing freehand quilting over the previously quilted panto design was a great way to practice the controls and movement on both sides of the machine...a sort of 2fer. Oh yeah...I didn't like how my points turned out inside the flowers on the panto quilting...so I filled them in with thread. YAY!
This practice piece is small and very simple (I just used muslin)...but I'll put a simple binding on it and use it as a lap cover this fall/winter when the weather turns cool again. It will be fun to pull it out then and see how much I've learned over the summer.
So, learning how to rip the stitching out was a good (notice I didn't say FUN) experience for me. I have a new favorite tool...my Superior Snippers. They are PERFECT for handling this job. The very sharp, fine point is fantastic for getting under those tiny stitches and popping them out (always use care when using a seam ripper or sharp instrument on your quilt top).
How do I frog stitch? I discovered that "for me" if I just pop about every 5th - 6th stitch and then reach underneath and PULL that bobbin thread out it goes the fastes. For any straggling top thread bits, I use a lint roller (or a piece of packing tape works great too)...swipe across and they're gone. Quick spritz...let it dry and I'm ready to quilt again.I finished the panto...but changed to a different top thread, a Superior LAVA thread; I used Magna-Glide bobbins on the whole thing...they are AWESOME! Then I decided to "use" the quilted panto design (my rendition wasn't that great) and "shadow quilt" over it again from the front (freehand style). When I ran out of the blue LAVA thread, I decided to test a new thread (it's the yellow one) which I really like.
Doing freehand quilting over the previously quilted panto design was a great way to practice the controls and movement on both sides of the machine...a sort of 2fer. Oh yeah...I didn't like how my points turned out inside the flowers on the panto quilting...so I filled them in with thread. YAY!
This practice piece is small and very simple (I just used muslin)...but I'll put a simple binding on it and use it as a lap cover this fall/winter when the weather turns cool again. It will be fun to pull it out then and see how much I've learned over the summer.
Wanna see?
LOL...I started my first panto today. Just a plain piece of muslin...and a blending (cream poly thread).
As in most things, leave it to me to choose something way out of my league to be my first panto. I could have chosen any panto but what did I choose?
HA...HA...HA...all those loops and points and close-set lines...sheesh! H-e-l-l-o...what was I thinking!!!???!!!
I made it through a single repeat before I learned a VERY important lesson: DO NOT under ANY circumstances look up at the needle. No matter how steady you think you are, if you look away from your panto design line, you will end up at least 6 inches off the path.
That's right...I'm practicing my frog stitching tonight...RIP IT...RIP IT. LOL...some people just gotta learn the hard way. Hey...I resemble that remark!
Oh yeah...talk about the hard way...ripping out cream colored thread off of natural colored muslin is NOT easy on the eyes. That's lesson number two--use at least a slightly contrasting thread when practicing so it's easier to pick out.
Lessons learned.
As in most things, leave it to me to choose something way out of my league to be my first panto. I could have chosen any panto but what did I choose?
HA...HA...HA...all those loops and points and close-set lines...sheesh! H-e-l-l-o...what was I thinking!!!???!!!I made it through a single repeat before I learned a VERY important lesson: DO NOT under ANY circumstances look up at the needle. No matter how steady you think you are, if you look away from your panto design line, you will end up at least 6 inches off the path.
That's right...I'm practicing my frog stitching tonight...RIP IT...RIP IT. LOL...some people just gotta learn the hard way. Hey...I resemble that remark!
Oh yeah...talk about the hard way...ripping out cream colored thread off of natural colored muslin is NOT easy on the eyes. That's lesson number two--use at least a slightly contrasting thread when practicing so it's easier to pick out.
Lessons learned.
I recently received an email requesting more information about my experience with pantos--which ones I've tried and which ones I liked. This is a GREAT QUESTION. Thank you so much for asking...but please try not to be too disappointed in my answer.
Truthfully, in the last 3 weeks or so since I've gotten my longarm (aka Max), I have not had a lot of "extra" time to practice. With the little time that I have had, I've been focusing on the freehand side of the machine. Perhaps my reason for this is because it is seems less intimidating and I feel more in control . I can see what is happening and I can get a feel for the machine while trying out the (new to me) features like the stitch regulator, channel locks and thread cutter. Also, when I work from the front there just seems to be less fussing with getting ready. Once I've got my sandwich loaded I can just go...kinda like jumping into the sandbox with bare feet. I don't have to figure out how to line up the panto and space it and coordinate everything (...oops...sounds like I'm s-c-a-r-e-d!).
Well...maybe I am...was...am...a little. But, I'm not one to let my fears control me for very long. So it's now time to start working on building panto experience. Honestly, I do LOVE panto designs and the "quilting" design (thread on fabric) is my favorite part of the quilt. So, no more procrastinating! Starting this week I'm going to start working from the back (panto side). So stay tuned for more on my adventures in pantos. Successes, failures...I'll let it all hang out...it is what it is during the learning process.
One more thing... There's not a lot of readily available free information on specifically *how* to use a panto floating around on the internet. I understand the concept, but when you go to put in practice a LOT of issues come up. Following is a You Tube video I found for one woman's (Penny Bubar) method of stitching a panto. She is very clear that her method is only her method -- not necessarily the *best or the right for you method*. But, if you've been putting off trying pantos on your longarm because you're not sure where to begin, take a look and see if she offers any insights that help you. I know she's given me a couple of ideas. THANKS Penny!
As always, comments are welcome. Simply click the purple "Comments" text link under the "Pantos, pantos, pantos!" article title above. After you click the link, there will be a way for you to leave anonymous comments (without setting up an account) if you wish.
Truthfully, in the last 3 weeks or so since I've gotten my longarm (aka Max), I have not had a lot of "extra" time to practice. With the little time that I have had, I've been focusing on the freehand side of the machine. Perhaps my reason for this is because it is seems less intimidating and I feel more in control . I can see what is happening and I can get a feel for the machine while trying out the (new to me) features like the stitch regulator, channel locks and thread cutter. Also, when I work from the front there just seems to be less fussing with getting ready. Once I've got my sandwich loaded I can just go...kinda like jumping into the sandbox with bare feet. I don't have to figure out how to line up the panto and space it and coordinate everything (...oops...sounds like I'm s-c-a-r-e-d!).
Well...maybe I am...was...am...a little. But, I'm not one to let my fears control me for very long. So it's now time to start working on building panto experience. Honestly, I do LOVE panto designs and the "quilting" design (thread on fabric) is my favorite part of the quilt. So, no more procrastinating! Starting this week I'm going to start working from the back (panto side). So stay tuned for more on my adventures in pantos. Successes, failures...I'll let it all hang out...it is what it is during the learning process.
One more thing... There's not a lot of readily available free information on specifically *how* to use a panto floating around on the internet. I understand the concept, but when you go to put in practice a LOT of issues come up. Following is a You Tube video I found for one woman's (Penny Bubar) method of stitching a panto. She is very clear that her method is only her method -- not necessarily the *best or the right for you method*. But, if you've been putting off trying pantos on your longarm because you're not sure where to begin, take a look and see if she offers any insights that help you. I know she's given me a couple of ideas. THANKS Penny!
As always, comments are welcome. Simply click the purple "Comments" text link under the "Pantos, pantos, pantos!" article title above. After you click the link, there will be a way for you to leave anonymous comments (without setting up an account) if you wish.
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...
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.
