Wednesday, April 23, 2008

MQX ... the last day!

Saturday morning, I once again took classes all day. My last class ending at 3:00 p.m.

I do want to tell you about one of the classes I took with Sally Terry. What a wonderful teacher she is. The class was called Instant Fills and Meanders.

If you haven't picked up her book Pathways to Better Quilting, I strongly suggest that you do. It's a must in a machine quilter's library.

She breaks down machine quilting patterns into 5 shapes, and from these shapes you create the various designs that make up your filler or quilting pattern.

I was so ecstatic when I saw her class in the catalogue, I just had to take it. If I had to walk away with only one important piece of advice that came from her class (and they were many, she freely shares her knowledge and experience) it would be "work your mistakes in, make it look as though you planned it that way". That somehow took a load off my shoulders. It removed the fear of making a mistake and having to croak! lol

I suppose I should talk about my purchases. I mean, I cannot go to a show and not buy anything.

As you can see I didn't pick up much in terms of goodies. I tried to stay reasonable despite Superior Threads offering their products close to whole sale. I mean, not that I didn't want to buy anything related to quilting, it's just well, I think I felt self conscious financially.

You see, I did make a huge expense while at the show. I'd like to place the fault on Vicki and say "she made me do it", but I'd be fibbing. No, Vicki did not make me do anything, she was a great support.

I suppose I should get to the point! I did test drive many longarms. Yes, I was very impressed with the A-1 Quilting Machine, it's a smooth running machine. But, that's not the one I bought. I bought the APQS Millennium with extras including the hydraulic table! Oh, I CAN blame the hydraulic table on Vicki! lol

Now, can I blame the longarm purchase on Sue Patten? lol No, but she was a factor in my decision. She is an amazing woman, full of energy. You bet I'll be taking classes with her next year, if not sooner.

Some have asked me how I based my decision. For one, I did my research and without getting too spiritual, I based it on my feelings. APQS just felt right for me. Couple that with wonderful people at the booth, and it was a sell for me. Mark Caraher was tending the booth the whole time, he's a great person. I tell you the energy was wonderful. I tear when I think of my purchase experience. I know, I get emotional at times! lol

The next day I went to the booth to ask about something, you know how your mind sort of shuts down when you've made such a purchase. Questions come up the next day. The lady there was very supportive. I watched as the sales people interacted and it felt genuine.

So there you have it, my first longarm purchase! I am so excited, I can hardly stand it. Delivery date is around mid July!

Thank you for stopping by and sharing this new joy with me! I hope you have a wonderful day!

ps: Picture of Sue and I graciously provided by Vicki W. Thanks again Vicki!

22 comments:

Karrin Hurd said...

Congratulations on your purchase. Your days at the show sound wonderful!

Darlene said...

WooHoo - let the fun begin!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

((HUGS))

Carol said...

Oh how exciting...you are going to be having some fun!!!!!!!!!!

kate said...

Congrats! I look forward to seeing what you do with this machine!!!

Needled Mom said...

Congratulations on your new purchase. I know that you will have so much fun with it. I'll bet the waiting period will give you time to finish a million tops to work on when it comes.

Thimbleanna said...

OHMYGOSH!!! How exciting!! How I wish we could sit down over a cup and discuss how you came to the decision, etc. Haven't you already been doing quilts for customers? Or am I totally out to lunch??? I looked at longarms in Chicago -- I'd love to have one. But, I wouldn't be doing it for others, so I'm having a tough time justifying the purchase -- I'd have to send out a lot of quilts to make up the difference! I'm sure I'll keep looking and dreaming though. GOSH -- I'm SOOOOO excited for you!!! I hope you'll keep us informed about your journey and your adventures learning your new machine!!!

Pam said...

How exciting!! Congratulations!! Now you don't have to depend on the people at Cowles to be helpful -LOL

It will be so nice for you to be able to finish the quilts at home. Keep us informed on how it is going and show us all your work!!

Janet said...

Hi Caroler: I want to thank you for your comment and let you know that the next instalment of my tutorial is now on quiltingwithjanet.blogspot.com and that hopefully the finish will appear soon as well as the alternate version.
A few months ago I picked up that same pattern - it really spoke to me!
And what an exciting summer you will have with your new APQS machine - Whoo Hoo!!!
Spring has sprung in the Great White North!! I saw robins and dafodils today!!!

Wendy said...

Congrats on your new toy, I can feel your excitement and how happy you are right now. You'll have fun playing with it and what good advise to just work in those Oops, no pressure, have fun.

Vicki W said...

Yeah! You finally spilled the beans! I'm so excited for you. Now you have to work on a name.

Chookyblue...... said...

lots of goodies here........and a new machine.......lucky girl

Yvonne said...

Oh Carole....I'm so excited for you!!!! I thought that was the one you would go with. :) Congratulations!!!!!

Quilter Kathy said...

How wonderful for you! Congratulations! We'll look forward to seeing your finished quilts!!

Libby said...

Oh what fun you will have *s* Can't wait to see what you do.

Alice Grace said...

Congratulations! I look forward to your future blogs about quilting! I am trying hard to learn. Thanks for stopping by my blog and the kind words!

Unknown said...

I am sure this will be so much fun.

Cheryl said...

Way to go. Can't wait to see all you do!

Anonymous said...

Wow you must be excited, will look forward to seeing your work.

Kim said...

Oooh...I think this purchase is a spiritual experience, lol, you have to dig deep to make this decision and sounds like you did well for yourself. Congratulations! Thanks for sharing the joy!!

CONNIE W said...

Welcome to longarm quilting from a fellow Millennium owner. You are going to have so much enjoyment from owning your own longarm machine. I looked in my stash of books and I have this one so I'm going to refresh my memory and look at it again.
Congrats on your purchase!

Ginger Patches said...

Oh how fun!!! I am so excited for you...a long arm!! No more renting time for you lucky girl :) Someday...sigh :)

Mrs. Goodneedle said...

You'll be happy with your choice. Life is GOOD!

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