Quiltingboard Forums - Laser Stylus Is Not for Me

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I have used pantos with my Tin Lizzie, but can't seem to get the hang of getting the quilt in the right place for the next row. I'm always too close or too far.:(

I have a Nolting Fun Quilter. Would love to use a laser but want to use one for front quilting. Where would the laser be mounted & where would you put the panto?
Thanks for any info.

I use the laser on my Gammill extensively but I also free-hand as well. I like using the laser but there are times when it's overkill.

Quote:

Originally Posted by quiltlizzy (Post 5020596)

Yes I use the laser often. What panto did you try. I am an HQ rep and when I train folks we talk a lot about the death grip. Avoid that and try a flowy panto like drift or double plume. You really can do beautiful work with them. Have u tried rulers yet?

I probably had a death grip! I also had to remind myself to breathe! I was using a design out of a book of a tree with leaves. My machine is a Janome Artistic 18. I don't know if I had the laser attached in the right spot. I've done about 8 or 9 free motion quilts so far and have really enjoyed it, but I felt like I had to go so extremely slow using the laser stylus. Later, I did the same design free motion and while I still had to work slow to get details, I felt much more comfortable going without the laser. I've use a few simple rulers for straight edges and continuous curves, but since I don't yet have an extended base, I've had trouble using some of my rulers. I suppose if I practice the laser more, I'll get more comfortable with it.

Don't despair! I could not do a panto to save my LIFE for about 6 months. I find that I need MORE control over my machine with a panto than I do with freemotion. Now BOTH are my friends! I like to prove to myself I am relaxed by quilting with two fingers on each hand...two on each handle. My machine and I are now good friends (so much that I finally named her!). Give yourself time to really get to know your machine...and try again in a couple of months. You might surprise yourself! I did!

this is done on long arm quilting machines which cost a lot of money to purchase.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Christine27 (Post 5025810)

If you plan on using rulers, definitely do yourself a favor and invest in an extended base. It is worth every penny. I can't imagine trying to use rulers without having the extended base on. I take it off when I am not using rulers.

I use my laser light little over 1/2 the time, the other time I mostly do freehand, then a little ruler work. I have a set of grovey boards I use the laser light instead of the stylis, which jumps out of the grooves. Maybe there is something wrong with my stylus?