New Machine...same results.

I am seven weeks into longarming on the new Innova M24. With over 1900 projects completed. The Innova Classic 22 served us well for 13 years...which is longer than any vehicle I've ever owned. Initial cost at the time for the Classic was a Honda Accord. Seven weeks ago we replaced the Accord with what we could get from the same manufacturer. So currently parked in our basement is "Sewphia". A Honda Civic. But unlike going from an Accord to Civic, this was like going from an Civic to a Bentley. Expensive...yes...but we didn't have to give up our first born, take out a second and hope for a dying rich relative that loved us dearly. We did finance this time using Red Thread. Not a pleasant experience. Not a company, based on our experience, we would recommend for financing. 

My loyalty to Innova is directly related to my tactile, visual, and bodily kinesthetic needs. Longarming is no different than working with wood, building patios or room additions, installing chain link or wood fencing, working on cars or helicopters, fighting fires, or enforcing laws, all part of my background and now, on occasion undertaking home repairs that I'm still capable of doing. The physicality of longarming is the hook for me. Ironing, pressing, sizing backs, loading, consulting with the piecer on patterns and tread colors, and standing back when finished with something constructive completed is the reward. The benefits of purpose, being productive, putting value to my time and being a part of a great group of quilters that have allowed me to be a part of their journeys is one of those parts of life you can put in the 'blessed' category.

The learning curve was sporadic. Some sharp and frustrating curves thrown in with some very smooth and surprising turns that made the overall learning process very rewarding. One thing that was really pleasing...it took about 10 minutes...to get the thread tension evaluated and the proper adjustments made to bobbin case and machine. By the end of the practice quilt and minor adjustments after there have been no issues. In the 13 years with the Classic I'm estimating maybe three or four adjustments a year...usually due to fabric. It appears the M24 will produce the same results. 

I would be amiss not admitting to my easy transition to becoming a longarmer if I didn't mention the main reason...beyond maintenance, oiling Hook Assembly and minor daily cleaning...nothing more in 13 years. I needed phone assistance to problems maybe four times in those 13 years...and each issue was successful with the phone call. But the main reason I was able to transition to longarming was Innova's Panto Vision. A pantograph system that functions from inside a Microsoft Surface Pro. The system that provides the best ergonomic positioning for the operator and moved the operator to the front of the machine. A system that allows endless adjustments to the pattern and is adaptable to my needs for size, positioning, altering density, and a program that was easy to adapt to. I can assure you with my God given artistic talents...free motion is out of the question. With Innova Panto Vision and the M24 I don't have to worry about tension, maintenance my non-existent artistic talent. I just quilt. 

I have to give some credit as well to Renae Haddadin and her Red Snappers. If I were to have to pin Red Cross would park a Blood Mobile in the drive way. Red Snappers were easily adapted to and work exceptionally well with how I float tops for longarming.

Having a dealer "close" by was the same in PA as it was in VA. Close in VA was an hour and a half away...here in PA a shade over two hours. But in both cases their assistance, professionalism and customer service holds up to the highest standards. Like our VA dealer, Sew'n Place here in PA was top shelf. There has been not one promise made that wasn't kept. Unlike PennDot, not one pot hole that wasn't filled. I was kept up to date on shipping, and scheduling was timely and adaptive to our schedule. I was only down for a total of three days, one was on my end making sure I had the old machine and Pro-Frame ready for disassembly and removal. Another for setting up the M24 to meet my needs. Stacy and Jason, in and out, one day. If someone is interested in a top of the line longarm and a top of the line Innova Dealer...Sew'n Place here in PA should be a stop...for me it was the only stop. 

Stacy and Jason from Sew'n Place

Flawless with removal/install and after sale customer service. In 2011 Virginia Longarm set the bar. They had no problem reaching it. None, nada, zilch, zip. Once again and in harmony with ABM International/Innova...handled with a phone call. I can't thank them enough.

So being into my second decade as a longarm quilter let me just say...thanks to Virginia Longarm, Sew'n Place and those who represent their company's with exemplary service, what a pleasure. In 2011 when my wife asked if I wanted to go to a Quilt Show...little did I know...anything about quilting, longarming or the cast of individuals gracious and friendly people that represent the industry nor of the class of men and women that make quilting such a fulfilling and rewarding way to spend time...much of which would be wasted otherwise. 

We say here at We Quilt, LLC...Quilt till you wilt...we do. 

 

PANTOGRAPHS, PATTERNS OR FREE MOTION AND YOUR QUILT

The saying goes that “it is not a quilt until it’s quilted.” With that said, which process will you choose, which pantograph or pattern and who, if not you, to finish the project?

The list of considerations is long:

·       Hand quilting…traditional, historical, and time consuming. But not out of the question.

·       Sewing Machine…There are those that wouldn’t have it any other way. Not as time consuming as by hand, it is a tad bit difficult as the quilt gets larger, and I’m told a Seam Ripper needs to be close by.

·       Sit-down Longarm…For those that in the past used their sewing machines this is a welcome addition to the possibilities when finishing the project is undertaken. Still moving the quilt sandwich, probably some adhesive or pins involved but with a much larger surface area to support the quilt and a deeper throat to maneuver in…a huge step to shorten the time to complete a project.

·       Another option may be a mid-arm hoop rack for your sewing machine or even a Sit-down Machine. A little more time consuming because the surface area of the quilt being attended to is smaller and requires more maneuvering to cover all of the area needed to be quilted. A hoop rack has a place…you are not moving the quilt sandwich but the machine.

·        Then there is the Longarm Machine. The absolute first consideration is, what can you afford? I’ve commented more than once there is a Chevy parked in our Longarm Room. Not really, but a Honda Accord sold in 2011 for the same price.

·       Our selection was narrowed down to two choices after a year of trying, researching, weighing the cost and the capabilities, maintenance and needs we desired. With few exceptions, minor at best, our selection has provided hundreds if not thousands of hours (currently over 1900 projects) over the last 13+ years. Maintenance, minimal, only two situations where I needed support…both handled over the phone. A drop of oil daily and simple routine cleaning. Not to mention the only manufacturer that has a Pantograph system utilizing a computer tablet that eliminates paper pantographs for hand guided capability. We have never considered a computer driven system, i.e. Innova’s Mach 3, Gammill’s Statler or Bernina’s Q-matic. The only three systems I would ever consider. You get what you pay for…and you pay for either of these with many, many pennies. I’m sure there are many longarm quilters that have had great success with other brands…we just never experienced a high confidence it them. Gammill, Innova and now Bernina all have a long history in sewing machine tech and advancement. I like the industrial feel and presence these three emulate. I regress.

·       No matter the method, hand, machine, mid-arm, longarm or like Marrianne Fons told me once, “I longarm by check.” What’s next?

·       The two major topics are thread color and pattern choice.

·       Thread color for me is the simplest. A light, blending color to disappear into the quilt. I prefer light threads blended into the fabrics rather than darker threads. When there is a abundance of dark fabrics it is usually the only time I would recommend dark threads. One of the reasons I strongly believe in the consulting process with the piecer…their idea may be and has been totally opposite. In the end it is the piecers desires I want to compliment. I’ve always felt that the darker threads on lighter fabrics are a distraction, seen first. I think the craft of the quilter/piecer should be seen first. One reason I’m not a huge fan of free motion quilting…to me…more often than not, the quilting is the first thing you see, and the thread count is frequently way up there.

·       Next up is pantograph/pattern choice. I have two avenues. One, themed pantograph. A quilt with a butterfly theme is receptive to a butterfly pantograph. Then again…the theme is pronounced and is readily acceptable for a pantograph that simply provides texture to the quilt. I enjoy working with patterns that give the quilt a sense of movement and texture. Texture works in both cases…where theme is obviously defined.

      ·       Themed…

 

·       Texture…

 

 

·       It is a matter of taste, choice, preference, likes and dislikes…on and on.

·       My goal is to compliment your quilt. It is one of those things, in most cases, where we put our heads together and come as close as possible to the vision the quilter/piecer had when the inspiration reached out and reached for their creativity and the next heirloom from the sewing room.

·       Quilt till you wilt…we do. 

 

 

 

 

Yes, been busy...

 Yes, been busy. Having to halt all operations associated with my addictive hobby of longarming quilts took its toll. I was only out of service for a week, plus shorter periods at the machine because of some minor surgery...but, boy did that put me behind.

Finally caught up and accepting projects. For those I had in queue, thank you for your patience. 

We have rejoined Friendship Quilters of Southern Chester County. Looking forward to the meetings and social involvement with those that share our passion for quilting.

Here are a few of the projects completed over those catch up weeks. 

Please note this is the new home for Thee Leatherneck Kilted Quilter. Facebook has blocked me from utilizing FB. Which is probably not a bad thing. 

If you choose to follow...thank you. If you just check in once in awhile I hope you can take something away that is useful now and then. 

Quilt till you wilt...we do. 

Preparing a quilt for Longarming

 

Quilt Preparation for the Longarming 
wequilt.org

Quilt preparation is the first step for getting the best quilting possible.

 We operate a hand guided longarm using edge to edge patterns. We enjoy working closely with the quilter to optimize their desires regarding the finished product. Custom work is accepted after a one on one consultation.

 Square Quilt and Backing:  Your quilt should be square (same width top & bottom/same length left and right side) to load on the frame correctly for best results during the longarm process to prevent waviness.   Note: Very often there is a slight difference…1/4 to 3/4” variance…this is no problem. So, please square your blocks in your top and measure your quilt at the top, bottom and middle – get an average measurement and cut your borders to fit your quilt based on that average. This helps in preventing wavy borders.  

If you are piecing your backing, please square your blocks as you piece to keep the seams as straight as possible without puckers. If there are any squaring issues, we will contact you so they can be corrected. Backing seams should run horizontally (left to right) This eliminates puckering as the quilt is being advanced on the frame. A thick vertical seam can easily cause issues as the quilt is advanced in the longarming process. Remember…when it is all said and done…the back is 50% of the quilt you have spent hours making. Don’t short change your efforts by cutting corners on the backing. We would never recommend ‘muslin’. If that is your choice, we will complete your quilt as you request.  

If you are not putting a border on your top, stitch the perimeter of the quilt (stay stitching) as close to the edge as possible to eliminate seam separation when tension is applied when loaded on the longarm frame.

Extra Backing and Batting:  To fit your quilt on the frame we need an extra 8” – 10” (10” preferred) of backing.  This means 4” – 5” extra of backing all the way around the quilt. Minky backs MUST be 10” Wider/Longer than the top. The best results using Minky are seen when the “selvage” edges are left and right (width) sides of the backing. Not TOP/BOTTOM.

If you provide batting it should be 6” wider and at least 10” longer than the pieced top. Currently we charge $.20 cents an inch for 80/20 96”. We stock Hobbs. We carry packaged batting in different lengths and blends. Our cost plus 15%. We will use whatever you supply.

Pressing the Fabrics:  Please press all the fabrics of the quilt top and backing.  Press the quilt top so that all the seams lay as flat as possible and press the backing fabric so that there are no deep creases (especially in batik fabrics.)  Backing seams should be ½” and pressed open. When pressing the borders, it is good to press the border’s seams open when possible. Before loading we press out creases due to hanging/folding/shipping at no charge.    

Trim Threads:  Cut loose threads on the pieced top, they can catch on the hopping foot of the longarm.  Cut loose threads on the back of the top as well as threads can get lodged between your quilt sandwich and show through backing and/or the top.

Batting:  There are many kinds of batting available.  If you are doing a quilt with very dark fabrics you might want to consider black batting. Please use quality batting, craft batting will not hold up as well. 

●          If your quilt backing or top is directional, please mark it clearly or mention it during the intake process. Let us know any specifics about your top and back.  

●          Any quilting issues such as puckering, weak seams/holes, wavy borders, pleats etc. will NOT go away with the quilting, they may be exaggerated.  We will do our very best to work with the issues to minimize them in the end product. 

●          In most instances, we can say we have been able to determine difficulties that may be encountered during the longarming process before the first stitch is applied. In those cases, you will be contacted so we can determine how you want to handle the situation. On occasion the problems may be encountered during the process. Again, we will contact you to work out what would be the best outcome for your quilt.

 It is our goal, when finished, to compliment your quilt. We will do everything possible to attain that goal. The first step is working with you during the intake process to meet the needs and desires you envisioned.

Same Journey...Diffferent Day

 

All aboard! Ladies and gentlemen…we have encountered a slight delay in blog departure. Before we get this blog train steaming down the tracks a few things need to be highlighted and commented on and about. 

One…I must take a moment to thank an individual, two really. One, Elaine, her support, guidance, encouragement, and foresight has made the last 60+ years of having her being a part of my life more than just purposeful. I am who I am because of her. She honestly is the better half. I still have some rough edges that need work…thankfully she hasn’t given up. 

The second individual is one of a very special group, quilters, that encompasses what keeps me moving, keeps me busy, keeps me motivated and keeps me living with a daily purpose. The move from Virginia to Pennsylvania meant leaving a cast of some terrific quilters that let me be a part of their quilting journey. Once settled and ready to longarm again was not quite as productive. I didn’t know any locals, not familiar with any guilds and thankful for having Quilts of Valor to keep me busy. The worry about generating another group of quilters to share the journey with was short lived. Dottie Thomas, often referred to as “The Machine” contacted me about longarming some of her work. Our first meeting involved six quilts that needed longarming. Since that first encounter, she was responsible, for the first two years, for 80% of the quilters I longarm for. Her introductions and referrals put Studio One, Thee Leatherneck Kilted Quilter and We Quilt on the Pennsylvania map. The number of quilters I get to share with has grown. The appreciation I have for Dottie reaching out and providing me with an opportunity to share my craft with others is a memory I will hold dear forever. 

Dottie, to you, and all of you that have allowed me to be a part of your quilting journey, one quilt or an endless number of quilts, from my body, soul, and whole heart…Thank you. Thank you all whether from PA, VA, MD, DE, NC, and to the many volunteers from the Quilts of Valor Foundation, coast to coast, who we have longarmed for, quilted with and been allowed to award QOV’s to the many who are or have stood watch over our freedoms and liberties. 

As you scroll down the blog you’ll come to “Source Links.” Links to us, links to organization(s) and links to vendors. Regarding the links to vendors…we have not, not now or not ever taken any gratuities. If we post a link to a vendor, it is because they have earned our business based on the quality of their product, meeting the claims they advertise, and their customer support. Being part of our daily lives and providing us with all three of the above mentioned…the least we can do is reference them here on our blog. We encourage you to give them an opportunity to be a part of your quilting journey as they have ours. This is true with any testimonials we make, recommendations we may provide in our entries, photos, or videos we post here or on wequilt.org including later additions to the Source Links.

 All Aboard!!! Oh yeah, Quilt till you wilt, we do.  

 

 

 

 

 

 We will be returning to the We Quilt Blog on April 1, 2024. Renewing our efforts to share with those that enjoy crafts, quilting and longarming as much as we do. We do appreciate those that will choose to follow and hope your visits are informative and entertaining. Thank you all, past, present and future visitors to our blog. 

Les and Elaine.

Suspending Use

 Until a vitalized need for this blog is determined no further posts will be made. The information already published will remain. 

Please refer to our website, www.wequilt.org for updated information and to follow our journey with quilting and the Quilts of Valor program. 

later...Les...

Quilt till you wilt...we do.