Sharon Deming

I prefer a forum for this type of online "gathering". I have no idea how to search facebook for specific topics, regardless of date... Maybe there is one. Just seems this forum is a better venue for the technical stuff we love to talk about!

It has been an unusually slow year for me as well. I have not changed my prices at all. But there are 2 things happening in my area that may be having an effect: A larger-than-you'd-think number of quilters in my area are buying mid-arms and longarms and doing their own quilting. They aren't necessarily getting into business - they simply don't need a longarmer. And second, a new small home-town quilt store recently opened in a town not far away, and she does simple free-motion meander for $.005 per square inch. I am continuing to hold my prices, show and tell quilts I have done for myself with pantos that I love. I'm also reaching out to the quilt stores in the area and offering workshops to meet new people.

My suggestion -- make quilts that are so quick to make it will make your head swim. This one is 42 x 42, and a beginner who has made a few quilts can do this one in 4 hours. I have a pattern on Craftsy if you are interested: Pattern for Heart Song pattern. I used a few fabrics from Kaufman's Holiday Flourish line from a couple of years ago. It is made using the TQM Binding Tool. Easy peasy. BTW, you can go to the QOV website: www.qovf.org, and request a QOV for yourself. That request will be forwarded to the coordinator for your area. And - thank you for your service! I appreciate your sacrifices and contribution to my security and that of our nation!

My latest blog post is now available. Check it out at Quiltniques Blog

Yes, it is still available.

Thanks so much, Judith!

Thanks, Vicki!

Sure hope she sells quickly! I'm chomping at the bit!

Hi y'all. My beloved 2013 Lenni is for SALE! Yea! I'm going for a Millie and a computer - and of course, my sweet Lenni needs a new home. The image here is all of the details. The machine is located in NE Tennessee and will need to be picked up by the buyer. If you are interested, message me, and we can schedule a test-drive. Thanks!

I just published the latest Quiltniques blog post: http://quiltniques.blogspot.com/ Enjoy.

The most valuble thing I did while looking for a longarm was to ask my guru of a sewing machine service guy " If you were buying a longarm for yourself, what brand would it be?" Now this guy isn't just a neighborhood repair guy. He services commercial quilting machines, sergers, sewing machines etc. all over the region, in addition to domestic machines. Anyway, his response was, in priority order: 1. APQS, 2. Innova. I asked why he put APQS above Innova and he said. "Service. APQS has all of the service points within handy access. They make it easy. And besides, APQS never breaks down." He went on to say that Innova is a really good machine, also, but that they had not yet figured out how to make service easy. I especially liked his "APQS never breaks down" comment. Although I respect Handi Quilter and A1, also on my original list of candidates, they did not appear on my service guy's list anywhere. Of course, as equally important as brand, is customer service. My experience with APQS has been delightful. They have stayed with me on the phone for as long as I needed, texting pictures, and taking all the time I needed to be sure I understood what they were talking about. All of my issues have been user-misunderstandings, or "how do I square my leaders" and stuff like that. Nothing to do with the machine itself. Oh, and my dealer is always available to me via phone for help or ideas. You are buying your dealer as well as the brand of longarm. You want a good one. Good luck with your search. I know you will select the brand and model that is just right for you.