Originally Posted by crashnquilt

Well, dang it! I was really hoping to not see complaints about a longarmer. Now in this situation, I do have to agree with the majority here. She did know that there were issues with the bobbin thread and I do agree she should have fixed the problem. Also, the baby quilt with tension issues, agreed you really need to double check the thread. Baby finger nails can get caught and rip so easy.

The part of this story that absolutely FLOORS me is "She had changed bobbins and didn't think to look" part! WHAT!?! Given this scenario, I must be a paranoid longarmer. I check the backing every couple of blocks! Also, I listen to my machine and can pretty much hear if I have a bobbin problem and most experienced longarmers do the same.

I, personally, will NOT use varigated thread in the bobbin. I just have way too many issues with it. Much easier to adjust top tension than bobbin tension. I know there are some out there that will say, "Oh, I've never had an issue with varigated threads in the bobbin." If that is the case, Kudos to you and I hope you will always have that kind of good luck. As for me, once bitten-twice shy.

Varigated threads are nice, but I am about to the point of not using them AT ALL. I attended a seminar once that gave lots of good information about thread. No, it was not a Superior Threads seminar albeit Bob is very knowledgeable and Superior does not practice the same methods as some other thread companies. This person was a FORMER quality control inspector for a large thread company. She was "released" from her position because of "turning back" to much product. (basically fired for doing her job properly)

She said that "multiple color" thread is actually a dye accident. Dye would come out concentrated in some areas and not others. To take advantage of this, the company would then RE DYE the thread in some areas to create more of a pattern. Some areas might be dyed as many as 5 or 6 times. This would cause the thread to have swollen and thin spots. Also, if you get thread breakage or shredding, look closely where the break happens. Most likely, it will be at a color change spot. Put the thread between your fingers and you can usually feel the color changes. Now, imagine that hitting the needle eye 10 times or so, something is going to give.

NAYY with Superior Threads, but I do know they do not practice this method with their threads. Knock on wood, I've not had a problem with any multiple color thread from Superior. Too bad I can't say the same for other manufacturers.

Back to the actual issue, I do agree that 1. The longarmer should make the corrections to your quilts and 2. Take your business elsewhere. If she is an experienced quilter, she ain't gonna get any better at it.