Longarm class

Yesterday I took a class at a local quilt shop called Sew Fun in Folsom, CA. They have a longarm quilting machine ( the Mega Quilter 18 x 8 by HUSQVARNA VIKING) there that they rent out the use of, but first you have to take the class on how to use it.

First you learn how to set up the machine. Isn't that just the loveliest quilt top ever :)

Then you learn how to use the computer. Thread it, tension and what not. 

Then you learn how do set up and use the pre-installed designs. You can also create your own designs or buy the designs and use a usb to put it on the computer. This is the one I picked, I did two preloaded designs in one block. I also did other like borders and nesting. Look at the last picture it see it all. 

Then you start learning free motion quilting. See there is my name. 

I also did some funky designs, some stippling, some loops, and so forth. 

You can even use the machine to set up designs in blocks of your quilt. 

There are lots of other options too, like a free motion setting where you can trace your design and then set where it goes and the machine will stitch it out for you. Fun right! I didn't really try that because I had no idea it would do that and didn't bring anything to trace. 

Then you are done. And you get to take the final product home and can sign up to use the machine to do your own long arm quilting.

I had  a lot of fun. It was a great b-day present from my husband. He knows me so well. I do need a lot more practice to get good, but I am sure this will help with those larger quilts that I am not willing to tackle on my home machine. 

Here are a couple full length picture of my long arm class quilt :) 

And some close ups. 

Look a little butterfly and a bunch of mess, star was a programmed design.

Some fill. 

I did start to get better right at the very end... 

Suzie seems to think it should be her's. 

I am looking forward to the next time I get to go do this. It was a lot of fun. If you have the option to take a class like this at your LQS I say go for it, it is a very enjoyable experience. 

The only problem is now I want one for home! Ha! Like that is going to happen anytime soon. 

I am off now. Have fun! 

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