Go Back  Quiltingboard Forums > Main
Finally got the hang of it! >

Finally got the hang of it!

Finally got the hang of it!

Old 06-19-2009, 12:25 AM
  #1  
Super Member
Thread Starter
 
GladGrams's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Norway
Posts: 1,509
Default

A while ago I wrote in asking about the thread always breaking when I am free motion quilting. I just bought a brand new Husqvarna sewing machine and was sure there was something wrong with it.

Well, there was definitely something wrong, only the problem was --- ME :oops:

As a beginging quilter I was not running the machine at a steady speed and the stopping and starting and stuttering was breaking the thread. I have now spent untold hours practicing and guess what? NO THREAD BREAKS because I am now able to just let'er rip and stop worrying.

I am no where near being able to do any specific designs but am proud of finally gotten this far.

NEW QUESTION: Is it possible to do fancy designs using just my sewing machine or does one need a long arm? (which is way out of reach on my budget :mrgreen: )
GladGrams is offline  
Old 06-19-2009, 01:30 AM
  #2  
Super Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Missouri
Posts: 1,822
Default

I am 'no' pro here, just a piddler of many quilts quilted(of my own) and yes, you do not need a long arm to do anything 'fancy'...:0)If you have mastered the flow of the machine and stitches and feel confident to move on to greater things...then it is time!LOL Using stencils and pounce or any other good marking tool I have found very helpful and easy. We will be anxious to see your quilting creations soon:)Skeat
Skeat is offline  
Old 06-19-2009, 01:31 AM
  #3  
Senior Member
 
key4unc's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: North Carolina
Posts: 584
Default

Congratulations on getting the hang of it. I'm still not very good at the quilting part. I have a LOT of quilt tops that are ready to be quilted but I keep making more tops because the actual quilting part is not yet an enjoyable process for me.

The only thing that limits you with a domestic machine is the size of the quilt. Although I have heard of folks who have quilted a queen-size on a domestic machine. Pantographs are designed for long arms. But if you found one that you really loved, you could always transfer the design to the quilt top with a quilt-marking pen.
key4unc is offline  
Old 06-19-2009, 02:13 AM
  #4  
Super Member
 
Quilt4u's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2008
Location: Merrimac, MA
Posts: 9,019
Default

Congrats on your machine quilting. I still need a lot more pratice on my machine.
Quilt4u is offline  
Old 06-19-2009, 02:16 AM
  #5  
Super Member
Thread Starter
 
GladGrams's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Norway
Posts: 1,509
Default

I was too naive to think about needing expertise to complete a quilt. ROFLOL, I thought the piecing of the top together WAS quilting! When the teacher in my first class told me I had to sew rows of stitching crosshatched over my beautiful patchwork, I was not happy about it! :evil:

You can imagine I was the laugh of the class when I expressed my displeasure. Guess I won't ever live that one down!

I am learning now that the top stitching can make or break the pattern. I decided to make 7 little sample pieces for my grandchildren and one a big larger for a friend's child. I used these in an attempt to try out different patterns of my own design; I am still not secure in being able to use an actual pattern to follow. So I tackled, straight line, stitch in the ditch, out lining and free motion now I need to train my eye for what looks best, where and what can ruin things.

At least the thread is no longer breaking.
GladGrams is offline  
Old 06-19-2009, 02:52 AM
  #6  
Super Member
 
Quilting Aggi's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Newfoundland, Canada
Posts: 2,605
Default

wooo hooo!! I'm so glad you are getting in the swing of things with your new machine and no more breaking threads! I have a Husqvarna too and I looooooooooove my machine!
Quilting Aggi is offline  
Old 06-19-2009, 04:37 AM
  #7  
Power Poster
 
Join Date: Sep 2007
Posts: 18,726
Default

Congrats on your progress so far! I use only my little domestic machine and I've done several rather large quilts...108 x 95. I just stuff them right through the hole! It works, so no...you do not need a LA, although it would make it lots easier :wink:
sandpat is offline  
Old 06-19-2009, 06:13 AM
  #8  
Senior Member
 
Roben's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: SW IA
Posts: 900
Default

If you get the chance, pick up a copy of Joanie's Quilting Elements by Joanie Zeier Poole - the book comes with a CD with some PDF designs to practice with. Joanie is awesome, does her competition quilts on home sewing machines. Her website is http://www.heirloomquiltingdesigns.com (I got my copy at Joann's.)

Just somebody else I want to be when I grow up :lol:
Roben is offline  
Old 06-19-2009, 06:22 AM
  #9  
Super Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2009
Posts: 3,382
Default

Granted a longarm does make intricate patterns easier to quilt, especially larger patterns. But you can make the same designs with your home sewing machine. It takes a lot of practice, practice, practice, but it can be done. BTW - It takes a lot of practice to do on a longarm, too! There are some well known quilters using only their home machines to quilt award winning quilts.
mytwopals is offline  
Old 06-19-2009, 07:16 AM
  #10  
Super Member
 
carrieg's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: S.W. Michigan
Posts: 1,201
Default

Originally Posted by Roben
If you get the chance, pick up a copy of Joanie's Quilting Elements by Joanie Zeier Poole - the book comes with a CD with some PDF designs to practice with. Joanie is awesome, does her competition quilts on home sewing machines. Her website is http://www.heirloomquiltingdesigns.com (I got my copy at Joann's.)

Just somebody else I want to be when I grow up :lol:
After looking at this website, I realize I saw this woman and her quilt at the 2008 Chicago show. Her quilting is awesome!

I need to practice my quilting.... :?
carrieg is offline  
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
BARES
For Vintage & Antique Machine Enthusiasts
21
03-15-2016 07:38 PM
Elfi2
Pictures
61
03-24-2013 08:19 PM
mgshaw
Pictures
62
10-05-2012 01:21 PM
NOELLA
Pictures
7
10-09-2011 04:31 AM
MelissaK
Main
5
04-11-2008 11:49 AM

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is On
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


FREE Quilting Newsletter