SO BUMMED :(
#61
I keep seeing people talk about getting the long arms. That would be very nice IF that were an option; but I feel sure that there are many of you out there like myself who (1) don't have that kind of money to put into a long-arm and (2) don't have the space to set up any additional machinery or furniture. I've only quilted on my regular machines or hand-quilted; and would say for you to put your beautiful quilt aside for right now; and practice on other, smaller projects as many have suggested. You'll get there. Good luck and be sure and show us your finished project once you are there.
#62
Originally Posted by tsnana2000
Originally Posted by crystaltx
Originally Posted by OneMoreQuilt
Sorry I'm of no help.....what you are describing is why I got my longarm in the first place!!! Welcome from Illinois.
:D
#64
I had to do my double bed size panels. I broke it down into four panels and my first FMQ was straight lines. I just tried a lap quilt over the weekend and wanted to give up. I do a lot of tieing. Rolling up the excessive helps. Good Luck.
#65
Junior Member
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Tennessee
Posts: 141
I feel your pain and frustration! I do fine on small items like wall hangings and baby quilts but when they start getting larger, I just take it to a long arm quilter. The way I rationalize the cost is that in my lifetime the quilting expenses will never exceed the cost of a long arm quilting machine! So I keep piecing and smiling!!
#66
First of all your quilt is beautiful! Don't despair. You will get there. Believe me, I feel your pain. I have just finished a king-sized quilt on my little Singer. It was a LOT of work! I don't have $$ for a LA and not sure I'd want one anyway. Maybe you could put your lovely quilt aside for a little bit and practice on a smaller project or a plain muslin sandwich. Along with some of other suggestions others have given, try using quilting gloves or some type with grippers on the fingers. It helps. Good luck and be sure to post your finished quilt.
#68
The biggest size that I did was a large queen and it was my first try at machine quilting. I have a little Brother sewing machine with a 5" throat space...what was I thinking? I tried the rolling up of the quilt, but felt it made this huge log to bother with, and so, for me the best way was to scrunch up the quilt as best as I could & push & pull it. After I was finished there were a couple big puckers on the back & I was so dissappointed. I chose smaller quilts & projects after that. I recently bought a used Juki and frame and I'm going to use my Brother to piece and I am practicing hard to be able to quilt on the frame. With patience and time you can quilt on a small machine, but it is a workout! Good luck!
#70
Super Member
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Folsom, CA
Posts: 1,548
I agree. My largest quilt took me quite awhile on my little Janome. It was heavy too. I would quilt some, rest some. When you get tired, walk away. Quilting is my least favorite part of the process, but there is such satisfaction when you are done and you can say you did the whole thing will give you such satisfaction. And there may be a few blips, but no one will notice. Would love to see your completed quilt, please share.
Originally Posted by MadQuilter
I pin mine no less than hand-width apart. I also take a lot of effort to tape the backing down very taut and smooth out the other layers so I can keep puckering to a minimum. Are you planning to SID? If so, you can roll the quilt in half and work at one half at a time. Don't let it pull off the table or the stitches will be wonky. Don't forget to take breaks and just have fun with it. Rome wasn't built in a day.....
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