RoseCity Quilter Posted January 31, 2010 Report Share Posted January 31, 2010 I'm confused. I keep hearing references to turning off SR and working in manual mode instead (for instance at the Karen Mctavish class I took in Dec. and at most of the sessions I took at Innovations). However I do not understand why I would do that. 1st I made sure I got a machine with SR so that my stitches would look great. 2nd it allows me to pause and think. I think my work is looking pretty good with SR on, but when I try Manual mode everything I try look awefull. So would someone more experienced explain this to me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
meg_marsh Posted January 31, 2010 Report Share Posted January 31, 2010 Personally, I think it is wise to get to know your machine in both modes. Each has it's place. I agree that for most work I keep the SR on,but when I get to small stipple work or certain other small work, the Millie runs much better and easier in manual mode. I think it is good to practice both and find what works for you. When you start practicing manual mode, you will need to find the balance of what speed you set on your machine and how fast/slow you quilt (move your head). As you become more comfortable with this, you will find that you will be able to do quite nicely. I tend to set my speed quite low when in manual mode (8 - 10). This allows me to move the machine a little slower. For me, the stitches are short and I am able to work reasonably well. The next issue is getting used to stopping the machine quickly when you need to and learning to start moving the machine quickly but smoothly when you want to continue stitching. All of this just takes time and practice. Enjoy the ride and continue to try new things!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
quiltmonkey Posted January 31, 2010 Report Share Posted January 31, 2010 I consider the stitch regulator as a tool to use when I need to. I don't use SR all of the time, really only when I think it will work best for me with the type of quilting I'm doing. For example, tiny designs such as block work or when I am using my rulers or templates and for stitch in ditch, etc. that is when I am glad to have my SR tool. I enjoy quilting without SR and whenever I can, I quilt sans SR. I think for free motion designs and pantographs, it's easier to quilt without it because there is no drag! SR is an "option" or a choice we can make. Use it when you need to or want to. Don't rely on it 100% of the time. Sometimes sans SR is better than using SR. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Busy Quilting Posted January 31, 2010 Report Share Posted January 31, 2010 I have switched off the Stitch regulator to sew the Worlds Biggest Hexagon Quilt. I am doing a free hand design over the whole quilt so it is very reptitious but I am really trying to keep my stitch length consistent. It is a lot easier to sew and I can now see that I move too fast when using the SR. I am sure I will be more confident at the end of the quilt but there will definitely be times when I will want to use it. Lyn Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KathG Posted January 31, 2010 Report Share Posted January 31, 2010 I am only a novice, and use the SR mode mostly. Though when I quilt pebbles and small stippling I also find my quilting looks better with the SR off. I also find when trying feathers I get a nicer shape with the SR off. For me though I still need to find that happy medium to get my stitches more even. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sewlinzi Posted January 31, 2010 Report Share Posted January 31, 2010 Switch off SR for tiny fillers as it is smoother or large areas of confident freehand as you can go quicker. Otherwise do what you feel comfortable with! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Quilting Heidi Posted January 31, 2010 Report Share Posted January 31, 2010 For all the reasons listed above. Stitching in manual mode takes a litle practice but once you have it you'll be glad you took the time to learn it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Merryjo2003 Posted January 31, 2010 Report Share Posted January 31, 2010 I tell my students to practice with the stitch regulator off, then use it when they are doing a customer quilt. I think they become much more fluid, learn better control and get smoother curves after they get over the shock of turning on the machine and having to start moving! It takes practice, but also builds a lot of confidence. I don't use the SR when I'm doing small fillers. I think it's easier to do them and they look less choppy w/o the SR. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RoseCity Quilter Posted January 31, 2010 Author Report Share Posted January 31, 2010 Ok, I'm trying non SR right now. (See I do listen). I'm shredding thread, a lot. Any suggestions? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RoseCity Quilter Posted January 31, 2010 Author Report Share Posted January 31, 2010 I'll give you this- it is more quiet. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Darlene Epp Posted January 31, 2010 Report Share Posted January 31, 2010 Hi Ardelle, I know a lot of great quilters don't use the SR, but I use it all the time, even for tiny fillers. I paid for a Stitch Regulated machine, and I'm going to use it! I can't think far enough ahead to keep my stitching consistent, so the SR has taken a lot of stress out of my quilting. I'm like you. I need to stop and think, OFTEN! Different strokes for different folks. Do what works for YOU, not what everyone else says they do. I actually use the sound of the motor to hear a "rhythm" to my designs and find it helps with consistency. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RoseCity Quilter Posted January 31, 2010 Author Report Share Posted January 31, 2010 Oh thank you Darlene!!!:D:D:D:D I do sooooo well in SR and soooooo bad in non SR, I just cannot figure out why I need to learn non SR. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RoseCity Quilter Posted January 31, 2010 Author Report Share Posted January 31, 2010 By the way Darlene I see you only teach to your customers, I wish I were one! Your so much closer than going to the States. I know someone who took your classes a few years ago and she thinks your awesome! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LibbyG Posted January 31, 2010 Report Share Posted January 31, 2010 DeLoa told me to practice in manual mode for 10 minutes a day, so you get used to it. For now, I like stitch regulated because I stop and start so much. It's easy for me to get confused when trying some of these new ideas. I've heard other quilters say that it's easier to run the machine in manual, too. But I like my SR. And I don't practice 10 minutes a day in manual because it takes me days to finish a freehand quilt. I'm sure as I get more experience I'll try things in manual because I like to fly. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mary Beth Posted January 31, 2010 Report Share Posted January 31, 2010 I am trying to finish a quilt right now between machine malfunctions. I decided to turn off the SR while quilting feathers in a small border. OMG I didn't know it could feel so smooth....I may be a convert although I have come to be very dependent on my SR. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
quiltmonkey Posted February 1, 2010 Report Share Posted February 1, 2010 OOOh yes, MaryBeth, I love to do the longarm feathers without SR mode. So smooth. But I am still a little "iffy" with the bump bump feathers and need the SR mode for those. Ardelle, everyone,,,Hey, y'all do whatever feels most comfortable to you, whether its SR or not...! It's nice to have choices, though. isn't it? Happy quilting everyone. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mary Beth Posted February 1, 2010 Report Share Posted February 1, 2010 Yep, I was doing bump-bump feathers and I'm not to sure about that one either. But I am going to make a point of trying to quilt w/o SR when I can. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Darlene Epp Posted February 6, 2010 Report Share Posted February 6, 2010 You can get the best of both worlds with QuiltGlide! Stitch Regulation with the feel of Manual. :cool: VERY cool! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mary Beth Posted February 6, 2010 Report Share Posted February 6, 2010 Darlene, I want a new Millie with Quilt Glide and Edgerider wheels so bad I can taste it. But I am waiting for one to fall from the sky 'cause I don't see it happening any other way. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mercedes Posted February 6, 2010 Report Share Posted February 6, 2010 May, can you have quilt glide added to your machiine - probably less expensive.....Mercedes Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mary Beth Posted February 6, 2010 Report Share Posted February 6, 2010 Nope, my machine is a 2004, too old. I would have to sell her and buy another...not happening!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Quilting Heidi Posted February 6, 2010 Report Share Posted February 6, 2010 Mary Beth I'm with you...wish I could but I won't. I can't upgrade either. The new machine came out less than 3 months after I got my Milli...wish I had known. Oh well I guess there will always be something new coming out. If I win the lottery I'll get a new machine! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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