kmkerr31 Posted April 2, 2013 Report Share Posted April 2, 2013 Hi Everyone, I'm brand new to the forum and longarm quilting. My new Millie is scheduled to arrive this afternoon. This is my first longarm. I'm so excited. My whole family is geared up & ready. Hubby is clearing the garage as a staging area for the boxes. My 18 year old son is sleeping - preparing for the heavy lifting. I've been quilting for 30+ years and have quilted over 100 quilts on my domestic machine - up to king size. I'm really looking forward to having a longarm. I'm hoping the learning curve isn't too steep. I have about 2 dozen quilt tops waiting to be quilted and many more that are in various stages of completion. I bought some inexpensive muslin to use for practice. Any suggestions on the best way to get started? Any ideas to shorten the learning curve? Thanks, Karen Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JustSewSimple Posted April 2, 2013 Report Share Posted April 2, 2013 Karen, you are in for a fun ride!!! This is going to be such fun - but you know that already, huh? Congrats and welcome to the forum and we like pictures! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
o2b Quilting Posted April 2, 2013 Report Share Posted April 2, 2013 Nothing can take the place of practice... Relax and enjoy!! Are you signed up to take the beginner class from your local dealer or plan to travel to Des Moines soon? Your local dealer should be a great help to you and will have many helpful hints. This forum is the best!! Lot's of helpful hints and suggestions from wonderful people. Don't hesitate to ask any question...there are no dumb questions...we have all been a beginner! Have a super day!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
delld Posted April 2, 2013 Report Share Posted April 2, 2013 Welcome to the family! You will love your machine! Have fun and relax!!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
whitepinesquilter Posted April 2, 2013 Report Share Posted April 2, 2013 How exciting - congratulations! And welcome to the APQS family. PPP on muslin, take a class if you can, and don't be afraid to take one or two of your tops to try out your practicing earlier than you think you are ready. You will be surprised how quickly you catch on to longarming especially as you are well experienced quilting on your DM. Once you have that actual top on the machine ideas will come to you and you'll do wonderful. I still learn so much from others' pictures, so please share them here! Again, congratulations, and have a blast with your new machine! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RitaR Posted April 2, 2013 Report Share Posted April 2, 2013 Hi Karen, Welcome to the informative, crazy, insane, funny, prayerful world of APQS quilting, (no matter what brand). I'm just so happy to hear your excitement and the new machine. The main diff in dsm and long arm is with dsm you move the fabric, with the long arm you move the machine. If you can transfer that hand motion of the dsm, to your hands on the Milli handles, I think the learning curve will be a lot shorter. I used a dry erase board and old phone book pages to practice on.. it usually takes 2 or 3 phone book pages, but hey, they are free and aren't bad to go into recycle. Good luck and stay with us.. Rita Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
witha'K'quilting Posted April 2, 2013 Report Share Posted April 2, 2013 Let me join the others in welcoming you to the apqs family. You will love your new millie. Just don't be overwhelmed by the massive size of her compared to your dsm. Loading a quilt can be the most daunting, but even that, you will master soon. Breathe, relax, and enjoy the ride you are about to take. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shea Posted April 2, 2013 Report Share Posted April 2, 2013 Karen, Welcome to this forum! You will definitely feel the love here! I have been out of the quilting loop for awhile, but right back in here with so much wonderful support and help. Have fun with your new machine. Remember to breathe, and sleep, and eat and surface from your machine to occasionally say hello to your family. ~Shea Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CindyT Posted April 2, 2013 Report Share Posted April 2, 2013 Welcome to the forum and congrats on the new millie! There should be a DVD shipped with your machine. I suggest watching it and you will pick up lots of information on getting started there. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Primitive1 Posted April 2, 2013 Report Share Posted April 2, 2013 Karen, Welcome to the family! You are going to wonder how you ever did a King size quilt on a DSM after you start using your longarm! Get some DVD's to watch and there are lots to see on you tube too! Lots of practice and you will feel quite at home on your new machine in no time!!! We are here if you have any questions!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beachside Quilter Posted April 2, 2013 Report Share Posted April 2, 2013 Congratulations, Karen, and welcome to the APQS Family!! Enjoy your new Millie!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DawnCavanaugh Posted April 3, 2013 Report Share Posted April 3, 2013 Welcome to the family, Karen! Be sure to let me know if you need anything or have any questions as you and your new Millie bond together. We're here for you! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
srichardson Posted April 3, 2013 Report Share Posted April 3, 2013 Congratulations Karen and welcome to the forum. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kmkerr31 Posted April 3, 2013 Author Report Share Posted April 3, 2013 Wow! What a great first day. Thanks for the replies. Millie arrived around noon. We spent the afternoon putting her together. Then I watched the DVD and spent the evening playing. I need more practice but I think it went well today. I started with some simple loopy fills then moved on to some flames. I tried some basket weave too. I attempted to upload some photos below but included the urls just in case the pictures don't come through. http://flic.kr/p/e8eGy8 http://flic.kr/p/e8knib http://flic.kr/p/e8eGk2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JeannieB Posted April 3, 2013 Report Share Posted April 3, 2013 Looks like you're having some great fun getting used to your new machine! Enjoy. :-) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
s.waits Posted April 3, 2013 Report Share Posted April 3, 2013 Welcome! Your practice photos look great! I won't take long at all for you to get the "rhythm" of your new machine. Congrats on your new addition! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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