For those who are wondering which machine is the best to buy I offer this information. Decide which features, options, gizmos and gadgets you like, need or might use. Then go to one of the national shows, check out each brand, talk to the people selling the machines and go on your intuition, your instinct, your impressions.
It is a good idea to spend a little money on videos showing quilting techniques on a quilting machine or one of the classes offered to teach you these. You don't need a machine to do this. These will give yo a good idea of what these machines can do and how you might like to use them.
Call all the manufactures and ask for their literature including supplies and price list. Study them beforehand. Try to ask specific questionson the longarm such as "Have you had any luck with...What kind of service have you gotten from...Is the _______worth the money?"
Make a spread sheet with all the options listed in one column. Make one column for each brand. Or make a sheet for each brand so you can record your notes. Whatever is easier for you to keep track of. You will have a lot of information to work with and use to make your decision. These machines and all the accessories, patterns, attachments, batting, thread, etc are a big investment. Take your time and think it through.
With that said, here are the features I think are important, and you should check them out for yourself.
Machine Location - where will the machine be located? The garage, basement, bedroom? Is your space large enough? Is the floor level?
Steel or Wooden Frame - I heard that wood frames rot, but if you take care of your stuff and it is in a climate controlled environment this should not be an issue. The wood frames are not height adjustable, so if this is important to you you might consider a steel frame.
How is the quilt loaded? Are the rollers adjustable? Removable? Repositionable? How and why would you use these features? Ask the salesperson to demonstrate and explain.
How easy is it to advance the quilt on the take up roller? How fine can you make the adjustments on the tension of the rollers? Is this important to you?
Throat Size - You want to make sure that once a quilt is rolled all the way on the take up roller, the bulk would fit in the throat. No problem with the 18" throat. However, what I failed to learn was that you also have a bigger working surface. What this means is that if you have a 16" block that you want to stitch in the ditch you want to be able to start at the top of the block and complete the stitch in one motion. Or, if you are quilting a large design in the entire block, you don't want to do half the design then advance the quilt and then do the other half.
Wheel Locking Device - This is a feature that allows you to draw a perfectly straight horizontal line from one end of the table to the other. Think about when you would use this feature. Some say you can do channel quilting such as straight lines in the borders or sashes. Your machine will stitch a perfectly straight line but most quiltmakers will not stitch a perfectly straight border or sash. You will want for your line to follow the seams.
One stitch Switch - this feature allows you to take one stitch at a time.
Needle up/down - This feature allows you to stop the needle in the up or down position. This feature is very useful when outlining patches. You stitch in one direction and you want to stop with the needle in the down position, move your ruler then stitch in the other direction.
Bobbin Winder - with a separate winder you can have one spool of thread on the machine quilting and another spool winding bobbins.
Laser Pointer - This is a moot point now since all machines have lasers now. Some have attachments where the laser can be mounted on the top of the machine and used for patterns placed on top of the working surface between tho pieces of Plexiglas.
Circle Maker - Some brands have circle makers. These are great if you want to make a perfect circle or Baptist Fan Designs. Try them out. See how easy it is to make different size circles from the same center point and try them out making a row of circles from one side to the other. Decide if this is a feature you would use.
Diagonal LInes - Cross hatching looks great on a quilt if the lines are marked correctly and the stitching follows the lines. Make sure your diagonal line tool can follow a marked line on the quilt.
Test Driving the Machines - If you plan to go to a trade show the machine will be loaded with a large piece of fabric. This is fine for playing with the machine, for getting the hang of moving the machine. But it does not give you a clue ot really doing fine heirloom quality quilting on patchwork.
Here is a suggesiton. First tell the person what it is that you would like to do. They will know that you are serious and should spend the extra time with you. If you do not feel comfortable with the sales person, ask for another one. If you cannot get the other one, then go to the next booth and come back later.
Have ready a block design with squares and triangles, Or use a pen or other marking devise to draw a 16" "block" complete with squares and tiangles.
Now do the following quilting:
1. Quilt "in the ditch" around the entire "block" Is the throat size adequate to get rom the top to the bottom? What devices are available to you to help you quilt along the drawn line?
2. Quilt hte outlines you marked. How easy is it to stop where you want to? To pivot? To reposition your quilting ruler or other tool? What tools are available to you?
Now mark a second square but leave this one blank. Do the following quilting:
1. Quilt a large circle in the square. How easy is it to position and use the circle maker?
2. Quilt loops or stippling just inside the circle and just outside the circle.
3. Quilt two or three diagonal lines from the top of the square to the left side and again from the top of the square to the right side. Stop when you reach the center stitching and start again on the other side. Again, which tools are availabe to you? How are they used? How difficult is it to accomplish this task?
Keep in mind that this test will NOT go smoothly. Especially the first time you try it. You are really testing technique and use of the machine. Don't worry about the quaility of the work for now, that comes with practice. Make notes each time you try out something.
Bobbin Size - Find out why some machines have double size bobbins. What does this do to the stitch regulation? How easy is it to find pre-wond bobbins in this size? Will this make a difference to you?
Misc - Ask about warranties, service agreements and what you can fix yourself. Can you use "off the shelf" parts or must you order from the manufacturer?
If you have another quilting machine, ask about trade ins.
Ask about trading up from a smaller machine to a larger machine.
NEGOTIATE! - At the shows you can usually get free delivery and set up or some sort of "show discount". After you have talked to all the salespersons, sit down and narrow your choices to two or three. You will see that this will be the easy part. Compare the features, costs, etc. Have your negotiation strategy ready. Return to each of the three finalists and ask them what else they can do for you.
If #1 offers you something you like but you like #2 deal better, ask #2 if they will "throw it in". You get the idea.
Ask how long the offer lasts. Usually the "show specials" last for about 30 days after the show.
Remember, do your homework and trust your gut. Don't rush into it. Some of the machines are almost as expensive as a car. I am sure that you test drive a car before buying, test drive those machines. It is going to be your machine and you have to be happy and comfortable with it.
Saturday, May 29, 2010
Thursday, May 27, 2010
I Ran Out of Batting!
You will run out of batting before you run out of quilt at least three times every year.
Okay, this was just made up. And if it has never happened to you, let's hope we didn't mess with your "mojo" by mentioning it. But many longarm quilters have suffered the dreaded "two-inches-too-short" dilemma, discovering that they have more quilt than batting at the bottom edge.
The best way to handle this is to avoid the situation in the first place by opening up your batting piece, folding it in half and then in half once again. Do the same with your quilt top, matching the folds with those of your batting. Check all the raw edges to be sure you have plenty of batting extending past the quilt's outer perimeter.
If Murphy has struck and you've discovered that you're short of batting once you've begun, you can still salvage the project with a little extra work. When you reach the edge of the batting where you need to add an extra piece, overlap a new piece of batting on top of the current batting. Be sure the overlap is at least six inches. You won't need to remove the quilt from your frame.
Use a scissors to cut a serpentine path through both layers of batting at once (be careful not to cut the quilt layers or your canvas leaders!) Remove the scrap pieces and then whipstitch the pieces together. This curved "seam" in your batting is easier to disguise as the piece rolls into the quilt, and is more likely to be caught with your quilting stitches to prevent it from separating when the quilt is used.
Okay, this was just made up. And if it has never happened to you, let's hope we didn't mess with your "mojo" by mentioning it. But many longarm quilters have suffered the dreaded "two-inches-too-short" dilemma, discovering that they have more quilt than batting at the bottom edge.
The best way to handle this is to avoid the situation in the first place by opening up your batting piece, folding it in half and then in half once again. Do the same with your quilt top, matching the folds with those of your batting. Check all the raw edges to be sure you have plenty of batting extending past the quilt's outer perimeter.
If Murphy has struck and you've discovered that you're short of batting once you've begun, you can still salvage the project with a little extra work. When you reach the edge of the batting where you need to add an extra piece, overlap a new piece of batting on top of the current batting. Be sure the overlap is at least six inches. You won't need to remove the quilt from your frame.
Use a scissors to cut a serpentine path through both layers of batting at once (be careful not to cut the quilt layers or your canvas leaders!) Remove the scrap pieces and then whipstitch the pieces together. This curved "seam" in your batting is easier to disguise as the piece rolls into the quilt, and is more likely to be caught with your quilting stitches to prevent it from separating when the quilt is used.
Saturday, May 22, 2010
Cutting Fabric
You Can Avoid the "Bends" when Cutting Your Fabric Cross-grain
Rotary cutters have greatly improved the speed at which we can complete our quilt tops. However, in our haste we sometimes end up with long fabric strips that have a bend or unusual sharp point at the midpoint. To avoid this mishap, you must take the time to fold your fabric correctly before wielding your rotary cutter.
Press your fabric to remove the influence of the bolt fold, and then fold it so that the selvages are together. Then pick up the selvages in both hands and slide the selvages from side to side along each other until the fabric's fold is flat. Lay the fabric back down on your work surface and fold the fabric in half again, bringing the fold to the selvage edges so that they line up.
Now you have one edge that is a fold and two selvage edges. Those must all align with each other. When you are confident that the edges are straight, align your rotary cutting ruler with the fold of the fabric, and slice away!
Rotary cutters have greatly improved the speed at which we can complete our quilt tops. However, in our haste we sometimes end up with long fabric strips that have a bend or unusual sharp point at the midpoint. To avoid this mishap, you must take the time to fold your fabric correctly before wielding your rotary cutter.
Press your fabric to remove the influence of the bolt fold, and then fold it so that the selvages are together. Then pick up the selvages in both hands and slide the selvages from side to side along each other until the fabric's fold is flat. Lay the fabric back down on your work surface and fold the fabric in half again, bringing the fold to the selvage edges so that they line up.
Now you have one edge that is a fold and two selvage edges. Those must all align with each other. When you are confident that the edges are straight, align your rotary cutting ruler with the fold of the fabric, and slice away!
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Business Builders Day
You are cordially invited to a Business Builders Day with 1st Choice Business Partners of BNI. This is an opportunity to market your business to other professionals. Don’t miss this opportunity to get your business in front of others!
BNI is a business and professional organization whose primary purpose is to exchange qualified business referrals. The organization presently has over 5,500 chapters throughout every populated continent in the world. In 2009, members of BNI in 43 countries passed over 6.2 million referrals which generate over $2.6 billion (U.S.) worth of business for each other.
If you would like to increase the volume of your business or just want to do "better" business through personal referrals, then BNI is for you. Remember - people who GIVE business referrals, GET business referrals. We at the BNI 1st Choice Business Partners invite only one person from each professional classification to join our chapter. LOCK OUT your competition now and ensure they don't receive the business you should have.......
So join us for our special Business Builders Day and learn first-hand about our organization, particularly if you are interested in generating a steady source of referral business for yourself.
WHEN: Thursday, May 27, 2010 / 7:30 A.M. to 9:00 A.M.
WHAT: Business Builders Day with 1st Choice Business Partners of BNI
WHERE: Wheat Ridge Rec Center / 4005 Kipling Street, Wheat Ridge, CO, 80033
WHY: GET business referrals from your own Sales Group
HOW: RSVP by Friday, May 21st for Registration
A continental breakfast will be provided. Please RSVP by calling me at 303.503-7638; or call me with any questions.
Remember to bring plenty of business cards to pass around, as you will meet many local business professionals. Please feel free to bring a business associate with you who may also be interested in finding out how to generate more business through "word-of-mouth" marketing.
This organization is exciting, friendly and energetic in making business referrals for you. I look forward to seeing you on Thursday, May 27th at 7:30 am.
Kind Regards,
1st Choice Business Partners / BNI
Bonnie Keown
303-503-7638
BNI is a business and professional organization whose primary purpose is to exchange qualified business referrals. The organization presently has over 5,500 chapters throughout every populated continent in the world. In 2009, members of BNI in 43 countries passed over 6.2 million referrals which generate over $2.6 billion (U.S.) worth of business for each other.
If you would like to increase the volume of your business or just want to do "better" business through personal referrals, then BNI is for you. Remember - people who GIVE business referrals, GET business referrals. We at the BNI 1st Choice Business Partners invite only one person from each professional classification to join our chapter. LOCK OUT your competition now and ensure they don't receive the business you should have.......
So join us for our special Business Builders Day and learn first-hand about our organization, particularly if you are interested in generating a steady source of referral business for yourself.
WHEN: Thursday, May 27, 2010 / 7:30 A.M. to 9:00 A.M.
WHAT: Business Builders Day with 1st Choice Business Partners of BNI
WHERE: Wheat Ridge Rec Center / 4005 Kipling Street, Wheat Ridge, CO, 80033
WHY: GET business referrals from your own Sales Group
HOW: RSVP by Friday, May 21st for Registration
A continental breakfast will be provided. Please RSVP by calling me at 303.503-7638; or call me with any questions.
Remember to bring plenty of business cards to pass around, as you will meet many local business professionals. Please feel free to bring a business associate with you who may also be interested in finding out how to generate more business through "word-of-mouth" marketing.
This organization is exciting, friendly and energetic in making business referrals for you. I look forward to seeing you on Thursday, May 27th at 7:30 am.
Kind Regards,
1st Choice Business Partners / BNI
Bonnie Keown
303-503-7638
Sunday, May 16, 2010
Stitch in the Ditch with Longarm Quilting
Accurate Stitching in the Ditch Depends on Ruler Placement
Domestic machine quilters have an advantage over longarm quilters when it comes to stitching in the ditch. When using a domestic machine, one can use both hands to gently pull the seam apart. This allows the needle to place stitches on the "low side" of the seam, which become hidden when the fabric is released and the top fabric gently folds over the stitching.
However, longarm quilters must use guiding rulers to help them stay on target stitching next to seams and fabric folds. One hand must drive the machine while the other must hold the guiding ruler in position. To increase your success rate with a longarm machine, think about where you place your ruler before you begin to stitch.
If you place the guiding ruler on top of the seam allowance (the high side of the seam), then your hand's pressure causes the top fabric layer to fold over slightly and hide the space where you want your stitches to fall. You may think you're doing an excellent job of "staying in the ditch" until you remove your hand and ruler. Once the top fabric layer relaxes back into position, your stitches will appear to be too far away from the seam, even when they looked perfect just moments before!
Whenever possible, position your ruler on the low side of any seam (the side without the seam allowances underneath). Use invisible thread to also boost your confidence for those occasional misses we all suffer!
Domestic machine quilters have an advantage over longarm quilters when it comes to stitching in the ditch. When using a domestic machine, one can use both hands to gently pull the seam apart. This allows the needle to place stitches on the "low side" of the seam, which become hidden when the fabric is released and the top fabric gently folds over the stitching.
However, longarm quilters must use guiding rulers to help them stay on target stitching next to seams and fabric folds. One hand must drive the machine while the other must hold the guiding ruler in position. To increase your success rate with a longarm machine, think about where you place your ruler before you begin to stitch.
If you place the guiding ruler on top of the seam allowance (the high side of the seam), then your hand's pressure causes the top fabric layer to fold over slightly and hide the space where you want your stitches to fall. You may think you're doing an excellent job of "staying in the ditch" until you remove your hand and ruler. Once the top fabric layer relaxes back into position, your stitches will appear to be too far away from the seam, even when they looked perfect just moments before!
Whenever possible, position your ruler on the low side of any seam (the side without the seam allowances underneath). Use invisible thread to also boost your confidence for those occasional misses we all suffer!
Long Arm Ruler Placement
Accurate Stitching in the Ditch Depends on Ruler Placement
Domestic machine quilters have an advantage over longarm quilters when it comes to stitching in the ditch. When using a domestic machine, one can use both hands to gently pull the seam apart. This allows the needle to place stitches on the "low side" of the seam, which become hidden when the fabric is released and the top fabric gently folds over the stitching.
However, longarm quilters must use guiding rulers to help them stay on target stitching next to seams and fabric folds. One hand must drive the machine while the other must hold the guiding ruler in position. To increase your success rate with a longarm machine, think about where you place your ruler before you begin to stitch.
If you place the guiding ruler on top of the seam allowance (the high side of the seam), then your hand's pressure causes the top fabric layer to fold over slightly and hide the space where you want your stitches to fall. You may think you're doing an excellent job of "staying in the ditch" until you remove your hand and ruler. Once the top fabric layer relaxes back into position, your stitches will appear to be too far away from the seam, even when they looked perfect just moments before!
Whenever possible, position your ruler on the low side of any seam (the side without the seam allowances underneath). Use invisible thread to also boost your confidence for those occasional misses we all suffer!
Domestic machine quilters have an advantage over longarm quilters when it comes to stitching in the ditch. When using a domestic machine, one can use both hands to gently pull the seam apart. This allows the needle to place stitches on the "low side" of the seam, which become hidden when the fabric is released and the top fabric gently folds over the stitching.
However, longarm quilters must use guiding rulers to help them stay on target stitching next to seams and fabric folds. One hand must drive the machine while the other must hold the guiding ruler in position. To increase your success rate with a longarm machine, think about where you place your ruler before you begin to stitch.
If you place the guiding ruler on top of the seam allowance (the high side of the seam), then your hand's pressure causes the top fabric layer to fold over slightly and hide the space where you want your stitches to fall. You may think you're doing an excellent job of "staying in the ditch" until you remove your hand and ruler. Once the top fabric layer relaxes back into position, your stitches will appear to be too far away from the seam, even when they looked perfect just moments before!
Whenever possible, position your ruler on the low side of any seam (the side without the seam allowances underneath). Use invisible thread to also boost your confidence for those occasional misses we all suffer!
Sunday, May 9, 2010
Taking Photos of Quilts
Turn off your flash for great quilt detail photos.
The quilt show season is in full swing, and quilters everywhere will be sharing "oohs" and "aahs" as they ogle each of the quilts hanging proudly in the shows. We are inevitably struck with the beauty and originality of each work, and try to capture the essence of those which inspire us most with photographs.
Here are some tips to getting the most from your digital camera. You've discovered the first hint in the last sentence...get a digital camera! You'll find many inexpensive types on the market today; look for a model that allows you to turn off the flash, has a "macro" feature to get close up photos, and has at least 3 megapixels of memory. Digital cameras give you instant feedback; you are able to tell right away whether your photo illustrates what you want it to.
If you find the quilt's complete layout and design pleasing, stand back away from the quilt, and frame it inside your view screen. Depending on the venue's lighting, you may want to try a photo with flash first, and then turn the flash off. However, if you are more interested in the quilting stitches and design, you'll want to take close-up photos.
For these shots, you want to use the room's typical ceiling and side lights to your advantage. The shadows this lighting direction creates will define the quilting stitches and make them very dynamic in your photos. Turn your flash off. Move in to your close up area and try one photo, using your camera's zoom lens and automatic focus feature. If that photo is not crisp, use the macro feature of your camera. This special feature allows your camera to focus more clearly with very close objects.
Finally, consider taking photos of the quilts you DON'T like as well as those you do. Make notes about what you thought did and didn't work in each of the quilts, including color combinations, design layouts, and quilt density. Be sure to transfer your photos to your computer, or visit your nearest photo center if you need help getting them off your memory device. Store your photos in special folders on your computer labeled according to your categories to find them easily for your future design work.
Happy Quilt Show shooting.
The quilt show season is in full swing, and quilters everywhere will be sharing "oohs" and "aahs" as they ogle each of the quilts hanging proudly in the shows. We are inevitably struck with the beauty and originality of each work, and try to capture the essence of those which inspire us most with photographs.
Here are some tips to getting the most from your digital camera. You've discovered the first hint in the last sentence...get a digital camera! You'll find many inexpensive types on the market today; look for a model that allows you to turn off the flash, has a "macro" feature to get close up photos, and has at least 3 megapixels of memory. Digital cameras give you instant feedback; you are able to tell right away whether your photo illustrates what you want it to.
If you find the quilt's complete layout and design pleasing, stand back away from the quilt, and frame it inside your view screen. Depending on the venue's lighting, you may want to try a photo with flash first, and then turn the flash off. However, if you are more interested in the quilting stitches and design, you'll want to take close-up photos.
For these shots, you want to use the room's typical ceiling and side lights to your advantage. The shadows this lighting direction creates will define the quilting stitches and make them very dynamic in your photos. Turn your flash off. Move in to your close up area and try one photo, using your camera's zoom lens and automatic focus feature. If that photo is not crisp, use the macro feature of your camera. This special feature allows your camera to focus more clearly with very close objects.
Finally, consider taking photos of the quilts you DON'T like as well as those you do. Make notes about what you thought did and didn't work in each of the quilts, including color combinations, design layouts, and quilt density. Be sure to transfer your photos to your computer, or visit your nearest photo center if you need help getting them off your memory device. Store your photos in special folders on your computer labeled according to your categories to find them easily for your future design work.
Happy Quilt Show shooting.
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Quilt Backing
The seam direction of your backing depends on the quilt's use.
If you are lucky enough to have a well-stocked quilt shop near you, you may be able to purchase wide quilt backing fabric and avoid having seams altogether. However, not all wide backings maintain the same quality. Check carefully before investing in this fabric. Pay special attention to "white on white" backing fabric where part of the design appears to be painted on to the fabric. Longarm needles will perforate and crumble the paint, causing tension issues, more thread breakage, and needle holes that may not recover.
When you are forced to piece fabric strips to create backing large enough for your quilt top, choose the seam direction based on the quilt's use in addition to ease of loading on your frame. Generally, horizontal backing seams are much easier to handle than vertical seams, since the seam will lay parallel to the roller instead of creating bulk as it wraps around the roller.
However, if the quilt will hang on a wall, then situating the backing fabric so that the lengthwise grain runs "top to bottom" will reduce stress on the quilt and prevent sagging and stretching. In this instance vertical seams may be more appropriate.
When you sew backing pieces together, be sure to remove the selvage edges along the seam line. You can decrease the bulk in the seam even further by pressing the seam open instead of to one side. Select a stitch length of 11-12 stitches per inch to secure the open seam better.
If you are lucky enough to have a well-stocked quilt shop near you, you may be able to purchase wide quilt backing fabric and avoid having seams altogether. However, not all wide backings maintain the same quality. Check carefully before investing in this fabric. Pay special attention to "white on white" backing fabric where part of the design appears to be painted on to the fabric. Longarm needles will perforate and crumble the paint, causing tension issues, more thread breakage, and needle holes that may not recover.
When you are forced to piece fabric strips to create backing large enough for your quilt top, choose the seam direction based on the quilt's use in addition to ease of loading on your frame. Generally, horizontal backing seams are much easier to handle than vertical seams, since the seam will lay parallel to the roller instead of creating bulk as it wraps around the roller.
However, if the quilt will hang on a wall, then situating the backing fabric so that the lengthwise grain runs "top to bottom" will reduce stress on the quilt and prevent sagging and stretching. In this instance vertical seams may be more appropriate.
When you sew backing pieces together, be sure to remove the selvage edges along the seam line. You can decrease the bulk in the seam even further by pressing the seam open instead of to one side. Select a stitch length of 11-12 stitches per inch to secure the open seam better.
Saturday, May 1, 2010
Quilts and Feedsacks
Quilters scour estate sales and antique shops for feedsacks, hoping to score big and find a special bag to add to their stash.
Feedsack interest faded in the 1950's as yard goods became readily available, though some feedsacks were produces as late as the 1960's in the Southwest.
Today's collectors help preserve some of the nostalgia surrounding the feedsack era when curtains, dresses, handbags, men's shirts and even bathing suits were made from brightly printed feedsacks.
In their heyday, feedsacks prompted the National Cotton Council to sponsor a feedsack wardrobe campaign. The genre was so popular that 30 million yards of printed cotton material were converted into feedsacks annually in the U.S., according to a 1944 Business Week report.
Today quilters pay as much as $15 for a single intact vintage feedsack!
Feedsack interest faded in the 1950's as yard goods became readily available, though some feedsacks were produces as late as the 1960's in the Southwest.
Today's collectors help preserve some of the nostalgia surrounding the feedsack era when curtains, dresses, handbags, men's shirts and even bathing suits were made from brightly printed feedsacks.
In their heyday, feedsacks prompted the National Cotton Council to sponsor a feedsack wardrobe campaign. The genre was so popular that 30 million yards of printed cotton material were converted into feedsacks annually in the U.S., according to a 1944 Business Week report.
Today quilters pay as much as $15 for a single intact vintage feedsack!
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