I get asked often about my quilting machine, do I use a computer, how does it work. Enough that I thought I would do a blog post on it.
I run an APQS Millennium machine.
Millie isn't new, she's about 8yrs old now. And a total workhorse. My average is around 315 quilts/year and Millie keeps going strong.
I don't have a computer system. The only special features I have is a stitch regulator, a thread-cutter(I never use it) and needle up/down. My quilting table is 14feet long; the biggest quilt I've done was 135 inches.
90% of my quilting customers only ask for all-over quilting patterns(pantographs).
When I quilt an all-over pattern, I stand at the back of the machine,
and I 'trace' the panto with a laser light.
It looks pretty easy but there is a wee bit of a learning curve.
For custom quilting, I stand at the machine front.
I share a quilt studio with my mom.
I am very blessed to have a job that I truly do love doing. I don't always love going to work but it's a great job that I have.
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| the only somewhat current picture I have of our quilting studio. taken September 2011. |
7 comments:
I am green with envy.....thanks for showing your machine and how you do it.
Sigh... one of these years I'll take the plunge...
Thanks for sharing!
Thank you for this, I'm always curious about the in's and out's of a longarmer's life. Someday I WILL get one, I'm just not sure if it will be before or after I get Robert Pattinson.
I would love to have one!!
Unless the "Power Ball" hits my place and allows for an addition to my house a longarm isn't feasible in my sewing room, however, a "sit down" longer arm machine is and I've decided to go that direction. I really like FMQ and manipulating the fabric (rather than the machine)and feel this is a better 'fit'. This type of set-up doesn't require the floor space that a large frame requires so would fit in my sewing room perfectly. The brand/machine I chose is the Handi Quilter Sweet 16 with the table extensions. I use a JukiTL 2010Q now and really like how it performs but the harp area (though larger than a standard DSM)is difficult to use when doing a large quilt. Hope to get this latest addition at the end of Sept/beginning of Oct. Reports to follow!-)
thanks for your summary! very useful basic info. do you have a blog entry on threads that you like?
Here you go Anne http://www.quiltnutcreations.com/2011/09/thread.html
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