I jumped off and bought a longarm, ABM Innova 18", and will be going to the Beginner longarm retreat in Texas next weekend. I'm excited and anxious all at the same time. My question for you is what advice other than PPP would you give to newbies? What shortcuts, techniques, tools, etc. would you suggest? Thanks

Practice, practice, practice! Just as you've already heard. It's wonderful that you get to have a class, enjoy it! Congratulations! :thumbup: :thumbup:

LOL, my inner child comes out when I hear PPP, I want to do it well and do it now. :lol:

practice a lot and enjoy the learning process-do not be over critical as you learn.I have an Innova also-you will love it

Congratulations. You've already been told the most important thing, PPP. I wouldn't suggest that you buy a bunch of gadgets. As you need something, buy it. What works for one, does not necessarily work for someone else.

A HUGE timesaver would be to NOT sew the quilt top to the leader cloth!!! Please don't ask how I know... :lol: (Comes with that whole PPP thing! ;) )

Thank you! I had to think about that one for a minute. LOL

I have done that and kicked my self in the butt while picking it out. Sigh. I learned from that.

Buy a bolt of muslin (to start). Use a color that blends with that. If you can find some closeout fabric cheaper than muslin, it's a lot less boring to practice on that. PPP going around the designs, staying on lines, 1/4 away as an outline. And, don't forget to BREATHE!!!!

I buy a cheap bolt of muslin to practice with. Put on some music that you enjoy, don't forget to breathe and make a conscious effort to relax your neck and shoulder muscles. But most of all....have fun!!!