Hi Kiffie:
I will soon be in the same boat as you.... as I will be ordering the same machine from the same place as you did. My husband is going to build me a 4 rail frame too. He can build anything. I know the learning curve will be frustrating cause I want to be "perfect" with fmq from the get-go. Setting myself up for sure. ;-)
I was perusing the AllBrands sight and found this word of advice from the owner. I'm not sure if it will help, but thought you might perhaps find it useful:
Why does my needle thread break on freemotion when straight stitch sewing is fine.
For freemotion quilting on a frame, please try Schmetz Size 16 Denim needles, A&E Signature cotton quilting thread, fabric pressure gauge at 1/2 way (down or up on the window gauge),and make sure the quilt is down flat against the flatbed of the machine so fabric won't ride up and down on the needle (flagging). Also run the machine faster and move the fabric slower, so the needle won't bend in the fabric. Also feel for any needle burrs on the rotary hook, needle plate or bobbin case that might catch thread. Burrs can be polished off with Crocus cloth from the hardware stores. Please advise what works or doesn't work for you. John Douthat, Owner & Tech
I wish you a better day tomorrow and look forward to seeing a post of success from you!
Hang with it girl.... it will be worth it. btw.... you can repeat these words back to me when I'm voicing my soon-to-be frustration. :roll: