Thursday, August 7, 2008

Just quilt it....!

Thank you for all your support regarding machine quilting. It's so different doing it on a long arm compared to a domestic sewing machine (DSM). So I took your advise and.....

Just did it! lol

It took me a while to figure out that there was a much simpler way of doing what I wanted to do. I guess I had to take the long way before I arrived at a short cut.

I'm using my laser light on top of my machine and following my pattern. Much simpler and it's coming out much better.

There was the issue of some dragging, which I felt caused me to have jerky movements. I had read a thread on MQResource and thought perhaps my channel locks had been improperly adjusted, thus causing the drag.

I phoned APQS to talk about my channel locks. For one, I thought the command buttons had been mixed up. Bob was kind enough to explain to me why it was set up that way. Duh! (palm to forehead) Okay, it all makes sense to me now! lol Regarding the drag/jerky movement, he kindly said that I needed more practice. Fair enough!

This morning I had a "light bulb" moment regarding the drag, raise my hopping foot! Well, it worked, no more drag. So Bob, next I call about a drag, just tell me to raise my hopping foot! ROFLOL Of course he didn't know I had played with it and it was no longer to the manufacture setting. And yes, I still need more practice! By the way, great customer service from APQS. I have nothing but praise for this company.

While attempting to gather up the courage to quilt on the long arm, I worked on the center block of Sprig Rose.

I love the way it turned out. I need to square it and attached the saw tooth border. Perhaps tonight! For now, I'm machine quilting Pine Grove on the long arm! ;o)

Thanks for stopping by every one and for your kind words of encouragement.

Have a great day!

16 comments:

Vicki W said...

You're getting there and APQS is right - practice, practice, practice!!

Unknown said...

Good for you to begin. Can´t wait to see the result.

Quilter Going Bananas said...

way to go Carole! Remember to have fun and breathe while you're quilting! Me? I'm still getting up the nerve to use my short-arm system LOL cheers from Canada QGB

Teresa said...

Congrats on starting the quilting and in figuring out a problem you were having. I love your Spring Rose block, although it looks more like Autumn to me.

Anonymous said...

I'm so glad that you are posting "the learning curve" for us to see and also giving the resolve. Your doing fantastic...keep posting the mishaps along with the successes!

Red Geranium Cottage said...

I had to raise the hopper foot on my Gammill too. Made quite a difference. Just keep practicing. You'll get it. I promise.

Ginger Patches said...

I'm glad it's getting easier...I'm sure it will be second nature before you know it!!

Darlene said...

You'll get there - go easy on yourself. Just relax and enjoy.

Love the new applique project. Is it for me??? teehee!

((HUGS))

Sweet P said...

Practice makes perfect - that's what my piano teacher always told me. You will get the hang of it and soon you'll be whipping out quilts so fast you won't remember how you learned to use the machine.

sewprimitive karen said...

OH!! Your Spring Rose block is wonderful; love the colors.

Wendy said...

The more practice the better you'll get. It's good you have some excellent support when needed.
I love your applique. Who is the designer of the Spring Rose block?

Thimbleanna said...

Wow! What a job. I've always been afraid of the learning curve with the longarms. I'd love to have one but that's one thing that scares me off! Looks like you're having a great time though!

Needled Mom said...

It just looks like it is so much fun. I am glad that you figured out the problem of the drag. I know that the experience will make so many things easier as you go about with your projects.

I love the piece that you were working on. The applique is beautiful.

julieQ said...

Learning curves are hard! But how fun to have a long arm and actually have the potential to get so much done. I am happy for you!

Suzanne said...

Your quilting is coming along so well. Next time around you will be a professional.

QuiltNut Creations said...

oh YAY you got one! APQS is fantastic(i have a liberty and mom has a millie) happy quilting!

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