Did I get myself into more than I can handle
 

I have a longarm quilting machine, my problem I do not know how to use it. Loading it is not a problem, but I would like to fine a book for begining machine quilting. Does anyone know of a good book for beginners? I appreciate all the help I can get. I have been practicing free motion quilting with just circles and lines, but I would like to show some progress.

Shirley

there are tons and tons of books. If you have a laser light, you can also use pantographs and books with pantographs in them. Then there are pattern boards that use a stylus...the list is endless. Start out practicing a freehand meander and then try a larger meander...the sky is the limit. Mostly, relax and enjoy the process.

There are a lot of great videos on Youtube and also Craftsy classes for longarming that might help. My local library has a few good free motion books - maybe yours does as well. There will be a free webinar next Thursday, Dec 13th on HQ rulers & ruler work. I'm not sure if you are interested in ruler work. I believe they're going to make the webinar available the next day if you're not able to watch it live.

There's a few books out there on Amazon. I've got this one right in front of me. It's more modern quilting. http://www.amazon.com/Free-Motion-Qu...arm+quilt+book

I'm not sure what style of quilting you do - that would also depend on what books/videos to suggest..

I own this one... http://www.amazon.com/Ultimate-Guide...arm+quilt+book
I'm going to have to take it off the shelf and go through it. I had a midarm machine and sold it. I now have a Tin Lizzie sit down that I adore :) There might be some super helpful things in that book for me as well.. if not, I'll ebay it out ;)

Have you taken a class?

Have not seen a lot of books, there are some tutoral's on you tube. We have a local LA quilter that gives classes, after one of her classes I was comfortable tackeling some intricate designes free hand. She told us not to get overwelmed by the whole design, just bereak it down into loops, lines, s's, ect. she also had us use a dry erase board and just practice , if you make a mistake just wipe it away and try again. Lay the dry erase board on the counter and start drawing the design over and over, your brain will soon learn it and your hands will follow. Good luck

I was in the same boat as you - I bought my long arm two and half yrs ago - I really did not know anything before I purchased it - I have learned on my own - I bought videos - watched you-tube and purchased books - I can honestly tell you that one book and class made a huge difference for me - It's Angela Walters - she wrote a book called Free Motion Quilting with Angela Walters - also she a Craftsy class called Machine Quilting Negative Space - Her book and class made all the difference in the world to me - it does take practice - but she really made the task seem so much easier and broken down in segments that I could handle. Good luck and I promise you will love Angela Walters.

Have you thought about taking classes. At quilt shows at your local LQS.

I highly recommend Kim Brunner's video for beginning longarm quilters. Lots of good information about the basics when first starting out. She has other videos and classes on Craftsy also.

https://kimmyquilt.danemcoweb.com/sh...ting-supplies/

Christine

My quilt frame came with free lessons before and after. I also know people who have been to 2-3 day classes, expensive but possible cheaper in the long run.

I bought my longarm from my friends sister. There are no LQS around here to take lessons from. The next quilt show near me is in August, in Michigan. Thank you for all your suggestions, I have seen some of the books on amazon, but I was wondering which one was best for beginners, I saw something a while ago, on the internet where the segments were broken down, but I could not find it. I will look at amazons for some of the ones suggested. Thank you all (I am from the north or I would have said Ya'll) for your help.

We had the same problem when we got our machine. There is nothing up here. I'm in northern Wi and really...there is one lqs an hour away and that is it. I have to drive 3-4 hours away to get to any real big town. When we bought our machine, they told us we should expect to get about 100 hours of practice quilting in. It's to help you realize that not everyone can just walk up to a machine and be good. It does take practice. You can go on youtube and watch quilting videos. There is a dvd that you might like and it's by the Pajama Quilter. Very relaxed quilter and she makes it fun. You can also try drawing designs out. When you practice drawing it, your building your mental memory and quilting that design will be easier next time. Spend some time watching quilting videos on youtube. It's free and they really do show you alot. I don't know if you have the lazer set up for pantos....but that might be an option for you too.

Great advice for Shirley, and I am sure the rest of us have gotten good information, too! Thanks to all for sharing! I also learned on my own because there was not much local support for new shortarm to longarm owners back when I first started. I learned by various means, but the best thing you can do is to USE your machine and you will improve each time you do a project. I learn something each time I make a quilt. I still have my practice quilts where I tried various designs and they are great for later reference. The biggest thing for me was a 2-hour FMQ class a few years ago at my LQS where the instructor helped me overcome the fear of making feathers! Oh, there are great books, videos, and, most of all, quilt shows where inspiration and motivation are plentiful! Have fun!

Check your local library for books also, if you find any that are helpful, then buy them.

I too have a frame and do not know how to use it to its' full potential. But after taking classes with Craftsy I am much more at ease. They run specials all the time for 19.99. They are your classes for life so you can go back and look at different aspects at any time. You also can take notes as the class is happening so you can go back to that spot later without having to watch the whole thing. The Cratfsy classes are the best by far! Good luck. Let us know what you decide!

Shirley, remember you can do anything you put your mind too. Think positive and read/take a class or find someone in your area with a long arm who will help/give you some lessons. You go girl you can do it. Remember you had to practice to learn to drive, well practice and you will wonder what you were worried about.