Sharon Deming

That is a challenge - but I found it easier than being in traction from standing.  I positioned the laser so that it points nearly straight down. That way I don't have to lean to the left any further than necessary. When I finish every row and sometime in the midst of the row, I stretch, breathe, and drink water to keep the juices flowing. And since I have to walk to the front and back and front and back as I advance the quilt, position for the next row, etc., that helps.

Gwen, I have a "tall" saddle stool that I got from click for saddle stool. From the back, I lower the chair to the lowest level and I can sit with my feet flat on the floor to do pantos. I also do most of my free motion at the front of the machine sitting on the stool (at a much higher level of course). Sure does save my back and legs! My suggestion for learning to do pantos: Start with an easy panto with pivot points (Check out Zest at www.urbanelementz.com). Try to look AHEAD of the light at the next pivot point or a spot 1-2 inches ahead of the light, and watch the light come to that point with your peripheral vision. Move at a medium speed, and don't forget to breathe. Don't try to make the machine stay on the line. Think of the line as a guide, if you get off the line just calmly and gradually get back on it - no abrupt adjustments. It just takes a little practice. By looking ahead of the light you will be surprised how the light just sort of hugs the curve of the line, even if it gets a little off of it.  I hope that helps.

Hi Gwen. Sorry it took so long to see this. Somehow, I don't get an email notification - guess I need to check my settings. Anyway - I sit to do pantographs (and quilt from the front, too), but I don't use the precise panto system. What I've found is that the more I try to stay on the line, the jerkier my panto quilting gets. I simply look ahead of the light to the next place I want to go, and watch the light stay close to the line with my peripheral vision. I'm always surprised as to how closely the light stays to the line. For me, the precise panto system would just make me paranoid about not staying on the line. Hopefully, other folks on the forum can give you some first-hand information. Happy quilting!