Quilting queen sized quilt on my machine...
 

I may be speaking too soon,but I am enjoying quilting my queen sized quilt on my domestic machine. I have heard so many horror stories that I was very uncertain about it, but so far I am actually enjoying it. I hope that feeling continues. :)

I am Stitching in the Ditch. My quilt is 104" x 96. I figure that I am 1/10 done. Like I said, hope I feel the same way with the last 9/10. So far it is very satisfying, especially as I had half convinced myself I wouldn't be able to do it.

:)

Dina

I just reread what I wrote, and I sound like i am bragging, when I mainly meant to sound relieved. :( Anyway, my math was a bit off, and I am more like 1/20 done. Oh well, just 19/20 to go, and at least I am not hating it....

Dina

Hey Dina. I quilted all my quilts on my Bernina. My avatar is a queen size quilt. The trick is just having the support for the quilt on you left and behind the machine. Have fun !!! :)

I think I have support on three sides....one is to the left, one in back, and then the quilt inspector support behind me, which takes up more than his share of the chair. My son just took a picture, though it is sideways and you will have to kink your neck.

(I got dressed to run and then it got misty and windy, so I have gone back to quilting, running shoes and all.)

Hot Rod, quilt inspector, claims he is the one making this task satisfying....

Dina

I am also quilting a quilt on my DMS, queen, that has been sitting around for almost a year. I do all my quilts on my DMS. Can't afford a longarm.

So good to hear it's going well, Dina. I'll be joining the queen quilting on a domestic party soon, I have all the blocks done and laid out for a patchwork argyle, it'll be a summer quilt, no batting but a flannel backing, after that's done I plan to do a jewel box winter quilt (70/30 eco batting), well, if the first one goes okay and leaves me some sanity. lol

Good to know I am quilting in good company. :) Of course, if I would stay off the QB, I would get more done. :)

Dina

I hope that you find it easier than you thought it would be. I know I am sure relieved. I haven't sewn with a flannel backing yet...think I might like that. It sure would feel good to the touch!

Dina

There is something about this picture that puts me in a good mood. I've been having a rough day, but the simple image of you in your chair, doing your quilting, with your beautiful cat behind you...somehow it helps.

Thanks for sharing. :)

Awww, how sweet. Hot Rod and I each send you hugs...

Dina

Keep on trucking. I am happy it is going well for you.

Dina....i got it ....and i don't mind if you were bragging....having done queen size couple of times myself - on a machine that sits up on my table, not flat with the surface - i know what a challenge it can be. My biggest problem is my shoulders get tired and my arms get a little sore "dragging" the quilt around. So i say "good for you" !!!
But i doubt you'll have that problem...you are obviously way younger than i am ---- and if you're out jogging...in way better shape as well !!! :D:D

Well, I am 67, but I am addicted to running, just like I am addicted to quilting. (Though I have only been quilting 5 years, I have been a runner for 37. It is an addiction. I get grumpy if I don't run...)

My machine also sits on top of a desk, not flush with the top. But when I put my ironing board to the left of my machine, that supports most of the weight of the quilt. Then there is some space behind my machine also, about 14 inches. I think supporting the quilt, like ManiaQuilter2 says, really helps.

I used to teach school and I enjoyed grading papers. I used to get the strangest stares from fellow teachers when I said I enjoyed grading papers. I suspect there were some quilters giving me similar stares through the monitor when I said I was enjoying this queen sized quilting. I probably wouldn't be enjoying it if things weren't going so well, but so far they are good. And I am just glad there are room for all of us out there.

:)

Dina

Here is the link that gave me the confidence to tackle this large quilt. It is only 6 minutes long, and it suggests that you not roll the quilt. This has worked very well for me....just in case it helps anyone else. My sister suggested this to me hers ago, but I just forgot that hint. I find it much easier using this method.

Dina

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HI_V9Pdk-70

I quilt all of my quilts on my Bernina with the stitch regulator some free motion and some in the ditch when I do in the ditch I really like the serpentine stitch depending on the style of quilting I do I sometimes divide the quilt in sections I have one now that I am going to try upside down quilting looking for the right backing the will free motion the design

Hi Dina, Bravo to you!!! The hardest step in doing something is getting started and sounds like you are well on your way. Keep the positive attitude going. I have quilted 3 king size quilts and numerous queen on my Janome 6600. Some straight line stitching and now lots of free motion and I am still loving it all. I also now have the Janome 8900 and have found that a lot smoother for my free motion quilting. I felt soooo intimidated with the free motion years ago, but kept trying. Now I am at a point where I am not afraid to try most any motifs and loving it even more. But I will say this, lots of practice sandwiches. I am constantly watching tutorials. So look forward to the amazing quilting you are going to do. And you are right about not rolling the quilt, that creates problems for me. I just keep it bunched up around and free from drag. We are always learning in this wonderful world of quilting........

It doesn't sound like bragging at all! We who are considering it, are encouraged by your saying you are enjoying it, and having success with it. (Frankly, the very idea of a queen size makes me quake but I've realized I am an impatient quilter and just want to have it done, unlike how I am when piecing.)

I hope you keep us posted as you go along, and show pictures, as well! Congratulations and good luck!

I know the feeling of feeling so great about how far along you are. I was scared the firtst time I tried quilting a queen size on my DSM. For me it worked best if I rolled it on both sides toward the middle and worked my way out. Was really happy when I was able to get my own longarm to quilt on. Hope it keeps going good for you!

Congratulations on enjoying machine quilting on your DSM, enjoy the process. I quilted a king size quilt on my Sears Kenmore; then another King size on my Janome 4000, so it's possible to quilt a larger quilt on a DSM - both my king size quilts were about 110" x 110". I must add that I had my very large former dining room table, which really supported the quilt, while I was quilting them. That was a big help, and I quilted them both in the summer - with the large table top supporting the quilt, I could turn on a floor fan and not have to deal with a hot quilt. You rock girl, enjoy your quilting and have fun with it.

I quilt all of my own on my DSM Bernina. Largest, so far was 101 x 111 I have two to work on this week that are 100x110 and 98x 108.

I am glad I am not alone in quilting large quilts. Funny, my queen sized quilt has now grown into a king sized. I put it on two twin beds pushed together and like it well enough that I am making it large enough to look good this way. Here is what it looked like before I started quilting. I SID, so it really won't look any different when I am finished. :)

Dina

Oh My Gosh, That is beautiful and I cannot believe my eyes! I made that exact same pattern in burnt oranges and teals for southwest colors for our friends back in 2003! And I was only a few years into quilting than. I love your colors.....

I am so glad to hear that you are enjoying the quilting process on your DSM! I also have a large quilt to be quilted on my DSM (90 x 90), and love to hear the success stories. I am at the sandwich stage; may I ask, what method did you use to baste your quilt: pins, thread baste, spray baste, glue baste?

How cool is that!! The quilt must have been beautiful in burnt orange and teals. :)

Dina

I use pins. I don't have the patience for thread basting, and I just don't like the idea of glue on my quilts. I used lots of pins....all I had plus 90 of my sister's. :)

Dina

Dina, That looks like a Pfaff machine, what model is it and how wide is the harp area?

Yes, it is an Expression 2.0...let me measure the harp. I think it is 11 inches. Nope, it is 10 inches. I bought it 5 years ago and have been very happy with it. (I have only been quilting 5 years.)

Dina

That's what I thought, I've been looking for one but there doesn't seem to be any available in this area, I've even been watching EBay and there are two on there right now. Not sure if I have enough nerve to bid on one of them or not. Our LQS sells Pfaff and Baby Lock and I love their shop so hate to not buy from them.