Carol Carter

Where is the best place to purchase supplies on line like threads, templates, quilting pantograms?

Is it better to start learning to FMQ or to quilt with some pantograms first? I am pretty good at stippling but have not done much other than that on a gracie frame and a bailey machine. I am going to purchase a LA and I want to learn to do more. I have never quilted using a pantogram.

If there is any interest in purchasing my gracie frame and Bailey machine, let me know.

Thanks for your help.

feline fanatic

I am new at LA too but will try to offer some suggestions on your questions. I have found Pantos are priced the same across the board with very little pricing difference no matter where you buy. They all seem to be between $17 and $20. Thread is also very compartitively priced. I have only seen a few dollar variation on the big spools. The few places I have ordered on line I have been satisfied with the service.

I have a few pantos but have not yet used them. I like to practice FMQ by making a sandwich of a yard of inexpensive solid colored fabric. Solid so I can better see the stitches. I will put different color thread in bobbin from top so I can easily spot tension issues and like to use a high contrast thread from the practice sandwich, again so I can really see what is happening. Then I just doodle away. I look through books to get ideas for motifs. I like doing stencils then freehand echos around them. I doodle with pencil and paper ALOT to get that muscle memory thing going.

kbeuchert

I got a LA in March 2010. I love using Pantos and am just starting with rulers and FM. Their is a place called UrbanElementz. They ar having a blow out sale right now, so there are some pantos at a slighty lower price than already mentioned, though in general I agree with her. Also, if you haven't already look at Constantine quilts, just put it in google. They ar from Austrailia but have great rulers and I think pretty good prices. Good Luck!

AndiR

Here is one place that I have used for supplies:
http://kmquiltingsupply.com/

As to FMQ vs. Pantos, everyone is different. Some people like one and hate the other. I know people who have NEVER FMQ, others who NEVER use pantos, or a combination of both.

FMQ requires you to think more - so that you don't end up in a corner, so that you keep the pattern and spacing consistent, etc. But when it all 'clicks', it's a blast.

I think pantos are a good thing in the beginning, as they free you up from the spacing and "where do I go next" issues. That lets you concentrate on learning to move the machine smoothly and work on even stitch length. I even found it helped me learn the movement of certain patterns, so then when I did do FMQ, it was easier to do certain designs.

One secret to FMQ is to spend a lot of time drawing designs. It helps train your brain to know the right way to go when you go to do it on the machine. I keep a Magnadoodle (child's toy) in my studio and warm up on that before I start on a quilt. Plus it comes in handy when a customer comes in with their child and we need a way to keep them occupied ;-)

dunster

I think that we all use our longarms differently. I got mine in December of 2009, and I have not done a single panto. I think I would probably be using pantos if I were quilting for customers though. If you go to a quilt show you can buy Superior thread at a big discount, and the discount is even bigger if it's a longarm show. I use their Bottomline and Vanish threads. I also buy thread at great prices from Connecting Threads and from Metro Embroidery. You need to check that the thread works well in your machine before buying a lot of it, and always buy on the cones. Good luck with your longarm.

Sadiemae

So far, I enjoy free motion quilting.

linda mote

How much do you want for the baileyand frame

Carol Carter

Thanks all.

AndiR I love your idea with the magnadoodle. I will definitely give that a shot.