First Quilt on My Long Arm
 

I learned a lot on this, my first quilt on my long arm.
I learned that I need to leave more backing around each edge...left with less than an inch of backing at the bottom. Just made it!
I learned that I need to start off as quickly as I mean to go on...otherwise I get long stitches and that I need to move slower, especially around curves, in order to keep my stitches somewhat even. Also, that I likely shouldn't have chosen Minky backing for my first try. It wasn't easy keeping it tight without stretching it and not sagging on the edges of the quilt.
I also learned how not to pin a quilt to the leaders...because I did it twice on one end and three times on the other!
I did the FMQ on the foxes on my domestic machine.
All in all, I'm happy with how it turned out.
Watson
PS.....photos won't attach. I'll try later.

sounds like it was a successful first run! Congratulations! I haven't had a quilt on my long arm for about a year and wondering how I will do. I usually try and have about 3-4 extra inches of backing and batting on each of the four sides. The thicker the batting, the more fabric seems to be eaten up while quilting. I also like a little extra width on the backing and batting so I can place a piece of scrap fabric down one side to check my tension on.

Here is the quilt. I figured out what I was doing wrong on the Upload.

Watson

Nicely done Watson...I like the FMQ wood grain design you chose. All in all it sounds like you are enjoying your LA and have now conquered your first quilt. I can’t wait to see more of your quilting projects.

Adorable quilt and a great job on the quilting.

Well done, Watson. Sounds like you are enjoying having a frame system!

Rob

Simply darling, love the foxes and what a perfect piece for backing.
Your quilting skills are amazing, especially as a first go.

fantastic you did a great job on your first one.

Great job especially for first try and with Minky no less! Look forward to all your quilts to come.