Tartan: Your information is very much on target for what I THINK I need to take the plunge and just start. I have 2 quilt tops ready for quilting, and I think straight line quilting is appropriate in some places and FMQ appropriate in others. One is a big block pattern of various reds and blacks surrounded by 2 borders. The other is a dolphin panel surrounded by borders, including a 6"border of varying size strips.
Dolphyngyrl: I will check out this website; thank you! I have done some limited "looking" at Petersen and Day, but plan to revisit them and Patsy Thompson, too. Thank you!
toverly: I have suspected exactly what you have confirmed as to the difficulty of quilting on a small machine, but you have also told me it CAN be done. The throat or workspace on mine is small, about 6". Thank you!
EllieGirl: I have just recently purchased this course and look forward to learning from it and applying what I learn. Thank you!
Peckish: I plan to revisit Leah Day as I am an admirer of her creativity and ability. Thank you and thank you for your later post with her email address!
Pennyhal: Good luck in your search for a sewing machine with a large throat! They are definitely pricey. I just wish I could find that perfect machine that does it all: quilting, serging, embroidery, etc. And handwork does bring a lot of satisfaction. Thank you!
Purplefiend: Thanks for the feedback and thanks for identifying your machines and the throat size. It sounds as if I just need to give it all whirl. Thank you!
Rubesgirl: This thing of mine probably weighs in the 10-12 pound range. I am glad to hear you have had no problems using it for quilting. The light weight and durability from plastic parts have had me concerned. Thank you!
DottyMo: I have heard of working from the center outward, but not to divide it the way you describe. Thanks! It makes wonderfully good sense.
CAS49OR: I was not aware of the Janome/Brother similarities or the double raise of the pressure foot. Excellent information to file away. Thank you!
suern3: Again someone references Leah Day. Thanks!
Brenwalt: I love your approach! JUST DO IT!!! The hardest part of finishing something is getting started!
1949Mama: My machine is an innovi-s 40 project runway Brother.
Carolaug: Just to make sure I understand correctly...you do FMQ with a darning foot and DO NOT drop your feed dogs? My current skill level with quilting is zero, so this might be an interesting way for me to start; I have never done anything without having the feed dogs up. Thank you!
Shrabar: I am so jealous of your Dreamweaver; good luck with your repairs.
I wish to apologize to all for my delayed response as I have had to simply stop and be still for a while: my brand new knee replacement has become infected and I simply have not felt like doing anything. Thanks again for the excellent tips to get me started on FMQ and straight line quilting. My best to all of you!
Cheryl