Venting/Griping/Whining, I Think?

[RockyMountainHorseMama]

I think that's what this is? Okay, so I DEFINITELY need a REAL sewing machine. My entry level, 4 year old Wally World Special by Brother is just not cutting it! It's been great but is not smooth when I try to FMQ :/ I had enough problems w/going over thick areas of material but trying to FMQ looks like I just plain SUCK at it! LOL! I KNOW it's not MEEEEE So, I'm off to the sewing machine shops to get a really GOOD, used machine. There are a couple of really good ones in the area and it does mean an almost 2 hour drive, but when you're addicted, well, that's just how it goes LOL!

Thanks for listening and no I am NOT going to share pics until AFTER I get a new machine and see if that really IS the problem. If I still suck at FMQ, then I'm going to take a class and stick to Long Arming it or ... just send them to the MSQC shop coz I KNOW I can't do my big ones anyways!

[rikkiwha]

Re: Venting/Griping/Whining, I Think?

I have had issues trying to machine quilt on my Baby Lock machine too.... It is something I really want to learn so I am hoping that the machine quilting books I borrowed help with tips and tricks to make it go easier... I hope you find a nice machine that makes it easier for you!!! Good Luck!!

[ktbb]

Re: Venting/Griping/Whining, I Think?

I think that's what this is? Okay, so I DEFINITELY need a REAL sewing machine. My entry level, 4 year old Wally World Special by Brother is just not cutting it! It's been great but is not smooth when I try to FMQ :/ I had enough problems w/going over thick areas of material but trying to FMQ looks like I just plain SUCK at it! LOL! LOL!

While I"m sure that the lower level machines can make it harder to do good quilting, don't forget that it takes a lot of practice as well....not trying to talk you out of buying another, but as far as I know, there is nothing short of a miracle that will provide you with a domestic machine that will do perfect FMQ right out of the box....but if you find one, let us know!

[RockyMountainHorseMama]

Re: Venting/Griping/Whining, I Think?

I have had issues trying to machine quilt on my Baby Lock machine too.... It is something I really want to learn so I am hoping that the machine quilting books I borrowed help with tips and tricks to make it go easier... I hope you find a nice machine that makes it easier for you!!! Good Luck!!

Thanks, Rikki!

[RockyMountainHorseMama]

Re: Venting/Griping/Whining, I Think?

While I"m sure that the lower level machines can make it harder to do good quilting, don't forget that it takes a lot of practice as well....not trying to talk you out of buying another, but as far as I know, there is nothing short of a miracle that will provide you with a domestic machine that will do perfect FMQ right out of the box....but if you find one, let us know!

Well, "ktbb" ... I'm sure that having a machine of better quality, one that doesn't bang and jump around when you quilt or sew will make a LOT of difference! As for practice ... just like Carnegie Hall when it comes to being a "Master Quilter"

[kelandspence]

Re: Venting/Griping/Whining, I Think?

I think that's what this is? Okay, so I DEFINITELY need a REAL sewing machine. My entry level, 4 year old Wally World Special by Brother is just not cutting it! It's been great but is not smooth when I try to FMQ :/ I had enough problems w/going over thick areas of material but trying to FMQ looks like I just plain SUCK at it! LOL! I KNOW it's not MEEEEE So, I'm off to the sewing machine shops to get a really GOOD, used machine. There are a couple of really good ones in the area and it does mean an almost 2 hour drive, but when you're addicted, well, that's just how it goes LOL!

Thanks for listening and no I am NOT going to share pics until AFTER I get a new machine and see if that really IS the problem. If I still suck at FMQ, then I'm going to take a class and stick to Long Arming it or ... just send them to the MSQC shop coz I KNOW I can't do my big ones anyways!

I feel your pain ! I have tried free motion quilting on my brother machine and I think I suck to ! lol I know that I need practice but everytime I try to give it a shot I end up frustrated, mainly because there is too much quilt to maneuver around ! I don't have any problems with baby quilts but anything bigger than that gives me a headache ! I enjoy handwork so I am going to start hand quilting some of the bigger quilts... after I get back to work I plan on buying a better machine to, so I definitely know where you're coming from ! venting is a good thing ! lol Good luck !

[RockyMountainHorseMama]

Re: Venting/Griping/Whining, I Think?

I feel your pain ! I have tried free motion quilting on my brother machine and I think I suck to ! lol I know that I need practice but everytime I try to give it a shot I end up frustrated, mainly because there is too much quilt to maneuver around ! I don't have any problems with baby quilts but anything bigger than that gives me a headache ! I enjoy handwork so I am going to start hand quilting some of the bigger quilts... after I get back to work I plan on buying a better machine to, so I definitely know where you're coming from ! venting is a good thing ! lol Good luck !

KELLY! I am SO glad to hear from a kindred-spirit who is not only having the same probs but also has a Brother! LMBO!

My prob w/the machine part is that it shakes violently when I go at a medium-fast speed (forGET going fast, that's even worse!) then the thing starts jumping around which makes the stitches spread apart and miss their mark and my rounded stipples are pointed and jagged, so I know it's not ALL me! ROFLOL! This is too funny! I've practiced at various stores on machines that run smooth as glass, no jumping and banging around and guess what? My quilting comes out BEAUTIFULLY! I actually CAN do the FMQ part, OMG! LOL!

I'm doing a QAYG so not anything "big" under the machine, that would make me NUtZ! LOL! You'd think this would be easy for me but, nooooooooooooo ....

So, yah, a newer, REAL machine and a lot of PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE and one day, when I grow up, I, too, will be a, "Master Quilter" !

[kelandspence]

Re: Venting/Griping/Whining, I Think?

KELLY! I am SO glad to hear from a kindred-spirit who is not only having the same probs but also has a Brother! LMBO!

My prob w/the machine part is that it shakes violently when I go at a medium-fast speed (forGET going fast, that's even worse!) then the thing starts jumping around which makes the stitches spread apart and miss their mark and my rounded stipples are pointed and jagged, so I know it's not ALL me! ROFLOL! This is too funny! I've practiced at various stores on machines that run smooth as glass, no jumping and banging around and guess what? My quilting comes out BEAUTIFULLY! I actually CAN do the FMQ part, OMG! LOL!

I'm doing a QAYG so not anything "big" under the machine, that would make me NUtZ! LOL! You'd think this would be easy for me but, nooooooooooooo ....

So, yah, a newer, REAL machine and a lot of PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE and one day, when I grow up, I, too, will be a, "Master Quilter" !

LOL you are so funny ! sounds like you are having alot of problems with that machine ! definitely time to treat yourself with a new machine ! yay... nothing better than that ! I just dread putting anything bigger than a baby quilt under my machine ! For example, I made a memory quilt for my mom about 3 years ago.... it's just simple patchwork with a pic of my mom and grandma, when my mom was a little girl ! omg... it was my first quilt... quilting is horrendous... I quilted on the machine... still haven't finished it yet ! I want to finish it this year and give it to her, again, for christmas... I think I will pick out the stitches and start quilting from scratch ! I will take a pic and post it!

[hillbilly]

Re: Venting/Griping/Whining, I Think?

[QUOTE=RockyMountainHorseMama;7522]KELLY! I am SO glad to hear from a kindred-spirit who is not only having the same probs but also has a Brother! LMBO!

My prob w/the machine part is that it shakes violently when I go at a medium-fast speed (forGET going fast, that's even worse!) then the thing starts jumping around which makes the stitches spread apart and miss their mark and my rounded stipples are pointed and jagged, so I know it's not ALL me! ROFLOL! This is too funny! I've practiced at various stores on machines that run smooth as glass, no jumping and banging around and guess what? My quilting comes out BEAUTIFULLY! I actually CAN do the FMQ part, OMG! LOL!

I have a Brother, and although I used to love them, my newest has caused me some problems. And it is a big expensive Brother! BUT...one thing I did learn, your TABLE has alot to do with it as well. Is it a heavy sturdy table, or does it 'wiggle' easily?

[RockyMountainHorseMama]

Re: Venting/Griping/Whining, I Think?

LOL you are so funny ! sounds like you are having alot of problems with that machine ! definitely time to treat yourself with a new machine ! yay... nothing better than that ! I just dread putting anything bigger than a baby quilt under my machine ! For example, I made a memory quilt for my mom about 3 years ago.... it's just simple patchwork with a pic of my mom and grandma, when my mom was a little girl ! omg... it was my first quilt... quilting is horrendous... I quilted on the machine... still haven't finished it yet ! I want to finish it this year and give it to her, again, for christmas... I think I will pick out the stitches and start quilting from scratch ! I will take a pic and post it!

YAY! Thanks Kelly, I will! lol! You know what happend? I found a used Bernina at the Sewing Machine Repair shop, someone abandoned it so it was for sale, $150 and it costs like $800+ brand new, it's only a year old, anyways, I didn't buy it right then coz didn't want to buy the first thing I came across ... should have done b/c what happened when I went back? Yes, it was GONE! *slaps forehead* *DOH! Oh MAN! I can't wait to see your mom's quilt when it's redone, how precious that memory is! I have one that I'm going to have to de-thread too, ugh ... b/c the quilting is so terrible the rounded corners are jagged from the goofy machine jumping around OMG! LMBO!

So, off to shop for another good, used one and I can't wait til Christmas now to see your mom's quilt!

[RockyMountainHorseMama]

Re: Venting/Griping/Whining, I Think?

[QUOTE=hillbilly;7532]

KELLY! I am SO glad to hear from a kindred-spirit who is not only having the same probs but also has a Brother! LMBO!

My prob w/the machine part is that it shakes violently when I go at a medium-fast speed (forGET going fast, that's even worse!) then the thing starts jumping around which makes the stitches spread apart and miss their mark and my rounded stipples are pointed and jagged, so I know it's not ALL me! ROFLOL! This is too funny! I've practiced at various stores on machines that run smooth as glass, no jumping and banging around and guess what? My quilting comes out BEAUTIFULLY! I actually CAN do the FMQ part, OMG! LOL!

I have a Brother, and although I used to love them, my newest has caused me some problems. And it is a big expensive Brother! BUT...one thing I did learn, your TABLE has alot to do with it as well. Is it a heavy sturdy table, or does it 'wiggle' easily?

OH NO!!! I'd be so frustrated mad b/c that's a LOT to spend and then have the machine go all wrong on you, Hill! Hope you get ti resolved or get your money back?! Nah, table is REALLY good, solid oak 6-seater w/2 leaves in it, couldn't move that thing if you WANTED to! LOL! So, when I get a "good" machine then we'll know how much of it is ME that needs more work/practice!

[hillbilly]

Re: Venting/Griping/Whining, I Think?

[QUOTE=RockyMountainHorseMama;7537]

OH NO!!! I'd be so frustrated mad b/c that's a LOT to spend and then have the machine go all wrong on you, Hill! Hope you get ti resolved or get your money back?!

It's two years old, and I'm stuck with it. It has had several issues, but we get by

[kelandspence]

Re: Venting/Griping/Whining, I Think?

YAY! Thanks Kelly, I will! lol! You know what happend? I found a used Bernina at the Sewing Machine Repair shop, someone abandoned it so it was for sale, $150 and it costs like $800+ brand new, it's only a year old, anyways, I didn't buy it right then coz didn't want to buy the first thing I came across ... should have done b/c what happened when I went back? Yes, it was GONE! *slaps forehead* *DOH! Oh MAN! I can't wait to see your mom's quilt when it's redone, how precious that memory is! I have one that I'm going to have to de-thread too, ugh ... b/c the quilting is so terrible the rounded corners are jagged from the goofy machine jumping around OMG! LMBO!

So, off to shop for another good, used one and I can't wait til Christmas now to see your mom's quilt!

I would cry if I found a good buy like that and it was gone, but that would probably happen to me to ! I don't blame you for holding off ! I think you will find something even better ! I'm definitely the black sheep in my family when it comes to all of this (sewing, quilting, fabric hoarding lol ) ! Both of my grandma's sewed, quilted, crocheted, but my mom doesn't... only 1 aunt who is married to my mom's brother ! It is the best thing in the world, well, other than starbucks, to me to be able to walk into the fabric store and just look at fabric and yes.... buy some !lol My dad always tell me to just go buy a quilt when I'm making one, but I love making them... making them is more special and I like to see the look on peoples faces when they see their quilt ! I'm trying to get my nephew's new wife to allow me to teach her to crochet, since she doesn't have a machine, so she can help me make a few small blankets for the elderly people who live in nursing homes or private residences who are alone at christmas ! Everyone deserves to feel loved and cared for, especially during the holidays ! Hopefully my plan will work out ! I'm really excited about it ! Sorry to ramble... just had to get that off my chest ! lol Hope you find a good machine... I'm hoping to find something a little better myself after I get back to work ! good luck !

[RockyMountainHorseMama]

Re: Venting/Griping/Whining, I Think?

[QUOTE=hillbilly;7540]

It's two years old, and I'm stuck with it. It has had several issues, but we get by

Oh wow, hillbilly, that's sad. Is the warranty up?

[RockyMountainHorseMama]

Re: Venting/Griping/Whining, I Think?

I would cry if I found a good buy like that and it was gone, but that would probably happen to me to ! I don't blame you for holding off ! I think you will find something even better ! I'm definitely the black sheep in my family when it comes to all of this (sewing, quilting, fabric hoarding lol ) ! Both of my grandma's sewed, quilted, crocheted, but my mom doesn't... only 1 aunt who is married to my mom's brother ! It is the best thing in the world, well, other than starbucks, to me to be able to walk into the fabric store and just look at fabric and yes.... buy some !lol My dad always tell me to just go buy a quilt when I'm making one, but I love making them... making them is more special and I like to see the look on peoples faces when they see their quilt ! I'm trying to get my nephew's new wife to allow me to teach her to crochet, since she doesn't have a machine, so she can help me make a few small blankets for the elderly people who live in nursing homes or private residences who are alone at christmas ! Everyone deserves to feel loved and cared for, especially during the holidays ! Hopefully my plan will work out ! I'm really excited about it ! Sorry to ramble... just had to get that off my chest ! lol Hope you find a good machine... I'm hoping to find something a little better myself after I get back to work ! good luck !

LOL! Kelly, I'm used to it so don't cry ... anymore LOL! My mother was a seamstress and my paternal grandmother quilted but was a cook for a living. Luckily, my dad really appreciates hand made work, I'd definitely CRY if he said that to me! LOL! I used to crochet but these fingers are just not doing that anymore. Like you, I love "the process" of making the quilt and the challenge of getting to the end result.

What a WONDERFUL plan, I LOVE it! How compassionate, benevolent and magnanimous of you! Surely, you reap the rewards of such a loving heart! *HUGS* and Alohas and can't wait to see more of your work!