kreinhart742

I have an HQ 16 and live in Southern Oregon. Any suggestions of good classes to go to or books to use in trying to expand beyond stippling and echo quilting. I am very nervous about this but can tell my quilting is improving each time. I would like to eventually quilt for others but need guidance.

AliKat

Do you have the HQ 16 with or without Pro-Stitcher?

Boy, are you ever in luck. I work for www.quiltcamp.com Quilting in the Desert will be here the last week of January. There will be a series of HQ classes with hands on practice. You can go to the website for more info.

Failing that, Keep looking at the HQ DVD. Make notes if you have to. I have a file of all my notes! Mostly what I did when I messed up. Then practice, practice, practice. It really does take about 100 hours of practice for anything to 'own' the material learned.

HQ does have educators in the different parts of the country. If you call or e-mail them they will give you more info. Ideally, the store where you purchased the machine should be giving you classes. Even if you have to drive there and stay overnite ... it is well worth it.

I love my HQ and intend to go to their retreats in 2011, as they are all filled up for 2010 - darn.

I've been doing a lot of charity quilting. In my quilting groups
there are lots of folk who do the piecing. I get to do some of the quilting. All it costs me is t he thread and my time.
ali

hcarpanini

Thanks for spreading the word about the HQ classes Alice. You can also check the HQ website for upcoming events.

kreinhart742

I do not have the prostitcher and bought it used so did not have the video but will look to see if I can find one and also try to practice lots. Thanks for the advice

hcarpanini

You might also see if you can get a hold of the new DVD's Quilters Academy from HQ. There are 7 videos covering many different techniques. Its like having an educator standing at your side.

kacie

I just attended an HQ retreat and it was invaluable. I intend to sign up for the next level as soon as their 2011 schedule is set. Somewhat pricey but as long as you've spent the money for the machine, you might as well learn all you can. Next best thing is to order their "Longarm Basics" DVD's, either individually or in the set of 7. There are also several basic videos on the HQ website that can be helpful. And you might consider subscribing to QNN TV -- one series is called "Quilt It" and is sponsored by HQ. Some of the programs are much more helpful than others, but are worth looking at once anyway.

Sadiemae

There are videos on the HQ website that will help with threading, bobbins, basic quilting, etc...

PegD

Thank you everyone for your suggestions, as I also have an HQ16 that I bought used and am scared to death to use it on anything big.

pstoner

try joining and reading the posts on hqyahoo groups site. Very helpful group.