Long Arm quilting by Bearfoot

Title: Long Arm Quilting
Post by: BearFoot on November 24, 2007, 03:45:16 PM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I finally have my LA up and running. I have been practicing and am just about ready to put a REAL project on the frame.
How many of you have LA machines and what kind do you have?


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Title: Re: Long Arm Quilting
Post by: Merry Bee on November 24, 2007, 04:54:30 PM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Are you going to take on any work for others? I am ready to call it quits on quilting on a regular machine. One last chance I have is trying a method found in my new book, "Machine Quilting in Sections", which involves sewing quilted sections together similar to a Georgia Bonesteel method. My poor hands get sore trying to wrestle a quilt around. Maybe you can take in quilting for a lark, and quilt one of mine. Huh? Huh? :santa_smiley:

Congrats on getting a new machine! Exciting!


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Title: Re: Long Arm Quilting
Post by: BearFoot on November 24, 2007, 05:07:20 PM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Quote from: Merry Bee on November 24, 2007, 04:54:30 PM
Are you going to take on any work for others? I am ready to call it quits on quilting on a regular machine.
I know what you mean about quilting on a regular machine. I'm just doing quilting for me and not as a business, but just the little I have played with my LA (technically a mid-arm)...I LOVE it! I got a Voyager on a Hinterberg Stretch frame that I found on Ebay. It was slightly used but I got a good price. It isn't a fancy machine but it does the job and I could afford it! I wasn't going to pay thousands for a "toy". But I got this set up for under $2500 and I am pleased with it so far!
Check out your LQS's to see if any are renting time on LA machines...that might be an answer for you (or if you want to come play in Phoenix you can bring a quilt with you and use my machine! I'll share :santa_grin:)


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Title: Re: Long Arm Quilting
Post by: Merry Bee on November 24, 2007, 05:19:37 PM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Okay, wouldn't you just faint dead away if I did that? My kid brother (age 53) called last night and he is so homesick for family. He lives in Phoenix. I will call the quilt shops and see if there is one to play on. I am delighted you got one for that amount of money. I wanted a Bernina Stitch Regulator, and that runs into more money than I care to invest when I am not quilting that much anyway, and same for LAs. But I had no idea you could get into the game for what you paid. How much room does it take up, and can you easily fold it away when you want to?


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Title: Re: Long Arm Quilting
Post by: Mtfarmer on November 24, 2007, 05:22:54 PM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

OK now you really have me going - we just got to Quartzsite last night - here till Mid March. Am so happy for you Barb - that is a goal of mine - get a mid arm one of these years - when we aren't busy farming or hauling antiques to Q. So excited to know I am this close to another member.

Don't know how many times I will get online for awhile - a friend lent me his hook up - but he will be camping here with us for only a few days. Smiling in the camper - Cindy


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Title: Re: Long Arm Quilting
Post by: BearFoot on November 24, 2007, 05:35:14 PM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Quote from: Merry Bee on November 24, 2007, 05:19:37 PM
Okay, wouldn't you just faint dead away if I did that? But I had no idea you could get into the game for what you paid. How much room does it take up, and can you easily fold it away when you want to?
See there how neatly that would work out? :santa_smiley: You would be welcome any time! As for the machine. I don't have the ideal set up, but it will work for me. I can only set it up at 8 feet so that means no quilts wider than about 90" max., but that's ok cause most of mine are smaller than that. I could take it down, it isn't that hard to set up and take down. The hardest part would be lifting the machine on and off the carriage...it weighs 75 pounds. Not the heaviest machine out there, but not the lightest either!

Mtfarmer If/when you get to Phoenix, give me a call and we'll meet up for lunch/coffee/shopping...whatever you have time for. I am going to try to get to Quartzite in January...so will look you up then! Welcome to AZ :santa_cool:


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Title: Re: Long Arm Quilting
Post by: Stitch on November 25, 2007, 10:07:04 AM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

OH MY G...! I am SO jealous. I hate being left out of this (especially now that it's starting to get colder here and Phoenix would be GREAT). AND I want my own LA AND I think you two are so much fun for making a party out of it.

Stitch
P.S. I want a LA from Santa! Problem is even though I'm nice enough, I often end up on the other list. :santa_evil:


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Title: Re: Long Arm Quilting
Post by: RitaQuilts on November 25, 2007, 10:43:12 AM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Congrats, bearfoot... they are addicting.

I have an old 1928 year White which has been streched.. will be selling it and am waiting for the APQS Lenni.. they say I will be getting it in Dec.. I sure hope so.

I hope to be taking in quilts to work on, and will be charging the going rate for this area. I am sure I will be doing mostly my own donation quilts. and a few for family or ourselves..

Just practice, practice, practice and more practice.. A tip is to get a dry erase board and use it to draw the pattern or design you want to uqilt, until it's very comfy or natural. If you don't want to go to that expense, which really is well worth it, then keep your old phone books and use them.. if you can come close to drawing it after practice, you will be able to quilt it. Another good tip is don't manhandle the machine.. keep a light touch, and that's also less tiring. and the last tip is remember to Breathe!!! you have no idea how many people hold their breath which of course tenses the muscles up.

Good luck, RitaA


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Title: Re: Long Arm Quilting
Post by: Merry Bee on November 25, 2007, 12:08:16 PM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Wow, BearFoot, :santa_shocked: I'm relieved she told you to breath, and didn't say to stop breathing! :santa_grin: I machine quilt on my Bernina and do the practicing on scrap paper with a marker. It really works.

Do you remember the old penmanship books where you had to trace over the letters and then print them? I had some stippling stuff you put on the quilt and sew over it, then tear it away. It was too hard to tear away. And finally, I got good enough to go free motion on it.

When you look at that quilt, you cannot tell which part was done free motion and which was traced. (Except for a few times I crossed over a stitch line, but the quilt police did not come and take me away.)


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Title: Re: Long Arm Quilting
Post by: missmommy on November 25, 2007, 12:49:18 PM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I have an HQ16 (mid arm)on their professional frame and table set up at 10 1/2 feet. It is in what was once my formal living room. I gave away my furniture, ripped up the carpet, laid down hardwood floor, painted and added track lighting. I guess you can say my hobby has taken over the house. I have two sewing rooms upstairs that were once bedrooms.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Title: Re: Long Arm Quilting
Post by: golo on November 25, 2007, 02:52:34 PM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Quote from: missmommy on November 25, 2007, 12:49:18 PM
I have an HQ16 (mid arm)on their professional frame and table set up at 10 1/2 feet. It is in what was once my formal living room. I gave away my furniture, ripped up the carpet, laid down hardwood floor, painted and added track lighting. I guess you can say my hobby has taken over the house. I have two sewing rooms upstairs that were once bedrooms.

do you have stashes in all those rooms? sounds lovely..


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Title: Re: Long Arm Quilting
Post by: Merry Bee on November 25, 2007, 02:56:20 PM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

What a wonderful dream quilting studio! DD put a pool table in her formal dining room. Who needs a dining room when they are quilting?


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Title: Re: Long Arm Quilting
Post by: BearFoot on November 25, 2007, 04:44:19 PM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Quote from: RitaQuilts on November 25, 2007, 10:43:12 AM
A tip is to get a dry erase board and use it to draw the pattern or design you want to uqilt, until it's very comfy or natural.
Great idea...I will look for one at the office store or Wally World!
Quote from: RitaQuilts on November 25, 2007, 10:43:12 AM
Another good tip is don't manhandle the machine.. keep a light touch, and that's also less tiring. and the last tip is remember to Breathe!!!
I have been practicing that...at first I had a hold of it like it was a viper of some sort, then I started to ease up...I have discovered it I picture it as a dancing partner, then I relax and just have fun! :santa_grin: Thanks for all the good tips!


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Title: Re: Long Arm Quilting
Post by: missmommy on November 25, 2007, 06:58:32 PM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Golo - yes, I have fabric stashes in both of my upstairs rooms. I try to keep my one time living room tidy because it is on the main floor of the house, so no fabric there. I recently was told that my fabric stash was "obscene"! lol


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Title: Re: Long Arm Quilting
Post by: golo on November 25, 2007, 07:54:45 PM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

FANTASTIC! AAAAHHHHHH!! it must be a bit of heaven... :santa_shocked:


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Title: Re: Long Arm Quilting
Post by: QBee - Mary Ann on November 26, 2007, 09:20:49 AM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I have an HQ16. I have to say I feel like I'm a lucky duck! It's a big splurge for a beginning, hobby quilter. DH said "well, some people have campers or speed boats or snowmobiles. . ." I took over a bedroom so I have a great sewing/quilting room. What I don't have is enough time!! :santa_sad: Work full time and weekends fill up with 4 kids and 10 grandkids and the have-to-do stuff! Anyhow, I love my HQ and I'm getting better at it all along. I look forward to hearing more about what all of you do with your long arms and mid-arms.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Title: Re: Long Arm Quilting
Post by: Luv2sew on November 26, 2007, 11:18:24 AM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Bearfoot, CONGRATULATIONS!! How wonderful! I too think about a LA, but that's about as far as I get, think about it. I'm sure you're going to just love it and you'll produce wonderful quilting. How about a picture, love to see it! :santa_afro: ................Linda


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Title: Re: Long Arm Quilting
Post by: missmommy on November 28, 2007, 06:39:52 AM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I have no guilt about the machines, fabric, etc I purchase. My DH's hobbies
are expensive and there is not way I will ever catch up! lol....even my HQ16 didn't bring me close! With regards to taking over the house, well, most of the rooms weren't being used anyway, now they are.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Title: Re: Long Arm Quilting
Post by: RitaQuilts on December 03, 2007, 03:28:00 PM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Well, I'm wasted for the next couple months. Just got word today that my new APQS, Lenni, long arm quilter, will be shipped in one week, on Dec. 10.. Holy cow, anchor me down! :santa_cheesy: RitaQ


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Title: Re: Long Arm Quilting
Post by: BearFoot on December 03, 2007, 03:32:31 PM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Congrats, Rita on your pending arrival...you will have to take pictures so we can all marvel at your new "baby"...have you thought of a name yet? :santa_grin: (Boy with that in Santa's bag, I hope he has room for my stuff! LOL)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Title: Re: Long Arm Quilting
Post by: RitaQuilts on December 03, 2007, 06:00:15 PM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Oh, It will be "Penny" for sure, lucky, shinny, bright, friendly, female and fun...

It's going to be a looooonnnnng labor.. :santa_undecided:
Good luck on all others.. and save those dimes.. they do add up.. bought many things thru the years doing that. (Quarters or dollars are needed now.)

RitaQ


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Title: Re: Long Arm Quilting
Post by: golo on December 03, 2007, 06:01:36 PM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Rita, how clever of you... Penny what a nice name for your long arm... have fun with it... :santa_afro:


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Title: Re: Long Arm Quilting
Post by: Merry Bee on December 03, 2007, 08:12:15 PM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Oh, Rita! I am so happy for you. Yea, hooray and congratulations. Penny and you are beginning a long association. Have fun!


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Title: Re: Long Arm Quilting
Post by: QBee - Mary Ann on December 03, 2007, 08:41:58 PM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Rita, How exciting and fun for you! I haven't named my HQ16 - maybe I should call it Many Pennies! :santa_grin: Keep us posted on your shiny new Penny! QBee - Mary Ann


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Title: Re: Long Arm Quilting
Post by: BearFoot on December 03, 2007, 09:25:44 PM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

You could call it MoneyPenny after the James Bond character! :santa_smiley:


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Title: Re: Long Arm Quilting
Post by: missmommy on December 04, 2007, 10:05:19 AM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I think I have some pics of my stash on my home puter. If I do, I'll attach them.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Title: Re: Long Arm Quilting
Post by: stitchinjj on December 18, 2007, 11:52:06 AM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I have a Pfaff Grandquilter and Inspira frame. It is great for my use but has it limitations. After I practiced with it and found out the limitations, I tried an HQ 16 and for the money I think it is the best deal. I think it would take up more room than I have though. And my settup was only $2400 with the stitch regulator. I agree with missmommy, I could spend like crazy and not catch up my my DH!


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Title: Re: Long Arm Quilting
Post by: Merry Bee on December 18, 2007, 12:29:42 PM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

That's a good point, and a solid case to justify a purchase! :santa_cool:


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Title: Re: Long Arm Quilting
Post by: Linda 2B on December 18, 2007, 01:25:21 PM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Hi, I've had my Gammill Opt Statler stitcherfor about 10 months. I love it and am having so much fun with it. I've started taking customer quilts and the response has been good so far. I'm taking my time, don't want to get to busy. there is alot to learn. I still want time to quilt. I live in Phoenix, too. Just down the street from Bearfoot. If anybody is in town look me up, maybe we can have a little get together and have lunch or something.
Linda 2B
Phoenix, AZ


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Title: Re: Long Arm Quilting
Post by: Merry Bee on December 18, 2007, 01:40:27 PM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Wow! A quilting business! That is a good justification for a purchase, too! I am making my list of arguments as we continue this line of thought.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Title: Re: Long Arm Quilting
Post by: QBee - Mary Ann on December 18, 2007, 02:13:45 PM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Quote from: Merry Bee on December 18, 2007, 01:40:27 PM
I am making my list of arguments as we continue this line of thought.


I'm here to help! Just think - the sooner you get yourself a mid-arm quilting machine, the more quilts you'll do on it so the more use you'll get out of it! :santa_smiley:

I squeezed my HQ16 into my sewing room. The HQ frame is set up on a heavy duty office work table, and I have furniture sliders under the legs. It easily slides back against the wall when I'm not quilting. When I'm ready to quilt I close up my sewing machine cabinet; then I have room to pull HQ away from the wall. I actually have just enough inches to not have to close my machine cabinet, but I'd have to be awfully careful to not bruise my hiney! :santa_wink: QBee


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Title: Re: Long Arm Quilting
Post by: Merry Bee on December 18, 2007, 02:26:23 PM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Good plan. Who wants to quilt on a bruised bum? You would have to stop and make one of Gimpy's Rainbow Kitty Pillows first.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Title: Re: Long Arm Quilting
Post by: missmommy on January 29, 2008, 07:12:18 AM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I added pics of my stash to my webshots. It's actually grown some since these pics.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Title: Re: Long Arm Quilting
Post by: Merry Bee on January 29, 2008, 07:21:54 AM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Impressive! You might even win with a collection like that. (I always heard the one who dies with the most fabric wins, although we don't want to get a winner any time soon ;) .) I thought I had a lot of fabric, and I do, but I think you have more. I wanted to go dig in and really play with all that good material, and lookat it close up.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Title: Re: Long Arm Quilting
Post by: Litup100 on January 29, 2008, 07:23:21 PM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I'd love to get a mid arm. I've been doing a quilt as you go method and am satisfied for now, but in the future.....




--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Title: Re: Long Arm Quilting
Post by: Merry Bee on January 29, 2008, 07:32:25 PM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Me, too. But which one, or what kind? ??? It is a big decision, since it takes some big cash, takes up space, and needs to be used. I would not want to make a mistake.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Title: Re: Long Arm Quilting
Post by: dollmaker on January 29, 2008, 07:48:06 PM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Merry Bee, I have the Homesteader, and I love it. It quilts smoothly, I use one hand to quilt. It will do everything a big machine will do. For the money its great. I like the fact that you can get parts and anyone who works on machines can work on it. I have a 16 inch quilting space and it will work on the HQ table set up. DH built my table to 12 ft. That way I can do any size quilt. LindaB-1


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Title: Re: Long Arm Quilting
Post by: Cottonpicker on January 29, 2008, 09:02:04 PM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Dollmaker, Is there a web-site for the Homesteader? I haven't heard of it.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Title: Re: Long Arm Quilting
Post by: dollmaker on February 01, 2008, 10:32:16 AM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Yes Cottonpicker, here is there websight www.thequiltingsolution.com You can find information there. I think there is a phone number too. If not I have it just email me. This is a great machine, and affordable. LindaB-1


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Title: Re: Long Arm Quilting
Post by: dollmaker on February 01, 2008, 10:33:39 AM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Oh I forgot to tell you it is compatable with the handi quilter frame also. LindaB-1


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Title: Re: Long Arm Quilting
Post by: Cottonpicker on February 01, 2008, 12:35:20 PM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Dollmaker, Thank you for the site. How long have you had yours? I bought a used Grace frame and have been looking for a machine. I wish this one had a stitch regulator. I have no experience at all.

I had been looking at the Voyager made by Hinterberg. www.hinterberg.com. But it is new and I have heard still has bugs. Have you seen that one?


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Title: Re: Long Arm Quilting
Post by: dollmaker on February 04, 2008, 11:04:13 AM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Cottonpicker, I've had this machine for almost a year. I love how it handles. I believe you can get this one with a stitch regulator also, but I think the price would be a little bit more. Yes, I have seen the other machine, but I know nothing about it. LindaB-1


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Title: Re: Long Arm Quilting
Post by: LEM on February 21, 2008, 10:19:57 AM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Quote from: Merry Bee on January 29, 2008, 07:21:54 AM
I always heard the one who dies with the most fabric wins


Well then I think I might have a shot at winning this one. I have two large entertainment units filled to the brim with fabric, six floor to ceiling bookcases, one entire walk in closet filled with bolts, a four drawer rolling cabinet, thirteen super satchels (filled with quilts that I need to finish) and about 15-20 rolling cubes (1' deep high and wide). Whew! That doesn't even count my 56 gal scrap tub. Do I have more than I will use in my lifetime? Probably, but what's the point again?

Okay, I admit it. I'm a fabricholic. I went to a meeting once, but only got energized to buy more. I just can't help myself. lol.


I also bought an APQS LA last year. I got it used but it was in like new condition. The woman who sold it to me took great care of it and even gave me lessons on its care, maintenance, and use before I set it up in my home. I LOVE IT!!!! It's the Ultimate I (26" throat space), stitch regulated, and loaded with other features that I haven't even begun to play with yet. I've done several quilts so far and just love how quickly I can get them done. These have all been customer quilts, however. I haven't had time to get one of my own quilted yet, but I'm next on the list. I just finished a kaleidescope quilt out of some Hawaiian fabric I picked up and am ready to put it on the frame. :)

I am using the circle lord on the quilt I have on the frame right now. I like using it. What a simple way to make perfect circles and orange peels. On this quilt I'm making what looks like water rings and orange peels. I'm having a lot of fun with it.

The only problem that I have is that my cats like to snooze on top of the quilts if I have them stretched out on the frame. Fortunately I use the zipper leader system and can take the quilt off the take up roller so my cats don't get a hammock. This weekend I'm building a solid wall partition that will keep the little beasties out of my quilting and sewing rooms.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Title: Re: Long Arm Quilting
Post by: finisher on February 21, 2008, 12:58:21 PM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Well LEM..It sounds like you do have a good chance at winning! I thought I had a lot of fabric..but after seeing you post what you have..I feel like shopping! Haha. I need a better way to organize. I ran out of room quite a while ago. I have 6 tall book cases full and now have fabric stacked on the floor in front of the bookcases...and then went to tubs for 30's..civil war repros..indigos and creams..black and creams...brights... and novelties.I suppose I could put the tubs in the basement since they are kept as separate categories? I also have fabrics collected and kitted for projects in jumbo plastic bags. I haven't seen the surface of my cutting table in that room for months. I now do my cutting and sewing in the Dining room.

I would love to know how to do the beautiful machine quilting that so many people do..but don't have the inclination to learn. It sounds like you have a wonderful set up! I would love to come and watch you. :)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Title: Re: Long Arm Quilting
Post by: quiltermarynel on February 21, 2008, 02:31:07 PM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

My guild has a Nolting, which works very well and takes a CA king quilt very nicely. There is great support from the company and they do sell some reconditioned machines. I am not an expert with this, altough after 4 quilts, I am getting pretty good.

Most of my quilting is, and will probably remain on my home machine. It is slower, but I have great control.

Merry, I was having trouble with my hands on my home machine and came across some suggestions:
1. Loosen up. Physical tension is wearing.
2. Gloves. F&P sell specialized quilting gloves. Some of my friends wear gardening gloves, some buy the very cheapest slightly fuzzy gloves. My DH bought me kevlar gloves from a hardware place. They have little grabby dots on them.
3. There are circular plastic disks made for this purpose. You hold them and they 'grip' the quilt. I found that small kid's flip fops do the same thing at a lower price.
4. Take breaks. Do stretches, including finger and shoulder stretches.




--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Title: Re: Long Arm Quilting
Post by: missmommy on February 24, 2008, 02:54:00 PM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Quote from: LEM on February 21, 2008, 10:19:57 AM
Quote from: Merry Bee on January 29, 2008, 07:21:54 AM




The only problem that I have is that my cats like to snooze on top of the quilts if I have them stretched out on the frame. Fortunately I use the zipper leader system and can take the quilt off the take up roller so my cats don't get a hammock. This weekend I'm building a solid wall partition that will keep the little beasties out of my quilting and sewing rooms.


I hear ya, my female thinks my HQ is her personal hammock.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Title: Re: Long Arm Quilting
Post by: Merry Bee on February 24, 2008, 02:57:24 PM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The cat is really funny....look at her eyes glow! You must have mixed up the quotes, because alas! I have neither a cat or a LA quilting machine. Unfortunate for me, although I wish I had one of each. 8)


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Title: Re: Long Arm Quilting
Post by: QBee - Mary Ann on February 24, 2008, 04:28:30 PM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Missmommy - thanks for posting the kitty-cat picture! It made me smile out loud! ;D


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Title: Re: Long Arm Quilting
Post by: FiberBabble on July 06, 2008, 07:32:59 AM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Okay, the warning says this topic is 120 days stale. Let's see if it pops up on anyone's radar

I've been tasked with buying new needles for my friend's longarm (actually it's a mid-arm, but...). I know what kind of needles I need, I can use Schmetz or Organ.

The big question is, can these be found in walk-in stores, or do I have to buy them online?

My usual online source for (domestic and serger) needles doesn't carry the industrial ones I need for her machine (ooooh, heading over to the links category from here!). I've found a couple of options online, but I don't know anything about the company. And anyway


I want it NOW!
Ideas? Suggestions?


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Title: Re: Long Arm Quilting
Post by: QBee - Mary Ann on July 06, 2008, 07:58:49 AM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The only brick and mortar store I've found with the needles I need is my LQS that sold me my HQ16. (just like Missmommy's except no cat to sleep on it! ) Here are a few on-line places you can check: Kings Men Quilting Supply www.kmquiltingsupply.com; Columbia River Quilting & Designs www.columbiariverquilting.com; Bayside Quilting www.baysidequilting.com I've had very good service from all three. QBee


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Title: Re: Long Arm Quilting
Post by: FiberBabble on July 06, 2008, 08:55:21 AM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Quote from: QBee - Mary Ann on July 06, 2008, 07:58:49 AM
The only brick and mortar store I've found with the needles I need is my LQS that sold me my HQ16. (just like Missmommy's except no cat to sleep on it! ) Here are a few on-line places you can check: Kings Men Quilting Supply www.kmquiltingsupply.com; Columbia River Quilting & Designs www.columbiariverquilting.com; Bayside Quilting www.baysidequilting.com I've had very good service from all three. QBee

Heheh. Mary Ann, I'm pretty sure you didn't do it on purpose, but I am purt near smack in the middle between Columbia River Quilting and Bayside Quilting. BOTH are within driving distance, though neither are just a hop up the street.

Thanks for the info - at least I know that if I order from these shops, it won't take long for the order to arrive!


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Title: Re: Long Arm Quilting
Post by: QBee - Mary Ann on July 06, 2008, 11:47:02 AM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

You're right, FB - just a coincidence! I learned of these sites through an HQ16 forum. They're not at all close to me, but no problem since I order on line and they mail my order off to me. Maybe ordering from one of them is as close as you'll be able to come to GETTING IT NOW!! QBee


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Title: Re: Long Arm Quilting
Post by: FiberBabble on July 08, 2008, 12:23:42 AM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

There's a new photo in my album today called "The White Album". It's the first quilt that I did on an official quilting machine. :yahoo:

It was SO different from the quilting I'm used to doing!! But I think it turned out okay, especially for my first try (I did have a practice day before doing this quilt).

I carried on a bit more about my experience on my blog (http://fiberbabble.blogspot.com/2008/07/white-album.html), but thought I'd share here, too!


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Title: Re: Long Arm Quilting
Post by: finisher on July 08, 2008, 05:29:12 AM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Your quilting sure looks good to me..it's really great for a first try. :yahoo: I would LOVE to get the chance to use a machine like that! That's a pretty nice quilt for a "rag quilt". :shocked:
Congrats on winning the kit. I've been doing some prim wool applique..and have several other projects I'd like to do. I definately want to do a large wall hanging with carved pumpkins and a black cat with those "prim" style wide toothed grins.



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Title: Re: Long Arm Quilting
Post by: golo on July 09, 2008, 10:29:16 AM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Your quilting sure looks nice... have fun with your LA... :afro:


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Title: Re: Long Arm Quilting
Post by: tlcquiltnut on July 11, 2008, 07:49:21 PM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I have been thinking LA too. Tried out the Tin Lizzy but the needle up and down switch was a bit wore out already but , there has been alot of different people useing it too.
FB your quilting looks good to me too! Isn't it fun to learn to do that? Don't now enough about the equipment to advise on needles tho.....I do know the Tin Lizzy uses a 22 and she uses Schmitdz I think.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Title: Re: Long Arm Quilting
Post by: FiberBabble on July 11, 2008, 09:53:06 PM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Thanks, TLC, for the compliment on my quilting. I've done a second quilt now - and ripped out half of its stitching. I had heard that LA'ers find thread combinations that they like and stick with them so they don't have to keep making tension adjustments; I don't know if I could do that. But sheesh, it sure is a job to get the tension right!

I'm not sure if I'll re-load the half-quilted one; I might just sit down at my DSM and finish it up. It probably wouldn't take any more time, and then I'd be able to move on to the next one!

About those needles - I still haven't gotten any new ones. Those 20's just seem to be like finishing nails, and it just goes pop-pop-pop on the quilt. :huh: I understand that it's harder to break one of the larger needles, so I guess that's a point in it's favor. I just heard today that changing to a dramatically smaller needle (like a 14) has it's own set of really bad headaches... maybe something about the timing? I don't recall. :idiot2:

So, for now, I'll just keep my eyes open at local shops and keep on practicing!


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Title: Re: Long Arm Quilting
Post by: QBee - Mary Ann on July 11, 2008, 10:00:15 PM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Greetings from the voice of inexperience - I just haven't accomplished many quilts YET! I've been sticking with 40 weight cotton thread in the needle and on the bobbin, because, just as you said FB, it's easier to stay in a rut than to have to adjust the tension. All the advice I've gotten from the HQ16 pros is to use a size 16 needle almost all of the time, but might have to use an 18 to quilt batiks. QBee