kkey1030 Posted July 4, 2016 Report Share Posted July 4, 2016 So when I first decided I was going to buy a Millennium, I started asking longarmers what I would definitely need. On an instruction video from Manquilter I saw them using leader grips. After talking to many folks, I bought a set of Red Snappers for my Malcolm, even though I hadn't even ordered a machine yet. They stood in the package over at the side of the room. Three months later, I had a Millie all set up and ready to play in my home. I could not quite figure out how to install the rods on my leads and I kept putting it off saying that pinning isn't that bad. Last week I quilted a queen-sized quilt, and pinning WAS that bad. So yesterday, I finally installed the red snappers to my machine's leaders. Minutes ago, I loaded my first quilt top with the leaders. Such bliss! It took me all of maybe five minutes to load the top, batting, and backing, and to sew the top and sides. Why didn't I do this last October when I set up the machine? The "quilt top" I loaded is actually a light weight upholstery fabric that looks like a quilt of 4-inch squares in muted country colors. I bought this fabric for a song a decade ago, thinking I might want to use it as a backing, but it was never "right" for any quilt I was making. It has become a perfect fabric for me to practice my ruler work and hand-guided quilting with my Malcolm. It's about 4 feet wide by 9 feet long, so I have lots of practice ahead of me! Yay! It'll make a serviceable picnic quilt when I'm done playing. And I am still stocking up my little studio with 'essentials' I might need one day. I figure I should be well-stocked so I'm set to go when I retire and have less of an income. Just ordered a couple gross of magna glide bobbins and a new bobbin case to use just with them. (under $12 for the case from APQS) Happy fourth everyone! Kevin Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mlsa3 Posted July 5, 2016 Report Share Posted July 5, 2016 Congratulations Kevin. I know you are in hog heaven with your new Milli. The leader grips are great once you get used to using them. Enjoy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
piecrust Posted July 5, 2016 Report Share Posted July 5, 2016 Don't you just love it when a plan comes together? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RitaR Posted July 5, 2016 Report Share Posted July 5, 2016 So happy that you were able to buy the machine and practice a lot. It is fun!! Just keep enjoying it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gator Posted July 5, 2016 Report Share Posted July 5, 2016 It's about time, lol just kidding. I love, love my red snappers, wouldn't trade them for anything (well maybe a new millie). Maybe someday they will put the track in the canvas so all we have to do is slide in the tubes. Anyway, happy no more pinning. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cherylannie Posted July 5, 2016 Report Share Posted July 5, 2016 hmmmmm, you have me thinking. I have the red snappers and have never installed them. I guess I better get it done! My concern is..are they difficult to open and close? My right hand has some difficulty opening a soda bottle and small things like that. Cheryl Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gator Posted July 5, 2016 Report Share Posted July 5, 2016 Cheryl, I don't have a problem with the snappers but I've heard some say they're hard to push together. Try playing with them before you put them in your canvas. Lay the round tube on something firm, then snap the top on. I use the palm of my hand to push them together. Practice it a few times, sometimes the little devils are tighter when new. You can also put some scrap fabric and batting in between to see it you can handle them. It beats pins! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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