I started with a B-line frame and Juki machine. I learned ALOT..and on my own. I purchased at a big quilt show, had it shipped and had NO help! I DID shed tears, but I finally realized I was learning to troubleshoot. Everytime I solved a problem, I knew how to deal with it the NEXT time. I have upgraded twice and now quilt on a gently used Gammill Classic Plus. I love 'Lucy' and she loves me back (she got her name by me chanting 'righty tighty, left loose-y' when I was adjusting her tensions to suit ME.) Find yourself an online group that will listen. MQResource.com and longarmchat.com maybe good places to start. I am SURE there is a group that just has Little Gracie frames. Finding someone who 'speaks' Little Gracie, will help you know you are NOT alone..and you are NOT crazy! Hang in there and just try ONE thing at a time. This week:load...next week: try tensions. One or two successes and you will be on your way.
Two more suggestions:1. practice doodling on a white board till you like what you can doodle. (I dont' say draw because I do NOT excell at drawing...now DOODLING..THAT is a different story!) Elbows and wrists off the board as you are training your arm and shoulder the shapes. 2.
www.pajamaquilter.com I LOVE her freemotion designs. They are EASY and they look GREAT and she is SO supportive! I have been quilting on a track frame since 2005 and I just ordered her 2nd DVD as a present to ME! I hope all this rambling helps. Feel free to PM me if you need a shoulder or someone to listen!
PS I made aLOT Of dog beds for a rescue out of my beginning quilting! The dogs LOVED them and no one was the wiser that my quilting was....well...LESS than stellar!