QuiltBlog

    Some technical topics are very straight forward and objective. Other issues I have handled are influenced by the perception and opinion of the users. One such issue is sewing machine vibration. Any machine that contains moving parts will have some level of vibration that is expected. The question is how much is too much. In this article, I will explain what causes vibration, try to dispel a few myths, and hopefully help you understand how to get a handle on the shakes.

So I can see this topic is important to many of you out there. I have received several messages about my last post on pattern digitizing. So.. I have crafted an answer to one of the questions. Basically the question is this.. if you already use AutoSketch to digitize patterns, is Art 'n Stitch worth your time and effrot to learn - not to mention your $$ to buy it.

So I received several good questions from a contact via the BLOG about digizing in Illustrator. This whole topic is miltu-faceted. So I thought is might be useful to all you to read the questions, and my answers. ;-)

 Steps and considerations in solving technical problems

(As seen in "Machine Quilting Unlimited")

   During the years I have provided technical support to sewing machine operators, there have been many topics that surface when solving problems. These can vary from thread quality to skipping stitches to proper machine lubrication. I spend many hours each week walking people through various troubleshooting areas to come to resolutions - sometimes over the phone and other times in person. I am excited to have the opportunity to reach many sewers and quilters with technical topics.  I plan to cover the nitty gritty details of specific problems for domestic and longarm machines. To begin, I will review a basic lesson, and possibly the most important. It takes patience to overcome any issue. In this article, I want to outline necessary steps to being ready for issues, things to do once a problem arises, and what can be done to maximize learning from the experience.

So got a message asking about troubles with digitizing with Adobe Illustrator. The message referenced my blog entry about that topic.

As apart of my postings here, I thought a glimpse into the many, many technical support issues I handle would be helpful to everyone. Names of course will be changes or ommited to protect the innocent. *wink* So I will post these glimpses with the term "TechCall" in the title. Here we go!

A vocal minority has caused alot of discssion about the topic of pattern encryption for the Statler Stitcher. The question comes down to this, "Is it worth the hassle?" Well... here's the answer and details.

We often learn much from studying what not to do. In the last issue, we covered the aspects of a proper and good stitch. This is powerful when achieving a great looking stitch out of a machine.  This article will cover what can lead to a poor stitch quality. Most issues can be divided into one of three areas; Operator, Material Quality, Sewing Mechanism Fail Points. The following information is set up in the order of frequency. In other words the mostly common problems are listed first, and so on.

If handed a gizmo or gadget and asked for my opinion, my first question would be, “Well, what is it suppose to do?”. Knowing the way something is designed to work is the first step to understanding how to make it work well. This month I decided to give a brief overview of the elements that work together to create a good stitch. The beauty of the sewing machine is that the basics of getting a great stitch are the same for the smallest sewing machines, feature filled embroidery system and longarm quilting machine. This anatomy of a good stitch includes the bottom thread, top thread, stitch mechanism timing and the sewing foot.

Computers eventually become outdated, have components fail, or loose their "POSHness" and we need to replace them. This can happen with the computers connected to the Statler Systems.

Here I am expanding my techie knowledge at Brother international tech training. It’s actually pretty fun to take sewing machines apart and learn all the gory tech details. So bring your sewing and embroidery machines! 

Here are the patterns for the Palace Basics class offered at trade shows and in store at Linda’s Electric Quilters and Rocky Mountain Electric Quilters. Happy Statlering!

I have taught an AutoSketch course and sold many workbooks. I am excited to help many quilters learn to use AutoSketch.  Here is the list of files used in those course, for all you quiltgeeks!

Anyone who knows me, knows of my obsession with Apple computer.  I just happen to also enjoy the Statler Stitcher… along with digitizing stuff on a computer.  I have been perplexed ever since I was introduced to this industry with the lack of Apple and Adobe influence.  After all, those are two BIG names in the creative and artistic worlds.

I have received many requests on how to run a Statler Stitcher using an Apple computer.  Here’s a quick video showing how.  If you have any questions… post to my forum.

Tension is probably the top concern for quilters, since we have to deal with it all the time.  There is no “prefect” setting for all cases.  However, there are guidelines to follow that will get you to a great result.  Here are the factors that effect your stitch quality:

I have been receiving questions from many quilters lately about the Teflon washers called Bobbin Genie. I have also been reading posts on this and other lists about this product.  Many would like to know if this is a good idea.  Well… to answer this, let’s take a look at what goes on in the bobbin, and what the washer does.

I have offered technical support to many, many quilters over the years.  This support has been simple, complex and perplexing. As any good Geek, I like perplexing.  I enjoy the process of taking something a part (both literally and figuratively) to discover the why, who and what of systems around me.  Here’s an example of one such aspect of computerized quilting that can pass  by you with little (if any) notice, or become a huge conundrum and stumbling block.  I call this the “Quilting Uncertainty Principle”.

Well, I’m writing from the Houston Quilt Show.  It has been a great show.  I was worried that with the economy in the tank that many people would opt to stay home this year.  Market seemed to confirm that.  But Festival has really been busy and exciting.

The coolest geek thing for us Statler Stitchers is in the new 1.2 update for Creative Studio. For us Beta testers – none of this new stuff is…well…new.  But I’ll list the key features I’ve been playing with during the show.

You may have noticed that I haven’t been posting to my blog much in the last few months. Why?   Well I have been hard at work developing the new site for TheQuiltingSchool.com.  It is an awesome update!  New features include (but are not limited to):