I think we all felt that way! I got over my fear when I put some cheap sheets on the machine (I bought them at the local thrift store) and drew the design that was on the quilt I wanted to do -- I practiced the techniques there and then went for it. You're going to see every wobble and problem...but IGNORE them.......just keep going. Finish the "quilt" and take it off the machine -- now -- can you see those wobbles??? More than anything -- have FUN with it!!!!

Just get a small quilt for starters and then go for it.I don't have the room or $$ for one,but that don't keep me from dreaming for one someday before I get toooo old.I am 48 my age don't bother me but my health sure does.

I started with a B-line frame and Juki machine. I learned ALOT..and on my own. I purchased at a big quilt show, had it shipped and had NO help! I DID shed tears, but I finally realized I was learning to troubleshoot. Everytime I solved a problem, I knew how to deal with it the NEXT time. I have upgraded twice and now quilt on a gently used Gammill Classic Plus. I love 'Lucy' and she loves me back (she got her name by me chanting 'righty tighty, left loose-y' when I was adjusting her tensions to suit ME.) Find yourself an online group that will listen. MQResource.com and longarmchat.com maybe good places to start. I am SURE there is a group that just has Little Gracie frames. Finding someone who 'speaks' Little Gracie, will help you know you are NOT alone..and you are NOT crazy! Hang in there and just try ONE thing at a time. This week:load...next week: try tensions. One or two successes and you will be on your way.

Two more suggestions:1. practice doodling on a white board till you like what you can doodle. (I dont' say draw because I do NOT excell at drawing...now DOODLING..THAT is a different story!) Elbows and wrists off the board as you are training your arm and shoulder the shapes. 2. www.pajamaquilter.com I LOVE her freemotion designs. They are EASY and they look GREAT and she is SO supportive! I have been quilting on a track frame since 2005 and I just ordered her 2nd DVD as a present to ME! I hope all this rambling helps. Feel free to PM me if you need a shoulder or someone to listen!


PS I made aLOT Of dog beds for a rescue out of my beginning quilting! The dogs LOVED them and no one was the wiser that my quilting was....well...LESS than stellar!

The first quilt I tried on my mid-arm setup back in about 2003, I threw away when it was finished. After that, I didn't seem to have a problem. I think I got mad at the machine and was determined to figure it out. I think you should just dive in.

Golly girl, pin your ears back and go to it. You can do it. I know you can. I wish I lived closer, I'd help you and I've never run one before either. When I get mine, I'm going to drive that think like nobodys business. hehehe! Kepp up posted on your advancements!!

My new setup is with a strait stitch machine and it is very scary. Ive ruined several practice pieces and am scared to try again. The machine is just not easy to use on a frame and their are no instuctions to follow. I do love the stitch regulator I bought for it but even that has a learning curve.
Maybe this year is the year to get down to business and learn it.
I like the idea of using a panel with just flannel backing to practice on.

Iam sure I will nt be the only one to post this, but you just must take the first step! There is an old saying that the best way to eat and elephant is one bite at a time. I had a 401 machine years ago that did wonderful things, it took me almost a year to screw up the courage to try the discs. lol Sometimes there is no cure but to just do it!:)

Congrats on the new setup. First make a practise sandwich. second watch utube videos on LAQ. Linda Taylor is the Queen and has done beginner LAQ classes. The only major difference b/n your setup and the LA machines is the space you have to quilt in. I did many pantos on mine but they had to be smaller5 inches max if I was doing a full or queen size quilt. I also did a little fm but was not ever good at it. Practise and practise alot! Enjoy the learning process take a few classes and have fun! Luann

I know exactly what you mean. More than 25 years ago, I bought one of the first Gammill long arms. At that time hardly anyone had them and there were no manuals or written directions. Mr Gammill came to set it up and gave me verbal instructions which included oiling the machine, setting up the fabric, and a lot of cautions about only quilting in one direction etc. There were no magazines on machine quilting or any support from other quilters. I was overwhelmed and as you said, scared to use it. Well, I was having children and working and never really used it. Finally, 25 years later, I said what the heck, had it serviced and just dug in. I had to look at a picture on the gammill ads to remember how to load it. The model is so old, the online manuals don't refer to it. But, it really isn't so difficult. You can't really hurt the machine and it is so worth it. I don't have a stitch regulator but I have "mastered" basic free motion stuff. (or at least can do it ok). I even had the nerve to mess with the tension, top and bobbin. Any change you make can be reversed! Once you start working with it, your confidence will quickly build. Good Luck.

best thing to do is get some muslin for front and back and some scrap batting throw it on the frame and play you will not worry as much then because it is just a practice tablet so to speak