:( :( I am new at the Tin Lizzie 18. Have lots of guestions. My first one is....what type of thread do you use? Is there a special brand that is recommended?? Does the machine make a lot of noise? Or is that normal. I think mine makes alot of noise. Thanks, any help I can get, I will be so greatful. Heleln

I have the older model Tin Lizzie and I use all brands of thread. I know many Lizzie users use King Tut thread, I think it is the recomended brand and many people say they have trouble with the cheaper brands.
I have never felt comfortable spending alot for thread so I use whatever is available at a reasonable price on the net. I've used coats & clark, YLI, and am currently using Thread Art (very cheap). I do have to brush out the lint often, the cheap thread is more linty. All the thread I use is cotton.
My machine is and always has been fairly loud. I think this is normal for my machine. I oil and clean before each use. If you think something is wrong with your machine you should call the Tin Lizzie company, they are helpful. You might look at the Tin Lizzie Yahoo group for a lot of support and answers. There are many people who know more than I do, and they are glad to help.
Enjoy your machine, take your time learning. Mary

You might try taking a look at this site http://www.superiorthreads.com/ . There's lots of great information there specifically about thread. I hear lots of good things about the So Fine thread by John Flynn.

Thanks so much for the input, regarding the Tin Lizzie. I have been practising, and reading and more reading. I learn a little bit every day. I have been told that the Superior SoFine polyester is great. I went in on the web sight of superior threads. com. I am looking for the "Sofine", but can't tell if the 550 yrd. thread is on a cone or spool. The Tin Lizzie dealer told me that this machine is made to use a spool. Yes, I have a hard time even thinking that the Superior Thread is recommended, because of the price. Wow!! Am also wondering if there is a special trick to the side quilt clamps that you attach to the fabric to make it more taut. My table that the machine sets on, wants to push these clamps, so I have trouble with the sides staying nice and taut. Thanks for all in info you can give me. Helen

:?: Thanks to you for the info regarding the Tin Lizzie. As you will see, I have been in on the Superiorthreads, com sight. I did get a cone of the Superior thread, SoFine. This was sent with the machine, when I got that. I have a problem spending such a high price on thread, but if that is what I have to do, then I guess, I have to do it. I found the SoFine thread, but it says it is 550yrds, but does not say if it is on a spool or cone. The Tin Lizzie dealer, I bought if from, told me that this machine is designed to use the Cone. I have always been told to use 100% cotton thread on 100% cotton fabric, which is basically what I use on alll of my quilts. Now, the sample of the SoFine I got, is 100% polyester, but it sure works nice on my Tin Lizzie. No thread breakage.I guess I willl just have to continue to practice. And I am the most impatient person!! thanks again, Helen

That is the spool. Here is a website that sells 3,280 yards of So Fine! for $11.50; the 3,280 yards come on a cone.

http://tinyurl.com/cndkdx

There may be other places that sell it for less. I didn't do a complete Google search.

:D thank you, thank you. I just placed an order on the site you sent me. I did not order alot, because I better see if this is going to work. Thank you again. You probably wouldn't believe this, but I said a pray in church this morning. Do you suppose that helped me. I have to admit, I have been so frusterated, not know just where or how to go about this. I live in a small town in ND, and there isn't much in this little town. Therefore I do alot of 'buying' on the puter. Thanks again. Helen

I'm so glad the website was helpful!

You should join the homequiltingsystems list at http://groups.yahoo.com as there are a number of Lizzie users there. Someone will likely be able to help with the side tensioner problem you mentioned.

:D Thanks again, as soon as I get a moment, I will go in on homequiltingsystem