For those that longarm
 

How long did it take you to become comfortable and/or proficient with your longarm? Do you have the robotics or prefer freehand or both? I have been spending the last few weeks renewing my relationship with my longarm after a long unintended interruption. And while I do know that practice makes perfect, I am considering buying the robotics as well so that I have other choices; I would love to hear about your experiences with your longarm.

I've been long arm quilting for about 15 years, quilt anywhere from 25-70 quilts a year....some years are busier than others--- I had a constant practice quilt loaded for the first year, would work on it every day before working on other things. Started quilting for friends &family about 6 months into the adventure , started quilting for customers 2-3 years into it. I still practice, learn new things, use new tools. I have stitch regulation but do not have a ( robotic system) I'm not good about computer stuff & enjoy free hand custom quilting- no desire for a robotic machine.

I have an HQ Avante with the prostitcher. I use the pro a lot but have been practicing more freehand and it is improving. I often find myself using both methods on a quilt. It has taken me a long time to improve as I have to make the top before I can quilt so sometimes it is just like starting over but it gets better each time. I have been doing some quilting for close friends at a much reduced price--I practice and they save. So far, all have been happy with their quilts. This has been a lifesaver for me. I have had colon cancer and then breast cancer so I have battled my way thru tough times and this has been one of my helps and my quilting buddies.

I just do free motion from the front of my HQ16. I bought it used and it does not even have a stitch regulator. I am mainly a charity quilter and my own quilts. I got some charity tops through my guild and after about 4 of those did just fine. I hate pantos as they really slow me down.

Everyone is different. Some people manage to hit the ground running and others have a very long learning curve.

I have a stitch regulator but no robotics and have no desire for them. Depending on what machine you have, the robotics can add a lot of weight to the machine head so robotics can impede your ability to FMQ comfortably. I loved LA quilting from the moment I laid hands on one so I was comfortable right from the get go. Proficiency is a tough call. I am happy with my work but know there is always room for improvement.

I had a robotics with my first machine. I purchased it used and it came with. I played with it a couple times, but found I much preferred free hand. When I traded it in for my current machine, I got the stitch regulator, but not the robotics. I don't quilt for hire, so I have a smaller number of quilts that I do than many folks, and usually have no time constraints.

I had my longarm for about a year before I bought the robotics. I only quilt for myself and I just didn't get enough practice to get good at freehand. I have almost a signature pattern of hearts and leaves that I do quite well. I also do well if the fabric or blocks provide a pattern in the design. But when it comes to feathers and flowers I fail big time.
For me there was a big learning curve with the program. Some of it due to system failures and unresponding freeze ups. Whatever program you get make sure they provide ongoing support and classes.

This has been my experience too - ongoing support is crucial.....
I have both robotics and stitch regulation, and I only quilt for myself. Always working to improve regardless of technique I'm trying!

I have a stitch regulator but no robotics--and don't want it both because of price and frankly, I like the free motion and ruler work. It took me about a year before I really felt like I could do a quilt without tension, design or "me" problems on a consistent basis! I do find that when I'm off the frame for any length of time (like when I got my 2nd knee replacement or when I was replacing the wheels and the order was not coming through, or even just a vacation trip)I do need to put something on that I can practice before I load a quilt for a customer or one that I want to be really nice!
On her blog, Angela Walters suggests that everytime you take a quilt off the frame, that you put one on immediately so you have quilting work on a regular basis--so even it's just cheap practice fabric I've been doing that and trying to mess around on the frame for a little every day or every other day. (it also keeps the oil in the machine moving to where it needs to be :thumbup:

that's a great idea!