One of the things I like about your tutorials is that you show us oopsies and how to fix them. I don’t have a long arm but still watch all these tutorials. Will you ever have your dad in a video?
Hey, Leah Day! I am still enjoying the journey on my Q'nique 15R. I noticed after a few practice quilts that my Grace Laser Light became a bit wobbly and would move of it's own accord at times so I wrapped a medium sized rubber band between the light and the round ball to which it attaches. It's much more secure now but still adjustable and I don't have so many of those "Uh Oh!!" moments. Keep them coming Leah!! We learn something new overtime we watch ;) - Tanya
Thank you Tanya! I'm so glad you found a good solution for your laser light. Mine is pretty stiff still, but I'll keep this in mind if it starts to get wobbly. Thank you for sharing!
Excellent video content & delivery‼️. I love that you and your dad are on this journey because for me it is easy to see how the dynamics play out with so much support and shared learning. Lol,it’s true that once you point out the slight variation it’s “seen”, but it’s so subtle of a variation for me. It still will look wonderful. Thank you for sharing this situation & solution process❣️👍
Hi, Leah, Thanks for the tutorial. I received the Grace Q’nique 21 for Christmas. I’ve been playing with free motion and pantographs. I downloaded your manual. It’s very helpful. What setting do you use on your machine ? I’ve primarily used Cruise, but I tried Manual tonight at 20%. I felt like the machine moved easier.
Congratulations on your new machine! I usually use cruise for pantographs. I don't prefer manual because it will not regulate the stitches, but stitch at a constant speed. Meaning if you slow down, you will get very tiny stitches, if you speed up, you will get huge stitches!
Hey Leah - I got my answer to my 2nd reply by finding your free Pantograph Quilting Guide. Thank you so much! It is fabulous. So detailed and with pictures. I hope you consider making more panto's that interlock. I like the freestyle look it makes rather than rows. I did have another question but was afraid it mite be overlooked, but am curious about the frame. I know the Continuum has an Idler bar. Does this push the fabric back automatically so you don't have to roll it up? I've read that with the Idler bar, you lose even more inches on the front, but with the new Moving Rail, you add more inches, and it says it acts like an Idler bar. So with the new Moving Rail that is coming out, would you no longer need the Idler bar?
Great question Dawn! I'm working on more pantos, both for paper patterns and for digital quilting designs using QCT 5. It's a lot of new material to learn and understand so I'm taking it slow! On the Gliding rail / Moving Rail - no, you won't need an Idler Rail if you plan to get a Gliding Rail. The part that glides is actually your former back rail and it comes with a new bar that acts as the Idler Rail. I have one I need to attach and play with. For the Qnique 15, the Idler Rail can reduce the amount of space you have to quilt in because of the way that machine is designed. Basically there is an extra bit of metal that extends behind the head of the machine that ends up hitting the quilt. The Qnique 19 and 21 have a different shape on the back of the head of the machine so the Idler Rail won't reduce your space at all. With the Gliding Rail, the back bar will move as you push back and pull forward when you bring your machine far forward. But keep in mind, it is not giving you MORE space, it is simply eliminating the usual space lost by thick quilts. So let's say you are loading a 90 inch long quilt. That is going to build up significantly on the back bar as you reach the bottom end. It may reduce your quiltable space up to 3-4 inches. The Gliding Rail simply gives you those inches back. So it's most useful if you're a quilter that makes really big quilts. It's less useful if that's a rare thing for you to make. I hope that helps!
Wouldn't it be easier to just take the machine back to the beginning of the row, position the laser at the start point, as though you hadn't yet started that row, and then return to the thread break, essentially "retracing" your row?
WOW, I have not watched your vids in a while... you used to free motion on your regular machine. I had to stop doing that with big quilts as it was killing my back, and crippling my arms. I'll have to catch up on your vids. I never thought I would see you with a long arm.
I know I swore I'd never move to a longarm, and then yep, I experienced the exact same thing you described! I got tired of it taking years to finish one quilt. I got tired of the shoulder ache. I got tired of shoving and squishing and fighting and finally gave myself permission to change. I'm SO happy with my longarm and I just finished another quilt today and that feels great!
I think you are the better for it. You have knowledge x's 2 that you would not have if you didn't quilt on a machine. I admire you so. You were/are a pioneer and a good leader. Also, think of all the people who followed you for years - cramped over with their Machingers, bifocals, and locked shoulders. They have all stood up WITH you long-arming now. It can still take a toll on your back. I'd say quilt in moderation... but I don't think we are capable of that! Enjoy, Leah.. good speaking with you again. Nancy
Love your quilt & colors, and all your helpful videos. Questions: why wouldn't you have your pantograph further back - closer to the edge of your frame? It seems that would give you more room as you push forward or is it the opposite, the less room you have in throat push panto forward? I see a blue line, did you tape that down, or did it come with frame? Also, would you suggest marking the top of quilt with tape/chalk/pen at the point you were at b4 pushed over machine to change bobbin? Does the Qnique have a low bobbin alarm? Thanks again!
Great question Dawn! As the quilt rolls up on the back roll, it will increase in size, which pushes the needle further forward. If you place the panto right on the edge of the quiltable space, and the roll of the quilt builds up, then you won't be able to quilt the full panto design. The bottom edge will get cut off. Does that make sense? Yes, marking the quilt where you broke thread is a good idea, though it's usually obvious. No, the Qnique machines don't have a low bobbin alarm.
@@LeahDay I'm not sure. I know the roll gets bigger under the throat, and you lose space in front of the quilt as you roll it up. But I don't understand why your paper pattern isn't all the way back past the blue line. I know the panto doesn't get moved. Is the physical position of the laser light determining where the panto can begin because the machine would be pushed off the carriage if it is too far back? I hope this makes sense. I know the Continuum has an Idler bar. Does this push the fabric back automatically so it you don't have to roll it up? I've read that with the Idler bar, you lose even more inches on the front, but with the new Moving Rail, you add more inches, and it says it acts like an Idler bar. So with the new Moving Rail that is coming out, would you no longer need the Idler bar?
Yes, you have it right. The laser is connected to the machine. Once you begin quilting, you do not want to hit the laser light or adjust it or it will throw off the design you're quilting. If the machine is being pushed forward due to the roll of the quilt, the laser will too. If the quilt becomes big enough, you won't be able to follow the design and you'll end up with a line as you bounce against the back rail. Yes, the idler rail will take the bulk of the quilt and increase your space with the Qnique 21. Unfortunately because of the design of the back of the head on the 15R, it will actually decrease the overall space you have to quilt in. No, from what I understand with the moving rail, you do not need the Idler bar.
I have a qnique 15 r. I was wondering what thread you use on your long arm? Sometimes when my machine goes in a certain direction, it shreads the thread. Not sure if it is a tension issue or a thread issue.
The issue is most likely your needle. Bump up to a bigger needle (I'm using a size 18 now). You'll likely have to readjust your machine's tension, but then hopefully have far fewer thread breaks. I use Isacord 40 weight embroidery thread in my machine and once I changed needles, I rarely ever shred thread.
I'm working on a video just to answer this question for you Silke! It's basically a 12 foot long repeating design that you follow using a stylus or laser light on your longarm machine.
I have over 11 inches of quilting space, but I wouldn't try to quilt that wide of a pantograph because as the quilt rolls up on the frame, it will take up space and shrink this space. So I believe in being safe and not risking bumping into the rails on my frame so I'd suggest a 8-9 inch wide pantograph maximum for the Qnique 14+ / 15R and Continuum frame.
One of the things I like about your tutorials is that you show us oopsies and how to fix them. I don’t have a long arm but still watch all these tutorials. Will you ever have your dad in a video?
Thank you Alyce! I would love to have Dad in videos, but he's happier behind the camera.
Hey, Leah Day! I am still enjoying the journey on my Q'nique 15R. I noticed after a few practice quilts that my Grace Laser Light became a bit wobbly and would move of it's own accord at times so I wrapped a medium sized rubber band between the light and the round ball to which it attaches. It's much more secure now but still adjustable and I don't have so many of those "Uh Oh!!" moments. Keep them coming Leah!! We learn something new overtime we watch ;) - Tanya
Thank you Tanya! I'm so glad you found a good solution for your laser light. Mine is pretty stiff still, but I'll keep this in mind if it starts to get wobbly. Thank you for sharing!
Excellent video content & delivery‼️. I love that you and your dad are on this journey because for me it is easy to see how the dynamics play out with so much support and shared learning. Lol,it’s true that once you point out the slight variation it’s “seen”, but it’s so subtle of a variation for me. It still will look wonderful. Thank you for sharing this situation & solution process❣️👍
I gotta say, I love my team! I'm the luckiest girl in the world to work with both Dad and Josh every day. I'm so glad you found this video helpful!
Thank you for sharing your pain, Leah!
:]
It helped a lot!!! Sometimes there's just no easy fix.
You are so gòod!
Hi, Leah,
Thanks for the tutorial. I received the Grace Q’nique 21 for Christmas. I’ve been playing with free motion and pantographs. I downloaded your manual. It’s very helpful. What setting do you use on your machine ? I’ve primarily used Cruise, but I tried Manual tonight at 20%. I felt like the machine moved easier.
Congratulations on your new machine! I usually use cruise for pantographs. I don't prefer manual because it will not regulate the stitches, but stitch at a constant speed. Meaning if you slow down, you will get very tiny stitches, if you speed up, you will get huge stitches!
Hey Leah - I got my answer to my 2nd reply by finding your free Pantograph Quilting Guide. Thank you so much! It is fabulous. So detailed and with pictures. I hope you consider making more panto's that interlock. I like the freestyle look it makes rather than rows. I did have another question but was afraid it mite be overlooked, but am curious about the frame.
I know the Continuum has an Idler bar. Does this push the fabric back automatically so you don't have to roll it up? I've read that with the Idler bar, you lose even more inches on the front, but with the new Moving Rail, you add more inches, and it says it acts like an Idler bar. So with the new Moving Rail that is coming out, would you no longer need the Idler bar?
Great question Dawn! I'm working on more pantos, both for paper patterns and for digital quilting designs using QCT 5. It's a lot of new material to learn and understand so I'm taking it slow!
On the Gliding rail / Moving Rail - no, you won't need an Idler Rail if you plan to get a Gliding Rail. The part that glides is actually your former back rail and it comes with a new bar that acts as the Idler Rail. I have one I need to attach and play with.
For the Qnique 15, the Idler Rail can reduce the amount of space you have to quilt in because of the way that machine is designed. Basically there is an extra bit of metal that extends behind the head of the machine that ends up hitting the quilt.
The Qnique 19 and 21 have a different shape on the back of the head of the machine so the Idler Rail won't reduce your space at all.
With the Gliding Rail, the back bar will move as you push back and pull forward when you bring your machine far forward. But keep in mind, it is not giving you MORE space, it is simply eliminating the usual space lost by thick quilts.
So let's say you are loading a 90 inch long quilt. That is going to build up significantly on the back bar as you reach the bottom end. It may reduce your quiltable space up to 3-4 inches. The Gliding Rail simply gives you those inches back. So it's most useful if you're a quilter that makes really big quilts. It's less useful if that's a rare thing for you to make. I hope that helps!
Wouldn't it be easier to just take the machine back to the beginning of the row, position the laser at the start point, as though you hadn't yet started that row, and then return to the thread break, essentially "retracing" your row?
Definitely give that a try and see if it's a better method for you Suzanne! There is no such thing as a single solution to any quilting problem.
WOW, I have not watched your vids in a while... you used to free motion on your regular machine. I had to stop doing that with big quilts as it was killing my back, and crippling my arms. I'll have to catch up on your vids. I never thought I would see you with a long arm.
I know I swore I'd never move to a longarm, and then yep, I experienced the exact same thing you described! I got tired of it taking years to finish one quilt. I got tired of the shoulder ache. I got tired of shoving and squishing and fighting and finally gave myself permission to change. I'm SO happy with my longarm and I just finished another quilt today and that feels great!
I think you are the better for it. You have knowledge x's 2 that you would not have if you didn't quilt on a machine. I admire you so. You were/are a pioneer and a good leader. Also, think of all the people who followed you for years - cramped over with their Machingers, bifocals, and locked shoulders. They have all stood up WITH you long-arming now. It can still take a toll on your back. I'd say quilt in moderation... but I don't think we are capable of that! Enjoy, Leah.. good speaking with you again. Nancy
Love your quilt & colors, and all your helpful videos. Questions: why wouldn't you have your pantograph further back - closer to the edge of your frame? It seems that would give you more room as you push forward or is it the opposite, the less room you have in throat push panto forward? I see a blue line, did you tape that down, or did it come with frame? Also, would you suggest marking the top of quilt with tape/chalk/pen at the point you were at b4 pushed over machine to change bobbin? Does the Qnique have a low bobbin alarm? Thanks again!
Great question Dawn! As the quilt rolls up on the back roll, it will increase in size, which pushes the needle further forward. If you place the panto right on the edge of the quiltable space, and the roll of the quilt builds up, then you won't be able to quilt the full panto design. The bottom edge will get cut off. Does that make sense?
Yes, marking the quilt where you broke thread is a good idea, though it's usually obvious. No, the Qnique machines don't have a low bobbin alarm.
@@LeahDay I'm not sure. I know the roll gets bigger under the throat, and you lose space in front of the quilt as you roll it up. But I don't understand why your paper pattern isn't all the way back past the blue line. I know the panto doesn't get moved. Is the physical position of the laser light determining where the panto can begin because the machine would be pushed off the carriage if it is too far back? I hope this makes sense.
I know the Continuum has an Idler bar. Does this push the fabric back automatically so it you don't have to roll it up? I've read that with the Idler bar, you lose even more inches on the front, but with the new Moving Rail, you add more inches, and it says it acts like an Idler bar. So with the new Moving Rail that is coming out, would you no longer need the Idler bar?
Yes, you have it right. The laser is connected to the machine. Once you begin quilting, you do not want to hit the laser light or adjust it or it will throw off the design you're quilting. If the machine is being pushed forward due to the roll of the quilt, the laser will too.
If the quilt becomes big enough, you won't be able to follow the design and you'll end up with a line as you bounce against the back rail.
Yes, the idler rail will take the bulk of the quilt and increase your space with the Qnique 21. Unfortunately because of the design of the back of the head on the 15R, it will actually decrease the overall space you have to quilt in. No, from what I understand with the moving rail, you do not need the Idler bar.
I have a qnique 15 r. I was wondering what thread you use on your long arm? Sometimes when my machine goes in a certain direction, it shreads the thread. Not sure if it is a tension issue or a thread issue.
The issue is most likely your needle. Bump up to a bigger needle (I'm using a size 18 now). You'll likely have to readjust your machine's tension, but then hopefully have far fewer thread breaks. I use Isacord 40 weight embroidery thread in my machine and once I changed needles, I rarely ever shred thread.
@@LeahDay Thanks so much for the tip! I will change to a bigger needle and see how that works.
can you please elaborate, what a pantograph is? i hear/read that the first time ever.
I'm working on a video just to answer this question for you Silke! It's basically a 12 foot long repeating design that you follow using a stylus or laser light on your longarm machine.
how wide of a pantograph can you quilt with your quinique 14 + machine
I have over 11 inches of quilting space, but I wouldn't try to quilt that wide of a pantograph because as the quilt rolls up on the frame, it will take up space and shrink this space. So I believe in being safe and not risking bumping into the rails on my frame so I'd suggest a 8-9 inch wide pantograph maximum for the Qnique 14+ / 15R and Continuum frame.