wolph33

I agree just keep practicing-it takes a bit of practice.Our shelter got lots of cat/dog mats during my learning curve.

QuiltingCrazie

I just tried on a friends or the first time she's fabulous and letting me do one quilt a week!! I'm so excited....we use panographs and I found the simple one very easy. try on a busy pattern first!! Think about it unless you make a lot of light colored quilts your stressing over not much. I don't mind practicing on my quilts because they are lap quilts for the living room. You'll relax more if your quilting is hidden by a busy design you wont be so critcal!! Happy quilting!

Jratcliff

I remember when I got mine thinking that it was a huge mistake. I struggled so much with it but kept on practicing. I did find that the thread kept breaking no matter what kind I used. I also tried all kinds of needles, but it wasn't until I went to a larger needle that I stopped having that problem. However, the thread tension was a disaster. I have always been told that no matter what, you don't mess with the bobbin tension. Well, at one point I decided I had nothing to loose and did play with the bobbin, and all of a sudden it turned out right. Now I am not afraid to touch the bobbin when I have problems.
With all that, it does take tons of practice. I've had a quilt loaded on my frame for several months and finally decided it's time to do the rest of the work. My quilting is terrible. If you don't keep at it, you loose it. So don't quit. Keep trying and one day it will all click.

moonwork42029

Gosh I love this board!

My DH is going to get to read this too when he comes home this weekend (he's a truck driver and gone all week). He is so excited to use the machine but was majorly bummed out that it didn't "just come to him" as easy as he thought it would.

Since we both love peach wine (and just happen to have some on hand), we'll pop the cork, doodle around and see what happens.

thanks again ... the more the merrier and we all learn something new each day

sherian

Glad I read this, my quit shop has a long arm you can rent, you have to take classes, and get a certicate.
Maybe I think I should get more use to quilting & sewing , etc. first. Good to know all sides of a project.

Have fun and patience will carry you to great projects.

lunagrandquilter

I have purchased the same machine, and waiting for hubby to finish seeding so we can set it up.
From others I understand that when you lay the bobbin in your hand, pull the thread it comes out smoothly
and will just have enough tension to tip the bobbin up on your hand, not lift off. Looser than you would think
it should be. Also a larger needle is a good suggestion, I always used a topstitch needle with a bit larger eye
in my 9inch machine on the frame. The 18.8 takes the Gros Beckert and most use the 16, but some the 18.
Probably depends a lot on the thread being used. Good luck, I'm sure I'll be in the same boat soon - looking for
help.

selaud1953

Practice, practice, practice. In the beginning I was the same way. Slow down on your sewing and it will help with the thread breaking. Rethread the machine sometimes does wonders. Make sure the bobbin in in the right way. You'll do fine. My husband is better at quilting the designs than I am. But, it's a great way to enjoy a hobby and be together. I also own a Pfaff Grand Quilter and a Crystal Quilter. Love them both.

Taughtby Grandma

You'll learn to relax as you play more with the machine. My first few times I was worn out by the time I finished a quilt, but now it sews like a dream. I love it. With mine the thread broke more at first because I was stopping and going at different speeds, that too has smoothed out.

Good luck, breathe and relax, it will get easier.

Maralyn

Take a couple lessons if you can find them - practice, practice, practice on charity quilts or just scrap fabric. Twelve years ago I was crying because I didn't think I'd made a good decision, but today it is a great retirement business.

mimiof4

As far as using your laser and pantograph's try to make your laser finer, you can do this by putting a pin hole in a piece of painters tape and wrapping the laser with it. when I started quilting with the LA I was never 100% happy until I made the light finer. Good luck remember to have fun. I'm a little envious that your husband likes to quilt on the long arm too my DH is very supportive but wouldn't dream of touching the handles of my machine.