Friday, June 7, 2019

Try It! June Island Batik Ambassador Challenge

I have SEW many things I want to try!  But I have also tried so many over the years.  What's new for me?? Well, here's my first "try it". 
This time it's Long Arm Quilting.  Okay, yes, I started in May, officially.  But when I tried to use the Prostitcher on my Handiquilter Amara (aka Vanna), I had NO idea how to get the design where I wanted it.  The videos online are good, but I am so glad I had a class with Pam at Pocono Sew and Vac.  She showed me how to create the area for the design.  So far, I've done pretty well, although the first design size I picked, and made larger, has an error.  I texted Pam, and she said you can't make some of them  more than 30% bigger.  So the last 2 sections with the same design, I picked the larger and made it a little smaller to fit.  I'm happy with the results. 

Here's a few shots.  This is the Island Batik Challenge quilt from March, using the grey solid, black solid, and some purple prints I had.  I'm using Hobb's Tuscany Silk blend batting, which is 90% silk, and 10% polyester.  Come to think of it, this batting is also my first time using or TRYing it! So far I love the definition of the stitching.  It's giving great texture, even for this fairly simple design. 



 I think it's very productive for me to be able to eat ice cream while quilting.  
I love multitasking.  
 There's a mistake in these corners, but making the design too large is probably what caused it.  See the center area between 2nd and 3rd left feather under the heart?  I can just take that out later.  This was on both top corners.  The design came with the machine, in 2 sizes, with a matching block design.
When I tried using the 16" design, smaller, on the bottom 2 corners, it didn't happen, so I know for next time.  I'm using Aurifil 2615 50wt thread, and love how it looks.  My next step is to do the black sashing and then the borders.  I am not sure if I'm going to use free-motion or pick a design for that yet.  I'll be playing later tonight, though.  There are TONS of designs to TRY, so I'm having fun.  My next quilt after this will be an edge to edge design, and I still have to TRY to figure out how to create it and get it to do the size I need.  I think I'll be texting Pam again and watching more Handiquilter videos.  I should have taken notes!  

Thanks again for visiting.  I have more I want to try this month, as well.  I'll share when that's done! 

Maryellen

10 comments:

beaquilter said...

Oh you got a computerized long arm!? Fancy! Have fun. I've only played a bit with one.

Gene Black said...

That is great Maryellen. I have to manhandle my quilt through the domestic machine. I simply don't have a place for to put a longarm.
Keep working at it and you will be a longarm pro in no time at all.

Kathleen said...

I am jealous of that Prostitcher, but I really wanted to work on getting the basics down and then tackle it. I love what you are doing and 2 new things is awesome - I have yet to try those new battings. I want them for things I know won’t be washed alot, so I keep waiting for the right project. Interesting that there is a limit to increasing the design beyond a certain point; is it the same with shrinking? Lots to learn! Have fun.

Calicojoan said...

Great Job! I’m jealous of your computerized machine��

Karen said...

Wowee, you are quilting like a pro already! I love hearing how much fun you are having, and clearly your results are impressive. Great job!

MissPat said...

Like everything else. It takes practice, practice, practice and a willingness to experiment. I'm impressed with your progress so far, especially if you are mainly using videos rather than actual instruction. I don't have the room or money for a longarm, so I'll just keep FMQ on my Bernina.
Pat

Pamela said...

Looks good so far! I think you will be a pro in no time at all!!

Sally said...

You are a pro in the making! So excited to watch your progress!

Lisa Lisa said...

Looks great! Lots of practice, and no stress! LOL

Barb said...

I am so excited for you....to eat icecream and quilt...lucky you. Love your quilt.