Hi Everyone - I've been on the board for a couple of weeks, and finally decided to dive it! I've done a little quilting - mostly flannel baby quilts - over the past several years, but this year took a class at my LQS. Then my DD volunteered me to make a baby quilt for a lady in our SS class, using plain white blocks decorated by other ladies in our church. Which of course meant I had to buy a new sewing machine. I had a 39 year old Kenmore which still works, but I wanted something a little fancier. I got an Elna Pro Quilting Queen, and so far, love her! My baby quilt isn't the greatest, and I'm still working it out, but I'm learning a lot.

I think I really need a class in perfecting the basics - how to accurately measure, cut, stitch, press, etc.

So a couple of questions:

Anyone else have an Elna Queen and can share tips, hints, etc?

Also, I kind of went crazy and bought tons of 1/2 yard pieces (plus a few 1-2 yds), mostly from fabric.com. I got lots of Christmas fabrics, baby fabrics, and a most everything they had available from collections that really spoke to me, like Krakow, Riviera, Hey Sugar. This probably wasn't the brightest thing to do. I was afraid to commit to buying very much of anything, and now I'm not sure what to do with all these 1/2 yd pieces. I also bought a Figgy Pudding Charm Pack, plus a lot of 1/2 - 2 yd pieces from the collection.

I very much want to FMQ, and am playing around with that. I have found that I don't have to lower the feed dogs on the Elna. I haven't tried lowering them yet, though.

Love all the hints on the board, and how wonderfully searchable it is.

Also, LOVE the pictures! What a gifted bunch of quilters!

That should have been dive "in". Sorry!

Welcome from Missouri!
I don't have that machine, sorry.
There are tutorials on this board that will help you with specific topics. Otherwise ask away and someone will have the answer, and we all offer our opinions on everything! :?

Welcome from NC. Sorry, I don't have that machine either, but I'm sure someone will have some advice to share. This is the best site for inspiration and help!

Welcome from Colorado! I also do not have your machine so can't help there. You are so fortunate to start your stash as you did. Sounds like you had a blast shopping!

Welcome to the board from North Carolina.

Love the name you are using.

I too am a daughter of the KING.

Have a wonderfully blessed evening.
Deara

Welcome, 'Princess', from Ireland. I hope you enjoy it here, I have found everyone very welcoming.

Welcome from Southern California

Hello KD

Welcome from Nottingham, UK. So pleased you finally bit the bullet & joined us all here. :wink:

Tisha

welcome from wa

Hello,
Im in Ohio too. You will love it here.
Judy in Ohio

*Waves from Iowa* :)

Hello and Welcome :D :D :D

Hi from Massachusetts, and welcome.

Hello and welcome from Ohio Columbus to be exact. You will love it here it's great for learning.

Thanks, Darlene; I'm in Columbus, too!

Ah Lacelady, you live in the one place on earth that I would ***almost*** give my first born, whom I love dearly, to visit.

Hi and Welcome from southern Indiana!!!

Deara, you're right down the road from me. I'm in Davidson County. Small world.

Yes it is a small world

I'm in Kannapolis, where are you?

Piedmont Quilter is not far from here too.

Deara

Where do you like to shop?

Deara, you're right down the road from me. I'm in Davidson County. Small world.[/quote]


Yes it is a small world

I'm in Kannapolis, where are you?

Piedmont Quilter is not far from here too.

Deara[/quote]

I'm in Lexington. Do you have any good LQS there? I go to Winston-Salem. There are several really good quilting shops there. My favorite is Sew Original. They also have a store in Boone, NC. Last September I went to a 3-day sewing/quilting camp in Boone with several friends. I started two quilts then that I have yet to finish. :( The staff there is SO
friendly and helpful.