Bailey Handles.............looking for something different?

One of the Bailey owners Mark Wilson has provided several you tube video's. He has also constructed new handles for the Bailey and shows how they attach on the video below





Mark can be found also on the Facebook Bailey Home Quilter Group where you can see pictures he has posted of the new handles that would replace your PVC handles.

* Please note that this is for your information and I have no relationship to these handles I am simply providing you with a source for handles should you be inquisitive



Mark's contact information is:

Mark Wilson

Email: mwilson502@gmail.com

Ph: 231-250-2071

Give it the white glove test!

Your carriage is an important piece of equipment in your quilting experience.
Whether you have a stitch regulator or decoders you need to follow the same process.
Before you begin your quilting experience wipe down the tracks with soft cloth to pick up any residue or fluff. Depending on the material your tracks are made of examine them for cracks, separated seams, warp and burrs. Followed by taking close look at your wheels. Are they functioning and all touching the track? Is there any rust on them that require you clean them and do they need a shot of oil if they appear not to be moving smoothly. Most importantly do they have thread wrapped around them causing for poor contact. Now that your wheels are good to go, turn your attention to your machine.Is it time for a good oil and cleaning? Not sure? Here are few hints to suggest you need to oil your machine.. skipped stitches, noisy operation - more than usual, is your handwheel stiff? All of these are indicators that you need to roll up your sleeves and follow the oiling procedure as outlined in your manual or the earlier post on where to oil your Bailey.

So you think you want to start up a Longarm Business

Do you know what that entails?
Do you have the stock, inventory of thread, machine and standby machine, patience and a supportive partner?
Are you an on line junkie who can create your own website?
How will you advertise?
Are there grants available to you to start your own business?
Do you know how to write up a business plan and how to follow it?
Are you curious enough to do your research, contact gov't bodies for funding, try out free diy website creation
What type of business will you conduct? Will you sell your wares of top stitch other's creations
DO you know how to charge and what to charge?

These are a few questions that you should be asking yourself and hopefully you will find the answers
There is a lot of information on line for small businesses and how to set up

http://www.longarmuniversity.com/Bookstore%20pages/longarm_pricing.htm


http://www.craftsy.com/blog/2013/06/starting-a-longarm-quilting-business

Not to forget the Tax information on how to charge it to your business.......

http://forum.apqs.com/index.php?/topic/11922-tax-tips-for-longarm-businesses


And of course another yahoo group to join
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Machine_Quilting_Professional/join


Check out this blog at the bottom of the page is a link " business of machine quilting"

http://www.quiltingismytherapy.com/quilting-portfolio

Robotic Helpers

From time to time there is some question of what type of an automated system can I use with my Bailey. There are several out in the " Marketplace" but only one maker that will work with the Bailey.

PC Quilter

http://www.pcquilter.com

Now there are two versions of the PC quilter. The older of the two is the Carriage Robotic system which is controlled by your home computer The computer software controls the pressure gauge on the foot pedal which starts the machine to stitch. The carriage itself is also controlled by the PC quilter program which swings your carriage to and fro to complete the pattern. Through the computer program you can resize, flip , rotate, repeat and digitalize patterns. But I won't bore you the website above will offer their insight into the product they make

The pc quilter side mount
http://www.pcquilter.com/longarm.htm



This is really the optimum unit that allows you to use the robotic quilter and has the ability to push a larger machine using a motorized side mount. Because of it's size it allows you more travel in the larger quilting area compared to the unit above. The side mount is just that a system that attaches to your current carriage and when not needed it can easily be removed. Where as the PC quilter has it's own carriage ( pictured above) and you would want to swap it out it for your original carriage and handles if you want to free motion

Competitors may tell you that the Bailey will probably work with their system. Be very careful, I have not to date found any other system that has proven to be compatible. I do own the PC quilter that I quite like and works with my Bailey< I was lucky enough to purchase an older model for a cheap price and it does accommodate my Bailey. I do not get the larger quilting surface because of the model I have but it is a trade off for the benefits. I have had no problems with tension or broken threads since acquiring this equipment. I am not trying to tell you to purchase such an add- on but I did think it important that I reveal the info to you so that you are aware what is compatible with your machine.

And the next question is.... Where do you get patterns to use with the PC quilter
The pc quilter website has a user password secure website that you can download patterns. Digital patterns are easily purchased through auto downloads via their webpages and he prices vary. Last but not least the PC quilter yahoo group has a large number of archived files free for download.

If this is what you are interested in , keep your eyes opened I found mine for $100 on a community " for sale" website. One never knows!

Puck lights and be careful how you say it!!

Do you want more light over your work area but not necessarily be like a deer in headlights?

Wander into your local $ store and look for led lights that have a flat profile, much like the same in the picture below



These are all battery operated and being LED lights will last for a long time. They can be adhered to the harp of our Bailey with mounting tape. I suspect that the two way tape will be too light because of the machine's vibration but if you have some in your stash give it a try. Remember to mount them so that they shine down onto your fabric, not on the back of the harp which will eventually cover them as you roll up your quilt.

Now you will have light at the needle and light over the immediate area that your machine is traveling. If you remove the lights and you have stuck them to your machine with mounting tape, don't fret-- peel it off and then with a little goop gone the sticky residue is gone. In a pinch you could use gasoline, but with all that fabric in the immediate area.................. all I can say is I hope you are not a smoker!

The good news is if you are not sure you want them there you have only waste a few dollars and are able to use them elsewhere in the house, for instance your fabric closet!

Even better if the power goes out, you have a light to sew by and if you have a generator............. Well need I say more!

Note to post

Another Bailey owner ( Carol) tells me she added the strip led lights to her Bailey, cutting them to length and adding and 12v ac adapter...

Here is the website to copy into your browser

http://www.environmentallights.com/led-strip-lights/sample-kits-led-strip-light/kits-single-color-led-strip-lights.html?dir=asc&order=price

Pantograph continued

http://stitchesnstoriesquilting.blogspot.ca/search?updated-max=2013-06-17T20:00:00-07:00&max-results=7&start=7&by-date=false

I am enclosing this website link that demonstrates one person take on paragraphs from the front of her quilt. I have seen this technique done more than once, but simply laying the patnograph across the quilt top . However this appears to be a more stable way to adhere your pantograph. While there why not visit the rest of the website to see what the topic of the day is

You are near completion

You have stitched your masterpiece, stuck your finger with the needle as you finish that binding, inspected the quilt for any forgotten misfortune. And now it is time to label your art

Labels can be handwritten with fabric pens, have patchwork accents, created on your laptop and printed through your home printer. What ever the style here is what you would want to consider:

The name of the quilt
The name of the quiltmaker
The name of the Longarm artist
The location where the quilt was made
Who the quilt was made for
Signed with the year and date and special occasion
Even a favorite quotation or a little ditty

METHODS OF MAKING LABELS:

1) Freezer paper

Design your label and text on your computer, once satisfied with what you have your are ready to proceed. With a 8 1/2 X 11 freezer paper sheet iron your fabric ( quite often muslin) to the shinny side of the paper ( make sure it is well adhered) Insert this into your printer making sure that the text will print on your fabric. Now you want to set the ink either with a hot iron or Bubble Jet Set . To finish up trim the border of the label

2) Fabric Marker

When I’m making a quilt, I keep the leftover fabrics to make a label for the quilt back, even an extra block would do. Using a permanent fabric marker to write the information on the label, I then support the label with another piece of fabric behind it to act as a stabilizer. One can make a little strip border around this label, Turn under 1/4″ all the way around the edges of the label, baste it to the back of the quilt, and hand stitch in place, sewing through the backing fabric only.

3) Embroider a label

Whether you use an embroidered motif or hand stitch your label, it is still an extension of your creativity, Stabilize the back of your fabric, making sure to iron it well first. Place yoru design or text onto the sized label you require then turn under 1/4 " on all edges, place on quilt back and stitch it securely to the back of the quilt

4) Paper back pre treated label fabric

Specially suited for your printer. Using a Word program create the text for your label, making sure you do a paper proof before printing on the fabric. Once satisfied with the outcome, print onto the Quilt label sheet, trim as you would like and then add strips of your left over quilt fabric to all four sides. Turn the edge and hand stitch to your quilt


Looking for a tutorial?

http://blog.spoonflower.com/2013/03/market-yourself-march-quilt-label-tutorial.html


Looking for downloadable label formats?

http://www.junetailor.com/Creativity%20Center/CreativityCenter_InteractiveTools_QuiltLabels.htm

SO you think you are done? WRONG

After your quilt has been taken off your frame it is time to square it up before adding the binding. Making a center point in your quilt top, measure the quilt on the X & Y axis ( or horizontally vs vertically). Check that you are measuring through the center of your quilt and at each end. By this I mean - when you measure the length of the quilt measure from top to bottom on both selvedge edges as well as through the middle. Record your measurements and now you can trim your quilt so that all measurements are equal. Turn your quilt 90 degrees and repeat this measurement assessment so that you are now actually working on the width measurements. Don't whack off too much look at the quilt pattern if you need to cut off more than you wanted, perhaps you can fudge it with your binding. Using a wider binding hides a lot of sins................. And no I didn't tell you that!

Your quilt may have been perfect before your quilted it, however with the added thread and top stitching the first squaring up will be affected. This is especially noted if you heavily quilt your work of art.

** Please note if you have an over sized quilt and a small cutting mat this may not be easily squared. However you might be on the lookout for a nice sheet of wood such as subflooring with a nice square edge that till make your squaring of the quilt easier. If the wood has a nice straight edge place it on top of your quilt.Then just slip your cutting mat underneath so that you don't cut your flooring. Then again if you hate that flooring OOPS!! AGAIN I am not responsible...................

Happy quilting

Bailey Sew Control

Bailey Quilting Machine offers a Stitch Regulator as an additional option to their machines. They have prepared instruction below to assist you in your installation.

The Bailey yahoo site address is :
http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Baileyquiltingmachines
This site can be accessed when signed into your Yahoo email and once you have requested membership
In the photo file on the above site, individuals have posted 1)photos of how their stitch regulator is attached to different frames. Not to be forgotten is the message/conversation portion where hints and tips are logged and responded to.

Lea from PodunkPretties http://podunkpretties.blogspot.ca offers some advice in her experience of operating the stitch regulator I was recently contacted privately about stitch length consistency when using the SR. I had to go to my machine to see just how I go about it because it's just become habit for me and I don't really pay attention to how I maintain consistency. As everyone here knows there's a learning curve to the SR. Lightening response isn't the Bailey SR. So here's my best explanation. Now most of the time my SR is set up to its slowest speed, I feel like there's more control at this speed. And my stitch length is around 8 o'clock on the dial. Its like excelerating in a car. Slowly apply the gas until you reach 60 mph. If you step on the gas you're going to leave rubber on the road, with the bailey you'll leave long stitches. Start moving slowly, not to slow or your stitches will pile up (like cars behind a 90 yr old sunday driver) due to the fact that the Bailey never completely stops. Gradually increase your speed, and just like with driving, slow down before getting to the stop sign or in our case the stopping point. I'll admit that I've also learned that I don't always need to slow down for the stop as long as I have my finger on the button and can shut it off one or two stitches before my stopping point and it continues stitch ending in just the right spot. For those of you with the wafer switch I'm sure you've mastered this technique. So there you go, driving lessons 101. I'd also like to say that I think there's some variations to each SR, so play around with different techniques to see what works best for you. There's loads of advice here on the forum, just because it doesn't work for you doesn't mean it's not right. Also oiling the bearing behind the bobbin housing often helps the SR to work better because it reduces the amount resistance on the machine. I do this between each quilt only because I quilt most quilts to death. Sometimes I do it in the middle of quilt if I notice a lag in my machine. Please visit the yahoo Bailey site to gain more insite into stitch regulators and is it something you would like


https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1MaRuASFkvdajJOY2Ryb1p4eWc/view?usp=sharing

Be there or be Square!

Squaring up a quilt back before you place the fabric on the frame lessens headaches later on!


* Make sure all the wrinkles are pressed out of your backing fabric.

**Fold your backing in half, selvedge edges together . Smooth it out so that the fold is nice and flat and there are no wrinkles.

***Continue to fold your backing in half and smoothing the fabric of any wrinkles until you get a width that is small enough to fit your cutting mat.

**** Place your cutting mat under a non-selvedge end of your folded backing, and using your ruler and rotary cutter, make a nice straight cut to even up the edges. Repeat for the other end.

*** Now the raw edges are trimmed do the same for the selvedges

*** After squaring your backing, measure it again to make sure that it is a total of 8 inches larger than your quilt. You want to make sure you have excess so that you have wiggle room to attach the quilt to the top leader and once fully quilted you will not be short at the distal end. This is a common mistake for newbies the first time they use a frame, unknowingly realizing that as the quilt rolls onto the poles of the frame, the top and back rolls at different rates causing the backing to be short if there was no planned excess.

Pantographs you say?

A selection of tutorials and pantograph information that may make you ponder before your purchase

http://quiltnotes.wordpress.com/tag/apqs-tutorials/


http://www.longarmuniversity.com/pdf%20files/Pantograph%20Instructions%20.pdf


Pantographs can come in many forms. From loose leaf, to books or rolls of patterns
Here is one company that shows some of their selection




Here are some ordering sites for pantographs to give you an idea of what is out there in the world of pantographs. You might even want to create your own but this will give you an idea of what they are


http://www.quiltscomplete.com/Departments/Paper-Pantographs.aspx

http://www.urbanelementz.com/



Pantographs in book form......... Here is a sample

I hate to recommend but .. I have this book and really like it, It is available in many sites and even at some local libraries, I chose this site only because it gives you an idea of the interior of the book. I waited awhile before I made my own purchase, twirling my pencil and drawing my own and then I bit the bullet, LOL



http://www.goldenthreads.com/shop/product/quilting-dot-to-dot-book/

To Mark or not to Mark that is the question ?

http://www.longarmfinishingtouches.com/quilt_marker.pdf

Leslie French has written an excellent article for which I have included a link. It is a rather lengthy and complete article and as a result it is far easier to read from the site above rather than have me cut and paste the whole article. The review talks about the right tool for the right condition. Whether you will be laundering your finished product afterwards or you require a marking tool that when used the residual can easily be removed.

Quilt storage and preservation

Like every great recipe there are versions on the original. There are numerous variations of how to store your most precious quilt. I have found three sites that you may want to visit and develop your own method of storage. I must say that when i purchased my cottage there were two lovely quilts, one quite badly stained from an accumulation of moisture.

Personally I display my quilts and only have two that are folded in an aerated closet with some charcoal/ puddy liter in the closet to act as a moisture whick. They are just as fresh as the day I put them there.I also don't layer my quilts on a bed, unless I move them periodically - learned the hard way when one quilt trapped the other and it smelled slightly musty, I good airing out in a windy day solved that problem




http://www.quiltmuseum.org/quilt-care.html

http://www.soyouwanna.com/preserve-handmade-quilt-3010.html


http://www.museumoffloridahistory.com/resources/caring/index.cfm

Batting and Bearding

I have listed below several websites that detail the benefits and characterization of battings. From loft to soft, bearding and draping I think these sites may answer your questions~

www.daystyledesigns.com/batting.htm

http://www.allpeoplequilt.com/sites/allpeoplequilt.com/files/uploads/pdfs/BattCharact%20Chart.pdf


The site below is a comprehensive description of the available types of batting

www.connectingthreads.com/tutorials/A_Guide_to_Batting__D88.html


Comparative shopping:

Here are some online purchase sites, I do not promote any of these stores. simply providing these sites as a resource, Also note that often there are reviews on the products, even if you are not purchasing on line you can read the comments and see if these battings would interest you .

http://www.joann.com/fabric/batting/

www.warmcompany.com/wnpage.html

www.batt-mart.com

www.connectingthreads.com/cfbatting/batting_home.cfm?media=PPC_Batting&gclid=CMadgKnhnrkCFUJlMgod_FEAcw&utm_medium=PPC&utm_campaign=PPC_Batting&utm_content=GOOGLE%20%28Search%29%20Batting&utm_source=www.google.ca


Did you know that some batting have a right side?
Here is some info to share:

http://www.apqs.com/blog/2013/01/22/batting-has-an-up-and-down

To BLEED or not to BLEED

Years ago we washed our fabrics in cold water adding a cup of salt to a tub of cold water, some even gave vinegar a try. Sometimes the home made solutions work other times the outcome was not what we expected.


With evolution came the Color Catchers. a product made by Shout. Looking familiar to a dryer sheet you simply add it to your wash. The sheet attracts the free dye molecules and they adhere to the sheet. I have noted on a really poor dye I would repeat this twice, I had a quilt all put together and decided to wash it, something I rarely do before sending it out the door. I was horrified, but I had those Color Catchers on hand, while the quilt was still damp I thought it back into the washer and I used 23 color catchers. Both came out red and I mean red. but the quilt was fine. Previously the red had bled into the white fabric that joined it in the quilt top, I was lucky and for me it worked


http://www.shoutitout.com/en-US/Products/Pages/shout-color-catcher.aspx


Now lets look at this are you up for the challenge? Pretty economical and does the same thing apparently. I will give it a try when I finished with the ones that I purchased

http://www.onegoodthingbyjillee.com/2012/08/make-your-own-laundry-color-catchers.html

Others have found products like Retayne tooted as a fabric fixative.

http://www.joann.com/retayne-color-fixative-solution-4-ounce/prd56691/

I am sure there are other products out there. These are two that keep appearing on online searches and when you are on a time clock you need something fast and something that will work for you. Luckily I have decided to try not to use too much red or at least wash the dickens out of it before I sew it up.

Don't be shy to leave your comments below if you know of other products

Lets start from the Beginning.................

You purchased a Longarm Machine, you have a quilt ........... Now you need to marry the two.
What is first? To add borders or go Borderless and how to add Borders with out puckers?

I chose this site for it's clarity and it's coverage of topics, click on each tab on the page below so that you have all the info you need as a Newbie Longarm Artist. Even if you are not a Newbie the information on adding borders may be a great refresher! Hope you enjoy


http://www.lovebugstudios.com/long-arm-quilting/preparing-your-quilt/

Oiling Baby B

You want to oil your Bailey but you are not sure.......
Look for any metal joints that are moving parts, do not oil the band that runs the hand wheel.In the pics below you will see that I removed the top casing, metal bed plate from the machine, I used a small Q tip with a dab of oil to get in all nooks and crannies. I did not blow the dust away, the little oil drop on the QTIP did the trick. My oiling consisted of areas in the bobbin assembly, needle bar, take up bar and attached joints both distal ends of the long rods that run along the top and bottom of the machine, as well the moving parts associated with the hand wheel.

I have only done this complete oiling once and for me it will be an annual affair. In between times I will just pay attention to the bobbin assembly and gears associated with that part of the machine


I was very lucky to find this video as it has just been produced and I quickly edited my attempt at still photos and replace it with Mark Wilson's video

Tools of the trade

There are so many tools that one can adorn their quilting room with. I have chosen to post a few that are the bare bones necessities


Hopping foot/ Ruler foot

To use rulers for longarm quilting, you’ll just need to make sure you have the right foot for your machine, which is called a hopping foot. A hopping foot, or ruler foot, has a taller base to rest against the edge of the ruler. Whether you are using now or next week it can be left on your machine and you are not required to remove it. The hopping foot is on benefit for people that have heavy seems to overcome, and like to have the availability to be able to switch back and forth between ruler work without replacing the foot. To understand how this works the post on ruler work demonstrates the foot in practice


Ruler Work  Supplies


 https://www.thegadgetgirls.com
https://www.ericas.com/quilting/tools/templates_framequilting.htm
http://www.lovetoquilt.com/longarm_quilting_tools/quilting_rulers_and_guides_and_templates_.htm
http://www.quiltswithaheart.com/long-arm-quilting-supplies.html


Please note that these are just a few to give you an idea





Micro Handles

Perhaps this is not a true necessity but when one is performing intricate fine movements in stippling or the like ... free hand quilting. They give you a lot more control for doing your minute free hand designs and your hands can rest gently on your quilt top as you are guiding your machine adding extra control. Some find that the positioning of these handles are more ergonomic to their stance, of course this depends on how tall they are and at what height their machine is at. I for one would have to use a stool to sit on and see my quilting area and have better control of these handles.Most posts that I have read those that have them love them........... Hmm maybe next year.........LOL


http://www.finishingtouchesquiltingstudio.com/apps/videos/videos/show/17376803



Laser Lights

The Bailey comes with a laser light that is used for following pantographs. The batteries are readily available - I bought mine for a pittance on Ebay. The laser attaches to the Bailey with the long arm supplied and can be adhered to the top or the bottom of the machine, It simply is attached with the provided wing nut. My experience and I do a lot of pantographs is don't tap it, the arm the laser is on , even though it is secure can be jostled unknowingly. And then you hope you have registration dots to get you back on track . Perhaps I am the old one that is not so delicate!

Some people use the Grace Laser light that they may have already had on a previous frame or machine. It can be secured to the carriage handles of your machine. There are many sites that you may purchase the laser- for convenience I have attached this site to simply let you see what the laser is and how it is attached to the carriage.


http://www.finishingtouchesquiltingstudio.com/apps/videos/videos/show/17376803

I want to add a PS on here. I saw a long arm machine that had extra lighting added to the harp. It was very simple. Led lights purchased from the Dollar store and adhered with mounting tape to the harp area. battery operated and push to turn them on. They would shine down onto the quilt and might be something more applicable to the sit down model. They look much like the puck lights you can buy for your kitchen to adhere under the cupboards, also they come in a longer strip with about 5 light bulbs and about 4-5" long. There are all sorts available, it may be something someone would be interested in.



Mirrors

Now one would say why do I need a mirror. If you are like me and I work on a lot of pantographs I like to see what is happening under my quilt on the backside. I have a full length mirror that I purchased and laid it in between the track on my frame, At any time I can view what is underneath. I also trace out pantographs on overhead projector sheets so this give me a see through look and I can view my stitching underneath at all times




Spool Holder



There are many spool holders that you can purchase or make, this one is a simple stand from quilttech. I do not have this particular stand but I have enclosed a pic so that you get the idea. Several Bailey owners have constructed theirs from wood with a wire hangar and velcro it to the top of their machine. The reason that these thread stands are popular is that it keeps the spools thread from getting caught up in the lower workings of the Bailey.

Lets go one step further, you can also have a thread stand that will hold our spool horizontally, same area but it is handy when the bobbin that you have purchased was really designed to unroll when mounted horizontally. This will give you an idea of why and when you would use the horizontal spool holder

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=In39Jq3wJRI

Wholecloth quilting

Ever wondered what a wholecloth quilt is let alone where to start? Here are two sites that I have found, the first giving us the idea of basics. The second give more indepth advice and direction. These are not the only two sites available with advice, however I have chosen them as a starting point..............



http://www.daystyledesigns.com/wholecloth.htm




http://terificreations.wordpress.com/2013/05/24/sing-your-quilterly-song-in-a-whole-cloth-quilt

Cheap quilting table on the fly!

For those of you that want a quick cheap table for your Bailey as you travel or if you save for that ultimate frame
Here it is!

Trapunto

Trapunto, Italian for " embroider" is often referred to as " stuffed quilting " which encourages the surface to be raised in that area where the added batting appears.

Before you start to review these videos you might be here for awhile, so grab your coffee and snoop and watch as much of them as you would like



This video is about 10 minutes however I think that the first two will give you the impression of what the contributor is showing us. Basically it is a large area that is " double stuffed" and then stitched. Notice the use of the microhandles.If you want to fast forward on this videos take your mouse and drag the red line under the video and it will advance












Shadow Trapunto is another technique that is grabbing attention

What is shadow trapunto? Unlike a usual quilt, a shadow trapunto quilt has two additional layers the top layer is organza and under it there are white motifs made of batting. I looked high and low for examples of this technique and this was the one that I found was the most comprehensive.

http://cadouri-din-inima.blogspot.ca/search/label/shadow%20trapunto%20quilts

Stitching and a Cruising

There are many avenues on which to learn your craft. On land or at sea!

http://www.stronghouseinn.com/quiltinginvermont/

http://www.sewingexpo.com/

http://www.nancyprince.com/quilting_retreats.php?gclid=CIvR7K7DirkCFe4-MgodqSsAPg

http://www.timeforquilting.com/quilting_retreats.html

http://www.emptyspoolsseminars.com/

http://www.quilting-adventures.com

http://www.stitchinpost.com/quilt-class-workshop-retreat/quilting-retreats-workshops.html


http://www.stitchinheaven.com/travel/LQSS2014.asp


http://quiltcampatsea.com

Thread and beyond

http://www.superiorthreads.com/

Here is a reference guide for thread, useage, needle, and side notes:


http://www.superiorthreads.com/media/docs/reference-guide-longarm.pdf

Here is a series of videos that describe the many threads available, click on the type of thread you are interested in and view the details

http://www.superiorthreads.com/videos/thread-therapy-with-dr-bob-educational-videos

Ever wonder how your threads partner up to sew the perfect stitch?

http://www.superiorthreads.com/education/thread-tug-of-war/


Mary Ann Ray one of the Bailey members sends along this link to help us understand thread tension and some trouble shooting techniques

http://apqs.com/blog/2013/08/12/taming-thread-woes/


As we all know at time thread tension can be the death of us!


I have reviewed a number of videos on thread tension, each one gives a little different value on the subject. Hopefully you will find one that you enjoy or can use for reference

TNT (Threads, Needles & Tension)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dZBNUKsCyxg

This is a video on long arm tension, they refer to several machines but not the Bailey, the basics are the same
I know that this is a long video however it encompasses a lot of info, from the properly wound bobbin, to bottom and top tension.If you don't want to watch the whole video fast forward but placing your cursor on the red line at the base of the video and drag to 11 minutes. If you have time watch the whole video as you are taking a coffee break


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OTmT-Uj3yXg



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YzD-oNHrVIY


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qonrgsdvV3o


Listing for some variety of threads, and suggested needle size

http://www.superiorthreads.com/media/uploads/2013/08/06/files/Ref_Guide_-_LONGARM_8-13.pdf

On-Line Thread Suppliers

http://www.superiorthreads.com/

http://www.bobbincentral.com/

"http://www.connectingthreads.com/


http:www.canadianlongarmsupplies.com/

 Oh and don't forget your bobbin size- 15 class A
 http://www.superiorthreads.com/media/docs/bobbin-style-infographic-wide.jpg


More about thread and needle flex!

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YOD5pLcYz3w&feature=related


Please note that I have no gain on showing any of the sites above it is for purely resource information and you are left up to your own devices. Happy quilting!

Free Motion Quilting- From Feathers to Swirls

Are you stumped for ideas and not sure where to start?

There are many you tube videos online and I have pulled a few that have different approaches on background fill, swirls and feathers. Please feel free to visit other sites, this is purely a sampling.The reason why I choose these videos is that I felt it is often easier to follow along if the tutorials are in video format






http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cVoLlHGk1hI

This is feathers and planning of placement





Feather perfect




swirls and doodles



echo filler




flower swirls



http://www.apqs.com/educational-videos
Fillers


http://featheredfibers.wordpress.com/2008/01/06/how-to-quilt-freehand-feathers/

Feathers


http://theinboxjaunt.com/quilt/tutorialsprojects-2/free-motion-quilting-tutorials

Quilting frame leaders

Straightening up your leaders. Leaders like people can get old and wrinkly and out of shape

http://afabricplayground.blogspot.ca/p/snippets-straightening-your-leaders.html

Make your own leaders

http://www.justsewolivia.com/2012/09/tutorial-fabric-leaders-for-longarm.html


Here are some sites that sell new leaders

http://longarmplus.com/Leaders.html

http://www.kathyquilts.com/Cloth-leaders-for-Grace-Company-Quilting-Frames-with-Fabri-Fast-raill-System-KathyQuilts.com.html

http://www.nancysnotions.com/product/start-right+precision+cloth+leaders.do

Turning a Quilt

Lea Brummett from Podunk Pretties send us this link on how to turn a quilt, she thought it would be helpful to the Blogger followers. Thank you Lea!
Lea is one of our Bailey members and produces her own website and tutorials at Produnk Pretties

Educational Websites + Tutorials

Stay awhile and see what these sites have for you! Besides some of the pages I have indicated you might want to look at other parts of these websites that interest you.

Remember to join or follow their websites if you find something of interest


http://www.patchworktimes.com/2009/12/30/a-feather-video/



If you are new the the Electric Quilt software here are some tips

http://doyoueq.com/lessons_categories/eq6/

This is from one of our very own members

http://podunkpretties.blogspot.ca/2013/07/bailey-home-quilter-education.html


I think you might enjoy this site, spend some time snooping. In my opinion Gemini is a talented young lady who has many youtube videos, you can check her out here or on you tube!

http://craftygemini.blogspot.ca/p/longarm-quilting.html

http://westmichquilter.blogspot.ca


http://christaquiltsblog.com/2013/08/15/christas-quilt-along-6-6-swirls-and-pearls-fmq-tutorial/



http://jennysdoodlingneedle.blogspot.ca/

http://sunrisequiltstudio.blogspot.ca/2009/05/longarm-binding-tutorial.html

http://caledoniaquilter.blogspot.ca/2008/10/tutorial-scarves-on-longarm.html


http://rickytims.com


Of course there are many website to cruise through this is just a teaser of a few to get your going..............

How to load a quilt

There are many versions on how to load a quilt besides pinning . Here are several:

Magnets




Mondo Clips


Red Snappers

Ruler Work

I have collected and posted video's that describe the use of rulers for longarm machine.
Please note that some videos have ad's that are introduced at the beginning the video and can be skipped. I am not suggesting that you purchase any of these rulers, however you will get an overview of how they work

Ever wonder what you are going to do around that applique?

You have your quilt top all applique but you are bored with your usual echooing pattern? There are so many suggestions but I though this little video was easy to follow and gave some variety, as well as some tops about where to stitch on your applique

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nBLRDm44sZ8

Bailey Videos for your enjoyment and information

Lea has kindly created two videos that are pertinent to the Bailey user

1) Ruler use

2) Modifications to the Bailey
Please find the video's below


 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Aew64gg39yE


 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8lhXZmSx-WA



Mark Wilson's enhancements to Bailey. Upon Marks revisions he has kindly produced this film

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a3VnzOBQTjc



Desertdebbe- who has created the Yahoo forums for the Bailey has made some short videos to show the setup and maintenance of the Bailey Home Quilter

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XhqKcwnKUuI

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NVjXbVSiHlQ

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jdUpNE5wxoQ

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0IJ9GSz1y8w

A Little Birdie by the name of Lea

http://sewnwildoaks.blogspot.ca/2013/08/machine-quilting-harvest-of-hope.html

Sent this website my way that was very useful after I did my own experimentation. I am glad that there is someone out there that has tried the Handi Versa tool and have some success and nice outcome. Now if only I can succeed . I have two more quilts to top stitch and I will have to look at them closely and see what I detail I can add using my handi tool

Thank you Lea!!

NO stoop and scoop thread retrieval

1) finish your quilting
2) Leave the threads attached and pull away from your quilting by several inches
3) hook your index finger of the opposing hand around the thread that runs from the quilting area to your needle
4) WITHOUT running over your fingers with the needle .. travel back to your quilting area and the same spot you left off at ,
5) Now take one stitch and pull the needle away from you

6) You will see the bottom thread come up from the quilted area
7) You now have three threads
a) the thread you initially looked around your finger
b) the thread ( top ) that you just took the stitch with
c) the loop of bottom stitch that is accompanying the last stitch

8) grab all 3 threads making sure you have the last bottom loop and pulling it to the top. Snip all three

Experimental clip by Jane

Here is the packaging and the Handi Versa Tool

I decided I wanted to try ruler work but with so many rulers of various costs I decided on a multifunctional tool. The ruler arrived and I immediately read the instructions. I know the picture of the accompanied documentation is crappy but that is ok there is little about the tool a few pics of what it can perform and then basically that the ruler foot is 1/4 from the line that is drawn on the ruler.

I was not too impressed I guess I expected more description of how to use the tool. Then it dawned on me that there is a video by the Inventor and it has a number of techniques, but I did not want to invest in more.

Below I have enclosed my hints as well as Handiquilter video and some instructions that I found in a PDF file hidden deep in cyberspace. I thought that the written file I found was more interest to me than the short 3 minute video that didn't address the ruler in any depth


https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1MaRuASFkvdaFd3T2l4eW90SW8/view?usp=sharing

BUT I have some tips - in reference to using the handiquilter pictured in the post below



1) The ruler scoots with pressure of the ruler foot against the ruler so I applied the shelf liner that stops dishes from rolling around. It is a type of vinyl mesh and it works well, I secured it with 2 way tape that can be removed later by using goop gone


2) Practice and know where you want to go before you start



3) Registration lines can come in handy so if you are going to do a line of clamshells or full circles you are not off of the quilt edge or on a downhill angle


4) Learn where to grip, I used my middle finger in the center of the tool outstretch and about 1/4 from the top . Then I used my thumb and baby finger to anchor the edges. It takes a little getting used to and I find just the right spot to stop the ruler from walking away from me as I put the pressure of the ruler foot against the ruler. This is not hard to do except on the scallop or circle I noticed I was a little off



5) I had not trouble with the stitching around the Versa Tool, I just remembered to pull my finger off the trigger about 2 stitches before I really wanted to end and make sure my needle was down so I did not run off track.


6) I used the U shapes to guide my ruler foot when I wanted to move around a corner or up a few stitches and looking at the lines on the ruler it kept me straight and I had an idea of where I wanted to be, not sure how this would work with White fabric, I guess I will soon know!


7) When using the straight line stitch in the ditch, as you move down the seam or want to create a straight line don't keep the ruler stagnant glide the ruler a little so that it is moving down the quilt, this will create a smooth line and you don't have to stop and start every 6 ".


8) Bottom scalp on the ruler. This makes nice leaves or even 4 leaves projected from a centerpoint. Mark an X Y axis or registration mark or have a visual indicator. Try out your ruler and make sure you can place it where you want and that you are not too close to the rail so that you can't lay down the ruler- ask me how i know that!! Then start at one end of the scallop and work to the other end, Stop at the end , don't go over, or you may have to get creative. Having needle down swing the template in place lining up the point with the one you have just stitched. Remember when you do this that you need to observe the 1/4 that is between your placement of the ruler and the stitching. It is not hard and after the second one you should be good to go, it looks really nice and not hard to line up



9) Clam shells are self explanatory I made sure that I just had a registration line so that I was not lopsided and I stitched from one end to the other, left the needle in the fabric when I got to the end of the n I did not move the needle out from the template along the little tabs at the side, then I just swung the scallop/clam shell template to the other side of the needle and kept it snug- no problem. I suppose if you want some area between the shells you can then go out another 1/4 from the template on the little tabs, sink your needle and then line up, but when you do that make sure that you know that you are lining up where the last tab ended.You can make a mark so you know or just pray

10) Circles are fun, need a little practice on the B part Here we go, mark your registration line you will see a line just below the scallop that goes across the ruler, if you draw a straight line across the quilt or the area you want the circles then you are in business.Trace the scallop as above, then with needle down swing the template so that you are on the registration line and match up to where the previous stitching is (the top of the circle is now matching the bottom of the circle) This is not hard the hard part is to not put too much pressure against the ruler with your ruler foot so that it swings and you get a lopsided curve at the top of your circle.



11) v SHAPE- I must admit I do not know what I am going to use this for. Chevrons? Parallelogram? perhaps even tracing an applique or a corner? There can be a lot up to your imagination !










SO glad I took it out of the package and started to work with it

Handi Versa Tool published Instruction

I purchased the handi versa tool It came with limited instruction on the packaging I found the you tube video I did not feel as if I was much further ahead until I found these written instructions on line in a pdf file. I am getting a little closer! handi versa tool
If you have trouble viewing these instructions you can also view them below https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1MaRuASFkvdaFd3T2l4eW90SW8/view?usp=sharing

Stitch in the ditch

Warning- this is not a professional operator by any means. Just a little old lady with a wobbly hand! I wanted to show you what this particular ruler could do. You may wonder what the piece of fabric is adhered to the ruler? It is a piece of shelving matt that helps stops the ruler from running away from you! Hopefully with more practice my results will be much better.

With this tool there are a number of lines 1/4" apart.You can make a line and then have a number of lines beside it.You can stitch in the ditch down a long piece of fabric, just move the ruler as you go using the lines to keep yourself straight 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bottom scalp edge of Handi Versa Tool

Fat leaves, skinny leaves and thin leaves, You can make them all!

 

 

 

 

 

Clam shells and you can put 2 to make circles