Now What??????????
10-01-2010, 04:30 PM
#13
Super Member
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Bucks County PA
Posts: 1,241
Have a blast.
I might suggest that you start by loading a few yards of plain fabric instead of a real quilt while you learn. Just sandwich some batting between 2 yds of plain fabric on top and back. Then go for it-- learn all about your new toy.
I used up a 15 yd bolt of muslin when I first got my longarm (in 2 days!), and then I went on to quilt 60 tops for Project Linus in the next 2 months.
Just doodle and play, change threads on top and in the bobbin, see what look you like, play with the tension and the speed settings, and get to know your new buddy! Notice the tension and the feel of the machine. You will see changes easily on plain fabric. You'll learn how it sounds as you are running out of bobbin thread. You'll learn how it feels when the rails need to be cleaned, or there is thread lint in the bobbin area. And you can really concentrate on the machine because you won't have to be concerned about how your quilt top is turning out. You can throw the yardage away when you're done doodling.
I wish you the joy of discovery and the plesasure of learning new skills. Have fun!
I might suggest that you start by loading a few yards of plain fabric instead of a real quilt while you learn. Just sandwich some batting between 2 yds of plain fabric on top and back. Then go for it-- learn all about your new toy.
I used up a 15 yd bolt of muslin when I first got my longarm (in 2 days!), and then I went on to quilt 60 tops for Project Linus in the next 2 months.
Just doodle and play, change threads on top and in the bobbin, see what look you like, play with the tension and the speed settings, and get to know your new buddy! Notice the tension and the feel of the machine. You will see changes easily on plain fabric. You'll learn how it sounds as you are running out of bobbin thread. You'll learn how it feels when the rails need to be cleaned, or there is thread lint in the bobbin area. And you can really concentrate on the machine because you won't have to be concerned about how your quilt top is turning out. You can throw the yardage away when you're done doodling.
I wish you the joy of discovery and the plesasure of learning new skills. Have fun!
10-01-2010, 06:17 PM
#17
Super Member
Join Date: May 2009
Location: La Pine Oregon, USA
Posts: 5,907
Congrats! I've found a TRUNKFUL of videos out on Youtube (just put in "quilt" or "longarm"). Even though some of the machines aren't mine, you still learn techniques from loading a quilt on a frame to doing freehand quilting. FUN!
10-01-2010, 06:18 PM
#18
Super Member
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Myrtle Beach, SC
Posts: 8,139
I'm going to look at a used quilting machine on 10/6. I excited just to look at it - I can't imagine how excited you are. You are smart to take your time setting up, though. I know when I've overdone something, that's when the mistakes begin!
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