Shelley

You can put zippers (mine are 144" long) on your longarm. Then you sew or pin or staple your backs onto zippers, then zip the backs onto the zippered leaders.

I sew all backs onto the zippers, then zip them onto the machine. When I'm done quilting, I can unzip and inspect. If I need to fix something, I can just zip it right back on.

It also allows me to take off quilts before they are done, and know that when I put them back on they will be right where they were before. I'm not the only one using the machine, so I can't just put a quilt on and show up three days later and expect my partner to be happy with me! This way I (and she) can take the unfinished quilt off the machine so someone else can use it.

azam

You're gonna love your machine. I have the TL 18 LS. Once I got the bugs worked it, it's been fun. You'll get the rhythm just keep practicing.
A good way to practice freehand motifs is to buy a dry erase board and draw until you feel like you'd be able to do it on the machine. I like using this method because I'm able to erase and start all over until I'm satisfied.

Piedmont Quilter

Now that's a neat idea. Couldn't you do that with the leaders for hand frames too? Where do you get such long zippers?

Shelley

Ebay - I have one set sewn on the machine leaders, then half a dozen or so extras for backs. I try to prepare several quilts when someone else is on the machine.

Here's the link to 120". They combine shipping, and he also has postings for longer zippers.

http://cgi.ebay.com/120-Quilting-Zip...item3c92f893bb

You can google Longarm Zippers for videos on installing and using zippers.

Piedmont Quilter

Thanks for the link. I'm gonna have to study on this some. I think it would work wonderful for loading on a hand frame too!!

Marjpf

Do you have to use the whole length of the zipper?

Bettia

there's a lot of good ideas here. I have an HQ16 that I haven't had much time to use yet.
I purchased inexpensive white flat sheets, sandwich them with batting and practice. When I'm finished I serge the edges and use for mattress pad.
I haven't used the zippers yet, but I do want to.
I have the HQ set-up and I have a Brother PQ 1500S and a New Joy frame that I want to sell. PM me if you know anyone that is interested.
Good luck ladies and have fun

Quilting4Ever

Dont know if this thread is still alive. I bought a new to me Janome1600 on Grace frame. Well, shortly after, the lady I bought it from had a family crisis ,so not available to give me any training. Then I have had a year of Chemo. I bought this system knowing NOTHING but very eager to learn. I did a few practice "dog beds" Lol. But I dont have a clue how to load frame or how to get started. I am taking advantage of online classes, but still very intimidated how to start. Dont even know if the setup is "set up" correctly! Would love to find someone in Oklahoma who I could pay for a couple of days of training...

ckcowl

visit the HandiQuilter web site- they are offering classes on line-
also the Machine Quilters Society/forum= will have alot of good support/tips/help. enjoy- don't expect too much at first- allow your creative juices to flow

An Arm Long

Go to Longarm University. Cindy Roth has classes on loading your quilt, doing pantographs, etc.
Some are free, and some things you can get on PDF. Others have a fee, but she send you DVD's so that you can watch on line and later with the DVD.