A (St)itchin First Impression

After over 500 quilts with the Standard Stitch Regulator that came with our Innova we finally made the upgrade to Lightning Stitch.

At the time the cost, over $4000.00 after some sales tax, was just out of reach.We were fortunate to be able to buy our 22"/12', with some added accoutrements, outright and LS just wasn't in the budget. For nearly four years the Standard did what it was ask and provided good stitch quality for the skill and experience of the operator...that would be me. It is here where I will mention, while chewing on some crow, that $4000 seemed like a tremendous amount of money to have a fancy touch screen mounted on the front of the machine so one could change a setting without going back to the control panel of the Standard regulator. Swallow, chew some more. Don't get me wrong, it's still a lot of money. But it's not just a fancy control panel. Far from it. Chew, swallow.

Surprisingly I got better, more efficient, and faster. When I did the Standard did everything it was designed to do without failing. But it couldn't keep up with the speed I had acquired and most noticeably when changing direction. Enter the 'long stitch.' In most instances they were only noticed by me. But as my customer base grew I found quilts I had done were being entered in shows and getting costly appraisals. My longarming goal is to compliment the quilt. It doesn't make any difference to me if it is a charity quilt, a Quilt of Valor or one for a paying customer, show or no show. They all deserve the best I can provide. The Standard Stitch Regulator no longer offered me the compliment I was striving for. Enter Lightning Stitch.

I have to give credit where credit is due. First ABM International for designing and manufacturing LS. Then they came up with the no interest for 36 months via Wells Fargo. Lastly, but never least, Valerie Schlake and The Longarm Network. In this case, Carol, Melissa and Greg. When I first inquired about the financing it was being advertised as a benefit obtainable by purchasing a 'complete' system. When I called that was confirmed. I had laid to rest this opportunity. As is often the case, Valerie didn't. She did some digging and was able to establish that the financing option would be made available to other ABM options for the Innova, such as Lighting Stitch. We were back in business. Following direction we applied online for a line of credit with Wells. That took about 90 seconds. They hold the paper on our house, the last three to be exact, our checking, two IRA's and savings Once approved we were put on the schedule for installation.

Installation was yesterday. I think it has been established that $4000 is a lot of money. But, another serving of crow here, not for Lightning Stitch. Greg arrived about 1230, a little late, but when traffic on I 64 in Hampton Roads gets bogged down, it gets bogged down. I think at one point he covered three miles in about an hour. What I witnessed while the installation was being completed is what changed my outlook on the cost of LS. In case your wondering...yes I made the choice to have a professional do the installation. I may be stubborn at times but I'm not stupid.

It wasn't pretty. My Innova was gutted. Circuit boards, wiring, wiring harnesses, a drive belt, the motor, the Standard Stitch Regulator, every thing. The only thing that went back in was the little blue box that allows PantoVision and the machine to talk to each other. Yes it was somewhat of a scare seeing it all laid out with nothing left but the frame work. Okay maybe more than somewhat.

This is where the cost of LS quickly becomes defined. It's not just a fancy touch control screen on the front of the machine. Thinking back to when we first purchased the machine that's what we saw. I guess that's what we all see. It's way more than that. It's everything inside. Different wiring, different circuit boards, different motor and well the touch screen is a little more than that as well. It in itself is a computer. Maybe not one that you can check your Facebook Page on or run Windows, but it is a computer.

So after several hours of diligent, calculated, persistent and technical professionalism the job was complete and Greg powered up our longarm. Okay I was a little worried when he hit the power switch. Hey, an hour and a half ago it was pieces laying all over the place. He covered some of the basics and we loaded a practice sandwich. At this point please forgive me...HOLY SHIT!!!

No, seriously...I can't go fast enough to get a 'long stitch.' I can't change direction fast or slow to get a long stitch. Slow, fast, really fast does not make one bit of difference. Not to mention features like Pick Up, Tie Off, Basting, which now can be set to one stitch per inch, A Bobbin gauge, Timer and the list goes on. I haven't even worked on establishing what will be the settings that give me the most accurate, quality and cosmetically aesthetic results I strive for when longarming. My goal to compliment a quilt just got a whole lot easier. More crow here. Not to mention LS has added a level of professionalism I could never have imagined. Of course at one time, not that long ago, I never imagined I would be a longarmer. Let alone Thee Leatherneck Kilted Quilter.

So First Impressions are off the chart. Maybe because I have gained experience. Maybe because I completed over 500 quilts that with only minor inconsistencies with the quality that was afforded me with the Standard Stitch Regulator. Maybe because at the time all I saw was a touch screen with a $4000 price tag and yes maybe because I was a little stubborn...I know, more crow.

Yes, Elaine is enjoying this. Yes,Valerie has every right to say "I told you so." Apparently it was quite the conversation when I called in and wanted to get Lightning Stitch. And yes, I can imagine why. Did I mention Elaine is enjoying this.

For those that have an Innova without LS...save your nickles, save your dimes and take the leap. If you are in the market for a longarm and Innova becomes your choice, not that that's a hard choice, do whatever you have to so that you can include Lightning Stitch in your initial purchase. Learning to longarm has a tough enough learning curve, comes with several frustrations along the way as you gain experience and knowledge you might as well make it easier with Lightning Stitch. Believe me. I learned the hard way.

Once again, thanks goes out to Carol, Melissa, Greg for helping out along the way with courtesy, professionalism and commitment to outstanding customer service which is the foundation of The Longarm Network. And Valerie...I don't have the words for your tolerance, patience and unwavering faith and support for your craft, your business and your customers. Even though on occasion one might turn a hair or two grey.


Quilt till you wilt...we do.

Flag Day...

You might be asking yourself, and then again you might not, but I'll tell you anyway. I honestly have no recollection of not celebrating June 14th, Flag Day. No it is not Christmas, nor Thanksgiving, not a special someone's birthday or a day to celebrate our independence...but simply the day that in 1916, by proclamation from the President established June 14th as Flag Day to commemorate the adoption of the flag of the United States on June 14, 1777. So in some form I celebrate this day in honor of all of those that believe in what it stands for, for those that have defended it and on this day are defending it, and for those that believe with all heart and soul what it stands for. This year was no different. Well maybe a little. I never thought I would ever celebrate it quilting. I mean really, like who knew? Long will it wave.

The back is loaded, getting ready to cut the backing...

The top is pressed and ready to load...

Stitched up the test block to check the tension...

The sandwich is complete and ready to quilt...

Basting down the left side...

Basting down the right...all ready to quilt.

The finished product. Oh did I mention it is a Quilt of Valor? But I'm guessing you knew that already. What else would I be quilting on Flag Day?

I hope you enjoyed Flag Day as much as I did. It may not be a major holiday, it doesn't get you a day off and I don't recall any Flag Day sales of anything. But rest assured it is one that I don't forget. It represents a lot of dedication, sacrifice, patriotism, strength, courage, commitment and freedoms that should not be taken for granted. Semper Fi. Thee Leatherneck Kilted Quilter...

To answer the question about Santa Claus sitting on top of our longarm. Well we own an Innova from ABM International in Texas. And if you own an Innova, everyday is Christmas.

Oh yeah, quilt till you wilt...we do...

If it ain't broke...You know the rest.

If you have followed the blog...a huge thanks...or even if you've just browsed through it you have read that we believe and I follow most certainly, "If it ain't broke..." Well I wasn't sure with the quilt I loaded yesterday. Don't read anything into it. The piecer is one of the best. But it was the first top I've received that required a fork lift...slight exaggeration...but close. It was 75X83 and all denim. Heavy to say the least. Thick seams, absolutely. The back was a good quality cotton and it was to have batting. It is headed for a relative of the piecer in Wisconsin. Apparently it gets cold there. If he's not crushed I know he'll be warm under the finished quilt.

The machine and needle both knew, as did I, when going through the seam where four corners came together.

 So everything was about to be tested. My Innova, 22", 12' Table, Superior Threads, Omni V (variegated), and my needles, Groz-Beckert, #16, and my system of floating the top. Floating is something with the exception of one quilt I have always done. I no longer accept quilts with excessively wavy borders like the one I had to load without floating. Since then I've never met a top I couldn't float. The piecer's are understanding and have redone the borders when needed, which in the long run, benefited everyone. For me it is about the ability to control the top. I baste across the top, both sides as I roll and the bottom when I get there. I use magnets across the quilt as I go. For me this has minimized the "draw-in" associated with the quilting process in longarming.

After choosing a pattern, in this case Fantasy Flames by Jessica Schick from digitechpatterns.com, my fav by the way for buying patterns, followed by Anne Bright.  I fired everything up. Oh, okay, I turned on the longarm and the tablet so I could use my Panto Vision. Have I mentioned if it weren't for Panto Vision I wouldn't be a longarmer. True by the way. So how did it go?

Well it is an Innova, a machine that has proven to me over the last three and a half years, with no maintenance beyond the drop of oil at bobbin changes, more than four hundred quilts, the occasional tension adjustments and one loose connection between the machine and tablet that required a phone call to the 24/7-365 support provided by ABM International to correct, it performed flawlessly. Honestly, the Innova had no clue it was denim.

Superior Threads new Omni V. This was only the second quilt I've used the new "V" on. Unless requested by the piecer I use Omni exclusively. For me it doesn't get any better. I've tried numerous others and they all end up being donated to another quilter. In this case the variegation was a dark green, burgundy, purple, navy combination. It was chosen to give some color to the top and was pulled from the colors of the motorcycle print of the back. You need to look closely to see the color on the top, but it's there without distracting from the quilt. Using it along with the Groz-Beckert #16 the whole quilt was completed without any thread breakage and the needle was performing in the last inch of sewing as it did in the first inch. In regards to tension I had to make a very minor correction to the bobbin case (the one supplied and recommended by ABM/Innova and found to be the most reliable for me after trying many others) to accommodate the denim and get what I consider to be the look of good tension, no top on the bottom and no bottom on the top.

To say I am pleased with the results and not have the quilting over power the quilt and remain consistent with my goal to "compliment the piecer's work", I feel is the final result in this case. Hopefully you would agree.

It is also consistent with my adopted "If it ain't broke..." I must say I was somewhat hesitant. I had read on other blogs, magazine articles and heard the horror stories and cautions of working with denims. I had to carefully weigh what others have said, many with way more experience than I, before loading this top. I have quilted other tops that had pieces of denim, but never all denim. When it came to pushing the 'go' button I had to fall back on my experiences and what has worked for me in the past, whether cottons, minky's, T's, Batiks, flannels or poly's. And now denim.

Thanks to Valerie Schlake, the Longarm Network (my dealer), ABM/Innova and the quality products from Superior Threads, Groz-Beckart and great digital pattern designers like Jessica Schick, someone it Wisconsin will be just a little warmer next winter and hopefully pleased to display this quilt so carefully and skillfully crafted by one of his relatives I'm fortunate enough to longarm for.

Ready to be squared and bound

Speaking of quilting...This is Zane, our grandson. He will be six in June. You see him holding his first block. He and Grammy, who is in PA with him, son, daughter-in-law and granddaughter until sometime mid April, sat on Grammy's lap and completed his first block. They are working on a table runner for the dining room table. We may just have another quilter in the making. Our beautiful granddaughter, under Grammy's supervision, made her dad his Quilt of Valor and has worked on several others since. What can I say...besides being a proud Gramps.

Quilt till you wilt...we do.

Birds of a Feather 2016

The eagles have left the nest. Well I like to think of Elaine and I as eagles. They mate for life and return annually to relatively the same area for a little family time. Eagles are very social and committed to family. In our case that family includes The Quilts of Valor Foundation, The Longarm Network and Birds of a Feather. Like they say, Birds of a Feather flock together. Couldn’t be more true here.

This year found us and our Not Forgotten QOV Group nesting and flocking with the other birds at the City Center Marriott in Newport News as the selected Non-Profit beneficiary of the event. For that we want to express our sincere gratitude to Valerie Schlake and all of those associated with The Longarm Network. It was good to touch base with Valerie, Melissa, Michelle, Allison, Greg and all of those that put in so much hard work and effort to make this ‘nest’ special once again. Like the eagles we will be ready for a return next year. This was our fourth year and our second with the opportunity to display, promote and share our passion with those in attendance. Like quilting and longarming we have a passion that extends to Quilts of Valor Foundation® and its mission. “The mission of the Quilts of Valor Foundation is to cover active service members and veterans touched by war with comforting and healing Quilts of Valor.”

We were set up in the Rotunda…

 

Beginning Thursday morning and through Sunday morning quilters came to sew and assemble Quilts of Valor. We had a huge supply of fabrics, cut pieces and quilt kits to choose from. Like the Birds of Feather event we had quilters from all over this great country that took some time out of their attendance at Birds to work with us on QOV’s. We had individuals from Virginia, Maryland, North Carolina, Tennessee, Pennsylvania, Michigan,Texas and Alaska that spent time with us and time crafting QOV’s. We want to extend a huge thank you to each one. Two really stand out…Teresa and Wendy from Pennsylvania. They came down for two days to sew with us. They had never been to a Birds of a Feather event and wanted to check it out and coming down to sew for QOV seemed like a good way to flock with other quilters and see what Birds was all about. They said they will both return next year to take some classes and enjoy even more of the event.

I really can’t say enough about those that sew with Elaine and the Not Forgotten QOV Group. Many of them not only spent the last three monthly sew days cutting the kits for BOAF/QOV but they dared the freezing temps and came to Newport News and sewed. Without each and every one of them and their unselfish dedication to Not Forgotten QOV and the Foundation we could not continue on the mission. I have always said and will always say it is the “volunteers” that put the smiles on the faces, the warmth in the hearts and a tear or two in the eyes of those service members and veterans that receive a Quilt of Valor. Oh how special quilters are, each and every one of you. And a special thanks to Marianne Elliot. Who comes down from Maryland to help out at every event Elaine and I set up a QOV Booth. She’ll be back in two weeks when we participate at the Mid-Atlantic Quilt Fest. We can’t express our gratitude often enough.

Some of the tops completed and the quilters responsible…

This year BOAF was really no different than previous years…it improved once again. The event continues to expand in all aspects. More Vendors, (I know Superior Threads was glad to see me) more Innova machines that you can try your hand at, more classes, plenty of raffle baskets and a large number of quilts displayed showing the work of many talented and dedicated crafters. And don’t let the ‘longarm’ throw you off. Now that there is a sit down model and classes to go along with them it was interesting to listen to some of the patrons talk about how they could transfer some of what they learned to their regular machines and how it would improve their machine quilting. Did I mention the Grand Raffle Prize was and Innova Sit Down Model.

I didn’t qualify to get in on that drawing but I did put in for a Raffle Basket. It’s not like I really had a choice. It had a Snap On multi-purpose tool in it. Sadly I didn’t win but like the Chicago Cubs fans always say,

”There’s always next year.”

As we have in the past we have raffle items to help us raise funds for Quilts of Valor. We again will be raffling off a Singer 221 Featherweight and a Raffle Quilt. This years quilt was pieced by Diane Fisher and I had the privilege of longarming it. Tickets can only be purchased at the events. Next up will be Mid Atlantic Quilt Fest in Hampton, Va, February 25-28, 2016. The drawing for both will be on Sunday the 28th at 4:00 PM. We hope to see you there. 

So as we soar into 2016, climb to new heights, take on new challenges, strive for improvement and work towards our old and new goals we want to take this brief moment to thank everyone that shares some of their precious time with Elaine and I, Quilts of Valor and the quilting community. The community in our lives that includes The Longarm Network, Birds of a Feather, Quilts of Valor, The Tidewater Quilters’ Guild and the volunteers of Not Forgotten QOV and Southern Tier QOV in Corning New York. 

Quilt till you wilt…we do.

Tools of the Trade...

I have been asked on several, frequent really, occasions how I do this and how I do that and what do you use for this and what for that? I have now been longarming for over three years and seem to be in a routine that is working. I'm going to make an attempt to share what this rookie does to do this and that and what I use along the way to reach a viable and accepted result of my efforts.

I use an Innova 22" Longarm on what I would call an industrial table that is 12' long. I call it industrial because I frequently longarm bare footed and if you happen to stub your toe on one of its legs...it doesn't move one iota. I only do hand guided quilting using the pantograph system named Panto Vision. I've done some free motion as well but being about as artistic as a martini stir stick I follow patterns created by those that do have artistic abilities. Over the last several years I have made numerous changes as I progressed. So the tools I will be sharing is what is being used currently based on experience, saves time and two basic systems of reasoning. If it ain't broke, don't fix it and Keep It Simple Stupid (KISS). Both are personal references I acquired from my father and grandfather. Often enforced with a little physical aptitude system to emphasis the point. I will admit that both systems were enhanced by Marine Corps Drill Instructors with an emphasis on Improvise, Adapt and Overcome. All of which were great attributes when it came to working with tension.

It starts here. I will say one of the best things I have made for our quilting needs. Long before a top or back makes it to the longarm it has spent some time on this ironing sufrace, pressing seams, removing loose threads (Irish pennants) and just getting the wrinkles out.

I've said this on other posts...a good steam iron is a gift from the Gods.We use regular water and Best Press when needed. Our home version of Best Press is the standard 8 ounces of water to 1 ounce of vodka. I have seen no difference...it appears starch is starch. Currently the thread removal tool, the pink item with the handle and it's sticky surface works well. The window cleaner is for the mirror which is upcoming. Yes the Corgi, Nikee, is a fixture...naturally right where you need to stand.

The table surface is kept as clean and free of everything but the bare essentials. The two clamps, which found their way in from the garage, are used to lock the longarm's movement on the X and or Y axis when needed. The mirror is one of those KISS items I use to view the stitching and check for any wrinkles in the back. I've never used a paper panto but glad this is something that has stayed with the frame. It really does come in hand.

On the right side of the frame is where I locate one of the Red Snapper side clamps, my batting scissors and the small Red Snappers. Also where the tool belt hangs when not in use. Something else that came in from the garage. I don't use it as often as I have in the past, but when I am away from my machine whether working on another machine or teaching it gets filled up with what I consider to be my essentials. You'll notice a small piece of batting lying on the table. I have one at each end where I deposit cut threads and Irish pennants that are trimmed if they were missed on the ironing table. There is also a small trash container (orange) on the right side. Larger debris is deposited here and emptied between quilts. I tried using them for thread at one time. But as you will see I have a fan in the Longarm Room. The circulating air and loose threads were not a good combo

The left side is where I do most of my work. The magnifying glass and mirror are used for checking tension along with the black exceptionally high lumen flashlight that is hooked to the green holder. The holder also has some measuring devices, brush, screwdrivers and pointed hook. I try not to use the pointed hook. It only comes out with the seam ripper and that is never any fun. I also store my 'airbrush' air compressor, magnets, the longer Red Snappers, battery operated rotary cutter and my regular scissors on the left side of the frame. When quilting I clean and oil my hook assembly and reload my bobbins on this side. The gray mats are from Five Below, two for $5. I can assure you they are just what my old knees need. They add several hours a day to the time I can spend quilting.

The left side as we all know from a previous post is where this cabinet ended up. Of course as previously stated it only made sense. Here's where the bobbin winder, Towa Gauge, Sharpies, bobbins, Tru-Cut rotary blade sharpener, oil, some manuals, radio/CD player, miscellaneous tools and items call home. The drawers are full of CD's. Yes I got rid of the eight track.

Yes I have a helper. Animal is there to remind me to measure twice, cut once. He throws a fit if I forget.

Okay...I know this is not where the additional handles are suppose to be mounted. And when Elaine does longarm I have to move them. But for me a perfect place for my tablets touch pen, a Sharpie and "Jack" the seam ripper.

There are tools that I haven't pictured. Steel rulers, a T Square, some miscellaneous clamps for when I need three hands, a laser unit, extra parts and accessories. We each have developed the use for different tools and whether we think about them or not they are a part of what we do.

I mentioned the fan earlier. I'm one of those that need air circulating. It doesn't make any difference if it's Winter or Summer...the fan is on.

So there is a peek at some of the things I use as I go about my longarming days. Not all inclusive, some you may use, some you may not. Like you I am in a constant state of learning, experimenting, tweaking this and tweaking that. For me I am just striving to 'compliment the piecer's work.' I know there is a saying..."it isn't a quilt until it's quilted." I just feel it's my job to see it as the finished product before it's even loaded on the longarm. To me it's a quilt before I put in one stitch. I've even surprised myself and had them come off the longarm looking better than I imagined.

and like the sign says...

and like we say...
Quilt till you wilt...we do.

August...Came and Went.

Where does the time go?
We've most certainly been busy...Awards, meetings, preparing for upcoming events, a trip here and there and even some longarming.

Elaine has spent the last two weeks with our son and grandchildren in PA while I've held down the fort, allowed the dogs to boss me around and kept the longarm humming.

One major announcement for those that attend the Birds of a Feather event. We, Not Forgotten QOV, will be set up during the full event in the Marriott, Newport News City Center, from February 11 through the 14th, 2016. For the locals here in the Hampton Roads area if nothing else stop by to sew with us as we work on Quilts of Valor. We will be located in the Rotunda. As always we will have a QOV Booth up and running. Virginia Longarm has graciously invited us to be part of their annual event and will be providing the space and a Innova Longarm that I will be utilizing to work on Quilts of Valor. For the next several months Not Forgotten QOV will be making kits so that participants and others who want to sew will have readily available materials to work on. This will be the second year that Valerie Schlake, owner of Virginia Longarm and the power source behind The Longarm Network, has invited Not Forgotten QOV to participate in Birds of a Feather. You can find out more at thelongarmnetwork.com If you are close you won't be disappointed...this is a fantastic event.

Elaine and I are proud as can be to be associated with Valerie. She became an Innova Longarm dealer in 2012. We have the honor of being her first customer as an Innova dealer. We boastfully say that we are the lucky ones. Her support of us both and her support for our passion in Quilts of Valor is testament to her unselfish and generous contributions she has made to the quilting world. You have no idea how grateful we are that our paths crossed.

As I was saying...Elaine has been with the grandkids and our beautiful daughter-in-law and son. Our son, Trent, having retired from the Marine Corps is now working for Siemens. He is one of several technicians that support the Siemens Electric Locomotives, ACS-64, operated by Amtrak. Okay so we are kind of proud. Maybe just a little. So I guess it was only natural they visited the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania in Strasburg. I guess they had a good time. Nothing but smiles.

So...as they say...when the cats away the mice will play. In this case it is the mouse...and that be me. Well one of us has to quilt. Here are some of the latest to fall prey to the Innova.

Let's just say I hate buttons. This was a Navy Career T-Shirt quilt. 

This was a custom piece. I was like really happy the way this one turned out. Fortunately so was the piecer. 

This was a garage sale find. Estimated to be hand sewn in the late 30's early 40's. It had its challenges but came out beautifully.

Commemorating the high school years T. 

Well being a golfer this was a fun piece. Yes they are ties.

If I were to guess...a bird lover.

Some QOV's and some for clients. No idle time here that's for sure. Speaking of idle time. Nikee seems to be confused,,,Is it a pillow or is it a bed? Apparently it can't be both at the same time.

Your guess is as good as mine.

Quilt till you wilt...we do.