"Tension Headaches"

It’s a common complaint and one of the most well documented issues for a new longarmer such as myself. 

 

I'm talking about mastering thread tension on your long arm quilting machine.  A problem that can be so very frustrating, and yes I am speaking from experience.  I did have issues with tension, however I'm happy to report that my issues have now been resolved.

This is my story………

The first bobbin I used was a pre-wound bobbin that came with my machine…..perfect! However most of us who are making an effort to keep our running costs manageable, choose to wind our own bobbins as the pre-wound bobbins from the thread manufacturers can be expensive.  I used the HQ Bobbin Winder to fill some bobbins when the pre-wound bobbin ran out. This was the beginning of my “Tension Headache”.

After working through the recommended fixes and generally troubleshooting the problem, I was left stumped. For the life of me, I could not work out why each bobbin change had such a huge effect on the top tension. I followed the instructions to the letter in respect to setting bobbin tension, I was using the bobbins that came with the machine so they should have been OK.  Well you would have thought so anyway!

I received a pre-filled bobbin inside my bobbin case that I assume was filled at the factory to test the bobbin winder, I decided to have a go with that one. It fit into the bobbin case but I found it was a little harder to click the bobbin case into place on the machine.  When I tried to raise the bobbin thread and free spool it out, it was very difficult to pull out.  And of course this would have a roll on effect to the top tension, as you would have to set the top tension very high for the machine to sew.

It was at this stage I decided to check the bobbins. I placed all my bobbins next to each other and was very surprised to see there were significant differences in height/width. Not all size M bobbins are created equal!!!  The cause of my “Tension Headache” were the bobbins themselves. 

Even the smallest difference in height will have an effect on how well the bobbin free spools when placed in the machine, however its important to make note that when setting the tension on the bobbin case itself, the difference in height of the bobbins made no difference. They all passed the sit up on your hand test.

I understand there can be some changes in shape caused by a too tight tension setting on the bobbin winder, but I can assure you this was not the case.

Luckily I had purchased some extra bobbins with my machine from my dealer which work perfectly. So I am very happy to report that my “Tension Headache” has been resolved.  

Happy Quilting!

Setting Up My HandiQuilter Avante 18 with Studio Frame

After much research which included talking to various dealers, watching endless YouTube and downloading the instruction manual for the Studio Frame, I was confident in my capabilities to build the frame and assemble the machine myself. I have to say that this was a very easy decision not having to pay the exorbitant prices quoted by the local dealers for delivery and construction.  I was determined to set up my Long arm machine and frame myself.  It does however require two people, so I recruited my Dad for help.

My empty Quilting Studio

All seven boxes arrived via courier and the first thing I did was carefully unpack all the boxes with the exception of the machine itself.  As I laid out all the parts, I’ll admit that I was a little dubious at this stage. As it has been my experience in the past when assembling furniture and the like, there is always at least one thing that doesn't quite fit or go together exactly right. However I was pleasantly surprised when I started construction and it was pretty much smooth sailing from start to finish.

Parts laid out.

Almost done!

It is my opinion that if you have the assistance of a good helper, and you follow the instructions carefully, there is no reason at all why you couldn't construct your own frame.

Once the machine was placed on the frame and fully assembled, I was quick to jump in and start sewing.

It worked perfectly!

You can also find JEM Quilting on Facebook and Instagram.

Please "like, share" & "follow". 

Quilting is my Business

Tools of the Trade

                                          

 Long arm quilting machine with 12ft frame.                                                        

 Enough space to place above mentioned quilting machine.

 Supply of good quality thread.

 Pantograph designs for edge to edge designs.

 Positive “Can Do” attitude.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I've taken the plunge, jumped into the abyss, stepped into the unknown, I could go on and on.  The big life altering event is that I am in the process of turning my love for quilting into a business.  

Many people whom I talk to are very quick to tell me that they too would love to do the same, however most are too afraid.  And let me tell you, fear is a very strong emotion, fear of failure that is!

I have purchased a HandiQuilter Avante 18” with a 12ft Studio Frame, and I can’t wait for it to be delivered. Next Tuesday is the promised delivery date and I am literally beside myself with excitement.

Before I go any further, a little about my quilting journey...

I would have to start by saying that I love quilting (no surprises there).

I walked into my first Patchwork and Quilting shop more than a decade ago whilst living in Gladstone QLD.  I was totally amazed at all the beautiful fabrics on display.  It was another couple of weeks at least and many more visits later before I decided on a theme for my first quilt. Followed by another very long length of time to choose the fabric. 

I have been doing my own free motion quilting on all of my quilts from the start, learning along the way on my trusty domestic machine. Quilting is definitely where my passion lays.

Over the years I have quilted for friends and members of my quilting group, as well as quilting for charity.  I admit that the first quilts I ever completd where all stitch in the ditch, with mono filament thread no less. I soon became intrigued with all the beautiful quilting I was seeing in magazines and at shows etc.  I started to experiment, experiment, experiment and  I have never stopped!

I without a doubt am my own harshest critic and a perfectionist when it comes to quilting. Housework……not so much! Heheheh!  I am always practising, you know what they say “practice makes perfect”. Well in respect to quilting, that is too true.

So, back to my business, I have a lovely room ready to set my machine up in. I have purchased heaps of beautiful pantographs from the USA, and have my thread on order.

Almost ready to go! 

I will be specialising in Edge to Edge quilting to begin with, however I have every intention of including custom quilting to my service very soon, so watch this space!

                                                                      

                                            Plenty of photos coming soon!

For inquiries contact me......quiltingbyjem@gmail.com