happymountainmom Posted May 17, 2006 Report Share Posted May 17, 2006 Hello Everyone, My Millie arrived yesterday; I?m excited about getting started and have a few questions: 1. Should I go to somewhere like Wal-Mart to purchase practice fabric and batting to gain experience on my machine? 2. I already have someone wanting me to finish her quilt for her and I said I would be ready the last part of July to do so, since I'm attending class in De Moines, July 10th and 11th. Was that a good thing to do? I'm new with the long arm quilting and have started up my own business; Quilted Treasure's By Pat, I?m excited and scared all at the same time. As I go, I know that I will have many questions and really appreciate suggestions. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Susanri Posted May 17, 2006 Report Share Posted May 17, 2006 I bought cheap quilts off ebay and back them with muslin from joanns then I donate them to the local shelters. I like using theses quilts because they are going to be more like your customers quilts I bought several different designs like a lone star, tripple irish chain, some applique ones. they cost me about 25.00 each or you can keep them to show customers other have suggested cheater cloth, which works good. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bekah Posted May 17, 2006 Report Share Posted May 17, 2006 Congratulations on both your Millie and your new business. As a old lady that wants to start her own business too, I applaud your courage to go forward. I think that Susan's idea of purchasing cheap quilts is a good one, but also getting some panel fabric from JoAnne's or Wal-Mart and doing some borders around them and then quilting those and donating them to local shelters and fire stations is a good way to learn to quilt borders and freehand around designs. Bekah PS I like the name of your business Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mary Beth Posted May 17, 2006 Report Share Posted May 17, 2006 Congratulations Happy Mountain Mom: From one Millie owner to another. You will love her!! Muslin works great as practice fabric too. I purchase it by the bolt when Jo-Ann's Fabrics are having 50% off sales. I would suggest the 90" or 108", something wide, then practice doing all over designs and then mark off some blocks - 8" or 10" and start practicing fill ins or motifs. Practice, Practice, Practice and confidence is the key!! Oh, and search these message boards when you are in a pickle - they are so helpful. If you don't find what you are looking for, just post a question, scream, whatever, and we will come running - or typing;) The classes will be a huge help. Happy Quilting, Mary Beth Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JoAnnHoffman Posted May 17, 2006 Report Share Posted May 17, 2006 Get charity quilts from your local quilt guild. After about 25 of these quilts I was ready to accept customer quilts doing pantographs. We call the quilts, project warmth quilts. That way you get to work on real quilts with real problems. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Giftedhands Posted May 19, 2006 Report Share Posted May 19, 2006 When you are finished with the muslin, use your serger to bind the edges and donate the squares to your animal rescue groups...they will be happy to have them for the bottoms of the crates... Cynthia Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bekah Posted May 19, 2006 Report Share Posted May 19, 2006 Cynthia what a great idea!! I used to babysit my daugther's dog and she loved my practice quilts. I would not have thought about being able to do small projects to practice on and still being able to give them a use. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BarbWetzel Posted May 20, 2006 Report Share Posted May 20, 2006 When I got my Millie, I went to Joanne's and bought a whole bolt of muslin. I practiced, practiced and practiced....I still have some of that muslin. Now I am waiting on my Compu quilter... I will practicing agin!! Barb Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Olive Posted May 23, 2006 Report Share Posted May 23, 2006 I practiced on some old fabric I had for a back and muslin for a top. It helped to be able to see my stitching clearly on a plain fabric. It also let the kids have a go at it . Try your local project Linus and ask if you can do some quilting for them. They are generally small lap quilts and don't have to be perfect. Have Fun!!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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