January 3rd, 2026
Happy Saturday,
Happy New Year! Hope you have had a fun and restful holiday season. My goal is to make 2026 the best year ever. Hope you have taken time to set your goals if not go ahead and set them now. It is not too late. The reason I love goals is the ability to draw line thru it when it is done. Each line that is marked thru show as an accomplishment.
This past fall, I purchased a longarm with a 10 ft frame. This was always something I felt was beyond my reach. The cost of the machine and the space made it challenging.
I started researching machines and found that the Baby Lock Gallant would fit in my budget. It has the option to add computerized quilting system later. This seams like a win-win for me. The biggest issue of quilting was trying to get a large quilt under the neck of my sewing machine.
Purchased the machine from a local quilt shop. They provided training and also let me know if I have questions to call.
The space was little challenging. I have a sewing room but the longarm, sewing machine, cutting table and serger not fit in one room. We had to rearrange the rooms, repair the drywall and paint the room. Below is a picture of the longarm room.
The machines are occupying two rooms. At some point to have one room for everything. My cat has decided that is perfect hammock.
My goal is to learn free motion quilting. I purchased two books, Beginner’s Guide Free Motion Quilting by Natalia Bonner and Free Motion Quilting by Amanda Murphy. These books have been very helpful.
I took pictures of the designs in the book. Practiced them repeatedly on my iPad.. These books have been great resource for someone new to Free Motion.
Also I had watched multiple videos put out by Natalia Bonner and other free motion quilters. I have a lot to learn but it is so exciting.
Since purchasing the machine , I have been practicing on fabric and scraps of batting to get the feel of free motion. Over the next week, I am hoping to start on my first quilt. Wish me luck!
The quilting will basic free motion. The designs will be ones that feel natural and hopefully the skills will grow.
The one thing that I heard over and over is do not get tied up in perfectionism. If you make a mistake it adds character to the quilt. I have a feeling my quilt is going to have a lot of “character”.
Have any of you tried free motion quilting ? Any tips to learn the skill or do you have favorite instructor? I love hearing from my readers and would love to hear any tips.
Happy Sewing,
Valerie
The Saturday Seamstress 