Start to Finish: How to stitch a pantograph

 I had a few people ask me to make a video showing how to stitch a pantograph from beginning to end so I made a video showing just that!   I hope this helps!

Pantograph videos

 I was asked to make some videos showing how to roll the quilt when using a pantograph.  Here they are!

A useful tool

 

Today I'd like to share a tip that has helped me plan out what I want to stitch on a quilt when it's ruler work or freehand.  I bought a piece of plexiglass from the hardware store and had my husband cut it to the size I wanted.  I put black electricians tape around the edge so I could see it easily.  When I want to test out a design idea I use this!  I don't remember when I learned this tip, but it's not original to me.  

Today I'm working on my Circa 1880 nine patch quilt and I'm trying out a border design that uses a curve ruler that I turn different directions.

After deciding on the design above, I marked my quilt border with the curves and I'm satisfied with the design!

I plan on entering my quilt in a quilt show in October so I need to get busy!

My first videos

 I started a facebook group for owners of the King Quilter II longarm machine.  There isn't much in the way of help for those of us learning how to use the monitor with all the different settings so I thought I'd make some videos to help with that.

Tip for Longarming: Check your Wide Backing

When I load backing on the quilt frame I use the grain of the fabric, not the cut edge.  Here is an example of why it's important to check your wide backing.

This backing was wonky when it was wound on to the bolt.  I'm sure the person cutting it did cut it straight as it came off the bolt.  But as you can see, the fabric is cut way off the grain.

Be sure to check the backing and  straighten the grain if it is off.  If you don't want to straighten the grain, there is a simple solution, buy an additional 4 or 5 inches more after you've already added the 8" the longarmer needs.

Fortunately, this client sent a backing that had plenty of extra fabric so I didn't have to send it back.

Tension problems?

I'm trying to use a new thread this weekend, a 50 wt So Fine variegated with luscious colors.  I'm having fits with it though... arrrrgh!  The thread is falling off the cone too fast, gets caught and 'snap', the thread breaks.  I have 2 variables that could be causing the problem.

I placed a thread sock on the cone, but the thread is still loose near the top of the cone.  With the thread sock, the thread doesn't fall off the cone, but the thread is loose as it unwinds near the top of the cone.  I also have high static electricity in the air, so that could be the problem as well.

I placed a pot of boiling water on the stove to put humidity in the air.  We will soon see if static is the problem.

While taking a break from the break, I found a great video on tension problems.  You don't need an expensive TOGO tension gauge, it's simple!  Take a look and let me know what you think?

http://www.youtube.com/embed/Q1mRhcquZTM

He really knows tension!

How to lube your thread

I've been long-arming happily all day.  I finished one quilt, and will place another one on the frame tomorrow. I wish the holiday could be extended, I'm not ready for school to start!  For those who are new to the blog, I home school my son.  I'm also taxi-driver for my oldest in college (she has a disability and can't drive for now).

I thought I'd share a tip to help those who are tempted to oil your thread when you sew velcro or use metallic threads.  My method works for long arming, sewing, serging, upholstery  just about any type of sewing.  I've used this method for years and it works!

If you have continual thread breaks while sewing velcro or use metallic threads, try this!  Cut a tiny piece of stick-on velcro, use the fluffy side.  Place it under the thread path AFTER the tension disc.  Then place 1 or 2 drops of silicone (Sewer's Aid, etc.) on the velcro.   As the thread glides across the velcro it lubes your thread without ruining the entire cone, and without gumming up your tension dial.

Use velcro to sew velcro, brilliant! Let me know if you try my method?  I'd love to hear how it worked for you!

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