Finally I got my second Charity quilt done!

My two novice Quilt Inspectors thoroughly checked it out.

Chipper and Scotty had lots of fun playing in the finished quilt. I was pleasantly surprised today that Ruby didn't seem to scare them or the dog.

Ruby and I are getting along famously. I am having to teach myself how to use this machine, as we don't have anyone at the quilt shop who trains people who purchase a machine there at the shop in Augusta, GA. They suggest you get training at the Home base of Babylock in St Louis, MO. But I have found the price to be too expensive. I have signed up for a day and a half Long arm class here in town July 29 and 30. So I'll get some experienced input then.

My input so far on what I have purchased...

1. Crown Jewel, alias-Ruby, I love.

2. Majestic frame by the Grace Co, Not in love with, I don't find it easy to use. The plastic parts on it are not very durable. I would like to see a regulator bar added to it. ( I suggested it to the Grace Company but will not hold my breath, as they were not very receptive of  the suggestion.)

3. "Red Snapper" - love these clamps as they make loading and unloading the quilt very fast and easy.(way better than pinning or basting a zipper on.)

4. Pantographs are a beginners best friend. I think it will take me until around the end of this year before I am good enough to do a good job at freehand quilting.

5. The industrial bobbin winder is great, but takes a little getting used to.

All in all I'm glad that I got Ruby and I know in time I will move up to an even better set up.  I just have to work with what I can afford and work towards what I want. My plan is to be able to quilt for others by the first of January.

Tonga BOM block 6 finished.

I go to Jeff's on Friday to pick up block seven. As usual it feels good to be caught up. Tomorrow I will work on my Lisa's flower garden BOM to get caught up on it before the next set of blocks come.

 Tonight it is Chipper's turn to help on the computer. I will give a review of the Red Snappers tomorrow.

 

Another week gone by....

And I really have not gotten much done on the quilting front. I have been busy doing household stuff and procrastinating getting some quilting finishes.

 Here is a picture of Scotty helping me post this blog.

I received a set of Red Snappers for Ruby.

I got them installed the first of the week, but have not tried them out yet. They are used to clamp quilts to the leaders on the frame to save time. I found that I do not like pinning quilts to my leaders and the thought of sewing zippers to quilts didn't appeal to me either. So, when I found these on the internet I decided to give them a try. I am going to do a charity quilt today, so I will let you know what I think about the Red Snappers.

 I worked on this block for a way to use charm squares. 

 It is getting late so off to bed I go....