The Delivery

Delivery of 'Muriel' took place in mid July.  Ideally you would take delivery of your new machine and you know, probably spend a couple of months getting used to it but as I had procrastinated so long in the beginning when I actually ordered my machine there were none left in Oz and I had to wait a couple of months for the next delivery from the states.

 My friends opened their shop in  July and so the arrival quilts began.  It certainly was the best way to learn.  I made plenty of mistakes but I always learnt from them.  I was proud of myself for working so much out but at times I certainly found it stressful.  These machines and and the software are so clever but the only downfall is not enough training in Australia.  They have great training in the states though and I'm sure there is so much more to learn yet.

 

 

 

 

 

The amount of boxes was crazy.  There is certainly a lot to this machine!

 

 

My Journey into Longarm Quilting

The last nine months have been a whirlwind.  I have always been intrigued by the quilting process that follows our careful piecing of fabrics into stunning projects.  Early this year I was on a day out with my husband in a regional shopping centre a couple of hours away and happened to spot a beautiful and large Bernina sitting on a frame for quilting in one of the shops.   As we left there I had my 'light bulb' moment and said to my husband 'that is what I could do'.   I had friends that were opening a shop in town with giftware and fabric so it was an ideal time to do this.  From there I investigated the variety of longarm quilting machines and decided on the Handi Quilter Fusion 24 on the large 12 foot frame with Pro Stitcher software.  I called their head office and they directed me to one of their dealers and from there I was fascinated by this huge machine and what it could do and there started my journey into longarm quilting.

The First Six Months of Longarm Quilting

What a whirlwind these last six months have been.  I have just finished the last of my customer quilts and sooooo looking forward to a break.  I have seen so many beautiful quilts and it is so inspiring.  It really does inspire you to want to set up a spot at the sewing machine. ( If only there was time).
I have been very lucky to have the benefits of such a good start to my new venture with both the shop and the clients who have trusted me with their quilts.



I have worked solidly these past months, sometimes continuously over the weekends as well as many evenings but I am grateful to have had the chance and I am having a lovely break until the end of January however and will be caravannning at the beach for a few weeks and I cannot wait.  Although the thought has crossed my mind to take the sewing machine along.  Now there are only four days until Christmas and I still need to finish some shopping.  I also plan on getting my blog started for The Quilting House.  It has already taken me six months. 

Throughout Janary I will be posting pics of all the lovely quilts I have had the pleasure of working on.  Here is just a sneak preview.