Today’s Topic: Learn to Longarm Quilt
Good Morning, Quilters!
Starting today, I will be adding a new series of posts, Learn to Longarm Quilt with Lori! ( I love alliteration LOL!)
Yes! I did it! After years of thinking about it, I took the plunge and purchased a longarm quilting machine. Please join me as I chronicle each step of the way. This week: Purchasing a Longarm Quilting Machine and Frame and Setting Up a Room for Longarm Quilting
BERNINA–Tried and True
After testing several brands of longarm quilting machines at various quilt shows, I purchased the BERNINA Q24. Faye, Nora and I tried many very good machines, but I decided on the BERNINA first and foremost because I liked the feel and intuitive design. Secondly, because there are several BERNINA dealers near me, I know I can get advice and service. (You are buying a dealer, not just a machine!) And finally, as a life long user of BERNINA sewing machines, I have a general comfort level with the quality of the machines.
Shopping at Quilter’s Haven BERNINA Dealer
First, I did some online research at BERNINA.com, then I headed off to my local BERNINA dealer, Quilter’s Haven in Rosemount, MN.
After consulting with the lovely owner, Jean Graham, I decided on a few optional accessories:
Hydraulic Lift–Because my daughters and sisters will learn to longarm too, I think the hydraulic lift will be useful to accommodate our different heights. Also, I’m not sure if I will want to sit or stand while quilting, so the hydraulic adjustment will make both options easier.
Frame Casters-Casters allow the frame to be moved more easily. While I’m not sure we will move the frame often, it would be hard to add the casters after the frame is set-up, so I added this option just in case.
Mechanical Channel Locks-This simple device allows you to quilt perfectly straight lines. I imagine these will be useful right away.
Palm Precision Handles–The dealer recommended I purchase these as she thought the hand position is similar to the way I currently quilt.
I did not buy:
The batting roll holder or the extra shelves because I plan to build those into the room itself.
There are many other accessories including pantograph and ruler work accessories which were very tempting. However, I showed a little (very little) restraint and decided I could purchase those in the future. (Funny how we create these little economies and then feel virtuous!?)
Frame Size
The BERNINA long arm frame comes in three sizes. The dealer had a floor mat outlining the available sizes. I was able to take the floor mat home and evaluate how the frame would fit in my room.
I chose the Classic size (12 feet by 3.9 feet). It holds a quilt up to 108″ wide. The larger size would not fit in my new room and the smaller size would not accommodate most of the quilts I want to make.
The Qmatic-Computer Controlled Quilting
After doing online research, my plan was to purchase the Q24 and the frame without the Qmatic computer. I have always enjoyed creating my own designs and creating quilts this way seems the most natural to my current workflow.
However, I brought my husband with me….
He took one look at that computer–and convinced me it was necessary. His argument: even if I didn’t want to use it, my daughters and sisters might, and technology is always the way to go.
He’s probably right, but don’t tell him I said so!
Order to Delivery
I ordered the machine in October and it arrived 8 weeks later via a cartage company.
They wheeled two huge packages up my driveway and into the garage. One long box contained the frame and the other package included several boxes: the machine, the lift, and the computer.
Currently, the boxes are patiently waiting for us to set up the new studio.
Once the studio is ready, a BERNINA technician will set up the whole thing.(This is optional–you can do the set up yourself by following online videos.)
Setting Up the Room
We are reclaiming a room in the basement to use as the quilting studio.
The room is currently the “junk drawer” of the house. Everything that is broken or has no other home, lands in this room.
The hardest part of this whole process will likely be getting the room cleaned!
Next Steps: Drywall, Flooring, Lighting and Electrical
My husband will be doing the drywall and ceiling.
An electrician is coming today to upgrade the electric, install outlets and prepare for the lighting.
With a little luck, the laminate floors will be installed in two weeks.
I will add details and photos as we go!
Do YOU Longarm?
We’d LOVE to hear from YOU, readers!
Do YOU have a longarm quilting machine?
Have YOU ever considered purchasing a longarm?
Any thoughts or comments on our progess so far?
Do YOU have a big project or something to learn in 2021?
We’d LOVE to hear!
As my son always says….
Go BIG or go HOME!
#thrilledandterrified
What have I gotten myself into this time!?!*(@#????
(Longarm) Lori
78 comments
Pat Zimmerman
I just started practicing on my LA! After years of contemplating, my husband encouraged me to take the plunge. It is getting physically more difficult to FMQ due to arthritic hands and torn rotator cuff. My daughter also quilts and has joint issues, too. “Freddie” from APQS will end up with her eventually. I have been trying to retrain the brain for motifs. Most quilts will be done via computer, but sometimes they need that little extra. Will enjoy following your journey!
Louise
Dear Lori: Congratulations! You are going to love it! I bought my Longarm in 2010 and won’t quilt any other way. Give yourself good lighting & happy music. Have fun!
Jacqui VMS
Ooh that is so exciting!! Congratulations!! You’ll have a lot of fun on it. And, love Bernina! If I ever got one, that’s the way I’d go, but I don’t have room right now to have one and I have a friend across the street that’s a long arm quilter, so how easy is that…quilt by cheque book LOL. As hubby says, Chris can quilt a lot of quilts for me before it equals the cost of a long arm LOL. I quilt smaller quilts myself and can do that on my domestic Bernina and I use a lot of the things I’ve learned from your lovely lessons and book :-). Have fun!
Jenifer MacFarland
I LOVE my Q24 and am sooooo happy that you are joining us! I love your work and use it for inspiration and practice. Can’t wait to follow your journey!
Cheri
So happy for you and the girls too! I purchased my machine used, it was 4 months old and rearing to go with someone who appreciated her. Ebee and I have been quilting for 2 years now and have actually been stitching up a storm with your 25 weeks to better quilting lessons. Only thing is I could use more quilting space already, but she works beautifully, so I’m happy! Can’t wait to follow your journey with this fabulous machine and all it’s awesome extras!
Barb Despen
Wow, congratulations! I have often wondered if I should get a longarm, but not even sure if I’d like it, so I think I’m going to try renting time on one first. I also don’t want to quilt for others, so I find it hard to justify the expense. I will definitely be interested in reading about your experience with it!
Joanne M
Congratulations Lori…you’re going to love the Q24. Also a fan of Bernina’s quality and service, I purchased one almost 2 years ago and have never regretted my decision. Have fun with your new machine.
Kerri Robinson
I also own the Q24 and like you, moved from a sit down (not Bernina) to a LA on the frame 2+ years ago. No regrets, I’m as excited to quilt on this machine today as I was the first day it was delivered. I look forward to following you on your new adventure
Ellen Icochea
Lori, so very excited for you! I look forward to following your story. I have the Q20 as a sit down machine and love it. There is a Facebook group if you’d like to join us.
Ruth Ann
You will love your longarm. I bought the Handi Quilter Amara in September. I am a beginner and learning but am having a great time. I love using it. I was short on space so bought the 10 foot frame but set it up as 8 foot. I can do a large twin and if I do bigger I will quilt with my checkbook. I used to do that! Again enjoy your new machine and I will enjoy following you and learning from you.
lynnaehrman
I am teetering on the same decision…I currently have a Q20 sit down – I’m curious if others can identify the benefits/drawbacks of each…or do I need both? Love my Q20 but would love to do straightline channel lock sometimes. I’d love to hear more from those of you with more experience with both options!
Beth
I am excited to hear about your new adventure. I dream of having a long arm but can’t justify the expense at present. But I love doing research by following the experiences of others. Congratulations and happy quilting
Kaym
I bought a small Grace frame this summer (can’t remember what it’s called) that I can use with my B570 Bernina domestic machine. She is sitting down in my basement sewing room waiting for attention and set up. With all my fall gardening demands and the holidays, I have not had time to get her all set up. Guess I should give her a name…?! I enjoy your emails and posts and look forward to your new adventure as I tag along.
Mary
Congrats on your move to long arm. I have followed your FMQ blog for many years. I have doodled, and have lots of sandwiches to demonstrate progress. When Covid hit, and we anticipated wintering in Canada, I decided to give long arming a try. A local shop offered rental time, and her supervision gave me the confidence to invest!
So I did. I chose a Grace Q’nique 15 with an 8 ft frame. Price, and dealer were the major decisive factors.
There are many fabulous long arm sites which are wonderful resources for problem solving.
Soon I will complete the Labyrinth top and load it… my top finishes at 84 inches which will be the max…
I am resistant to pantograph as a follower of FMQ… but the results are effective, and consistent… so maybe?
I am just delighted that you will continue to be my guiding light in the world of quilting. Congrats to you and your family…
Beverly Sensabaugh
Lori, I would love to know the reasons you decided to go from your sit-down Q-20 to the longarm. Possibly because you make more larger quilts? Thanks!
Marcia Finger
I would also like to know the reason why. I’m considering the Q16 or 20 sit down long arm. I have limited space and mainly make art quilts and some charity quilts.
Ellen Icochea
I would be interested to know this, too!
Mary Northway
Congratulations! I do not have a long arm but it will be fun to follow you in your new adventures! I may just get more information from Jean about renting time in her shop!
Jeanne McNeill
So excited for you! I live in a small town in NB and have only been quilting since retiring- and boy if I knew how expensive quilting is I would have stayed working! There is a lovely Bernina dealer close to me who rents time on her longarm so I have spent three days on her Q24- you will love it. Easy to use, intuitive and lovely stitches. Plus uses the same needles as a regular Bernina how smart is that. I would love to get one but as a hobby quilter with no interest in quilting for others or starting a business I haven’t yet justified the cost! But it certainly sounds like you will get value out of it- and yeah for your husband encouraging you to get the computer! Perhaps a new book will be in the works- I have all of yours and need something to new to drool over please! Looking forward to reading all about your journey.
Denise Shaffer
Congrats on your purchase Lori! Santa delivered my own Q20 on the frame on Christmas Eve!! I will definitely be following “Longarm Lori” to see what else I can learn from her! Woohoo! Look out world! Here we come! Ha ha!
Terri
I’m so happy you have joined us. I have a Q20 sit down and love it. There is a Bernina Q20 Facebook page and your attendance would delight us all. Please post your progress. Welcome aboard.
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