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Cagey

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  1. Like
    Cagey got a reaction from alnaquilts in Vertical cone holder pros and cons, DIY ideas?   
    It attaches to the top of the machine with heavy-duty double stick tape.
    The easiest way would be to purchase a Dritz Cone Thread Holder, Heavy Duty at Joann's.  You can always find a discount coupon.  Then cut the thread rod to a shorter length, and stick it to the top of you machine using double stick tape.  You may need to put something on the bottom of the cone holder if it is not flat.  Cardboard or part of one of those plastic yard signs cut to size would work fine.
    Best of luck with your MacGyver project.
    Cagey
  2. Like
    Cagey got a reaction from ValerieJ in Putting Millie on carpeting   
    ValarieJ;
    You just need to spread the load over a larger surface area than the four table legs presently provide to protect your carpet and carpet pad underneath.
    We say your table including Millie weighs in at 600 pounds.  If each leg has a 1-inch foot, this means that there is 150 pounds of weight on top of each leg.  With the vibration of of quilting, this weight over time can damage the carpet and pad.
    All you have to do is spread the weight load over a larger surface area to protect the carpet.  You had to right idea with the 2x4s, but I believe that is overkill.
    I would suggest you go to Home Depot or Lowe's and purchase a 2-foot by 2-foot piece of 3/4 plywood.  Have them cut the board down into four 1-foot by 1-foot squares.  Depending on the store, they normally will give you one or two free cuts.  Then cover both the top and bottom of the boards with carpet that matches your present floor.  Place the Millie table on top of the squares.  The 150-pound of weight under each foot is now spread out over 144 square inches, which reduces the weight to a little over a pound per square inch.  
    Using 1/2 inch plywood and making the pads 6-inch by 6-inch would lower the tripping hazard as you walk around the table, and still do a good job of protecting your floors.  The military does the exact thing when they place plywood under the rolling stock wheels to protect the floors of the aircraft.  Think how much stress stiletto heels can put on a floor.
    Best of luck with your project.  
    Cagey
  3. Like
    Cagey got a reaction from Quilting4You in 2006 Millennium   
    Sylvia
    Is the circuit board no longer being made or is it just out of stock for awhile until it can be manufactured again?
    While the machine head is close to 20-years old, it is disappointing that APQS does not have a replacement board or a facility that can accept the circuit board and repair it for quilters.  It is sad to see a high quality machine to be made obsolete because of an old electrical part.  If you are or were the original owner, it makes you wonder how APQS is going to stand behind the lifetime warranty.
    Finally, contact a local automobile repair facility and find out where they send their older model circuit boards for repair.  Then contact that facility to see if they would be willing to take a look at your circuit board.  I had to have an older model car circuit board repaired and it cost $250 to have it repaired.
    Best of luck getting your machine up and running soon.
    Cagey
  4. Upvote
    Cagey got a reaction from RunningThreads in 2006 Millennium   
    Sylvia
    Is the circuit board no longer being made or is it just out of stock for awhile until it can be manufactured again?
    While the machine head is close to 20-years old, it is disappointing that APQS does not have a replacement board or a facility that can accept the circuit board and repair it for quilters.  It is sad to see a high quality machine to be made obsolete because of an old electrical part.  If you are or were the original owner, it makes you wonder how APQS is going to stand behind the lifetime warranty.
    Finally, contact a local automobile repair facility and find out where they send their older model circuit boards for repair.  Then contact that facility to see if they would be willing to take a look at your circuit board.  I had to have an older model car circuit board repaired and it cost $250 to have it repaired.
    Best of luck getting your machine up and running soon.
    Cagey
  5. Upvote
    Cagey got a reaction from RunningThreads in George is posessed.   
    As a George owner, are you describing the needle going up or down or making a single full cycle when you say it is "stitching by itself"?
    If so, I would try warming up your machine and then adjusting the needle up down button.
    I think this video might help a bit, https://www.apqs.com/needle-adjustment-fluorescent-fight-machines-video/
    Best of luck fixing your ghost George.
    Cagey
  6. Like
    Cagey got a reaction from dbams in George is posessed.   
    As a George owner, are you describing the needle going up or down or making a single full cycle when you say it is "stitching by itself"?
    If so, I would try warming up your machine and then adjusting the needle up down button.
    I think this video might help a bit, https://www.apqs.com/needle-adjustment-fluorescent-fight-machines-video/
    Best of luck fixing your ghost George.
    Cagey
  7. Like
    Cagey got a reaction from susan_55 in George is posessed.   
    As a George owner, are you describing the needle going up or down or making a single full cycle when you say it is "stitching by itself"?
    If so, I would try warming up your machine and then adjusting the needle up down button.
    I think this video might help a bit, https://www.apqs.com/needle-adjustment-fluorescent-fight-machines-video/
    Best of luck fixing your ghost George.
    Cagey
  8. Like
    Cagey got a reaction from HelenS in Bobbin winder   
    BonnieJ;
    Why don't you take a picture of your bobbin winder, so we might be able to assist you better?  A picture is worth a thousand words.
    You can also try taking your bobbin winder to a sewing machine repair store.  More than likely it is driven by a small sewing machine motor that can be repaired, oiled, brushes cleaned, etc. to get it running in better form.
    If you have not oiled the wheel axel that that rubs agains the motor spindle put a few drops on it.  Look for some small threads wrapped around the axel binding things up.  Is the eyelet that feeds the thread to the bobbin aligned with the bobbin.  If it is off to one side, it might be putting more thread on one side of the bobbin than the other.  Bobbin winders need tender loving care too.
    Best of luck fixing your issue.
    Cagey
  9. Like
    Cagey got a reaction from dbams in Thread recommendations for George for ruler and free motion quilting   
    Peach,
    I might suggest that you  choose a thread brand/type and then quilt using only that thread type for a few sessions to get used to it.  It will help with your tension issues. When you switch bobbins and thread brands/types you probably will have to make small tension adjustments.  When you are first starting out, you want to keep as many things the same as possible so quilting is enjoyable verses being a challenge.
    Get a donation quilt or two from your local quilt group and quilt your heart out on it.  Then when you return it, you will never see any of its mistakes again.  The person that receives it will cherish it, and you will have gotten great practice quilting from it.
    Have a great time using your new George.  You will love it.  Happy Thanksgiving.
    Cagey
  10. Like
    Cagey got a reaction from dbams in Bobbin winder   
    BonnieJ;
    Why don't you take a picture of your bobbin winder, so we might be able to assist you better?  A picture is worth a thousand words.
    You can also try taking your bobbin winder to a sewing machine repair store.  More than likely it is driven by a small sewing machine motor that can be repaired, oiled, brushes cleaned, etc. to get it running in better form.
    If you have not oiled the wheel axel that that rubs agains the motor spindle put a few drops on it.  Look for some small threads wrapped around the axel binding things up.  Is the eyelet that feeds the thread to the bobbin aligned with the bobbin.  If it is off to one side, it might be putting more thread on one side of the bobbin than the other.  Bobbin winders need tender loving care too.
    Best of luck fixing your issue.
    Cagey
  11. Like
    Cagey got a reaction from Phil0110 in Anyone ever quilt an actual flag?   
    Phyllis,
    I would suggest to your friend and her son that they not desecrate the flag of the United States of America in this manner.  
    As the potential quilter, I would abstain from taking part in any portion of this project.
    As an individual who has signed their name on one of the blank checks that has contributed to giving you, your friend, and her son the right to even consider this disrespectful treatment of the flag of the United States of America, I would never use or recommend any quilting business that took part in this despicable treatment of the flag.
    I believe your request of information is so contrary to spirit and intent of the hundred of thousands of "Quilts of Valor" that have been lovingly made and presented to our veterans of the United States Armed Forces.  
    If your friend wants to make a "throw" for her son, she should make a quilt that honors and respects the symbol of our great country of the United States of America.  Her son can soil her quilt by lovingly using it as the body covering it is intended.  
    The young man can proudly and properly displaying the flag of the Unites States of America on his wall, and remember all the outstanding men and women who have served our great nation.  Family and friends will not be appalled upon seeing the flag of the United States of America being used as the suggested "throw" covering.
    You may not like my blunt answer, but I for one feels it needs to be said.  To do otherwise, is to consent to disrespecting the flag of the Unites States of America in this manner, and dishonoring all those who made the ultimate sacrifice to make and keep us free citizens of the United States of America.
    Besides this one, I wish you all the best in your quilting endeavors.
    Cagey
    "The flag should never be used as wearing apparel, bedding, or drapery."
    https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/4/8
     
  12. Upvote
    Cagey got a reaction from RunningThreads in Anne Bright Designs   
    Lora,
    PayPal will always go with the customer that brings in money for them, thus the seller.  Start with them, but do not expect satisfaction from them.  If you did not get the two designs you purchased, contact your credit card company and they can recover your funds.  You will have to provide the statement from the Anna Bright FaceBook page showing that she "guarantees all her designs".  If she is selling the same design under two different names, that would seem somewhat fraudulent.  
    Here are the two designs in question if I found the correct site (there are a number under Anna Bright http://www.annabrightdesigns.com),
    She showed two different designs under Sweet Pinks, which appears to be her Pink Periwinkle b2b, so I can understand your confusion;
    https://annebrightdesigns.com/product/2022-april-bronze/  first link showing both designs.  You will have to zoom in on them to see.
    https://annebrightdesigns.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/sweet_pinks_border_set.pdf1_-1.jpg  Only shown to show the different flower tips if I found them correctly.

     

    The two designs look different to me if I have the correct site.
    The real questions is do you intend to do business with Anna Bright in the future?
    If your answer is YES, then you will simply have to suffer under her poor customer service, where she shows one design with two different names.  
    If your answer is NO, then post your questions and her responses wherever you desire be it FaceBook, Instagram, etc..  
    Though I would suggest having a rider on your homeowners or rental insurance contract for libel (written) and slander (verbal) before you make the post.  It is inexpensive, $2 to $5 per year additional cost.  I don't sell insurance, I just buy it.
    Unfortunately libel/slander insurance is needed in this day and age, as anyone can file a court case against you for something you wrote or said.  Even if you wrote or stated the truth, a company or individual can sue you for the written or spoken comments.  The insurance rider will cover you for those types of events.  The insurance coverage is probably a good idea for most people that post on forums, use FaceBook, Instagram, or other online posting services.  A number of companies have started suing for loss of income for an individual posting a poor rating on a site.  Libel/slander insurance would protect your from this type of action.  
    Attorneys file cases that do not seem to make sense all the time, her is one in the news recently; https://www.cnet.com/roadshow/news/jeep-owner-sued-michigan-dealer-mechanic-death/
    You have to protect yourself.  Just like I am sure Anna protects herself if she were to make a libel comment to you in one of her reply emails.  
    For me, thank you for notifying us of Anna Brights customer service and business practices.  I will be sure not purchase anything from her company in the future.
    Have a great day, and be safe.
    Cagey
  13. Like
    Cagey got a reaction from KwiltyKat in Couching foot for APQS   
    Holly,
    Check with Lauren as she was working on a couching foot awhile back.  Not sure if it ever worked out for her; https://boldnotionquilting.com/product/scoop-foot-apqs/
    Cagey
  14. Like
    Cagey got a reaction from dbams in Help needed! Frozen hook assembly!   
    Try running it with the needle out to see if it still makes noise.  You might have bent it slightly when it got caught.  
    I would suggest calling APQS on Monday, so they can listen to the machine run while they are on the phone with you.  You will be amazed how well they can diagnose problems listening to the machine over the phone.  Hopefully they can get you all set, so quilting becomes fun verses being a chore.  Best of luck to you.
    Cagey
  15. Like
    Cagey got a reaction from dbams in quilting with sheer linen   
    I would suggest visiting Cindy Needham's site; https://www.cindyneedham.com/collections/wholecloth-patterns
    She is a wonderful quilting teacher. She quilts on heirloom lace handkerchiefs.  Search her name and include "heirloom handkerchief" and you will find a number of her examples.  I have emailed her asking a question, and she has replied.  It might be as easy as using two layers of the sheer linen to get the outcome you want.
    Best of luck.  Let us see what you come up with please.
    Cagey
  16. Like
    Cagey got a reaction from dbams in frustration with my Millie   
    Check your top thread routing.  You may have gotten the top thread looped around something where it does not belong.  Get the book out to make certain you have threaded properly.  Then check your thread bar over the top tensioner, to make sure it is positioned correctly.
    As you changed bobbins, take a business card and clean the bobbin tensioner. 
    https://www.apqs.com/how-to-thread-your-apqs-longarm-quilting-machine-2/
    https://www.apqs.com/bobbin-case-care-and-tension-adjustment/
    Hopefully these two videos will get you up and running again soon.  
    Best of luck.
    Cagey
  17. Like
    Cagey got a reaction from dbams in New needle insert trouble   
    I might suggest using a new screw.  It may be that the beginning thread or two are stripped on the present screw.  This might be why you get the screw started, but it is too far into the screw hole for the needle to be inserted.  
    I would suggest getting a screw from the hardware store that is long enough  so you can screw it in from the side you do not normally use, and screw it through the the entire shaft.  This will clean up the threads on the side you normally use.  A half to 3/4 inch screw should be long enough.  DO NOT quilt with this screw.
    You more than likely will not find a screw short enough at the local hardware store to work normally with George.  I had to order a couple of spares from a dealer to have on hand.  
    Best of luck resolving your issue.
    Cagey
  18. Upvote
    Cagey got a reaction from RunningThreads in ****   
    If you hover over the posters name, you can see when they last visited the site.  In this case Sandra has not visited since 12 Dec 2021
     
    You can also private message the poster by clicking on MESSAGE when you hover over their name.  They will get an email from the APQS forum stating they have a message to read.  It may be your best method to contact the seller.
    Best of luck.
    Cagey
  19. Like
    Cagey got a reaction from SueD in Anyone ever quilt an actual flag?   
    Phyllis,
    I would suggest to your friend and her son that they not desecrate the flag of the United States of America in this manner.  
    As the potential quilter, I would abstain from taking part in any portion of this project.
    As an individual who has signed their name on one of the blank checks that has contributed to giving you, your friend, and her son the right to even consider this disrespectful treatment of the flag of the United States of America, I would never use or recommend any quilting business that took part in this despicable treatment of the flag.
    I believe your request of information is so contrary to spirit and intent of the hundred of thousands of "Quilts of Valor" that have been lovingly made and presented to our veterans of the United States Armed Forces.  
    If your friend wants to make a "throw" for her son, she should make a quilt that honors and respects the symbol of our great country of the United States of America.  Her son can soil her quilt by lovingly using it as the body covering it is intended.  
    The young man can proudly and properly displaying the flag of the Unites States of America on his wall, and remember all the outstanding men and women who have served our great nation.  Family and friends will not be appalled upon seeing the flag of the United States of America being used as the suggested "throw" covering.
    You may not like my blunt answer, but I for one feels it needs to be said.  To do otherwise, is to consent to disrespecting the flag of the Unites States of America in this manner, and dishonoring all those who made the ultimate sacrifice to make and keep us free citizens of the United States of America.
    Besides this one, I wish you all the best in your quilting endeavors.
    Cagey
    "The flag should never be used as wearing apparel, bedding, or drapery."
    https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/4/8
     
  20. Like
    Cagey got a reaction from dbams in Portrait Quilt, how much is too much quilting?   
    On a picture quilt with numerous pictures, I would suggest quilting minimally in the pictures so the batting does not come apart in the sandwich, and to not quilt over faces if possible.  Quilt more heavily in the borders or area around the pictures.
    As it is a portrait quilt, presumably one large picture where the sandwich must be stabilized, I would suggest using invisible thread.  Matching the fabric/picture color with the thread may be a better option depending on the portrait and area in the portrait.  
    Start stabilizing the portrait as a whole.  You probably can quilt more in the individuals hair without it being as visible.  Then you can try quilting in the areas of light to dark on the face, shadows in the face around eyes and eye brows.  Start with a little quilting as possible.  Step on a ladder and decide how the overall image looks.  It is easier to add quilting then to remove it.  Take a picture and ask what the customer thinks/wants.  It may be a quilt that you have to remove from the rollers and hang on the wall a few times before it is finished.  I am a sit-down quilter, so this is easier for me.
    In the end it is going to come down what the maximum allowed distance between quilt lines per the batting manufacturer's specifications and what you/the customer think looks best.  
    Here are some examples with tight quilt lines and some with whole areas open;
    https://artsychickquilts.blogspot.com/2012/08/portraits-101-class-at-wisconsin-quilt.html
    https://burdenbearer.blogspot.com/2011/03/portrait-quilts.html
    https://artsbusinessinstitute.org/artists/artist-profile-sandra-bruce/
    https://www.terryaskeartquilts.com/Studio/tips-tutorials-and-more/create-a-portrait-pattern-from-a-photo/
    You can also search for thread painting which might expand your examples.  As you are painting with thread, it is an art.
    I am sure it will turn out great when you are finished.  Please share your masterpiece when you are done, so we can enjoy your work, and learn from it.  As it is a portrait of a customer, maybe just an eye or part of the face so their anonymity is preserved if they do not want the entire quilt top shared.
    Cagey
  21. Like
    Cagey got a reaction from dbams in Compuquilter on APQS machine   
    Some of the links on this APQS forum thread might help; https://forum.apqs.com/topic/34341-compuquilter-is-no-longer-in-business/
    You might reset the computer running the program to factory settings.  This may get the compuquilt program to reset also.
    Best of luck to you resolving your problem.
  22. Like
    Cagey got a reaction from dbams in Pfaff P3   
    Bonnie - Bob,
    Generally speaking, price, location, if seller will ship, other items included, why are you selling, etc., will greatly aid with your sale.  
    Best of luck to you.
    Cagey
  23. Like
    Cagey got a reaction from SueD in Pfaff P3   
    Bonnie - Bob,
    Generally speaking, price, location, if seller will ship, other items included, why are you selling, etc., will greatly aid with your sale.  
    Best of luck to you.
    Cagey
  24. Upvote
    Cagey got a reaction from SueD in Couching foot for APQS   
    Holly,
    Check with Lauren as she was working on a couching foot awhile back.  Not sure if it ever worked out for her; https://boldnotionquilting.com/product/scoop-foot-apqs/
    Cagey
  25. Like
    Cagey got a reaction from Gail O in Design Help Needed   
    Ann,
    If you are going to go to all the effort to quilt feathers in the outside border, I would be sure to use a gold or brown that matches some those bright colors in the inner part of the quilt, so the feather stand out.
    Concerning the inner blocks, I would either purchase the book "Shape by Shape" by Angela Walters, or go to the app store on your phone and search for the book.  Then look at the free sample.  There are a number of triangle shapes that you could use to fill the triangles.  I would suggest a feather or fern so they somewhat match the outside border.  Look at triangle #2, and #8 in the free sample 
    Also, look at the Wild Feathers in the free sample of the book. 
    Take a look at this video to get an idea of the blocks that you want to stand out.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6-1QUaqp0P4
    Here is another video that should give you some ideas;  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F4bjgaRLC6U  Look at the minute and 20 second mark.  Even though she is using it to fill a diamond shape, it would be the same in a triangle.
    You could fill the large center square formed by the 4 triangles with this design; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t1xHCRAHYtM
    Hopefully those videos or some of Angela's other videos that go with those above videos/challenges will help you decide what to actually quilt in each area.  
    Please post pictures of you finished quilting.  As you have asked for inputs, you should share the final product.
    Best of luck and I am sure it will turn out beautiful.
    Cagey
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