I indulged my longarm fantasies by renting time on a machine at a LQS. It was fun!
There were a few things that surprised me though.
1. The machine vibrated like a jack hammer. Maybe it was just the machine I was using, but when I held the handles, I felt like I was getting ready to break through some concrete!
2. The machine worked muscles in my arms that I never knew I had. It wasn’t until about 2 or 3 hours after quilting that my arms felt sore. Who knew that quilting with a longarm would be a workout?!?
3. There was a lot of pinning involved. My rental packet included 400 T-pins. Did I really need this many pins? The lady at the shop assured me that I would. And here I thought I was getting away from pin basting! But, when I think about it, the quilt has to be attached to the machine in some way.
Here’s what I worked on during my practice session. Not bad for a first-timer, eh?!?
Now, as soon as I finish up my improv quilt top, I’ll head back to the LQS for more playtime with the Gammill!
26 comments
That looks like so much fun – and even better getting a mini work out thrown in!
wow, that is handy to be able to rent it! Looks like fun. I would like to try just to say I have tried! lol
nice job!! love the design you did! Isn't it fun 🙂
This may be a snoopy question, but how much did your session cost? I'm going to check to see if anyone in my area does this.
Great fabrics for the improv quilt. They look fabulous together.
Long arm quilting is fun. So sad it wasn't all smooth sailing! Can't imagine using a machine the vibrates so much. I have a Tin Lizzie and it doesn't do that.
I've often thought about doing that! Love your improv piecing!
Very fun! I really need to do that!
Oooo… That's a big long arm, too. I'd imagine that sitting and quilting on a home machine is hard on the wrists. Long arms would be harder on the shoulder and rotator cuffs. Was it easier on your wrists?
I think I need to try using a longarm, but I dont think I would know where to start. Love the colors on the improv piece.
How awesome! So glad you are able to rent time on a longarm close by (and much cheaper than buying a new one!) Your first attempt looks fantastic.
Amanda
It looks beautiful! And you look exactly like you know what you're doing. 🙂
Great job! It's fun isn't it ?
Very cool! I've been wanting to try a longarm too. Lucky you!
Love that improv and you lucky thing getting to play with a longarm!
Thanks for sharing. I have a local friend who took a class, and will be renting soon. I'll be going with her to help pin and such to see if it's something I want to give a try…
That's interesting Nicole – did it make you want one more or put you off? I love your blue green improv!
Wow… I'd say you are a natural! I'd love to find somewhere that rents time and give it a whirl. Love your blocks on the design wall too.
Look at you go! Very impressive. It's great that you can try a longarm before investing all that money. I think I will look around and see if there is a shop near me that offers this service!
Thank you for the information – it looks like fun and I love what you did but I'm very glad to know its so hard on the arms, that means I can't handle it so I will stop fantasizing about owning one 😉
Thanks for sharing your experience…look forward to hearing more about what you think after your next session.
OMG!!! I hope I can find a place to rent job time here in Atlanta. Great job. 🙂
so glad you indulged…
indulgence is a good thing!
but, vibrated like a jackhammer? sounds like that machine needs some attention.
i do not get that sensation when i work with my LA.
also, there are way around all that pinning.
most times i pin, cause it gives me time to ponder my quilting design and get my mind set.
but, i have been known to attach my backing fabric using staples.
& there are quick clip on ways to attach practice pieces.
one last pin tip – i ALWAYS float my tops – so no pinning there – EVER!
Looks like a fun way to spend the day! Looking forward to seeing the improv quilt finished :o)
Love your improv blocks!
Hurray! So glad you got to try one out. I believe there is a lady here in Austin that rents time on her long-arm. I may have to check into that after the holidays.
My quilter has traded in her pins for red clips – you may want to look into those. Before, she probably only used 20 pins at a time.
Comments are closed.