More newbie questions

[QuiltyLaine]

I'm gonna have a little bit of time before Lucey arrives. I need to paint her room and move out a whole bunch of stuff to make room for her and all her stuff. Speaking of stuff, what kind of toys should I be looking to purchase for her? I hear about pantos, rulers, longboards, and other things that I have no idea what they are, like quiltazoid, circle lords, and some other terminology that I haven't figured out yet. I think I will need to start a thread collection, but I want to make wise choices. Please tell me what your favorites are and which of the vendors I need to be sure to visit when I go to MQS in Kansas City. Also, any favorite websites? I know that once she gets here I will have lots of questions, but for now I just want to be prepared. Thanks for all your good advice and suggestions so far. You've all be wonderful to listen to my yammerin'!

[LauraJ]

START SLOWLY and get to know your machine before spending tons on tools. After you get going, see what you like to do and then purchase goodies to help you. Practice, practice, practice just moving your machine and making designs without tools and then use the tools.

Here's some things to get you a little dizzy looking at!

You can NEVER go wrong with any ruler from Deloa Jones. Here are one or two to start with.

http://www.deloasquiltshop.com/deloasguidestore/littleoneguide.html

http://www.deloasquiltshop.com/deloasguidestore/castleguide.html

Buy thread in gbasic colors to use on lots of things: white, black, grey, tan, light denim, etc.

Superior threads: http://www.superiorthreads.com/?gclid=CKuB4ZWd9q8CFQZ5hwodATTARw

Glide Thread: http://www.bobbincentral.com/

http://www.redrockthreads.com/signature-thread/signature-thread-cottonquilting.asp

Stencils are nice to have:

http://quiltingstencils.com/

http://www.goldenthreads.com/shop/category/stencils/

[quiltmonkey]

Originally posted by LauraJ

START SLOWLY and get to know your machine before spending tons on tools.

Ditto what Laura says. Don't go crazy buying stuff right now.

Buy a few pantos (light and easy, simple ones, not too tight).

If you want a ruler/template, buy a small one that fits in your palm (itty bitty or dainty ditcher) and a small circle ruler for arcs, that fits in your palm.

Thread? Just get a few basic colors.

Buy a few beginner DVDs. Myrna Ficken, Kimmy Brunner, Pajama Quilter are good newbie/beginner videos.

Do a lot of PPP on your sketchpad or whiteboard. PPP on your machine freehand from the front. Don't be afraid to just be free and have fun.

I think getting a good feel for your machine and building up your confidence is key.

After 6 months, then start looking seriously at gadgets and toys and a rainbow variety of thread colors.

[miss jacque]

Ditto start slow, most important is get to know her, develope a bond, and don't be afraid to jump in and do things with her. Practice practice practice both from the front and back of the machine. Once you find which side you like the most that will make buying toys easy. I love ruler work, seldom do pantos (When I first got Mable i bought tons of pantos even created some of my own. DUH) I do not have any of the big toys. My favorite thread is Maxi lock Swirls, and signature. Jacque

[meg]

try and find some cheap fabric for practicing.

i used a whole bolt of kona white wide (using a joanns' 40% off) practicing b4 i put a real top on my frame.

also, some batting.

you can layer 2 or 3 practice 'tops' over each piece of batting and back - wastes less.

when you by thread, get yourself good, strong thread, like sofine or glide. you don't need the bad thread headache just starting out.

deloa's little one is the ruler i use the most. nice and small...fits in my hand. i'm not a big ruler girl.

definately a good pair of snips.

you'll probably want an extended base - i have donita reeves.

flower head pins for pinning to the leaders.

canned air and a small paintbrush for cleaning out.

not sure if the new rails need to be cleaned, but i use alcohol to clean mine.

that's all i can come up with.

[springert]

I also am a new Lucey owner and I read the forum daily. I have read all the stories about tension problems with both top thread and bobbins. I have also learned that everyone who has used them like glide thread and they absolutely love the magna-glide bobbins from fil-tech. I have to agree- I love them! What tension issues I've had are minor compared to what I've read about. I have only purchased glide thread and magna-glide bobbins so far and love both.

TASpringer

"There is a very fine line between hobby and mental illness" (Dave Barry)

[barbm]

Don't forget that new APQS owners get a Free Beginner's Class - can be taken at the Factory in Des Moines or through your local Rep. You'll get lots of valuable information from that!

[Ferret]

I would say buy nothing, well tool wise, thread wadding and cheap fabric will be handy. Then think about buying some DVD's. Once you start getting a feel for what yiu like doing with the machine you will know what tools you want.

Ferret

[o2b Quilting]

Are you signed up for some beginner classes at MQS? There will be lots of wonderful information available from venders, instructors, and attendees. Visit will anyone/everyone you can. We all love to help a "newbie".

Take some notes while walking around the vendor mall about the tools and gadgets that catch your eye such as what it is and where to get it at a later date. I did this, kept the list handy and then watched the forum for the possiblity of purchasing some of the items second hand. More than once I have been so happy to have the list to reference the name of the item and where to purchase it!!

Some of the people on this forum who will be at MQS are meeting on Thursday evening and we would love to have you join us!!