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.

That is just adorable!! The backing is just perfect! Great job on the quilting - each time you do it, it will get easier.

You did a fantastic job! The backing is perfect, well done!

I don't have a LA but it sure looks good to me. Cute foxes.

That is a very cute quilt! well done!

Oh what fun! And such a cute quilt.

It's been 3 years since I brought my LA in. One thing I don't regret is keeping track of each quilt I finished. I use a simple stenographer's notebook. What I write:
1. Date
2. Short quilt description
3. Size (w x l)
4. Backing (Wide or pieced)
5. Thread type and color
6. Stitch used (FMQ design or pantograph name)
7. Type of batting
8. Problems encountered and/or what I learned

The reason I put in size is I figure total square inches divided by 1296 (# sq in in sq yd) multiplied by $12 to get an idea of what it would cost if I quilted by check. The $12 figure is probably low, but I am also an inexperienced LA'er. I keep a running total of "savings" to see how long it will take to recoup on my investment.

This has been a valuable resource as i improve my skills.

I do the same. I also add the measured size of the quilt top, then remeasure after quilting and write that down, and if I remember, I also measure again after washing the finish quilt. That way I start to get a feel for how much a quilt will shrink after quilting and the first washing. Oh, and I also started adding a system for flagging what happened to the quilt. So all the quilts I made for charity are flagged with one color, all the quilts given away to family and friends with another color. It is fun to go back and see. I did think I would give every one out of every five quilts I made to charity too when I started.

Every time I use my longarm I have to relearn those lessons. Good job!

What an adorable quilt! https://cdn.quiltingboard.com/images/smilies/heart.gif It sure isn't apparent that you had any trouble with that perfect minky - it just looks darling. How fun to have a longarm! :)

Yes, I usually note the recipient in my notes too. Personally don't think I would take the time to measure and remeasure as you do, but now you know about shrinkage either by quilting and washing.

WOW you did a great job! I used the same panto on an Elizabeth Hartman Fancy Forest but had to trace it on the backing, so took me much much longer, but it gives great woodgrain texture. Love, Love the birch trees on the front with the fox, and the minkee was a perfect backing.

Thanks, everyone, for your kind comments. The quilt diary is a great idea.
EmiliasNana...this wasn't a panto...I haven't tried one of those yet. This was freehand which is why it isn't as even as it could have been.
My next quilt that I have loaded...a lot faster than the first one!... is the Merry Mayhem that a bunch of us did at New Years'. We'll see how that turns out. It is a Medallion quilt, so I will be doing something in each border, but I'm not sure how to do the sides...Do you turn the quilt and re-pin it after you've done all the horizontal rows or just attempt to do FMQ in the vertical areas as you roll the quilt?

Watson

Love everything about your fabulous quilt!

Love the Quilt! Congrats on your first run on your longarm. That is something truly enjoyable. Looks awesome!

What a great quilt. Very impressive work. You are a wonder!

I love your foxes! So cute. Great quilt!

How exciting! I am so happy for you! Your quilt and its foxy look is so grand. Great Job.

Well done on the wood grain! It looks lovely. That fox pattern is too cute for words.

That looks wonderful! The wood grain motif is unique. Love it! And congrats on doing such a good job for your first time.