I had to take my juki in to get fixed her timing was off. And I found out that this Saturday they are having a LA class I am so excited!!! She said I should bring graph paper and pencil and a questions. She also said to bring in quilt top to get advice on. I am excited but I have no idea what questions to ask. Can you all help me with questions you would ask? I will post the answers to them if she answers them. Thank you for your help. I take a lot of pain meds and my mind is drawing a blank! Thank you!

Hi Jade,

I don't take anything and my mind is drawing a blank..LOL.
Is the class a design class or is it specific to your machine?

Well, It would help if you posted your frame and machine...Are you a member of any Yahoo groups for Machine quilting/systems?
I would ask about setting thread tension for great stitching(top/Bottom), getting good stitches around a circle/corner,what combo of threads to use, pantos' and free motion, pricing, and best buys on batting.
Kirsten

Sounds wonderful!! I would love to find something like that around here!

I think it was just a basics class for long arms. We will learn design and how to match it to the quilt we are doing. I guess since I am just learning I am not sure what to ask. I am going to bring a couple of quilt tops to see what advice I can get. But as far as questions I don't want to blank out and miss an opportunity to ask someone face to face.

If it is for the design aspect and not the operation of the LA, some questions would be: (and most of these may be discussed anyway.)

1) How to know what design to use on what pattern ?
2) What color thread to use on what color fabrics should it blend in or stand out?
3) How to determine how tight to make the stitching (some batting fabrics call for closer quilting
4) What's the cheapest way to practice on quilts. i.e. even practicing on solid fabrics require backing fabrics and batting to be used.

Have fun and let us know what you learned.

I'm a Longarmer working on customer quilts but always learning.

I think the one thing I first and foremost needed to learn was to draw, doodle, relax, enjoy. Feathers or whatever you learn or want to learn you need to be able to draw it first.

I have given lessons and taken lessons. Starting from the begining, learning rulers, watching where to want to sew, not looking at the needle.

I'm taking a 2 day class in Beloit WI this weekend. So looking forward to it also.

If you're interested Pam Clarke is teaching a long arm class
March 21st thru the 26th 2011

Quilted Rose

7151 El Cajon, CA

San Diego, CA 92115

www.thequiltedrose.com