Newbie to Longarm Quilting

[Jean Sewing Machine]

This information is from Denis, he is very knowledgable and has a lot of experience and good advice on long arm quilting. He gave me this link and I got the DVD.

If you don't have any, I recommend you get some instructional DVDs. I think you'd really like the DVDs by Mindy Wylie (formerly Caspersen). She has some amazing Dvds for beginner quilters. Her site is www.atqsales.com .
Her first DVD is called "I have a longarm and I"m not afraid to use it". She uses a Nolting Funquilter in her videos as she used to be a Nolting dealer. This DVD is great for starters. her second one is caller "Longarmed and Fabulous". Another great video. Her last one expands on the first 2 and introduces you to templates "T-N-T; templates and techniques".

[PlanoDebbie]

Maybe this will help. It's the manual for a Queen Quilter. If it's the one for your machine you can print it.

http://www.empress18.com/New_Manual_...en_Quilter.pdf

Patty, thank you for this link. I need to get more ink for my printer first, but this looks promising. It looks very similar to my machine, but there are a few differences. On page 9 it shows the place on the throat area to check the oil with the dipstick. That's in my instructions as well, but mine doesn't have that.

[Pattycake]

Here's a number to call to find the dealer nearest you.

1-888-784-5818

[Denis]

Did your dealer not offer any training at all? That bugs me when manufacturers of these machines, whether it's a $2000 hobby machine or a $20,000 professional machine, allow their machines to be sold by fly by night businesses like sew and vac centres and such where there is no trained or qualified technician or even quilter on hand to guide you.

You received some contact info above and other info. I hope you can get the help you're looking for. I have a Hinterberg Voyager which is similar to the machine you have so I may be able to help you somewhat.

My frame uses the conduit poles as well and it moves smoothly and effortlessly. I'm not sure why your carriage isn't working this well.

If you can't get a hold of the folks at TinLizzie or a dealer near you, I recommend you contact Carrie Duggan at Quilt Frog. She is located in Spring TX (north of Houston). She is an experienced quliter and is a dealer for many manufaturers. I know she dealt with Nolting/Hinterberg, ABM International, Handyquilter to name a few. I thought she sold TinLizzie machines but I don't see them on her site. I know she can help anyway. She has training classes available and I'm sure you can bring your machine down to her to look at it. You might even be able to bring your frame so she can see what is wrong with your poles. You're about a 4 hour drive. She provides lodging for students at her quilting school.

this is her site:

http://www.quiltfrog.com/

[hennypennys]

Hi...I just found this thread and wanted to comment on your purchase of the queen quilter...I also ordered a tin Lizzie a few years ago but the California co. sent me the queen quilter and I realized that the manual does not match the machine. It is the tin Lizzie manual. I figured out that the threading of the upper thread was wrong and so that's why the skipped stitches and thread breaking all the time. Also, the machine is very picky about thread. My machine does not like the expensive thread like king tut so I only use signature thread. The machine also does not like cheap fabric. I had to raise the presser foot because she doesn't go well over seams when you follow the recommendations of the manual. But!!!! Now that I figured everything out, she is a joy to operate.
Hope this helps someone out there!

[Deegles]

http://www.queenquilter18.com/Queen_...s_09-04-09.pdf

I found this but it looks like it is the manual for setting up the frame. What machine sits upon your frame?

[Deegles]

Oh it looks like I found the machine, just for the sit down model is all. Maybe this will help you out.
http://www.queenquilter18.com/New_Ma...wn_Machine.pdf

[KarenC]

I also recommend the quiltfrog.com or they also go by texasquiltmachines. Tom and Carrie have lots of knowledge and sell various brands. I purchased my TinLizzie ESP from them last year. Purchase included a 2 day class on the machines. Even if you didn't buy from them, I think it may be around $200 for the class. Tom does part of the class on maintenance and tension, and Carrie teaches the quilting. They are my favorite shop in the area. Hope this helps you.