The time and skill that go into this type of quilting is ridiculous! I also had no idea that there were multiple types of long arm quilting. I just assumed that all “long arm” quilting was a computer program that you just pressed play, and BOOM! it’s done. Once I realized there was a niche of long arm quilting that I would absolutely adore, I’ve been hooked ever since. (And plus…there’s no more basting with safety pins on your living room floor! You can’t beat that!!!)
The category of quilting that I specialize in is free motion quilting. That means no pantographs, no computer programs…just you and the machine. Your hands and brain putting the thread and needle to work to create something magical that can’t be duplicated.
Ruler work can also be seriously fulfilling, and there’s no limit to the
amount of different designs you can create with straight lines. (collaboration quilt
for Janome)
Free motion quilting on a customer’s quilt (Valerie M.)
Free motion quilting on a customer’s quilt (Sarah J.)
that was donated to a local charity fundraiser.
If you have any preconceived notions about long arm quilting, I would really encourage you to re-think them. All it took was one time for me to know it was something that I would want to do for the rest of my life, and it’s really nice to have a break from piecing your own quilts to see the awesome talents your long arm clients have and the diversity of their work. I never cease to be amazed by the quilts my customers bring me, and dreaming up designs to put into their quilts really challenges you to think outside the box. I’m so glad I’ve started my FMQ long arm journey, and I really relish every moment I spend doing what I love.