Well, I jumped in with both feet last night. I used a pantograph and it went ok. I had a few problems, but made some progress. My thread kept breaking because it winds around the pin above the spool. I found that the first place you thread through moves, so I am going to try moving it so it is directly over the top of the spool and see if that helps. My mom said to try that, but if that doesn't work to flip the spool over, maybe it is catching on the little notch.

The only reason I didn't try that last night is that after the last thread break, I couldn't get the first stitches to lock. I did the stitch and then pulled the bobbin thread up to the top, then did a couple of stitches in the same place. I gave both threads a little tug and they didn't stick.

After sleeping on it, I wonder if my bobbin is in backwards.

It can get really intmidating (sp?) wokring on the frame. May I suggest something? Before I start working on the frame, each time I start a new one and each time I rest and go back to it I have a practive piece at the very end that I "Warm up" on and get the feel back for the carriege and it also tells me if I need to make some adjustments to anything on the machine. What frame and machine are you working with?

So when you load your quilt you load a practice piece the same length at an end? That is a great idea. I did something similar last time, but it was shorter and I had to partially unload the quilt. But if I just put a sample strip at one end that would be much easier.

I have an older Nolting SMS16 that is on a 14 foot frame.

My practive pice is about 8 inches across and runs 102 inches it stays loaded on the frame so that when I advance I still have it to the side.

So you have to at least partially reload it with each new quilt? I think I am going to do that too. I think my quilt is not loaded quite right anyway. I have a hard time with these old instructions figuring out which way the rollers are suppose to roll. Each time I look at it I have to refigure it out in my head.

Well I have to roll it each time. My rails use this tubing like IV tubing I just dont take it all the way out of the grooves. But yes each time I load I just roll it along with the new.

As far as loading the frame. Here is what I did because I get confused as well. I typed up my instructions and took pictures along the way. I printed them out, laminated them and punched a hole in them and put them on a keyring that I hung on the end of the frame. So I have a picture pictorial to use as refrence and it stays fresh because its in laminate. IF you dont have a thermal laminator you can get the send sealing kind at wally or any office supply.

That's a great idea too. I'm really glad your online today.

Thanks! :D

You are so welcome dear! I am glad you are here too. I dont know where the day has gone today, O my its alread 45:46 here. And I have not gotten much done at all today. O well I guess I deserve somewhat of a lazt day, yesterday I acomplished a lot.

You've been busy helping me! Relax and enjoy your day.

The weather is warming her in MN finally. I'm going to go visit my daughter and granddaughter after work today. She's making a pork loin on the grill. Then home to try a few things, see if I can get this thing working smoothly for me.

Have fun with your family! It is starting to get really hot here in Mississippi. I think I need to drag out my shorts now. I have been putting it off but I think its time. Post pictures of your work and let us know how you are doing with the frame.