Thursday, May 26, 2011

She's Heeeeeere!


Of course, I'm talking about my new baby, the HQ18 Avante :-)  And boy is she sweet!  The dealer, Linda of Creative Stitches in Glascow KY (I had the incorrect name, and changed it, I hope it didn't create any confusion), came with her hubby and set up, leveled, adjusted, tweaked the machine and frame, and she patiently taught me the basics of using it.  They were here for about 6 hours!  That's what I call customer service, and I wholeheartedly recommend them!  


By the time they left, my poor brain was totally fried -- I've never used a longarm, except for some timid doodling at a quilt show.  But I played all day yesterday, and just had a blast.  It's so different from quilting on my Janome, but also very similar.  I feel pretty comfortable with the quilting part, and I know practice will help with all those herky-jerky moves.  The loading and unloading are the tough parts!  Seems so weird.  But practice will help with that, too.  And I have lot o'flimsies waiting in the tote to become quilts.  Here's some of the practice areas:
The weather didn't cooperate today, it rumbled thunder off and on all day, so I didn't dare turn it on.  Maybe tomorrow!!!  In just this short period of time, I totally understand the passion and joy I've heard about quilting on a longarm, I'm loving this :-)


And with this happiness, I feel the need to share!  On Saturday, I'm going to have a little giveaway.  Just because.  Meanwhile, think about which you'd choose: chocolate or ice cream?
  

14 comments:

  1. Congrats!! She's a beauty and needs a name! Can't wait to see all the wonderful things you quilt!

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  2. I am thrilled for you - and yes, I agree with Sue, you have to name her.

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  3. Woohoo! Looks like so much fun. I look forward to seeing all of the beautiful quilting you will be creating with your new baby!!

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  4. Congrats on the new machine!! It will be a ton of fun.....Im so jealous:)

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  5. Congratulations! Hope you have lots and lots of fun.

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  6. If that's practice...WOW! This quilting is beautiful. I'd love to own one of these machines!

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  7. *trying not to be jealous, trying not to be jealous* Is it working? Anyhoo, congrats on the new toy. I agree your baby needs a name. :) Sew on!

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  8. WOW for you !!!! you look like a pro at it already ; beautiful quilting !

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  9. Congratulations on your new 'baby'. I remember when my first long arm arrived. I was nervous, excited, and sometimes a little bit frustrated - as I wanted to go straight into quilting feathers. But with practice it all comes together. What a wonderful part of your quilting journey you are on. Enjoy!

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  10. Well, that's definitely worth a whoop whoop!!! And believe me, loading your quilt will get faster pretty quick. I'm really jealous - I'd love to have a real long arm quilter - maybe someday!!!

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  11. I'm turning green with envy! Looks like you'll be spending lots of time enjoying your new baby. Your quilting looks amazing. Whoop Whoop!!

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  12. That stitch is wonderful! Have fun with your new baby!

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  13. Excellent!! Now, how about a photo of the "Guest Bedroom"?? Cheers!!

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