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 :)

Long arm Class

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

Long arm Class

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. 

Long arm Class

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

Long arm Class

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

Long arm Class

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

Long arm Class

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.

Long arm Class

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 :) 

long arm class

And some close ups. 

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

long arm class

Some fill. 

long arm class

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

long arm class

Suzie seems to think it should be her's. 

long arm class

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! 

long arm class


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Comments

  1. I've been wanting to do that at our local shop. You did a fabulous job for the first time. I'm impressed! I may have to give it a go!

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  2. Best birthday present EVER! You did great! I really wish I could rent a long-arm around here.

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  3. you did a wonderful job...such a great b-day present!!

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  4. Happy B-day! I'm glad you had fun! Your husband may not have realized that he's started something pretty expensive here! ha ha

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  5. Way to go! I'm better on my domestic than I am on my longarm, but like it was when I started, it will improve with practice. You can see how much better you did from when you began! Very nice job.

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  6. Very cool, Jenn! I know you had a ball - whoop whoop!!

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  7. Terrific class I bet! Someday I am thinking of taking it. So you pay to use the long arm by the hr after you take the class right?

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  8. AnonymousJuly 02, 2011

    That's great! It sounds like a perfect quilter's "spa" day!

    Our HQ dealer let me in on a tip: You can sandwich this quilt into another project, or even bind & donate to a homeless shelter.

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Thanks for visiting, Jenn