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ffq-lar

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  1. Like
    ffq-lar got a reaction from quiltmonkey in Long Arming "Hot Mess" Quilts   
    Hot Mess is right! Why is it so hard to set boundaries when we are inately generous? Eighty is not that old if she's active enough to sew a top every month! Explain to her that the pet hair has become a problem---that the hair/dander transfers to your leaders/clothes/area and while you aren't allergic, you may have others you quilt for who are. If she can't clean them up to remove the hair and the smell (yuck!) (or have a friend do that for her) you gently and reluctantly tell her you will need to stop quilting for her. This is absolutely appropriate and I guess I'm not kind enough to continue doing something that makes me miserable every month when she has some control over the issues.  Bless her, of course, for still having the passion for piecing. But your time and talent are your own to manage and you should not have to do so many extra tasks to make her quilt presentable when she doesn't recognize the issues and has no incentive to help. Does she have a close friend that you can bring into the mix---who can be the go-between for suggestions and boundaries? Sorry if this seems harsh, but I'm also "old" and would like to spend my longarming time stitching and not fixing someone elses careless piecing and smelly, hairy tops. 
  2. Like
    ffq-lar got a reaction from thequiltqueen in Long Arming "Hot Mess" Quilts   
    Hot Mess is right! Why is it so hard to set boundaries when we are inately generous? Eighty is not that old if she's active enough to sew a top every month! Explain to her that the pet hair has become a problem---that the hair/dander transfers to your leaders/clothes/area and while you aren't allergic, you may have others you quilt for who are. If she can't clean them up to remove the hair and the smell (yuck!) (or have a friend do that for her) you gently and reluctantly tell her you will need to stop quilting for her. This is absolutely appropriate and I guess I'm not kind enough to continue doing something that makes me miserable every month when she has some control over the issues.  Bless her, of course, for still having the passion for piecing. But your time and talent are your own to manage and you should not have to do so many extra tasks to make her quilt presentable when she doesn't recognize the issues and has no incentive to help. Does she have a close friend that you can bring into the mix---who can be the go-between for suggestions and boundaries? Sorry if this seems harsh, but I'm also "old" and would like to spend my longarming time stitching and not fixing someone elses careless piecing and smelly, hairy tops. 
  3. Upvote
    ffq-lar got a reaction from SueD in 2008 Millennium Quilting Machine for Sale, Las Vegas NV   
    I can only assume you meant to add a photo, but to garner some interest, what make, model, and year is your machine? How much use did it get? How can you be contacted? What is the price? Will you pack and ship?Any accessories included? Answer all the standard questions in your posting so people don't have to dig for answers. Make it easy so they don't need to go back and forth with you. If you don't add minimum details, most people won't bother to respond. Good luck with your sale.
  4. Like
    ffq-lar got a reaction from dbams in 2008 Millennium Quilting Machine for Sale, Las Vegas NV   
    I can only assume you meant to add a photo, but to garner some interest, what make, model, and year is your machine? How much use did it get? How can you be contacted? What is the price? Will you pack and ship?Any accessories included? Answer all the standard questions in your posting so people don't have to dig for answers. Make it easy so they don't need to go back and forth with you. If you don't add minimum details, most people won't bother to respond. Good luck with your sale.
  5. Upvote
    ffq-lar got a reaction from RunningThreads in 2008 Millennium Quilting Machine for Sale, Las Vegas NV   
    I can only assume you meant to add a photo, but to garner some interest, what make, model, and year is your machine? How much use did it get? How can you be contacted? What is the price? Will you pack and ship?Any accessories included? Answer all the standard questions in your posting so people don't have to dig for answers. Make it easy so they don't need to go back and forth with you. If you don't add minimum details, most people won't bother to respond. Good luck with your sale.
  6. Like
    ffq-lar got a reaction from HelenS in Long Arming "Hot Mess" Quilts   
    Hot Mess is right! Why is it so hard to set boundaries when we are inately generous? Eighty is not that old if she's active enough to sew a top every month! Explain to her that the pet hair has become a problem---that the hair/dander transfers to your leaders/clothes/area and while you aren't allergic, you may have others you quilt for who are. If she can't clean them up to remove the hair and the smell (yuck!) (or have a friend do that for her) you gently and reluctantly tell her you will need to stop quilting for her. This is absolutely appropriate and I guess I'm not kind enough to continue doing something that makes me miserable every month when she has some control over the issues.  Bless her, of course, for still having the passion for piecing. But your time and talent are your own to manage and you should not have to do so many extra tasks to make her quilt presentable when she doesn't recognize the issues and has no incentive to help. Does she have a close friend that you can bring into the mix---who can be the go-between for suggestions and boundaries? Sorry if this seems harsh, but I'm also "old" and would like to spend my longarming time stitching and not fixing someone elses careless piecing and smelly, hairy tops. 
  7. Like
    ffq-lar got a reaction from Gail O in Long Arming "Hot Mess" Quilts   
    Hot Mess is right! Why is it so hard to set boundaries when we are inately generous? Eighty is not that old if she's active enough to sew a top every month! Explain to her that the pet hair has become a problem---that the hair/dander transfers to your leaders/clothes/area and while you aren't allergic, you may have others you quilt for who are. If she can't clean them up to remove the hair and the smell (yuck!) (or have a friend do that for her) you gently and reluctantly tell her you will need to stop quilting for her. This is absolutely appropriate and I guess I'm not kind enough to continue doing something that makes me miserable every month when she has some control over the issues.  Bless her, of course, for still having the passion for piecing. But your time and talent are your own to manage and you should not have to do so many extra tasks to make her quilt presentable when she doesn't recognize the issues and has no incentive to help. Does she have a close friend that you can bring into the mix---who can be the go-between for suggestions and boundaries? Sorry if this seems harsh, but I'm also "old" and would like to spend my longarming time stitching and not fixing someone elses careless piecing and smelly, hairy tops. 
  8. Like
    ffq-lar got a reaction from dbams in Long Arming "Hot Mess" Quilts   
    Hot Mess is right! Why is it so hard to set boundaries when we are inately generous? Eighty is not that old if she's active enough to sew a top every month! Explain to her that the pet hair has become a problem---that the hair/dander transfers to your leaders/clothes/area and while you aren't allergic, you may have others you quilt for who are. If she can't clean them up to remove the hair and the smell (yuck!) (or have a friend do that for her) you gently and reluctantly tell her you will need to stop quilting for her. This is absolutely appropriate and I guess I'm not kind enough to continue doing something that makes me miserable every month when she has some control over the issues.  Bless her, of course, for still having the passion for piecing. But your time and talent are your own to manage and you should not have to do so many extra tasks to make her quilt presentable when she doesn't recognize the issues and has no incentive to help. Does she have a close friend that you can bring into the mix---who can be the go-between for suggestions and boundaries? Sorry if this seems harsh, but I'm also "old" and would like to spend my longarming time stitching and not fixing someone elses careless piecing and smelly, hairy tops. 
  9. Upvote
    ffq-lar got a reaction from SueD in Long Arming "Hot Mess" Quilts   
    Hot Mess is right! Why is it so hard to set boundaries when we are inately generous? Eighty is not that old if she's active enough to sew a top every month! Explain to her that the pet hair has become a problem---that the hair/dander transfers to your leaders/clothes/area and while you aren't allergic, you may have others you quilt for who are. If she can't clean them up to remove the hair and the smell (yuck!) (or have a friend do that for her) you gently and reluctantly tell her you will need to stop quilting for her. This is absolutely appropriate and I guess I'm not kind enough to continue doing something that makes me miserable every month when she has some control over the issues.  Bless her, of course, for still having the passion for piecing. But your time and talent are your own to manage and you should not have to do so many extra tasks to make her quilt presentable when she doesn't recognize the issues and has no incentive to help. Does she have a close friend that you can bring into the mix---who can be the go-between for suggestions and boundaries? Sorry if this seems harsh, but I'm also "old" and would like to spend my longarming time stitching and not fixing someone elses careless piecing and smelly, hairy tops. 
  10. Upvote
    ffq-lar got a reaction from Sue E. in Long Arming "Hot Mess" Quilts   
    Hot Mess is right! Why is it so hard to set boundaries when we are inately generous? Eighty is not that old if she's active enough to sew a top every month! Explain to her that the pet hair has become a problem---that the hair/dander transfers to your leaders/clothes/area and while you aren't allergic, you may have others you quilt for who are. If she can't clean them up to remove the hair and the smell (yuck!) (or have a friend do that for her) you gently and reluctantly tell her you will need to stop quilting for her. This is absolutely appropriate and I guess I'm not kind enough to continue doing something that makes me miserable every month when she has some control over the issues.  Bless her, of course, for still having the passion for piecing. But your time and talent are your own to manage and you should not have to do so many extra tasks to make her quilt presentable when she doesn't recognize the issues and has no incentive to help. Does she have a close friend that you can bring into the mix---who can be the go-between for suggestions and boundaries? Sorry if this seems harsh, but I'm also "old" and would like to spend my longarming time stitching and not fixing someone elses careless piecing and smelly, hairy tops. 
  11. Like
    ffq-lar got a reaction from Libraquilt in Bliss System   
    I added Bliss to my 2004 Millie the first year it was available. It was a revelation at the added ease of movement. While Bliss will solve your horizontal movement problems (ball bearings instead of wheels on the rails) you might want to try to solve your present wheel problems first. Correctly-adjusted M&M wheels should work well---are you able to adjust the wheels yourself? They can be made looser or snugged tighter and should be adjusted similarly. Make sure the wheels are causing problems with horizontal movement and not an unlevel or torqued frame, dragging cord, thread around the axles, or build-up on the wheels/rails. Good luck!
  12. Like
    ffq-lar got a reaction from HelenS in Loyal customers. ???   
    No one has replied, so I will gingerly step in and give you my take on the problem. Adding a computer to your machine does not mean that you should raise your prices above the industry standard, especially for overall designs. The customer doesn't care how you get there or what you use---they are interested in the finished product and don't want to pay extra for computerized when someone else can do the same thing for less. I'm talking about pantos/overalls, not custom. Also, you have "niched" yourself. You have inadvertently sent a message to your customers that you are out of the panto/overall business by showing lots of custom quilting. Custom=$$$$ to everyone. Make some simple quilt tops and quilt them with overalls or a panto and show them everywhere. Remind them that you're still around and offering the less-expensive quilting. I think your customers perception of what you offer and your pricing has been muddled---that you are now too expensive. To get them back in the fold, use your favorite method to contact them and offer a blow-them-away deal on pantos and overalls "exclusively for you, my favorite customer". Any size quilt up to a Queen (you supply the limit for dimensions) with a choice of three pantos/computerized or freehand overall (not a big meander) for $100. This will price you at less than a cent-and-a-half, but will give your business a boost. They will dig out all the big UFOs and maybe get one done as a Christmas gift. Limit the number (like first 20 quilts) and limit the month---like November only or first two weeks in January. See if that will nudge them back to you. Good luck---it's disheartening when the customers you think are friends stop becoming customers.
  13. Like
    ffq-lar got a reaction from dbams in eyelash misery   
    Your bobbin tension is too tight. Loosen the bobbin tension and also tighten the top thread a bit. Stitch out a test sample and continue adjusting until the eyelashes go away. Invest in a Towa gauge if you don't have one. Good luck!
  14. Like
    ffq-lar got a reaction from dbams in Groovy boards   
    You'll need a bracket to hold the stylus that's compatible with the boards, at the left side of your machine and secured to the head. The boards sit on the flat surface of the table and need to be secured from shifting by a non-slip foam-type mat underneath, or taped down. Make sure the height of the designs is such that they can be stitched within your stitching field. Most users stitch from right to left (like a pantograph). Practice because the boards take a bit of finesse to work smoothly---but they are fun and yield a good result. Urban Elementz sells boards and has a tutorial about using them. 
     
  15. Like
    ffq-lar got a reaction from hunterkillerwife in How to quilt and avoid pleats on backing?   
    If you plan to start in the center, stabilizing the entire top first is a good idea. Don't stabilize it off-frame---it's easy to do by loading and floating the quilt. Work from the center out, using the longest stitch on your machine. It can be thread-basted or secured with pins. If you use pins, it's easier to adjust areas as you quilt. If you thread-baste, stitching can be removed in areas if adjustment is needed. Just some random advice from a long-time quilter-for-hire who has seen every combo of fabric/thread/backer from customers--- Flannel as a backer has it's own set of challenges. It shrinks like crazy (up to 10% depending on manufacturer, so a 108" flannel backer can shrink down to 97" easily) so pre-shrinking flannel is necessary. If it's quilted before shrinking, the first laundering will result in more crinkle and bulges than you'll like, especially with the non-shrinking poly batting mentioned. Flannel stretches more than woven fabric, so check with each pass for problems on the back and make sure you have steady and consistent tension on the backer to avoid pleats. Not super-tight or you'll stretch the flannel and get "balloons" on the back side, especially if you are using lofty batting. My experience is that Monopoly should be avoided in the bobbin. It's slick and needs a bobbin thread with some "bite" to grab and make a nice stitch. (I think Dawn C gives this same advice.) I use BottomLine pre-wounds with invisible thread---the weight is similar to Monopoly and it works well. You have options as to quilting sequence but can fully stitch an area with FMQ and your SID/ruler work at the same time, especially if you won't have any top-thread changes. Good luck!
  16. Upvote
    ffq-lar got a reaction from quiltmonkey in How to quilt and avoid pleats on backing?   
    If you plan to start in the center, stabilizing the entire top first is a good idea. Don't stabilize it off-frame---it's easy to do by loading and floating the quilt. Work from the center out, using the longest stitch on your machine. It can be thread-basted or secured with pins. If you use pins, it's easier to adjust areas as you quilt. If you thread-baste, stitching can be removed in areas if adjustment is needed. Just some random advice from a long-time quilter-for-hire who has seen every combo of fabric/thread/backer from customers--- Flannel as a backer has it's own set of challenges. It shrinks like crazy (up to 10% depending on manufacturer, so a 108" flannel backer can shrink down to 97" easily) so pre-shrinking flannel is necessary. If it's quilted before shrinking, the first laundering will result in more crinkle and bulges than you'll like, especially with the non-shrinking poly batting mentioned. Flannel stretches more than woven fabric, so check with each pass for problems on the back and make sure you have steady and consistent tension on the backer to avoid pleats. Not super-tight or you'll stretch the flannel and get "balloons" on the back side, especially if you are using lofty batting. My experience is that Monopoly should be avoided in the bobbin. It's slick and needs a bobbin thread with some "bite" to grab and make a nice stitch. (I think Dawn C gives this same advice.) I use BottomLine pre-wounds with invisible thread---the weight is similar to Monopoly and it works well. You have options as to quilting sequence but can fully stitch an area with FMQ and your SID/ruler work at the same time, especially if you won't have any top-thread changes. Good luck!
  17. Like
    ffq-lar got a reaction from Gail O in How to quilt and avoid pleats on backing?   
    If you plan to start in the center, stabilizing the entire top first is a good idea. Don't stabilize it off-frame---it's easy to do by loading and floating the quilt. Work from the center out, using the longest stitch on your machine. It can be thread-basted or secured with pins. If you use pins, it's easier to adjust areas as you quilt. If you thread-baste, stitching can be removed in areas if adjustment is needed. Just some random advice from a long-time quilter-for-hire who has seen every combo of fabric/thread/backer from customers--- Flannel as a backer has it's own set of challenges. It shrinks like crazy (up to 10% depending on manufacturer, so a 108" flannel backer can shrink down to 97" easily) so pre-shrinking flannel is necessary. If it's quilted before shrinking, the first laundering will result in more crinkle and bulges than you'll like, especially with the non-shrinking poly batting mentioned. Flannel stretches more than woven fabric, so check with each pass for problems on the back and make sure you have steady and consistent tension on the backer to avoid pleats. Not super-tight or you'll stretch the flannel and get "balloons" on the back side, especially if you are using lofty batting. My experience is that Monopoly should be avoided in the bobbin. It's slick and needs a bobbin thread with some "bite" to grab and make a nice stitch. (I think Dawn C gives this same advice.) I use BottomLine pre-wounds with invisible thread---the weight is similar to Monopoly and it works well. You have options as to quilting sequence but can fully stitch an area with FMQ and your SID/ruler work at the same time, especially if you won't have any top-thread changes. Good luck!
  18. Like
    ffq-lar got a reaction from dbams in How to quilt and avoid pleats on backing?   
    If you plan to start in the center, stabilizing the entire top first is a good idea. Don't stabilize it off-frame---it's easy to do by loading and floating the quilt. Work from the center out, using the longest stitch on your machine. It can be thread-basted or secured with pins. If you use pins, it's easier to adjust areas as you quilt. If you thread-baste, stitching can be removed in areas if adjustment is needed. Just some random advice from a long-time quilter-for-hire who has seen every combo of fabric/thread/backer from customers--- Flannel as a backer has it's own set of challenges. It shrinks like crazy (up to 10% depending on manufacturer, so a 108" flannel backer can shrink down to 97" easily) so pre-shrinking flannel is necessary. If it's quilted before shrinking, the first laundering will result in more crinkle and bulges than you'll like, especially with the non-shrinking poly batting mentioned. Flannel stretches more than woven fabric, so check with each pass for problems on the back and make sure you have steady and consistent tension on the backer to avoid pleats. Not super-tight or you'll stretch the flannel and get "balloons" on the back side, especially if you are using lofty batting. My experience is that Monopoly should be avoided in the bobbin. It's slick and needs a bobbin thread with some "bite" to grab and make a nice stitch. (I think Dawn C gives this same advice.) I use BottomLine pre-wounds with invisible thread---the weight is similar to Monopoly and it works well. You have options as to quilting sequence but can fully stitch an area with FMQ and your SID/ruler work at the same time, especially if you won't have any top-thread changes. Good luck!
  19. Like
    ffq-lar got a reaction from dbams in SOLD: 2001 APQS Millenium 14ft, Olympia WA. Price Reduced - $3500   
    I'm in Olympia and shared this to my FB page to tempt the locals. I hope you find a buyer---the price is very good for such a clean-looking machine.
  20. Like
    ffq-lar got a reaction from Gail O in Bliss System   
    The Bliss includes two rails, front and back, a new carriage with four M&M wheels, and a new tabletop. The swap-out is easy---about two hours with two people. If you order the 12' Bliss conversion, you'll get everything new from leg to leg so you will only need to have the rollers cut down because everything will be 12' long. You can cut all four rollers or just three if you remove the top front roller. Contact a welder or machine shop for an estimate. You would then need a brake attachment (like the Texas Holdem) for your brake. That would be the easiest and least expensive way to cut the size of the frame. Your 14' rails can be recycled unless you have a use for them. My hubby used them for shelving.
  21. Like
    ffq-lar got a reaction from dbams in Bliss System   
    The Bliss includes two rails, front and back, a new carriage with four M&M wheels, and a new tabletop. The swap-out is easy---about two hours with two people. If you order the 12' Bliss conversion, you'll get everything new from leg to leg so you will only need to have the rollers cut down because everything will be 12' long. You can cut all four rollers or just three if you remove the top front roller. Contact a welder or machine shop for an estimate. You would then need a brake attachment (like the Texas Holdem) for your brake. That would be the easiest and least expensive way to cut the size of the frame. Your 14' rails can be recycled unless you have a use for them. My hubby used them for shelving.
  22. Like
    ffq-lar got a reaction from dbams in Bliss System   
    I added Bliss to my 2004 Millie the first year it was available. It was a revelation at the added ease of movement. While Bliss will solve your horizontal movement problems (ball bearings instead of wheels on the rails) you might want to try to solve your present wheel problems first. Correctly-adjusted M&M wheels should work well---are you able to adjust the wheels yourself? They can be made looser or snugged tighter and should be adjusted similarly. Make sure the wheels are causing problems with horizontal movement and not an unlevel or torqued frame, dragging cord, thread around the axles, or build-up on the wheels/rails. Good luck!
  23. Like
    ffq-lar got a reaction from dbams in Digitally printed fabric and fibers splitting   
    Unfortunately, that thread-displacement that causes dotted runs of light thread next to the needle holes is not really correctable. This happens with piecing as well as quilting. Since you've tried a smaller needle already, use a Pigma pen for small corrections and know that they're only evident really close up. 
  24. Like
    ffq-lar got a reaction from SueD in Digitally printed fabric and fibers splitting   
    Unfortunately, that thread-displacement that causes dotted runs of light thread next to the needle holes is not really correctable. This happens with piecing as well as quilting. Since you've tried a smaller needle already, use a Pigma pen for small corrections and know that they're only evident really close up. 
  25. Upvote
    ffq-lar got a reaction from cmkeindl1 in New Year Quilt for Father   
    Fun project! Have an adult supervise while the kids use fabric paint to make a handprint. Add their age and name, either with markers/ink or embroidered. They can use crayons or colored pencils to add embellishments or make a second block. The crayon or pencils will need to be covered with textile medium used to make such marks permanent on fabric.
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