Ruthie In Action -- Kind of!

Today's to do list has me getting some quilting done on Ruthie, my long arm. (Although, I guess 18" is really a mid-arm.)  After a rash of laundry, I loaded another little quilt.  I changed thread top and bottom.  I argued with the bobbin winder.  I basted the top and sides as I've learned to do. Oops!  I broke the needle.  (I'm not sure how other than the head wasn't moving and I was trying to move it!)  So I now know how to change the needle!  

Went back to trying to quilt the darn thing.  All I really wanted to do was follow some roads on the backing that I loaded as the top.  I am not very good at following the road is all I can say!  I gave up after I did one section.  (Remember that rash of laundry? Folding was needed.) Next I need to add some more quilting to the green spots but I refuse to change the thread from the white.  No doubt I will just try some more outlining.  Maybe I'll try ruler work.  Can it really be that hard? (Ha! Of course it can but I'm game to try it!)  I've decided I need to try a pantograph on a quilt after trying to follow the road.  Foolish me put three quilts on my to do list this week.  I'll probably get to another one after this one but I am not holding my breath on a third one!   

Happy Quilting All! 

It's Here!

Ok, I lied, so sue me! I'm having lunch and want to share the fun! 

Here's the photo history of the new toy!  Rails and poles in what always seemed like a big room! 

Mike and Steve, of Memory Lane Quilting work on getting the table set up.  Oh my, that room is getting smaller by the minute! 

And here comes the machine head.... Mikey, Mike's grandson is helping. Yes, he was a big help at the beginning . . . he just couldn't do much when the tools were brought out.  I was impressed how well behaved he was. Lucky Mikey, school got out last Friday. 

 

Now for the "staged" picture... thanks for taking the picture Mikey! 

I wasn't really quilting at that point but I had already done some. Mike's supervising.  Hey, Mike smile! 

Below is my practice work.  I have about 60" to practice on.  Gee, I hate "wasting" the fabric but I guess I should think of it as practice not wasting! Luckily this was only $1 a yard so it didn't hurt much. Hey, that stipple is ready to go on a quilt.  The feather isn't definitely NOT ready for prime time!  

My next big step is to name my machine. I will be happy to accept suggestions on the comments.  I'm leaning toward Ruthie named after my grandma who used to sew doll clothes for me.  

Time to pop a load into the washer and then finish up the practice and move on to a "real" quilt.  I need a finish this month.  Remember, I've been buying fabric like it is penny candy!  (hum, I should be able to remove that 120" of fabric from the collection.  It is now going to be used to cover the machine when I am done with it for the day. It's as finished as it is going to get!) 

Happy Quilting All!  

It's Coming

My new Nolting 18" long arm is coming this morning!!

 

I won't be posting much until I have finished quilting one quilt today.  

And, if it is going smoothly, two quilts today! 

Lots of pictures will be coming next post.

 

Off to dress, walk the dog and be ready for the arrival!  

Happy Quilting All!