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