Friday, June 20, 2008

It works!

Last night, I was able to get the whole frame set up to actually start quilting! I had a minor mishap with the cruise control - at first things weren't working, but then I found the plug for the power and everything moved right along! The plug was on the table across the room under paper and I totally forgot that it was needed.

So, here is the first thing I did after doing a straight stitch across the top of the quilt top. Just a simple stippling. The stitches look good and even. I can definitely tell that there is a change in tension when you move the machine a bit faster. But for just starting, I think that it is a good thing to be using the cruise control until I am more comfortable to quilting without it.

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Here is a smaller stippling. This is a little more jerky so I would definitely need to practice it more before trying it on a good quilt.

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And here I was just doing some free motion and decided to try my name and a heart for the 'i.' Unfortunately, the thread is too light and you can't see the left half of the heart.

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I guess that the next thing to do on this piece is to test different brands of thread. This thread that I used was one of the neutral variegated from Connecting Threads on top and bottom. No breakage at all! I haven't opened the bobbin are so I don't know about whether there is a lot of lint. But I am OK with lint as long as the thread doesn't break constantly!

7 comments:

Michelle said...

My rule is, each time you change a bobbin, check for lint in the bobbin area. I used to use canned air, but don't do that. Get yourself a nice cosmetic face powder brush and that will work wonderful. Also, if you use air, it will blow all the lint into the gears in the bottom of the machine, stick to the gear grease, plus, dry out your moving parts.

Jill, I am so proud of you! You did this with NO help, and quickly! You must be mechanically inclined, too, besides all your other talents.

It looks like you are set to go! Good luck. We'll all be watching! If you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask Jen or I. We'd be glad to help if we can. You aren't alone. When I got my quilter, I relied on my 'Loose Tensions' girls (our little sewing group)to help me, or more like, do it for me, but we learned without a video, just jumping in, not knowing how deep the water was, but we learned, and now two of the other girls have their own quilt setups too.

I bet you hate being at work today, and I bet I know what you'll be doing this weekend! Too bad you are so far away. Jen and I would come see you this weekend!
Michelle

Moneik said...

Oh you are going to have soooooo much fun! I can't wait to see all the projects you come up with. I'm sure you'll get a ton accomplished. You've already got a great start. Good luck and have fun!

Regina said...

OOh - she's cruising now! Looks WONDERFUL!!! Bring on July - it's gonna be a cinch, now!!! (so when do I send you my quilt to do???)

kt said...

looks like it's going to be a very productive weekend for you! best of luck. don't forget to eat and let the pups out, too! :)

Hazel said...

Oh wow that looks great ,look out Jen you have competition now LOL .Go Jill Go

BitnByAQuiltingBug said...

Yipppeeeeee....quilt frame and machine.....yippeeeee...yayyyyy
I'm excited for you!

Jen said...

Clean mascara wands...I swear by them!! I can't wait to get my machine and regulator! Although if it doesn't come by the weekend I'll be throwing Elizabeth back on the frame.