Hello from S.E. Pa.
Hi QB - I have been quilting since the mid 90's - mostly handquilting - bed quilts, baby quilts and lap quilts. I recently purchased a BabyLock Jane as I want to try my hand at FMQ and my older Singers (T&S and treadle) just don't seem up to the task. I have done a bit of machine quilting for dog beds and mats, and I am hoping to use the new machine for a more critical audience than my 5 dogs. Goals for this year are learning basics of fmq, mastering my tri-rec rulers (though the new babylock will definitely be useful there - it makes a great scant 1/4 inch seam) and maybe dabbling in dyeing fabric (but I say that every winter - when spring and outside seem so far away). Finding the best way to use color with the fabrics available to me, and choosing and executing the actual quilting are my favorite (and most challenging) parts of quilt making. I live in Phila with DH and the aforementioned dog pack. My favorite time of the year is Sept. when the Pa quilt show comes to town - less 270 days to go!
Thanks to all for taking the time to share so much useful info and also the many great pictures that are posted.
Lefty