My New Toy!

I finally realized one more of my professional quilting goals this week. I purchased a long arm quilting machine. Technically it would be called a mid-arm, HQ16 with the new professional studio frame. I bought the 12' table but only set up 8' so it would fit in my studio. Since I mostly do smaller quilts this is a great size for me and will work just fine as I am learning. Of course it meant I had to clean up my studio and get rid of all the junk! That alone made it worth it. I finally parted with stuff I have been hauling around for decades which I really do not need or want. I bet you have a pile or two of that stuff in your house too! :-)
I had to move my book shelves and get rid of my rocking chair and book nook corner in my studio to fit in the frame, but the rug works great to cushion my feet when I am standing at the frame. My studio is long and narrow 24' x 9' so there wasn't room to put it on one of the end walls. This way I can get behind it to use the laser and pantos with the rear handles. I really wish I could get wheels for it so I can move it around as I need to, but my floor is cement (under the vinyl) and not particularly flat!

I am still adjusting the height, and may have to lower it a bit once I get more used to what works for me. Luckily the frame is easy to adjust. I have signed up for some classes and am watching some DVD's a friend lent me. I am also filling up sketch pad pages of squiggles and leaves and feathers while I train my eye and my hand. This really is fun. I find I am really jerky in my movements and have to really practice being smoother. I sure would love to hear your suggestions and advice as I fly along the learning curve! Don't you just love new toys?!?!