Women used to get together for days on end to hand sew the three layers of a quilt together. They would take weeks to finish a quilt. They passed the time by bickering and whining about their corsets or voting rights or Martha's new carriage.
My long arm quilter and I replaced them all. I prefer to work alone.
is not computer driven. It is hand guided by me.
I use pantographs (designs on paper strips) which I follow with the red laser light which is directly above my hand in this picture. I have about 160 pantos to choose from. You can view them here:
https://photos.app.goo.gl/RRcSBncMjWKgE2xk7
Click on any panto and read name from info panel on right.
(Click the circle top right with a small i in it)
We are 3.4 Km N of Portage La Prairie on Hwy 240 (a.k.a Tupper St, Delta Road, or Rd 36W)
My quilt studio is downstairs and the doorbell is upstairs. If I don't respond knock on the door or stick your head in and yell.
These helpful hints will make Z's job easier so she will be happier and more fun to be around
If you have seams at the edge of your quilt, sew a line about 1/8" from the edge. This saves flipped edges and the seams coming apart.
Seams should be pressed as you are sewing plus a good final pressing. Seams not pressed flat can have folds when quilted.
If you seam your backing use a 1/2" seam and press open. This causes less bulk and a better looking finished product.
Backing should be at least 6" longer and wider than the top. Batting should be at least 4" wider and longer than the top.
Backing edges should be squared to allow easier and more accurate loading on the machine.
Trim threads on the top of the quilt so they don't catch on the hopping foot and cause damage to the quilt or the machine.
If you have a light background check for threads on the underside - they may show up once the top is quilted.
If you are using applique, trim your heat-and-bond or steam-a-seam as best you can to reduce the thickness of your finished design. Trim any stabilizer used on the back of your applique if possible. Thick appliques make it difficult to get a nice looking quilting stitch and occasionally my machine is unable to stitch through them. Some appliques can end up with 4-6 layers so please reduce bulk when possible.