Friday 26 July 2013

My New Gracie Frame


About 3 weeks ago my DH announced that he was going to buy me a frame to quilt on -  I've dreamed of owning one for quite a while now so you can imagine my excitement.
I chose the Gracie Queen frame and last weekend we got it put together.


Says in the instructions 2 - 4 hours to construct.  It took us the full four hours.


It wasn't difficult and slowly it started to look like a frame.


Almost done here.  I have a Janome 1600P sitting on the carriage   I used the printed cloth leaders from the Grace company.  The hardest part was putting the cloth leaders into the poles with the little tool they provide.  You have to use some brute force to get the piping in the slot ( holds the leader into the pole) and my hand was aching after doing 3 poles.  It was better by morning though and I'm glad I only have to do that bit once!


I loaded up a plain piece of cotton and off I went.  This is my very first try.  Of course it is so different to move the machine and not the fabric.  I felt as if I had no control but I know this will come with practice.
I've decided to do something everyday.


Day 2 and I'm trying some feathers here.  Back tracking has become difficult so I need to practice.


Day 3  Here I worked some flowers and leaves with a pebbled background.  I didn't mark the fabric for this.


Feeling that I am getting the hang of it now.  I didn't get the Stitch Regulator with my package but have decided I want one.  I have the Sure Stitch but find it a bit off putting if I have to turn the speed up or down when I am mid- flow.



Day 4 and I wanted to do more feathers.  Because I only have a 9" throat space in my machine, I was a bit worried about only having a 6 or 7" space to quilt in ( and this would become less as that space is taken up with rolled up quilt) but it is very easy just to roll the quilt back and forward to fill the space.



I was really pleased these feathers turned out as well as they did but I need to get much better at back tracking.  Of course using a contrasting thread shows everything up but that is good when you are learning.-  you can see your mistakes!


More feathers.


I've almost filled this practice piece and and excited at the thought of loading  a proper quilt in it.  Waiting for my flat headed pins to arrive and then it will be pedal to the metal.
So very happy with my new toy!
Today I'm off to an airshow in Edinburgh.but I'll be back soon with more quilty stuff.
Have a great weekend.
Rhianon.

17 comments:

ipatchandquilt said...

Oh my, these are fabulous! I am in love with those flowers!
Esther
esthersipatchandquilt at yahoo dot com
ipatchandquilt dot wordpress dot com

Erin @ Once Upon a Donkey said...

Gorgeous! I definitely can't see any mistakes. Looks amazing. :)

Donna said...

Amazing! It looks fantastic ... Especially for the first time using your new frame ...

Marjorie's Busy Corner said...

Rhianon; your work is gorgeous!! One couldn't tell it was your first time with this frame. If you can do that beautiful work on a small machine; you have it made here. Great job!!

SisterOfTheDivide said...

Your talent is abundant! Can't believe what amazing work you are doing with a small arm. Incredible! Your husband must be so proud of you.

Nancy Staub said...

BEAUTIFUL!!! You've done an amazing job on your first try!!! Thanks so much for sharing with us. You're such an inspiration - and this is certainly motivating, too!!! LOVE IT!!! <3

The Quazy Quilter said...

And off you go!!!! Doesn't surprise me that you've done so well on your first attempt. You have such great talent! Why the flat head pins, though??? to pin onto the leaders? I use the zippers.....They're SO worth the cost. The pins always stuck not only my hands, but my clothes, too......too many tops with holes in them now!!!!!

The Quazy Quilter said...

And off you go!!!! Doesn't surprise me that you've done so well on your first attempt. You have such great talent! Why the flat head pins, though??? to pin onto the leaders? I use the zippers.....They're SO worth the cost. The pins always stuck not only my hands, but my clothes, too......too many tops with holes in them now!!!!!

Lori S said...

Your transition seems to be going extremely well. Enjoy your new toy!

Mary said...

You are a natural. Beautiful work! Don't you just love freehand quiting? Oh, if we could just do that all day, huh?

Susan Lawson said...

There is definitely a learning curve when switching from domestic to longarm, but it appears you have taken to longarm quilting like a duck to water! Your quilting is gorgeous! (ain't it so much fun!!!) :)

Janine @ Rainbow Hare said...

Your quilting looks fabulous! You're certainly a natural to get the hang of it so fast :)

jan said...

Rhianon these are just beautiful, well done, you have taken to this like a duck to water. Long may you quilt. Love what you are doing. Everything is fabulous.

Sue Jennings said...

Your practice piece is beautiful! How talented you are!

Unknown said...

I am so envious. I hope this will be me soon!

Jan said...

OK - you have inspired me. I have a Gracie frame and a Janome 1600P too. I haven't worked on it almost since I bought them over 6 yrs ago. Time to start! Thanks for the kick in the pants.Love your work.

Queenie Believe said...

You are going to love quilting on a frame. You are doing beautifully, can't wait to see more. Congratulations on the new toy!
Have a great day.
Queenie

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