Getting ready for my LA!
 

Folks....My Bailey long arm should come sometime this week. I am super excited. I was just wondering if there are some things that I need to get in order to set up and use my new system. Are there any accessories that I will have to have? I purchased the entire 17" package including frame and stitch regulator. I think there will be a DVD to help set it up and I am also supposed to get the muslin leader thing. I have lots of things pieced to practice on. Most of them are UFO's and small projects. Is there a type of batting and backing that works best? I want to have what I need so that I can get going. I know that I need to sew a little with the machine just on a small table first so that I get the feel of it. I appreciate anything you all can tell me that might help me get started. You all are GREAT!

Tonight I have found several YouTube videos on setting up the machine! Those will be great help!

Once you are used to your machine and are comfortable just running it I would get a dry erase board to practice drawing your designs on before you try to quilt a piece. I have an awfull lot of sandwiches that are just practice with lots of stop and starts, funny tension, playing with stich width, ect. but before I try a new pattern, even on my sandwitches I practice on the dry erase board first. It helps your brain learn and remember which way to go. Cuts down on stops and starts, and I have discovered using fewer sandwiches before I load a quilt. I tryed for over a year to learn to do feathers, could not get them to come close to looking right, after using my dry erase board for about 6 days I can now make feathers! Not the best in the world but I am getting there. It is so easy to just erase the board a few times when you make that wrong turn in the wrong direction over and over again, than it is to remove a sandwich and start a new one

C:\Users\Judy\Pictures\Bailey - first pictures\IMG_0527.JPG

You can tell this is my first attempt to insert an image....if it does come up, you will see a neat narrow tray box my husband made out of scrap wood, etc. The ends are extended dowward so the tray does not slide off the frame. I had several slots put in so I could change the compartment sizes when needed. I covered the project with scrap fabrics (think Elmer's Glue!). The tray box is handy for keeping your screwdrivers, extra needles, pliers, etc. You can use the tray anywhere on the frame as desired. We put flet pads on the bottom ends so it does not scratch the finish on the frame.

I will find out more about inserting a picture...bear with me, smile.

Also, is there a good book on Long arm quilting? I have found several on Amazon....Does anyone have one they would recommend?

The dry erase board is a fantastic idea! I will get one. THANKS!

The most popular and highly recommended longarm book is by Linda Taylor "Ultimate Guide to Longarm Machine Quilting" You can find it at Amazon.

Yes this is the best book out there Linda is an awesome educator she also has a bunch of online programs just google Linda V Taylor.....

Funny, I actually had that book in my cart at Amazon when I read these messages. I will check-out now!

The pajama quilter has some great dvds.super for beginners.