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.