Originally Posted by Harmony
That is just so pretty! I'd really like to hear about how your longarm class went. I'm considering doing the same thing, but have some reservations about whether I'd learn enough that I'd actually be able to do a whole quilt by myself!
Hi Harmony,
Well the class was ok. Basically they taught us how to load a quilt backing and batting on the rollers of the rack then we got to experiment with FMQ, microquilting (mctavishing type stuff) the laser pointer with a preprinted design and these things unique to this particular machine called "Groovy boards". The machine was an HQ16 which is one of the least expensive long armers I've come across (around $7,000 for machine with stitch regulator, rack and 10' table). The groovy boards were very similar idea to a pantograph only instead of a laser light guiding you on a preprinted design the design was actually grooved into a board and the machine had a stylus that set in the groove so it was very easy to follow the pattern. There is no way I would attempt this quilt with that limited practice and I feel the only way to get adept enough would be to have my own LA and be able to work with it for loads of practice before I would feel comfortable doing "dancing" with the quality of quilting I feel this top deserves. Also the LQS is an hour and half away from me. Only 60 miles but through the mountains so took a while. It would be difficult to get there very often to practice and rental was $12.50 an hour. I think I would want at least 10 hours of practice before attempting any quilt let alone this one. However, the class did give me a good feel for what longarming was all about and I really would like to pursue it.
I am really glad I took it . It was a worthy $30 investment (lets ignore that I spent over $100 in fabric while I was there waiting for the class to start, it's a sickness I tell you!! :lol: ). I am really considering purchasing this set up. The company offers 12 months interest free financing and the LQS said they often run specials and deals like free shipping etc. They deliver it and set it up but I still have lots more questions, like warrantee and servicing and whatnot before plunging in on something like this. I also have to measure my sewing room to see if it will fit. But I know myself and I know once I get a bug about this it is most likely only a matter of time. Was the same way when I got my Bernina and I haven't regretted that for one second.