Bought a gently used Baby Lock Coronet
10-29-2020, 05:40 AM
#11
Power Poster
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Between the dashes of a tombstone
Posts: 12,716
Oh you will enjoy this! i was able to get a used BL Crown Jewel a couple of years ago. Tension issues are so minimal. Last time I had a problem, i changed the needle and off I went.
I too started with a simple meander and use it often for a quick finish. Then I moved up to making loops in the meander. Soon you can add hearts or stars. One of the things to watch out for is how close you are to the front edge. When my 13 yo GD started at the LA, I lightly drew a line with a Frixon pen to alert her where that edge was. You could also use a piece of painter's tape. I still bump that edge once in a while.
I am able to use pantographs and feel it helps me create muscle memory. I am not very confident about actual FMQ yet, but have played with geometric shapes like wide random zigzags or right angles. Have fun!
I too started with a simple meander and use it often for a quick finish. Then I moved up to making loops in the meander. Soon you can add hearts or stars. One of the things to watch out for is how close you are to the front edge. When my 13 yo GD started at the LA, I lightly drew a line with a Frixon pen to alert her where that edge was. You could also use a piece of painter's tape. I still bump that edge once in a while.
I am able to use pantographs and feel it helps me create muscle memory. I am not very confident about actual FMQ yet, but have played with geometric shapes like wide random zigzags or right angles. Have fun!
10-29-2020, 06:20 AM
#12
Super Member
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Waterford Michigan
Posts: 7,241
I am so happy for you with your new machine. A bit envious as a matter of fact. This is a good stepping stone for you. I have read a great deal about the red snapper leaders and all the reviews and comments have been good to excellent. I don't know if they are cost effective. I am comfortable with pins on my Grace machine but have thought about the Red Snappers. Just wasn't ready to make that plunge.
Have fun with this new adventure you are embarking upon.
Have fun with this new adventure you are embarking upon.
10-29-2020, 08:21 AM
#13
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Dec 2018
Posts: 122
Oh you will enjoy this! i was able to get a used BL Crown Jewel a couple of years ago. Tension issues are so minimal. Last time I had a problem, i changed the needle and off I went.
I too started with a simple meander and use it often for a quick finish. Then I moved up to making loops in the meander. Soon you can add hearts or stars. One of the things to watch out for is how close you are to the front edge. When my 13 yo GD started at the LA, I lightly drew a line with a Frixon pen to alert her where that edge was. You could also use a piece of painter's tape. I still bump that edge once in a while.
I am able to use pantographs and feel it helps me create muscle memory. I am not very confident about actual FMQ yet, but have played with geometric shapes like wide random zigzags or right angles. Have fun!
I too started with a simple meander and use it often for a quick finish. Then I moved up to making loops in the meander. Soon you can add hearts or stars. One of the things to watch out for is how close you are to the front edge. When my 13 yo GD started at the LA, I lightly drew a line with a Frixon pen to alert her where that edge was. You could also use a piece of painter's tape. I still bump that edge once in a while.
I am able to use pantographs and feel it helps me create muscle memory. I am not very confident about actual FMQ yet, but have played with geometric shapes like wide random zigzags or right angles. Have fun!
For things like placemats, wall hangings, etc, can one use fuseable batting? I've seen that stuff for crafting (I used it to make a serger cover, for instance).
10-29-2020, 08:22 AM
#14
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Dec 2018
Posts: 122
I am so happy for you with your new machine. A bit envious as a matter of fact. This is a good stepping stone for you. I have read a great deal about the red snapper leaders and all the reviews and comments have been good to excellent. I don't know if they are cost effective. I am comfortable with pins on my Grace machine but have thought about the Red Snappers. Just wasn't ready to make that plunge.
Have fun with this new adventure you are embarking upon.
Have fun with this new adventure you are embarking upon.
10-29-2020, 02:35 PM
#15
Member
Join Date: Aug 2017
Posts: 23
When I got my longarm I found two, old, worn sheets that I used to sandwich scraps of batting that I had sewn together.
I then stitched lines top to bottom, about 12" apart as well as both sides and top and bottom. This became my my 'practice quilt'. It was easy to attach to the frame since I wasn't dealing with 3 free layers.
On ebay I found a cone of water soluble thread for a good price. This went in to my bobbin. Top thread was an old cone that I had picked up at a garage sale - too questionable for an actual quilt but perfect for practice. Then it was off to the races! I was able to practice for muscle memory, control of the machine, etc.. Once the quilt was filled, into the washer it went and when done, the top thread just pulled off.
I still use this for trying out new designs although I am seeing alot of needle punctures now so it probably doesn't have a lot of life yet. But it was cheap, easy to make and gave me the practice and confidence I needed. Have fun with your new machine!
I then stitched lines top to bottom, about 12" apart as well as both sides and top and bottom. This became my my 'practice quilt'. It was easy to attach to the frame since I wasn't dealing with 3 free layers.
On ebay I found a cone of water soluble thread for a good price. This went in to my bobbin. Top thread was an old cone that I had picked up at a garage sale - too questionable for an actual quilt but perfect for practice. Then it was off to the races! I was able to practice for muscle memory, control of the machine, etc.. Once the quilt was filled, into the washer it went and when done, the top thread just pulled off.
I still use this for trying out new designs although I am seeing alot of needle punctures now so it probably doesn't have a lot of life yet. But it was cheap, easy to make and gave me the practice and confidence I needed. Have fun with your new machine!
10-29-2020, 02:54 PM
#16
Junior Member
Join Date: Feb 2014
Posts: 114
Congratulations on your purchase. You got a great deal. Stick with the HandiQuilter needles & bobbins or the Babylock branded needles and bobbins. A bad bobbin can be the source of many problems. There are so many different needle sizes/ systems out there. If you purchase the wrong one it could scratch your hook and cause problems. It’s easier to stick with the branded products sold for your machine. You could save some money, but it could also cause you problems.
10-29-2020, 05:24 PM
#17
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Dec 2018
Posts: 122
Congratulations on your purchase. You got a great deal. Stick with the HandiQuilter needles & bobbins or the Babylock branded needles and bobbins. A bad bobbin can be the source of many problems. There are so many different needle sizes/ systems out there. If you purchase the wrong one it could scratch your hook and cause problems. It’s easier to stick with the branded products sold for your machine. You could save some money, but it could also cause you problems.
10-31-2020, 06:08 AM
#20
Power Poster
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Between the dashes of a tombstone
Posts: 12,716
When I got my longarm I found two, old, worn sheets that I used to sandwich scraps of batting that I had sewn together.
I then stitched lines top to bottom, about 12" apart as well as both sides and top and bottom. This became my my 'practice quilt'. It was easy to attach to the frame since I wasn't dealing with 3 free layers.
On ebay I found a cone of water soluble thread for a good price. This went in to my bobbin. Top thread was an old cone that I had picked up at a garage sale - too questionable for an actual quilt but perfect for practice. Then it was off to the races! I was able to practice for muscle memory, control of the machine, etc.. Once the quilt was filled, into the washer it went and when done, the top thread just pulled off.
I still use this for trying out new designs although I am seeing alot of needle punctures now so it probably doesn't have a lot of life yet. But it was cheap, easy to make and gave me the practice and confidence I needed. Have fun with your new machine!
I then stitched lines top to bottom, about 12" apart as well as both sides and top and bottom. This became my my 'practice quilt'. It was easy to attach to the frame since I wasn't dealing with 3 free layers.
On ebay I found a cone of water soluble thread for a good price. This went in to my bobbin. Top thread was an old cone that I had picked up at a garage sale - too questionable for an actual quilt but perfect for practice. Then it was off to the races! I was able to practice for muscle memory, control of the machine, etc.. Once the quilt was filled, into the washer it went and when done, the top thread just pulled off.
I still use this for trying out new designs although I am seeing alot of needle punctures now so it probably doesn't have a lot of life yet. But it was cheap, easy to make and gave me the practice and confidence I needed. Have fun with your new machine!
