jebm Posted September 8, 2008 Report Share Posted September 8, 2008 This is the first time I've used the Hartley for crosslhatching and it works beautifully--the only problem I have is that I can't see exactly where to stop from the back of the machine. I'm working from the outside of the border into the sashing. So I've been setting it up from the front--locking down Hartley, and then going back to the front. I tried stacking two pieces of blue tape along the sashing--bu that didn't help--and I tried changing the height of the table. Does anyone else have this problem? (Not that the exercise hurts me!!) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ksomeit Posted September 8, 2008 Report Share Posted September 8, 2008 I had the same issues and I hope someone else answers with a solution. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jacksong Posted September 9, 2008 Report Share Posted September 9, 2008 Contact Myrna Ficken. She has an instruction book out for the Hartley that is execllent. Go to http://www.aquilterschoice.com for her phone contact info. No affilliation. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jebm Posted September 9, 2008 Author Report Share Posted September 9, 2008 Thanks! I have her book and video--I'm just missing something because I sure can't see where to stop stitching! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
quiltmonkey Posted September 9, 2008 Report Share Posted September 9, 2008 Jane, Some people are tall and can look over across the frame and see where their needle is, but I'm not so tall (5'4") so I can't see as well. So, I would stop the machine in SR mode with the needle "down" and (click the blue button once) it puts SR mode in a "holding" mode, then walk to the front of the machine, click the blue SR button again to take the SR out of holding mode, and guide the crosshatching to its ending point. Another thought (I haven't done this) is to perhaps place some sort of mirror (magnifying?) on the frame near the needle so you can see where your ending point might be? (just a thought) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dtreusch Posted September 9, 2008 Report Share Posted September 9, 2008 Shana, You do this to end every line of stitching on the crosshatch? Seems like there should be a better way. Hope you are using a pedometer and at least counting it as exercise. :P Debbi Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jebm Posted September 9, 2008 Author Report Share Posted September 9, 2008 Shana--It is good exercise isn't it!! I'll think about the mirror--that might be the trick--and, I had not heard of the "holding" mode--I'll be trying that. I was just stopping the machine with the needle down, walking to front and starting again--usually just one or two stitches--but that's a big difference!! Thanks for the input--I think the way we're doing must be "the way." So--all politics aside, are you excited about the Palin-McCain ticket? Has her leadership impacted your life in Alaska? Jane Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
quiltmonkey Posted September 9, 2008 Report Share Posted September 9, 2008 Originally posted by jebm So--all politics aside, are you excited about the Palin-McCain ticket? Has her leadership impacted your life in Alaska? Jane Well, personally, me, I am keeping an open mind about both Democrat and Republican sides of the election. I want to hear the debates and learn more about all of the candidates before I make a final decision who to vote for. I am still on the fence. So, the answer to your quesiton is YES! it is definitely exciting times for this United States and the World, too! All eyes are watching to see what pans out ... :cool: She's a no-fear go-getter. I am sure she will be raked over the coals about anything and everything that can be dreamt up over the next two months. Getting back to quilting: Tell me if the mirror thing does the trick. I just "thought of it" as I was typing my response (my mind is always going... usually in circles...lol) Sometimes when I use the Hartley fence in tricky situations, I set it up from the back end and then actually do the quilting from the front so I can see better. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jebm Posted September 10, 2008 Author Report Share Posted September 10, 2008 It seems like just about anything other than lines that must end at a certain point could be worked from the back--although I've only used the circle maker and always from the front. I will let you know about the mirror idea! I think it might be hard to stabilize it with the hopping foot just movin' along! Gov Palin has certainly energized the campaign! So many surprises this year! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Myrna Ficken Posted September 10, 2008 Report Share Posted September 10, 2008 When doing crosshatching I stop at a place where I can more easily hide my back tacks, such as at a seamline or in a busy print. Or stitch as far forward as you can and back-tack. Another option it to bring up your threads to tie and bury your threads. The more you do it the better you get at it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jebm Posted September 10, 2008 Author Report Share Posted September 10, 2008 Myrna..I get all that--I just don't see how to do it from the back of the machine. Sewing from the outside edge of the border to the sashing...I can't see the edge of the sashing so I start from the back and finish in the front...move head back to outside of border, needle down, move to back of machine set fence, and then to front of machine to stitch to "finish" line, move machine to back of border, back to the back to set the fence...etc...etc. and yes, Myrna, you might remember, that exercise doesn't hurt me...I was just hoping there was something I was missing-some aha moment that would allow me to stay behind the machine and still hit that sashing ditch on the mark! Thanks!! Jane Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jacksong Posted September 10, 2008 Report Share Posted September 10, 2008 Is your machine too high? It is harder to reach and see when your machine is too high. I have the hydraulic lift and I have to remember to lower my machine. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Myrna Ficken Posted September 10, 2008 Report Share Posted September 10, 2008 LOL Jane.........Maybe a step to stand o. Or the lift to make all your quilting jobs eaiser:P. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jebm Posted September 10, 2008 Author Report Share Posted September 10, 2008 I actually have the lift and am 5'7" - I've tried every height! It's fine until I get right to the "ditch"--then the hopping foot hides it I guess--and I just know I'm going to go over the line! Thanks for everyone's input! I can't imagine doing this on a large quilt--which is waiting for me as soon as I get my eye back in order! Someone wants the entire quilt inside blocks and border etc...everything cross hatched because it looks old. I'll be the one looking old!! --or maybe thinner--there you go!! I have to say, it does look nice! Good practice on this small quilt--! Jane Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jebm Posted September 12, 2008 Author Report Share Posted September 12, 2008 Myrna and friends Duh. How about if I stitch from the sashing out to the border--that would be the aha moment I spoke of. I'm sure that wouldn't always work (if you working inside a block etc):...but it works pretty well through the borders! Yippee!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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