Longarm Training
 

Hi I purchased a longarm a couple of years ago, and received very basic training on how to use it, and while continued support/training is supposed to be free since I bought my machine from them, I felt the instructor was more interested in finishing the training and getting on with her day, than she was in ensuring I really understood how to use the device.

All that said. Given how much I've paid for it, I would like to take some time to learn to use my longarm properly, and learn how to work with rulers.

Does anyone know of a shop/person who offers ruler work training, preferably on a Regalia in the within 100+ miles of Raleigh, NC area?

We all learn in different ways and there is so much gained from being in person together. Having said that, have you looked for internet videos? Might even be with your brand of machine.

I wasn't paying attention at the time, but I know there were a lot of recommended ruler work videos a couple of years ago -- maybe some of you out there could link or tell us about your favorite quilters and sites? Just before my vision tanked this Spring I bought a used system, no robotics. Its been months now and I am really looking forward to getting it set-up and usable and learning to use myself. I have quite a few long arm skills, having been able to use a friend's, but I particularly would like to learn to do a free form border feather.

Google 'longarm quilting tutorials' and you will find heaps, not necessarily with your machine, but well worth watching.

Very sorry to hear your dealer let you down on the training.

The Regalia is a rebadged HandiQuilter Amara. You might see if there is a decent HQ dealer in your area that you could take a few lessons from OR that offers HQ classes periodically (HQ sends instructors to dealers to teach classes including working with rulers.)

I am sorry to hear you didn't get good training. Sadly - not every dealer has good "teachers".

I too think a Regalia is a HQ machine. There are several FB groups dedicated to Handi Quilters, Do you have the Pro Stitcher as well? Several folks who own Regalias with the Pro-stitcher are members of the FB "Pro-Stitcher Posse" (which is a wonderful group with several HQ Educators as members). One other option is using an online instructor. I have known several gals that have taken classes with MK University . Another online resource if you have ProStitcher is "Adam So Fun" who is a HQ instructor and has many YouTube videos that are excellent for learning.

You could be bold and call Babylock directly !! Good luck

I also received basic training when I bought my machine, but truthfully that's all I could absorb at the time. There was no promise of ongoing training, which was just as well since the dealer was many hours from my home. Since then I've taken a number of one-day or half-day classes from nationally known quilters at major quilt shows. I've noticed that the price on those classes has sky-rocketed since COVID, so I doubt that I'll take more. Still, it's worth looking at classes at quilt shows.

I think the best training you can have is practice. (yeah...I know....) But I truly think this. Watch videos and load some fabric on your machine and just "have at it". The best training is to watch it and try it. (IMHO)

I've heard HQ and BL machines are closely related, but didn't realize they were that close. No, I didn't get Pro Stitcher, it wasn't in the budget at the time. Three are a few HQ shops not too far away, so I may reach out to them to see what they can offer.