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New Purchaser
Posted: June 7, 2007, 10:05 AM
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Hi, I,m living in nothern England and first saw the hq16 at the Paducah Quilt show. I very much would like to proceed with my purchase but am worried about back up as there are no dealers in England as yet. Anyone out there from England already with this machine who could calm my fears?. It seems to be just the machine I,m looking for but have taken on board all the comments about thread breakage and sagging poles. Am I doing the right thing in going ahead? |
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New Purchaser
Posted: June 14, 2007, 1:53 PM
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Hi Eileen, Sorry, I'm in Florida. I recently purchased my HQ16 (4 mos ago) and love it. Very happy that I went for it. There is another forum you could try www.longarmchat.com where there are ladies on all sides of the ocean. They could be helpful in locating someone closer to you. |
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New Purchaser
Posted: June 15, 2007, 3:14 PM
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Hi to all, I'm the proud owner of a 3 year old HQ 16 and professional table with all the extras!! I am wondering if anyone can help me with Loading the Quilt instructions. I didn't get an instructional book or video/CD. I figured out how to put the backing on the take up roller but don't know whether to pin the batting on too. Also, on the top roller - do you roll the batting up with the top or let it hang down in front? Any help would be fantastic. I know I'm going to fall in love with all this once I get over this bump in the road... Thank you, Tracy in Sunny Central Oregon |
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New Purchaser
Posted: June 15, 2007, 9:35 PM
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Tracy, Hope this helps.... 1st - Find the center of your quilt fabric and align with the center of the leader. Pin the quilt back to the front pole with the finished side down toward the floor. Pin close together and even with the leader. Roll the backing evenly without any twisting. 2nd - Pin the quilt top right side up. Lay the quilt over the rear poles while pinning. Roll top smoothly. The seams will face down. 3rd - Push the batting between the quilt back and top. Allow the batting to hand to the floor loosely. The batting will feed evenly as you roll your quilt. 4th - "Sandwich" the backing, batting and quilt top together. Pull the back leader down under the take up pole then pull all three layers until they meet with the back leader. Find the center of the quilt and leader, then pin together. 5th - Wind the poles until the quilt top and back are taut. If fabric is too loose, the quilt may pucker when quilted. If quilt is too tight, it may cause skipped stitches. Happy quilting - Cathie - Florida |
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New Purchaser
Posted: June 16, 2007, 6:06 PM
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I just got my HQ 16 .... seem to be having a problem with top thread breaking . I'm usuing the So Fine - Superior thread that came with my machine . I've adjusted my speed down , also my tention .... not to mention rethreading several times . Help ! Collen L. in NH. New to the area ... don't really know many people , non with Handy Quilter . |
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New Purchaser
Posted: June 17, 2007, 7:27 AM
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Hi Colleen, I never used the thread that came with my machine on top, I only used it in the bobbin. The thread that I use most often is Signature. I haven't had much luck using Superior thread for the top of the machine. Another think to try is to make sure that your thread is getting in the tension disc. Thread it like dental floss - back and forth - until you know that it is in there. Hope you get things working for you. You will enjoy the machine when it gets going. When I first got my machine, I put on my three layers of practice material and grabbed what ever thread I had handy - didn't want to waste the good stuff. I don't remember anything breaking - guess I've been lucky. Good luck Donna |
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New Purchaser
Posted: June 17, 2007, 6:54 PM
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Colleen, I had the same problem and it is very frustrating. My problem was the tension disc. Just as Donna commented on - make sure you work the thread into the disc. Also, cuz I was so frustrated I was bypassing the hole on the needle shaft. daaaaa. I still use Superior So Fine thread without a problem. I just moved to FL from NH (8 mos ago). Where are you in NH? Cathie |
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New Purchaser
Posted: June 17, 2007, 9:43 PM
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Hi Again Cathy in Fla also Donna .... THANK YOU both so much . I can honestly say at this time all is well with thread breakage , My Mom came over today ... was showing her my machine , explained my frustrations .... she looked at how I had threaded my machine .... I had each and every time missed the down shaft hole .Once I did that it has worked Great , Thou I have to say .... I had already changed thread to ,Sulky . Go figure , we moved to Nashua Nh . 20 months ago ... from Central Fl. My husband work with the space industry . We love it here , glad to be away from year round heat , hurricaines . Good luck ! I'll let you know of my contined progress , it really is a great machine , huh ? ColleenL |
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New Purchaser
Posted: July 22, 2007, 10:27 AM
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Hi Cathy, hope all is still going well.... Just some more info....I have had great luck with the "So Fine" in the bobbin and "King Tut" in the top.....they seem to get along great and produce beautiful stitches.... |
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New Purchaser
Posted: Aug. 12, 2007, 8:27 AM
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Hi I'm a new purchaser - just bought the whole package last week and waiting for it to arrive this week. To Colleen - I live just over the border from Nashua NH in Pepperell, MA. I bought my HQ at the Nashua Sewing Machine and Vaccuum Center on Daniel Webster Hwy. They have an HQ club (Frame Club) that meets monthly, usually in the evening on a Monday. Although the next one is August 31st in the morning - the topic is tools and accessories. If you go to their website, you'll get more info; you can also get help and supplies from them. I'm looking forward to getting my new machine - in the process this weekend of clearing enough spact in my craft room. Janice |
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New Purchaser
Posted: Aug. 26, 2007, 9:38 AM
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Hi everyone... I'm new! I just ordered my HQ16 w/ quiltable on Friday (today is Sunday) I am eagerly awaiting its arrival, and was wondering if there is anything I need to know before setup? Does it plug into a regular outlet? I know, I should have asked this when I bought it, but I'm now wondering if I'll have to put in a 220 outlet? any other advice y'all have for me, to get ready for the ARRIVAL, would be much appreciated! |
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New Purchaser
Posted: Aug. 26, 2007, 9:50 AM
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Monkeymomquilts, your machine plugs into regular 110 outlet. I would suggest purchasing a VERY GOOD surge protector to plug into. I will tell you, DO NOT USE ANY TYPE OF EXTENSION CORD on this machine. There is a long electrical cord on the machine. I used double stick tape and stuck a surge protector on the under side of the table onto the frame. I plug the protector into the wall and the machine into the protector. Just my set up. I LOVE my machine. You will really like the QuilTable. It is very sturdy yet on the casters very easy to move. The actual table top will fit down into the table frame. I suggest using shims on the table top pieces to firm them up in the table. I had to do that to get the bounce out of the machine when I use the stitch regulator. |
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New Purchaser
Posted: Aug. 26, 2007, 10:26 AM
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| thanks crash, for the advice... I will have my DH get a good surge protector, and be prepared with the shims! |
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New Purchaser
Posted: Aug. 26, 2007, 7:09 PM
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| Hi everyone, I am so excited..........I ordered an HQ16 this week, am waiting as patiently as I can, for her arrival. I have really enjoyed reading everyones posts. They are very informative, I look forward to hopefully joining in. Thanks, cindy |
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New Purchaser
Posted: Aug. 26, 2007, 9:10 PM
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| Welcome to the "family." Everytime I do a quilt I'm more thrilled. I just finished my first groovy board quilt and it's so rewarding. The free motion is a blast, too. You're in for hours of fun! |
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New Purchaser
Posted: Aug. 26, 2007, 9:13 PM
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| Crashnquilt I really like your idea of the surge protector. I used an extension cord and I'll make that change ASAP. I have been unplugging when I turn off the machine. The surge protector makes sense. |
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New Purchaser
Posted: Aug. 27, 2007, 8:02 AM
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| Jean, which groovy board did you use? I ordered the circle one, and the stars one... |
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New Purchaser
Posted: Aug. 27, 2007, 8:26 AM
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Welcome Janice, Monkey ..., and Cindy........ I've been in NH for the past 7 weeks and couldn't wait to get back to Betsy (HQ16). Couldn't believe the withdrawal symptom I went thru. Really missed her. I have lots of catching up to do. Bought 4 pantographs to try out on Betsy. Love doing free motion and being created. So this should be just as much fun. |
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New Purchaser
Posted: Aug. 27, 2007, 8:53 AM
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| Hi Cathie, nice to meet you! I've been looking online at pantographs and there are lots of beautiful ones out there! |
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New Purchaser
Posted: Aug. 30, 2007, 4:28 AM
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Hi everyone I got my new HQ16 last week and the dealer come out yesterday to get me started. Lot of info for one day but I was playing until my arms hurt last night. My husband loved it , no one asked him to share the TV....lol Anyway been reading all the input, sagging poles , thread, groovey board, lots to take in. I think I am leaning toward freemotion mostly. well see. Just wanted to say hi and love that you guys are all out there for me. Happy Quilting I will be writing with concerns soon Wish me luck |
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New Purchaser
Posted: Aug. 30, 2007, 10:51 AM
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So far, I don't have a problem with sagging poles. I do have mine hooked up with the 2 four foot sections and the 2 foot on the ends. Also, if don't roll my fabrics real tight. If I get too much tension on the poles they will sag. But as soon as I release the fabrics, poof sag is gone. I've not done any pantos yet with my machine. So far its been all front of the machine free motion and I'm having a BLAST. I do have to tell you what I have done. I just love the fabrics with stitch designs on them but they are just too expensive for my tastes. WELL, I found some nice medium weight denim for $3 a yard and found some beautiful threads. I loaded my fabric onto the HQ and stitched out my own designs! I will tell you that if you want to do something like that, you need to tighten both bobbin and needle tension to get nice stitching. At first I was a bit alarmed with the size of needle holes, but once it was washed the needle holes were not to be found! Needless to say, now my imagination is running rampant! |
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New Purchaser
Posted: Aug. 31, 2007, 8:36 AM
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| wow crash, that was a good idea with the denim.. I'd have never thought of that! |
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New Purchaser
Posted: Aug. 31, 2007, 7:54 PM
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| Wouldn't that be cute to do on corduroy? Or maybe even cotton velveteen? Oh, and what about doing that on ultrasuede? Like I said, my imagination is running amuck! |
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New Purchaser
Posted: Aug. 31, 2007, 10:07 PM
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| Monkeymomquilts, I did the swirl groovy board on my last quilt. I have experimented with the square, too. The quilting with the pattern groovy boards is so impressive to those I've shown. Even the ladies in my community college quilt class, one of whom has a long arm and does it for a business. I hope they weren't all just being nice. lol. I'm looking at some from quilting-ez.com as well. They're pretty much the same price but have designs HQ doesn't have. |
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New Purchaser
Posted: Sept. 5, 2007, 5:22 PM
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Jean, I was wondering about the swirl groovy board, now I'm thinking if you had that many compliments, then it should be on my list... if you get the EZ boards, let us know if the stylus for the groovy boards fits them too... I would think it would, but wouldn't be surprised if there was just the tiniest differenct... |
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New Purchaser
Posted: Sept. 5, 2007, 9:56 PM
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| I'll report in on the EZ boards if/when I get them. Haven't ordered them yet. |
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New Purchaser
Posted: Sept. 6, 2007, 6:47 AM
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| I love my HQ SIXTEEN I bought it used and didn't get anything except the machine its self. Since, I have added the stitch regulator and the continuous rails. Makes it much better. I am interested in trying the groovy boards next. I would like some input on the boards from people that have tried them. I have added a picture of a quilt I did on it. It turned out great. The pattern did not have the border which I added. Seemed to need something else. |
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New Purchaser
Posted: Sept. 6, 2007, 1:30 PM
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| Very pretty indeed. You did an excellent job with the piecing as well as the quilting. |
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New Purchaser
Posted: Sept. 6, 2007, 10:57 PM
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I enjoyed my groovy board experience. I used the swirls. I used two boards and leap frogged them down the table and it worked well. I also learned to keep them in place with blue painter's tape. They just needed a little to keep them from slipping out of place. I didn't line them up next to the rail each time. I'll use them again as the end result is very nice. They are slower than free-motion, because you need to reposition them when you roll the quilt. For the single boards like the feather, squares, circles only need one because you usually do those designs inside blocks rather than a continuous line across the quilt. |
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New Purchaser
Posted: Sept. 6, 2007, 10:59 PM
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Petsitr2 P.S. You did a nice job, indeed. Good work. |
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New Purchaser
Posted: Sept. 7, 2007, 6:57 PM
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Hi everyone, (LUCY) came in, I set her up, she is so huge, I AM IN LOVE FOR SURE! I made a small quilt sandwich, sure do need lots of practice, but it was amazing! I have been dreaming so long for this, I still check to make sure LUCY is real...I have learned a lot from all the posts,will continue to practice. Congratulations, to all that have recieved their new HQ16's! Thanks for listening. cindy |
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New Purchaser
Posted: Sept. 27, 2007, 2:50 PM
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Hi guys I need some help, I think I am loading my quilt wrong, when you load it on the poles do you turn them toward you or away from you. It looks in dvd like she is rolling toward her Thanks Quilting Nana |
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New Purchaser
Posted: Sept. 28, 2007, 8:35 AM
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| I don't know if there are rules for different frames but I have the HQ16 frame and I roll the back (bottom) rolling toward me and the quilt top (second roller) rolling away from me. There are gears at the right side of the frame that dictate the way you would roll the different rollers. The gears click into place so that the back or the quilt top cannot be released unless you undo the gears. Hope this helps. |
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New Purchaser
Posted: Sept. 28, 2007, 1:01 PM
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| If you are using the HQ16 frame, on the 2 front bars everything turns toward the center. |
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New Purchaser
Posted: Sept. 29, 2007, 8:27 AM
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Hi Crashnquilt, When you are loading your quilt, don't you wind the back toward you with the fabric going over the bar? When you load the top, it in rolling from under the bar. You have me confused when you say that everything turns toward the center. I just tested the quilt I have on my machine and the backing fabric rolls toward me as I'm standing in front of the machine and the quilt top rolls toward the machine. |
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New Purchaser
Posted: Sept. 29, 2007, 8:30 AM
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| I'm glad to see this forum. I received and assembled my HQ & frame from the video mostly, but I did suffer through reading the instructions, like a good girl. My dealer is 3 hours away (in Texas we measure distance by time:) and my sister & I made a day of it to go to The Quilt Haus in New Braunfels to take the free lessons from Deanne. We learned so many things that aren't in the video or instructions & had a great time. My HQ set up is going to be so much fun. Now I just have to do something about my pesky day job... |
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New Purchaser
Posted: Sept. 29, 2007, 10:22 AM
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| Donna, yes your are correct. If you will look the ends of the backing and top are between the two front poles. That is what I mean by everything rolls towards the center. |
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New Purchaser
Posted: Sept. 30, 2007, 8:00 AM
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| Thanks crashnquilt, I thought I was doing something wrong and would that be a surprise (ha ha). Back to quilting. |
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New Purchaser
Posted: Oct. 6, 2007, 4:26 AM
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| I got it RIGHT thanks for your input. I was rolling correct, was not rolling tight enough and I did not have the fabric behind the bottom pole in the back. I just finished a Just Ducky baby quilt and it is soooo cute, I hate to give it away. I have learned if you make a mistake and keep repeating it it becomes a pattern!! When you are done people think you meant to do it. Loving this machine |
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New Purchaser
Posted: Oct. 6, 2007, 8:11 AM
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quilting Nana, I did the same thing at first, kept winding on my take up pole, but not having the bottom pole in front of the fabric, and it was slanted! I kept scratching my head wondering why it didn't look right! (eyes rolling) isn't it amazing how dumb these machines can make you feel? at least, mine makes ME feel dumb! |
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New Purchaser
Posted: Oct. 7, 2007, 5:17 AM
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monkeymomquilts It sure does, I found myself looking at the DVD going to the machine and I still could not get it.... Went to dealers store and she showed me. Did I feel like a fool.... The other problem I am having is my bobbin winder only fills the bobbins a little more then hafl way, what am I doing wrong there? Going to order pre-wound bobbins. Other then that I am good to go. Thanks for the help everyone. |
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New Purchaser
Posted: Oct. 7, 2007, 7:08 AM
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Hi Quilting Nana, Look at your sheet that came with the bobbin winder. In the bold print after the third picture it explains how to adjust the bobbin fill. It says to tighten or loosen the black Phillips screw on top of thumb lever. Remember to oil it (a little hint - cover the hole with something when you wind the bobbin after filling - might spray a little oil). Hope this helps. |
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New Purchaser
Posted: Oct. 7, 2007, 3:45 PM
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| I'm embarrassed to say I haven't even tried my bobbin winder yet... just been using the pre wound bobbins so far...(I bought some more than what came with it) |
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New Purchaser
Posted: Oct. 11, 2007, 4:53 AM
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Monkeymomquilts I don't usually wind bobbins, I buy pre wound, but I wanted to finsh this baby quilt and it was that Just Ducky print from Moda so I wanted to use reds. Had to wind them... Donna thank for the tip I will try the screw Not so good at reading directions I guess, my MO is just jump in and try worry about correcting as I go. Thanks girls for your help |
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New Purchaser
Posted: June 15, 2008, 9:41 PM
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| i saw some of your comments about the EZ boards. i was at a quilt show and the EZquilter rep told me their company made the groovy boards for HQ (different designs - copyrights, whatever) so the stylus should fit. i haven't had any problems. |
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New Purchaser
Posted: June 28, 2008, 8:06 AM
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Hi everyone--I'm in the process of thinking of purchasing a HQ16--did do a test drive on one yesterday. I live is SE Wyoming & there is only 1 dealer close to me. an hour away in Colorado is another one--It sounds like you all love your machines! I had looked at a APQS machine but OH MY--you all think you did the right thing on purchasing your machines. I'm looking at quilting tops for friends/sort of a side business. do you think this machine will work for this?? any & all info/input will be greatly appreciated. lindasue |
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New Purchaser
Posted: June 29, 2008, 5:31 AM
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lindasue, I purchased my HQ 16 at the end of 2007. The dealer close to me has one set up and allowed me to test drive whenever I was in the store. That is what sold me. He also offered a class that taught us how to load a quilt and the basics of using it. I love my machine. I currently use it to finish my own quilts and for some of my quilting friends. I plan on expanding once I get better at it and do this as a parttime business. I can tell you that I haven't had any problems with my machine and only practiced a little while before I loaded my first quilt. I did a simple stipple all over stitch using a pantograph and it came out great. The stitch regulator makes every stitch perfect. I don't think you will regret buying an HQ sixteen and this forum has been extremely helpful. Let us know what you decide! |
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New Purchaser
Posted: July 6, 2008, 2:46 PM
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Hi - I just joined the group 5 minutes ago. From some of the names, it seems there are a lot of animal lovers here! I do some pet sitting, have 3 dogs and 4 cats, and create pet portrait quilts for clients. You can see my work on my site crazydoglady.com. I am having so much trouble with my new machine - i've played with the tensions 3 days now, and am ready to scream! Back to the drawing board. Jan Q., crazy dog lady |
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New Purchaser
Posted: July 7, 2008, 3:10 PM
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crazydoglady, I was real fortunate when I set my machine up and didn't have much trouble with the tension. I did two quilts using a Signature varigated thread with warm and natural batting. Then, I loaded a quilt and used Signature white thread with polyester batting and had to adjust the tension multiple times on the bobbin. If the bobbin (in the case) doesn't dance in your hand when you hold the thread up then it is too tight. I also cleaned out the tension disks on the machine and found some lint in there. Then it stitched perfect. Each time I load a bobbin in with this white thread I have to adjust it more. I didn't have to do this with the varigated thread. This is the way it is with most long arm machines. When the tension is off it is normally the bobbin that is off which is opposite for a domestic machine. Try cleaning your disks, rethread and check the bobbin tension again. Hope this helps. |
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New Purchaser
Posted: July 7, 2008, 8:58 PM
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well I did it, I went down to Ft Collins & tried out the machine one more time. then ordered it last Thursday, got a call from the factory & it was shipped out today, will get it by Friday--it's too bad that I get such bad buyers remorse, but can hardly wait! I couldn't afford to get the pro stitcher, but did get the one with stitch regulator. will touch base with you all later after I've got it set up! thanks you guys are great with lots of information lsl |
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New Purchaser
Posted: July 10, 2008, 11:03 AM
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Hello everyone, I'm new to the site, and I'm gleaning alot of great information here.! I had the opportunity to finish the basement in my house, and buy a few toys, so I went with the HQ16 primarily because I was able to find a dealer nearby. (I was going to buy the grace frame for my Janome....glad I didn't!) Since I am waiting for my basement to be finished, I am going nuts. I have about 10 quilt tops that I want to get quilted (at least 6 of them are for practice at which I will donate to Project Linus). I don't have the baby in my house yet, but I have all the parts, poles, etc waiting patiently. Gosh, its like waiting for a real baby to be born! Anyway, just wanted to say hi to all! Charlene The Quilt That Love Built Washington |
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New Purchaser
Posted: July 10, 2008, 1:43 PM
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Crazydoglady, What thread are you using? When I first got my machine a couple of months ago, I had a bunch of problems. It was user error! Some threads are fussier than others. Did your machine come with a sample of King Tut? For some reason, that thread seems to be the easiest when it comes to getting the tension correct. Watch the videos on tension on this website, try the King Tut, and wind your own bobbins. (I had trouble with the pre-wounds at first.) I'm rooting for you! Good luck! Molly |
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