carolinequilts Posted July 7, 2009 Report Share Posted July 7, 2009 I just found out that I am 20 minutes down the road from the Circle Lord location in Ontario! How cool is that? I'm thinking of making a purchase (or at least a road trip!). I know I'll get lots of recommendations on this site! So this goes out to all the CL users: In general, would you recommend the basic kit as a first purchase then build onto it with more templates later, or would the stylus alone plus one of the boards (I love the swirls!) be a better choice to start out with? Thanks! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bekah Posted July 7, 2009 Report Share Posted July 7, 2009 I use my long boards the most, but having said that, I also use my feather wreath a lot and my ginko. Guess I am not much help. love my CL Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sewlinzi Posted July 7, 2009 Report Share Posted July 7, 2009 Good grief - if you are just down the road you don't have to agonise - go for a demo just get a bit, see if you like it then go back for more... and more! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
yankiequilter Posted July 7, 2009 Report Share Posted July 7, 2009 I have been fortunate to be able to purchase some boards and templates from a member who is selling them. I did have to get the stylus from Michael. After I received the first boards that I purchased from the member I did a lot of contemplating of what I wanted to do with my quilting and CL products. I contacted Michael and he had me send my wish list to him and he then gave me a quote for the CL and the templates and boards that I wanted. Depending what you want and how much money you spend he has a 6 or 12 month payment plan. I spent a lot of time browsing the CL website and viewing photos of quilts that had been quilted with CL boards and templates, and thinking about which items I might want first. I'm happy with my decision and although I don't have everything that I want, I've got enough to play with and enough that I can do a variety of quilting designs. I've used the swirls boards and love them, as well as the feather wreath, ginko, heartz and starz templates and a few more that I haven't used yet. I think the boards will be great for all over quilting and the templates for quilting in blocks. How lucky for you to be so close to a great quilting tool resource! Give Michael a call and good luck with your decision. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KathG Posted July 7, 2009 Report Share Posted July 7, 2009 Caroline I am with Linzi, dont walk run ,get that demo. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
carolinequilts Posted July 7, 2009 Author Report Share Posted July 7, 2009 YOU GUYS ARE TOO FUNNY! Yes, I agree with you all -- if I didn't have this silly day job I'd be there now! I'm going to try and get there this Friday. Just noticed a July special - CL basic + 1 template for $599! I really appreciate all the help. I'm glad for the payment plan - I have a feeling this is going to be an expensive trip! Maybe I can hold myself back to just the CL basic and wait for more specials! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
yankiequilter Posted July 7, 2009 Report Share Posted July 7, 2009 Caroline, you won't have to pay for shipping so you can buy more :D:D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mary Beth Posted July 7, 2009 Report Share Posted July 7, 2009 Oh boy, I wish I lived 20 minutes down the road from CL...I would drive Michael crazy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
circlelord Posted July 7, 2009 Report Share Posted July 7, 2009 Caroline, Come over anytime Saturday or Sunday. Friday if you must. Just call. Anyone else can come too. You'all come over now, eh! We are in Southern Ontario Cheers, Michael PS: Details on our July Sale can be found at http://circlelordjulysale.blogspot.com/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SandraC Posted July 8, 2009 Report Share Posted July 8, 2009 I think anyone in the area should definitely take Michael up on his offer for a house party (that's what you meant, right, Michael?). Even though the circlelord is easy as pie to use, you can't deny that seeing Michael and Kay in action would be worth it! Only problem....you'll probably end up walking away with more than you bargained for:D I've probably asked this before, Caroline, but where are you....I'm probably about an hour south of Michael down by Lake Erie. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
carolinequilts Posted July 8, 2009 Author Report Share Posted July 8, 2009 Hi Sandra. I'm in Cambridge - about an hour away from you. Nice to meet someone close by! I've talked to Michael and am going there this Friday for a demo. (I'm just about to head into work, but I'll peek in at the posts durng my lunch). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SandraC Posted July 8, 2009 Report Share Posted July 8, 2009 Have fun, Caroline! Here's my opinion, which you asked for in your original question... May as well get the CL basic and take advantage of the sale! When I first started I used the spiral template a lot. As for giant templates, I think a lot depends on the types of quilts you take in. The clams or baptist fan is great for traditional type quilts. The swirls is great for many quilts. I've also been using the 7 Treasures a lot since I got it. I think if you can afford it right now, you should start off with 2 of the giant templates...good money-makers because of the speed of getting a quilt done, it really does pay for itself in just a few quilts! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
carolinequilts Posted July 8, 2009 Author Report Share Posted July 8, 2009 I am going to post a reply on Friday and let everyone know what I did / bought. Can't wait! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Georgene Posted July 8, 2009 Report Share Posted July 8, 2009 If you want something that allows you to quilt those all-overs fast and easily, then go for as many giant templates (boards) as you can afford. The more the better. If you do a lot of custom work, then you will want the basic set too. When a customer comes in and chooses a CL board, the quilt top goes on the frame almost immediately, I quilt it, it's done. If they want something else, it's ponder over this and that. I may not even load the quilt for awhile. If they want custom, and they like a CL design (basic set) then you don't have to figure out how to transfer the designs to the quilt, and then how to get marks out. The CL just makes things go smoother and faster, not only in the quilting process, but in the decision making process.....for both you and the customer. You and the customer can visualize what they're getting beforehand. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
carolinequilts Posted July 11, 2009 Author Report Share Posted July 11, 2009 I had a lovely visit with Mike and Kay today - such friendly people! It was really a treat to get to see everything, and how to use it, and how to set it up, and they were so helpful. I'm even comfortable with the prospect of having to raise my machine to accommodate the system. This is something that worried me.. So, here's what I got... The CL Basic + (which in the special includes the spirals), and the Feathers & Feathers Border, and the Giant Swirls, and the Giant Zig Zag. That last one (the zigzag) was pretty much an impulse buy as it was not in my plans, but it is sooo versatile - how could I pass that up? Thank goodness for the easy payment plan! What do I need now? Well, a week off of work for starters.... Thanks to everyone who helped me to spend my money and make the right choices! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sandra Darlington Posted July 11, 2009 Report Share Posted July 11, 2009 Congratulations! You will love your new "toys." Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jmyhogan Posted July 11, 2009 Report Share Posted July 11, 2009 Congratulations on your purchase Caroline. I love all of the CL tools we have. I wish we lived close enough to just drive over and shop. At first I was intimidated trying figuring out how to use the books to produce what I wanted but I just kept working at it and now it is easy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mary Beth Posted July 11, 2009 Report Share Posted July 11, 2009 I knew you would have a great visit with Kay and Michael, they are the best! And I knew you would walk away loving the CL. Now, just wait until you use it and see how easy it is. Yep, time to play is what we all need. Oh the things we could do if we could just play!! Congratulations. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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