FMQ on Domestic machine ??????
 

Hello Ladies,

I am needing your advice on how to FMQ on my 6600 .
I ask this b/c I have gotten spoiled. To using my friends long arm. Where you
stand and have handles. Now she is renting out time on her machine and I don't
have much free time on it like I used to.

My hardest time is using my hands to move the fabric and not using "handles".
FMQ with my hands hurts my neck /shoulders.

Is thee anyway to put handles on your project???? Lol.

Any thoughts or suggestions you have for me I will take to heart and try to
learn from.
Thank you

Try to find the right height of the chair and every time your shoulders are ear-height, tell yourself to relax :)

Make sure you have an ergonomic setup. Your elbows should be at a right angle; so should your knees. Take frequent breaks, and I agree- if you find your ears to your shoulders, relax, take a deep breath, start again.

Make sure your quilt is supported well, that will make less weight you have to pull around. I keep an outfeed table (just a card table) behind my machine and also to the left side. Sometimes, I add my ironing board to extend the surface- the whole quilt should be supported, not hanging.

Handles? I've seen these grip rings demo'ed and some people swear by them. I've never tried them though so can't offer an opinion:

http://www.martellicatalog.com/mm5/m...egory_Code=FMQ

Before starting to sandwich or even joining the top divide into sections and then sandwich and quilt before joining each part. Gloves are useful also a slip piece of material below quilt. Try Leah Day quilt essentials.

I have to have Machingers and the Super Slider. I have no problem moving the quilt. Set up is very important. You need a big L shape configuration preferably in a corner. I have two four ft tables I use for regular size quilts and use four of the four ft tables when doing a king size.

I agree that Machingers gloves are a must! As for the neck and shoulder pain, try the "Yes, No, Maybe So" technique (it was on "Simply Quilts" years ago). Every 15 minutes or so, stop the machine; move your head up and down as though you were nodding "Yes"; then move your head side to side as though you were saying "No"; then "shrug" your shoulders as though you were indicating "Maybe So" (or "I Don't Know"). That really helps!

I was at a quilt show, and bought The fabulous Fabric Glide. It comes in two different sizes. I tried it, and it might be easier to use. I posted the question if anyone used it, and got one reply that they weren't thrilled with it..

Nothing beats a small glass of wine when the shoulders get tight. Just don't have the entire bottle like a friend of mine did. Talk about larger meanders. :}