Longarming and Ergonomics

Once again a topic has developed on one of the groups I participate in and it involves something I think should be shared here. In our case we use an Innova Longarm by ABM International, our choice. But based on seeing other machines being used and using other machines I think my thoughts are worth sharing. If it helps one longarmer get just a little more comfort while using their machine then I know it was worth sharing. Think about it. The machine comes with numerous features that are adjustable...adjust it to fit you.

My wife, in a former life, was a Health, Safety and Risk Manager for years. One of her recognized fields of expertise was Ergonomics. PantoVison and the machine design were a factor in her final decision as which machine to purchase. That and my temper tantrums because standing behind the power tool was just plain silly to me. Simply stated...if tension develops while using the machine in your wrists, forearms, elbow or shoulder joints and you get fatigued quickly while longarming it is improperly adjusted for your height and physical characteristics. I can quilt, and have, for eight hours without any fatigue in my neck, upper torso, arms, wrists or hands. My old knees take a beating. That's what Ibuprofen is for. I think my knees are 20 years older than I am. It may take some time to find the right adjustments that suit your particular needs. But being relaxed, longarming without the worry of stiffness or soreness while doing it is so much more enjoyable. Take the time to find your comfort level. The attached photo depicts some of the characteristics of the ergonomic positions that keep me relaxed when quilting.
Forearms relatively parallel to the floor
Arms are relaxed and hanging freely from the shoulders.
Wrists are relaxed, straight and without tension due to a light fingertip control of the handles.
The upright posture keeps pressure off my lower back and the screen height has been adjusted so as not to create tension in my neck. (I've never done a paper panto but I'm assuming the constant looking down could be a pain in the neck.)
Hopefully you can see the difference between the relaxed operating posture of the one photo (sleeveless) and the one (with sleeves) where I am stooped over, neck tensed up with at death grip on the handles. One is just looking for muscle and joint problems that will lead to being fatigued quickly, not to mention sore. The other is going to make my time at the machine effortless, enjoyable and wondering where the time went.
That's not to say I'm not going to have a tension headache. But that's what the Towa Gauge is for.
The wireless headset...ZZ Top, Led Zeppllin, Queen, Madison Rising, Who, Rush, Dead Can Dance, Cream, it's a long list, mostly dealing with Rock, be it classical, alternative, or 21st Century. Like someone once said...
"Hot funk, cool punk, even if it's old junk
It's still rock and roll to me"

PantoVision and Innova

This morning as I was going through my email, Yahoo and Google Groups routine I came across several interesting comments on one of the Yahoo Groups I participate in. They were basically discussions about PantoVision, patterns, free motion quilting and artistic talent. In one comment it was mentioned the writer practiced her skills on charity quilts, 'several of her own and QOV's' I made the following observations.

I will admit to enjoying some of the rhetoric about what has become a passion for me. I am not quite what is considered the norm when associated with quilting, quilters and longarms. So from my perspective, a man, a Marine, a Vietnam combat veteran, a retired law enforcement officer, wood worker, a PantoVision Trainer and an Executive Staff Member of the Quilts of Valor Foundation, who has the free hand, free motion and artistic talents of an ostrich; I give you this.
My wife, when longarming is using a 22" Innova with the Standard Stitch Regulator and PantoVision on a 12' Table. I on the other hand am using a power tool connected to a pattern delivery device that is transmitted via a Samsung Computer Tablet operating Windows 7 sitting atop an aluminum erected structure and rail system for X and Y Axis maneuverability. It is because of the pattern delivery system, PantoVision, that I am now referred to as a longarmer. If ABM hadn't brought pantos into the 21st Century I'm listening to Elaine longarm from the Man Cave while I watch golf, rugby and football. And she would probably be doing it on a Gammill. I'm not certain but I think throwing five year old temper tantrums when she was leaning towards Gammill may have influenced her decision to buy the Innova. That and an ABM employee and a new and first dealer in Virginia helped.
As previously stated, I am not an artist. Not in a former life, not now, not ever. My artistic talents involve tracing, copy and paste and asking Elaine to draw it. So PantoVision is the tool I use to transfer the artwork of someone else, in my case two favorites being Jessica Schick and Dave Hudson, to cloth instead of wood. I also have an array of rulers and devices that I attach to the foot that allows me to maintain some resemblance of consistency when quilting circles, straight lines and diagonals if needed. For those I thank Teryl Loy in Utah. But PantoVision is the main system I will use until I can't longarm anymore. I think I have become quite proficient. So here is my take.
Using Panto has absolutely nothing to do with following the line. You follow the pattern. The problems, the frustrations and the dissatisfaction with the results you see on your quilt is directly related to following the line. There is no need to follow the line. Free motion quilters have the ability to relay what they see in their head to the needle and onto the sandwich; there is no line to follow. PantoVision gives me on the screen what I can't see in my head, a pattern to follow. Your trouble begins when you try to 'follow the line. Try it...load any pattern that has straight lines. It is a guarantee you'll get off the line and try to get back on it and the next thing you know you have waving lines or lines that look like lightning bolts. You don't have to stay on the line you just need to follow the pattern and what is relayed to the sandwich will be a nice smooth line of stitching of the pattern. Which is what you're trying to do, what the free motion quilter does. Put a pattern of stitching on the quilt. Trust me on this.
Regarding PanotVision that's all for now...If you've gotten this far I have taken a lot of your time and I apologize. Those that know me know I get a tad bit wordy. Oh but I do have one more thing.
A Quilt of Valor is not now, not ever, never has been nor will they ever be 'charity quilt'. The last thing the men and women that deserve the Award of a Quilt of Valor need is charity. The Quilts of Valor Foundation provides comfort and healing for the service members and veterans who have been touched by war. Please don't forget that.

Go ahead...ask me again. Why I QOV?

Quilt till you wilt...we do...

All Right...Back Off...

Of course I know it is February. I am well aware the last entry was in January. No, I have absolutely no  idea where the time goes. I am as confused as anyone. I know this...in the 67+ years I've been around I've never wanted Spring more than I do right now. I want Spring a lot more than I want the next electric bill that's for sure. How the folks that live in the Northern half of this country, that which is usually above the jet stream, take this year after year I'll never know.
Here is a little known fact. When we lived in Coffeyville, KS we were hit with a Tornado. My mother told my dad, "Pack it up we are moving." We moved to California. At one point we lived in the town of Banning, a desert area not far from Palm Springs. It snowed...they claimed it was a 100 year storm. My mother told my dad, "Pack it up we are moving." Now we were in Southern California where the earth literally moves. Apparently that didn't bother her. Or she realized there was no where left. Oh,we went to Kansas after leaving Florida...apparently they have hurricanes in the area. And for the record, I was born in D.C.. I can only assume the move to Florida resulted from a snow storm.
Earlier this month we attended the opening of the Quilts of Valor Exhibit, Wartime Quilting: Past to Present. The Opening Ceremony was at the Defense Health Headquarters (DHHQ) in Falls Church, VA. The Exhibit will remain there for three months before being transferred to it's next location. The coordinator for this was handled by one of the QOVF Volunteers out of Maryland. Marianne has set the bar so high that a fire department ladder truck is going to be required for the next person organizing a QOVF Event. I'm serious, the display, logistics, facility, personnel coordination from coast to coast, after ceremony activities, the snacks...you name it. I mean we are at a military facility and she saw to it that the chocolate candy had a branch of service emblem on them. I'm eating a piece of chocolate, saying Ooh Rah, eating a piece of chocolate, saying Ooh Rah. I'm lucky someone didn't show up with one of those long sleeved white jackets with those accenting leather straps.

E

Elaine and I, as well as another Quilts of Valor Volunteer and the Executive Director and Director Awarded Quilts of Valor as part of the Opening Ceremony. The Retired Marine Colonel that Elaine Awarded to served during Vietnam and the Marine Staff Sgt. I awarded to had a list of accomplishments from two tours in Afghanistan. 

So we have had a pretty busy January and February. I also taught a class at this years Birds of a Feather held here in Virginia Beach. Another great experience. I think all in attendance had a good time and learned something about PantoVision. I certainly hope so, I would like to be invited back next year. When it will again be held Virginia Beach. I'd like to thank Valerie and the Virginia Longarm Network for their support and confidence. If you longarm and you don't get to Birds of a Feather...what can I say? Check in with www.virginialongarm.com for BoF details for 2015 in a couple of months. 

I know so what else have we been doing? Just a little quilting.

Well it's been rainy, cold, snowing. Can't ride the motor, can't golf, might as well longarm. 

And what about Elaine? Well as we all know I don't quilt...but she does. She finished up one of the tops from Quilts of Valor National Sew Day.

She has finished two totes for MQS 2014 Audacious Auction

And she is working on Moon Over Parador...yet to be determined...quilt or wall hanging, also for MQS. Not to mention she has taken over the duties as Virginia State (Commonwealth) Coordinator for QOVF as I have taken on a new roll with QOVF that will evolve around training. We think 2014 is off to a good start and really looking forward to what is ahead...especially Spring.  

Moon Over Parador

Quilt till you wilt...we do...

Long Before Loading...

I'm not sure that I'm unique...I'm just me. I don't sew, I don't piece, I don't design, I don't make blocks and I don't own a Color Wheel. What my wife let's me use is her longarm. Okay that might be unique...she let's me. No, honest, really...I know I was surprised as well. And we all know to me it is just another power tool. 

So, with the help of PantoVision attached to her 22" Innova on a 12' Table I learned how to use the longarm to apply quilting patterns to the 'sandwich.' Turns out I really like it. I've lost count of how many over the last year and a half, but more than a hundred. So I've learned a few things along the way that I would like to share with those of you that do make blocks, that do design, that do piece, can actually sew and know how the concept of a Color Wheel works. Which based on my experience professional sports teams don't know either or like me, don't care. Me I know what I like to look at, it may or may not fit into some acceptable Color Theory...but fitting in isn't a priority for me. I don't care what color your quilt is. I'm going to do what I strive to do whether you are making a donation to the Quilts of Valor, we have bartered your quilt for a quilt top and back appropriate for a Quilt of Valor or you have agreed to trade my labor time and thread for material we can use for Quilts of Valor based on a price per square inch...My goal is to compliment your quilt. That is my goal for every quilt I do whether a volunteer quilt for Quilts of Valor, Project Linus or some other organization we have chosen to assist with our equipment, experience and time. But I need your help before it gets loaded on our frame. Long Before Loading. 

The piecer needs to have a concept of square. If the blocks are square that develops a really good foundation for a square quilt. By square I mean it in it's simplest form. The distance from one corner of the top to the other corner is the same and the distance from one corner to the other on the bottom is the same as the top. It helps too if the distance from one corner on the left side to the other corner on the left side is the same and the right side as well. Please, measure your tops accurately and record them for the longarmer. That goes for the back as well, square and no less than four inches larger than the top. If you choose to supply your own batting it to should be the same size as the back. You have heard me mention there are piecers that I really like to longarm for...they do this...consistently. 

Preparing a quilt for longarming includes pressing. Pressing the seams as flat as possible on the top and if the back is pieced those seams as well. Apparently you should press vertically as opposed to horizontally. It  has something to do with stretching the fabric. Good luck with that. If I had a preference the back seam would be 1/2" pressed open. Most of those that know me prepare their backs this way. Even if you have to ship the top and back it should be pressed. It saves time even if it has to be gone over it with an iron before it is loaded. If you are paying a longarmer many times pressing is an additional fee...save yourself some money. I have noticed many longarmers charge for just about everything in addition to the longarming. $10 - $15 seems to be pretty standard. Pressing, squaring a back, fixing a seam, trimming etc. I've even seen some of these chores listed at $25 an hour. Not bad job if you can get it. Keep the money in your pocket. Think about it...what might take you 30 minutes might take someone else an hour. 

I want to pass this on..."quilting issues such as puckering, weak seams/holes, wavy borders, pleats etc. will not go away with the quilting, they may be exaggerated." As much as I'd like to take credit for how nice a quilt looks when it is done, I can't. Nor can I take credit for puckering, pleats, ripped seams, wavy borders or anything else. Of course I want every quilt to be perfect. I'm also realistic. But I know this to be true. When I'm done longarming and someone says, "What a beautiful quilt." It is that way because Long Before Loading someone was doing it right. And like anything else in life...there is a wrong way and a right way. 

Thought I'd pass this along...Elaine said something about it being relevant. Whatever...

Quilt till you wilt...we do. 

Quilt of Valor Presentation

The following is the verbiage that I currently use when I present a quilt. Elaine's is basically the same except when it is a local presentation and the QOV was made by Tidewater Quilters' Guild Members there is a reference to them. After Awarding the QOV I always make an effort to discuss the quilt and the information on the label with the recipient. I also include any journals, cards or notes the piecer(s) want included. There will also be a copy of this included with the quilt...it has been my experience they haven't heard a word I've said.
This is not mine, it has developed from the input of guild members, quilters, Elaine, the experiences I have encountered on the Quilt of Valor journey and from the emotion that I carry with me as a Vietnam Veteran. The last two words are for all that I Award...for many like me they are being heard for the first time.

I am ask, often, Why do you QOV? It is a simple answer...Because I can.

QUILTS OF VALOR

The Quilts of Valor Foundation is a national organization founded in 2003 by “Blue Star” mom Catherine Roberts.  With a son deployed in Iraq, a ‘Gunner’ sitting atop a Humvee she felt “only ten seconds away from panic.” She had this vision of a post deployed warrior struggling with his war demons at 2 in the morning. She saw him sitting on the side of his bed wrapped in a quilt. The quilt not only comforted him but warded off the demons. Thus the QOVF was founded. The Quilts of Valor Foundation’s mission is to cover ALL combat service members and veterans touched by war with comforting and healing Quilts of Valor.  Since its founding, Quilts of Valor has awarded over 95,000 quilts to veterans of military actions, conflicts and wars, including World War II, Korea, Vietnam, Beirut, Iraq and Afghanistan.

Each Quilt of Valor is formed by loving hands joining bits of fabric together one piece at a time.  A QOV may be fashioned by only one or two individuals or through the combined efforts of many women and men of all skill levels.  Quilters often join together in sewing bees to create these quilts.  As we quilt, we talk about our families and friends and how grateful we are of those that will be receiving what we call our “quilty” hug.  Now, through this quilt, you will become part of our quilting family.

We believe that as we sew the love, caring and gratitude flows from our hearts and through our hands into the developing quilt. We all, as quilters, want you to know that through our quilts you will be forever in our hearts. 

And so, on behalf of the Quilts of Valor Foundation and a grateful Nation, with our deepest appreciation, thank you for your service to our country with this Quilt of Valor Award.  Welcome Home…

Quilts of Valor Region 8 Retreat

First I have to apologize, and maybe, just maybe...not likely, I'll have to eat my words. I apologize to any other group that hosts a retreat that I will attend in the future...Quilts of Valor's Region 8 has set the bar so high I don't even know if they can reach it again. I say that with all do respect but this was my, well our, first retreat. For me it is kind of like a Filet Mignon. The first one is the best cut of beef you've ever had, melt in your mouth reward for being alive. From then on they are a really good steak dinner.

We can't say it was a week without surprises...well our surprises started on Tuesday at the Guild Meeting.

When I went out to the car to get something I was greeted with a broken window...and where you see the pair of glasses is where Elaine had put her purse...yep, broad daylight. Please believe me when I say it took some serious effort to see the very dark colored purse, lying on the floor behind the driver's seat through the heavily tinted window glass on a very cloudy overcast and yep, rainy day.

All is well. Every thing has been replaced or is on it's way. She only carries one credit card, cancelled within minutes, no cash, and she doesn't have an ATM Card. Fraud alerts put on all credit reporting agencies, new driver's license in the mail as well as SS, medical and other miscellaneous cards. I guess the toughest loss was her phone with the pictures of the grand kids. We thought the phone would be the most expensive item to replace...well we don't get paid to think. Our deductible on the phone was only $99...the window was $156 and the key to the car...well the estimate came in at $300... I haven't replaced that yet. I had my key reprogrammed and I'm thinking one car...one key. But then I'd hate to loose that key. If by chance I do ever run across the low life's that stole her purse I'll be testifying before a jury why I was in fear for my life and the lives of others.

So Tuesday passed, Wednesday was spent getting things back in order and early Thursday morning we headed out for Georgia. We had a good trip, hit some snow between Emporia, VA and Durham, NC but other than that pretty uneventful. We pulled into the Retreat site around 3 PM. The retreat was held at a Baptist Conference Center...huge facility but a really good location for what we would be doing. I will admit to being shocked though...although the rooms were clean and neat they lacked a few essentials. Like a microwave, refrigerator and HELLO...a TV. Who builds a facility and don't put televisions in the room. Apparently Baptist. I guess they haven't heard of that Sunday Sport that goes on this time of year called the NFL Playoffs.
Thank goodness for laptops. I can only guess the facility is to accommodate prayer and meditation. Well that and quilting...because I'm here to tell you there was a lot of that going on...the quilting that is.

I got to get started early Friday Morning

There were quilter's everywhere...dead center is Elaine with one of the Singer Featherweights...Sugar Ray. 

If there was a room...there were quilters

Another longarmer...she was the work horse for the week end.

Yet another room full of quilters, quilters everywhere

and did I mention snacks and food everywhere as well. I think it was a five pound trip...I'm not getting on a scale until February

another room and another group of quilters

I don't know what the official quilt top and completed quilt count was by the end of Sunday, we left around 11 AM and there was still a couple of hours of sewing left. I'm gonna guess they were on the edge of 100 tops. I know I saw at least 15 finished. I brought home nine to quilt, ten counting one Elaine finished. So it was indeed a week end of quilting. 

We had the opportunity to meet quite a few people that we had an email and phone relationship with and each was a compliment to our lives. Each and every one add to what we love to do as we strive to do our part for the Quilts of Valor Foundation. I am overjoyed that Elaine has decided to become a State Coordinator for Virginia and we will now share in those duties. There are three really lucky recipients in her decision, Quilts of Valor, the Commonwealth of Virginia and again me. I've lost count how many times she has brought a fulfillment to my life and this is just another that goes on the long list. 

So Friday, Saturday and the morning of Sunday was filled with quilting, socializing, quilting, eating, socializing, quilting and some more eating. It was a tough week end but someone has to do it. It was so tough that we had to stop in Gastonia, GA to spend the night. Well I guess I could have driven straight home, NOT. 

As it turns out several hours from the retreat site, on our way home is this store called Mary Jo's. I guess if you're into fabric, like quilter's are, this is a must visit. Well I'm here to tell you they got some fabric. As you can see we were there before the doors opened and I must admit, Elaine was quite pleased. 

This is one happy fabric shopping, quilt making, stash master standing at the doorway of a fabric heaven

You can see why we had to spend the night Sunday...Closed...but this was bright and early Monday. Nobody was beating her in. 

and she went right to work

to say they have some fabric is an understatement

not to mention notions, patterns, machines and more fabric

She had a great time...she was a happy camper. And we all know when Elaine is happy, Les is ecstatic. It was a good day. The drive home was a little harder on the Outback than the drive to the retreat, I'm thinking the extra weight was a big factor. But on Monday afternoon around 4 we pulled into the driveway. It took awhile to get everything unloaded and we did that thing like when you move into a new place..."Put that in the living room, that goes in the bedroom, that in the sewing room, and that and that and that." We finally got to a bag she didn't recognize...it was mine. 

"What is that, where did it come from?" She asks

"It's okay Elaine, I got this one."

Were we happy to get home??? I don't know...ask Elaine...

I know Lilee (on chair) and Nikee (on foot stool) were really glad. Elaine looks pretty happy too.

Quilt till you wilt...we do...

January 2014...Who Knew???

Let's just say it didn't sneak up on us. One day we were two kids in high school wondering what's next and the next thing you know we're two adults in Virginia wondering...you guessed it...What's next. Anyway... Happy Happy Happy.

We started out the New Year the way we finished the old...quilting with friends.

And along the way we picked up a 'new' quilter. Amy is standing next to her first quilt. Once completed it will be given to the expectant mother. The blocks were decorated at the baby shower and now Amy has tackled bringing it all together. It will be the baby's first quilt as well as Amy's.

Started the Quilts of Valor part of our lives off with a bang. "Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night stays these couriers from the swift completion of  their appointed rounds" That would be neither a mail carrier or a QOV Presenter.  Drove to Triangle, VA

The Ceremony was the Promotional Ceremony for a Marine Corps Captain advancing to Major. His Step Dad, a Vietnam Veteran and retired Army Lt. Colonel pinned on his new Oak Leaves. Both the ceremony and Awards were conducted in the foyer of the National Museum of the Marine Corps in Triangle, VA. It would have taken a lot more than a little snow to keep me away from this one. 

The Major's quilt was made by his mother, a QOV quilter out of Georgia. The quilt Awarded to the Step Father was made by other QOV Volunteers. Here's one of those understatement things...they were beautiful. Here's the funny. Neither of them had a clue. The mother/wife and I have been communicating since September. Not only did she make her son's quilt she made another and gave it to me for an award yet to be determined. The husband had no idea she had made either.We had prearranged the transfer of her quilt to me and we met up in the foyer. The quilt was concealed in a Talbot's Outlet shopping bag. I found a chair and stashed the now two quilts, hers along with the one I brought. She and her husband were seated several rows away. During their conversation he says,
"I saw a guy walking around with a shopping bag just like yours."
"No kidding? How weird." with a slight grin she replied.

So needless to say when she introduced me it was pretty obvious her son standing with her was going to be Awarded a QOV. The real shock set in when I called his Step Father to join us. I don't think they yet know what happened. What happened is the cunning and determination of a woman. A QOV Volunteer no less.

Okay so I had the honor and the privilege again...is this a good job or what. Don't tell anyone...they don't even have to pay me...oh wait.

One 'quilty hug' down one to go. 

Two very surprised QOV Recipients. Did I say very surprised?

No disrespect to the Lt. Colonel...but Ooh-Rah. 

Quilt till you wilt...we do...