First Quilt Quilted on the Long Arm
I did it!
On November 1 I decided to take off the testing piece I had on the machine and put on a real quilt back, batting and a top that I wanted to use.
I did.
I decided to just do BIG loops since I knew that was the easiest quilting design to do using regular free motion quilting on a domestic.
It isn’t without its problems - but the quilting is done. I’m working on getting the basting to work. I know that most of these issues are that I am not doing something right. Or something.
But anyway, this is the beginning, Lord willing.
There are many many more tops waiting to be done.
I’m hoping to do an average of one a day (6 a week) to be able to finish the remaining ones I lack for this year. I’ve got so much to learn - and to improve! I can’t even begin to appreciate all the long arm videos I’ve watched. It’s like a beginning crocheter watching how to make a complicated crocheted argyle afghan. Most of it is just going over my head. But that’s okay. I will continue to gather the information and experience I need to improve - both the stitch quality and just things like putting the quilt top on the machine.
I just wanted to show you that I’ve made some progress. I’m excited about that. I had to take some photos just because I hope in the future my “finished” pictures will show big improvements in my own skills - and knowledge of how to use the machine - BOTH.
A couple of observations
- I will probably actually have a bit more waste than I had when I quilted on the domestic. I could skim by with barely a couple of inches bigger for the batting and backing. Not so with the long arm.
Back tension looks pretty good
- Until I get the robotics figured out, I have to get used to standing up on tile floors for an hour or so at a time. I’m simply not used to it.
- Success feels amazing - even if tiny steps.
- My room is big enough but not any too big. :) Glad it’s not any smaller at all.
- I’m so grateful that I don’t have to use basting spray anymore. I didn’t like using it because I knew it wasn’t good for me - breathing it - as well as the added expense.
So far all we’ve added to the room (except some misc. things on the floor) is a tv on the wall so I can cast things from my phone (You Tube).
I want to bring down a regular machine and an ironing board and iron and some baskets or tubs for thread, trash can, etc. I also want to get some more bobbins.
I also need a comfortable office type chair.
This frame is the perfect size for the room. I can put it in the room and still walk around it.
And even though is pretty early today - today is Nov. 1 - I feel exhausted. I’m sure that a good bit of it is emotional, as silly as it is. I mean, seriously - why is it such a big deal?
After two tops using only loops I decided to try other things.
Don’t worry - so far, anyway, I still prefer piecing!
These are just the 140 or more tops I have in the living room. I have more in other parts of the house and in my storage room at church. It was definitely time to bring in reinforcements to get these under control! I mean, 50 tops behind is one thing…this many is ridiculous!
I can see, however, that by comparison, the difference about the wear and tear on the arms and wrists and upper body is huge.
I am going to try to do a quilt a day - of these simple charity quilts - as I have so many and I still want to finish 60 this year. Once I get where I can do two a day, I may be able to get caught up to my goal. I don’t think I’ll be doing a give-away in 2022, but hopefully in the first quarter of 2023.
Some little things I’ve learned so far - threading the machine, adjusting the tension, changing the needle, adjusting the bobbin winder area to allow the bobbins to fill to full. And that’s all. I need to learn more. I need to change out the leaders I have. The ones I put on the machine are just too slippery for long term use. Robotics is a whole ‘nother matter.
So…there you go.
Thanks again for coming along with me on this journey! Have a great day wherever you are reading!
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