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New Pantograph Tool ---- Makes doing pantographs or picture images a breeze!


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Just testing the water here.... I am a creature of comfort when it comes to quilting, if it is not easy to do, I do not want to do it. That goes with rulers, threads, anything that I might use in my longarm quilting.

 

So, when I needed to use an image for a very specific quilt that I simply could not mark the design I was forced to turn to a pantograph to do the quilting unless I had an additional $$$$$$$ to get a computerized system upgrade. That is not in my immediate future!

 

I have tried to do pantos in the past and always just "found another way" to do the quilting freehand after trying the stitching, hating the results and then ripping it all out. My brain just can not wrap around the "follow the laser line" approach. Moving the machine while holding the handlebars just is way out of my comfort. The designs always came out "crappy" at best for the smoothness of lines and the accuracy of the pattern. Heck, I am using the panto because I can't draw the design! Pantographs were just a real pain for me to do, so I haven't! Really, in over 10 years I just did not want to bother with them!

 

Now I am forced! What to do? Okay, first I took a big breath and then started to analyze what my issue really was. I simply could not follow the lines by standing behind and to the right of the design and moving the machine by the handlebars. After coming to this result I came up with a modification to my machine that made doing pantographs a cinch! I have complete control of the machine while tracing the design. I am simply euphoric about my invention!

 

Sooo...if there was a modification that you could make to your machine that would simplify (really) doing pantographs would you be interested in purchasing this item? Let me know what you think this modification might be worth to you.... If there is enough interest I will continue with getting the necessary parts and get instructions written and post here.

 

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I'm curious about this, but from a different perspective.  You say you couldn't manage to do your pantographs from the back using the handlebars and standing to the right of the design?  Most of us stand to the left.  I only ever used one hand, on the left handle, but using my right hand.  My left hand rested on the take-up roller to give me a counter-balance.  Some folks have the pantovision, which allows you to see the pantograph on the table from the front of the machine and is much cheaper than a totally computerized system.

 

If you have come up with something truly innovative, best of luck to you.

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I think most people need to see the prototype before deciding on a purchase. I hate pantographs also, for the same reason you state. I tried Linda's method, and it isn't any better. The laser light from the front was very difficult for me, but I did manage to get the hang of it on the one quilt I used it on. I rarely do that type of quilting, but once in awhile it would be nice to crank one out for a charity quilt or something. If you have a photo of what you have done to your machine, it would help. If you are planning to just sell instructions and a parts list, its hard to know if we would pay if we don't have a price. I may very well pay a small fee for that information, but I absolutely would not pay a hundred dollars for it, since I don't do much of this type quilting anyhow. If you are talking about selling the parts plus instructions, a general price would still be helpful. If you state a range, say $150 to $200 for example, we would know better how to answer you inquiry.

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I echo what Linda said. I'm also curious about you stating you stand on the right. I also use Linda's method when doing a panto--which is seldom. Not because they're hard to do, but because I think a well-stitched overall from the front is effective. 

 

A gentle suggestion from skeptical me would be a little less "infomercial speak" and perhaps not asking us what we'd pay for something we can't imagine--right out of the box. I offer this because we have a side business making tools and toys for longarmers and our best success has been showing what we have for sale. Realize that if your invention is really simple, others can make it easily. But also realize that some people won't have the time, materials, or inclination to make something and will want/need it right now or even yesterday!!

 

I'm curious as well--are you selling the actual invention or just the instructions for making it? If you're selling instructions, I think you'd charge what a quilt pattern costs. Maybe $10-$15 at the most. If you're making it to sell yourself, figuring your price depends on cost of materials, cost of labor, storing and shipping costs, and a reasonable profit. If the device is simple and easily made, what you're selling is convenience. When the convenience factor is overshadowed by a high cost, people will make their own. Or someone will "borrow" your simple idea and sell it cheaper. It's like walking a fence. Too much one way and you fall off the "no profit" side. Too much the other way and you fall off the "too expensive/no customers" side.

Just thought I'd share a little insight from our business experience. I will say that I'm curious to see what you have in mind. :)

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Zora, I need to wait to post a picture because of the patent information if I am going to start production. That is why I am just seeing if there is any interest from others for me to proceed. :)

 

Sorry if you thought I was too evasive, but I have never seen anything like this out there and did not want to pursue it if there were not enough people that were, like you, curious. Thank you for your insight for development though as I have never built a product before this. My idea is a completed hardware modification, easy to attach instructions. I will get some better idea of hardware costs and post a range....

 

This system does not require that you are standing and holding the handlebars at all while following your design. My standing issue is standing on the left of the machine, but right of the pattern, and trying to keep my body rigid to follow the lines.

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Are you talking about just an Image done from the front of the machine or a complete pantograph row done from the back of the machine... I am not sure what you are referring to...

I am thinking the only other way to do pantos without standing and using the handles and tracing it like you mention would involve the use of some kind of stylus maybe... On my previous table top frame before having a beautiful apqs machine.. I had to use a wooden stylus which touched the paper pattern and traced along the lines.... Laser light is much smoother... Pantos are not too hard for me... But then I do so many of them I have had a lot of practice... Like anything practice makes perfect...

Will be interested to see what you have come up with if not stylus related... I cannot say if I would be interested in buying a tool if I didn't see it or what it did.. But if I thought it would make some of the trickier pantos easier then it would be of interest...

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Will you be making and testing prototypes before going to the expense of attempting to patent? If and when you test your theory you could ask experienced and inexperienced quilters to test your design. Then you'll have an idea of the whole of it all, financially speaking, if it's worth it. Or, test out prototypes and if successful sell your idea to a larger entity. I wish you the absolute best in your endeavor however you proceed.

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I don't like doing pantos...never have.  The problem wasn't anything a lot of practice wouldn't have cured.  I always stood on the left too.  I have the cameras (front and back) and it didn't seem to help so I took them off.  I have a computerized system and I use Circle Lord boards.  I mostly free hand or use my boards.  I love my boards.  I'm always interested in anything new and innovative.  Hurry up with all you have to do and let us know what it is.  Looking forward to it.

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Now I am excited to continue... Yes, I will be getting the prototype ready in the next few weeks and will get some testing done before I start the full blown manufacture... I posted here only because I can easily make the modification for the Millie immediately... I will need to get some technical information for other brands and machines before I can develop the hardware configuration for them. I am waiting on quotes for materials, then I can get a better handle of pricing...

 

Thank you for your support.

 

Trinity Burak

trinity@2sistersquilting.com

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Dave Hudson - the Pattern Man - used to sell a tray that fit over the front rails of long arms so you could place a pattern on it and be able to follow the laser light from the front of the machine. I have seen it at several shows - the last time was last January at the Rusty Barns Craft & Sewing Show in Phoenix - but I can't remember the name of it. Is this what you are talking about? I wish I had a picture of it or a link but since I'm computerized I don't pay a lot of attention to these things anymore.

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Well, I have an appointment to see a manufacturer next week to get a prototype made and hammer out the pricing.... This is nothing that I have ever seen, otherwise I would have already purchased it!

Thank you for your interest and comments... I will keep you all here posted on my progress as APQS is my family!

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Dave Hudson - the Pattern Man - used to sell a tray that fit over the front rails of long arms so you could place a pattern on it and be able to follow the laser light from the front of the machine. I have seen it at several shows - the last time was last January at the Rusty Barns Craft & Sewing Show in Phoenix - but I can't remember the name of it. Is this what you are talking about? I wish I had a picture of it or a link but since I'm computerized I don't pay a lot of attention to these things anymore.

 

 

 

I looked up his website and couldn't find anything anywhere showing what you describe.   Sounds interesting though.   

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I can't imagine what your goody will be like.  Vickie calls me the panto queen. I use both hands on the handles. I took me almost 3 years to learn to dance with my machine (Millie). Once I figured that I needed to "drive" my Millie like driving a car and relax and look where I'm headed and not directly at the laser light, I improved greatly!! No, its not perfect but pretty good!

 

Good luck with you new product.  

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