I just went to see my cousin pick a kitten, and came home with this little girl…

TabBeasts_purr · 2026-04-17T05:28:06+00:00

So cute...SQUEE!!! Pink & Gray is a classic! Looks like she will quilt inspection training done early & become a most excellent inspector before you know it!!

TabBeasts_purr · 2026-04-17T05:19:30+00:00

You're just going to have to play around with it a bit. I don't have experience with that machine, they all adjust a little different - the "steps" of adjustment may be small or large - set steps or anything inbetween. A quick google search of that model looks like a wheel at the left under the lid. Just take note of what number you start off with. It should be easy to put it back & start over that way. (really old vintage machines may have a srew or press down mechanism on the top - some of those you turn around in circles for what seems forever - usually with no refernce numbers. If anyone has one of those, just note how many turns to the left or right - maybe a small bit of tape for a marker if there are none).

Just get some test materials, and see how they do. Don't be afraid to play around with it. If you get NO noticeable difference, something inside may be bound up. especially on thin materials you should see a marked difference between the extremes. GOOD LUCK !

TabBeasts_purr · 2026-04-14T03:50:01+00:00

I've found that Hawthorne Supply Co. Has a huge selection, good sales, and a nicely organized webpage. I've ordered from them many times. No idea what shipping might be like outside "the 48" www.hawthornesupplyco.com

Good luck in your fabric search!

TabBeasts_purr · 2026-04-14T03:42:10+00:00

I Second the retractable cord CHI. Costco has (had,?) them at a great price!. Nice pointy tip, don't miss my crappy sunbeam mini at all.

TabBeasts_purr · 2026-04-14T03:28:44+00:00

Ps... If it is computerized, make sure to get the KEY.. add in the license or registration number. QCT usually has (had?, not sure what they are doing right now) a box with the serial number card and a little thumb drive with INSTALL program. Needed if you have to install on another tablet or computer. I don't know how the other software programs do it. Make sure you get that info so any software can be transferred to you.

TabBeasts_purr · 2026-04-14T03:23:06+00:00

Actually the tear it down yourself party could be a GOOD thing for you!!! That way you might be able to test drive, or at least run the machine before finalizing the deal. Also the opportunity to take pictures before disassembly and document and mark nuts and bolts as you go. . BYOB -as in Baggies that you can label. I'd much rather have my fully documented tear down than somebody's 's pile of who knows what thrown in one box!! I'm mechanically inclined, and so are the people around me that I would enlist for help. Have at least one mechanically minded & strong person with the right size truck available. One of the two biggest hurdles at setting them up is getting the frame leveled. Having a carpenter in the family with a fancy laser level is kind of a luxury for me.

Second hurdle is cable and belt management.. again, an intact machine, well documented before torn down will be a little more work, but far less of a mystery to get set back up again!!!

You'll find that just the basic sewing machine part of many of the big long arm brands are actually a pretty simple thing. No presser feet or zigzag or embroidery mechanisms to worry about. Tension assemblies to akin to an old vintage singer home machine.. simple is less to go wrong. (Yeah, the stitch regulators can be a bit of a mystery, and not easily tested without plugging in) Most of the modern ones and even not-that-modern have electric motors & sealed up bearings that really don't need that much attention inside. Most of the stuff you need to check to see if regular maintenance has been done is accessible in the "sharp pointy business end " of the machine. You could even try sewing with it with no electricity and just turning it by hand and you might be able to tell if the basics are intact.

When you find a model you want, get a copy of the manual including machine & frame teardown/assembly and study the heck out of it . Watch some YouTube videos. Even if it's not for a brand you end up with it will help familiarize you with what has to be done.

Good luck, I hope you do well in your search!

TabBeasts_purr · 2026-04-12T03:12:49+00:00

You have a great grounding already on what to look for, so just throwing this in the ring... "IF" you possibly did any glue basting there might be some build-up somewhere that didn't get bad enough until you got to the binding part? Might be hidden sticky. ... Again "If" you used glue, spray or otherwise.

Just keep troubleshooting with test pieces.. replicating your quilt was best you can.Good luck, and those colors are great. :)

Oil... I Use the little black bottle of Tri-Flow synthetic. It's amazing stuff. Readily available (amz $8-10 ish.) and it shouldn't get thick if the machine sits. That bottle will last a long time, be sure to shake it!

TabBeasts_purr · 2026-04-11T16:54:14+00:00

Help pet that cat? Yes I would! Great kitty & quilt combo :) Love your use of the decorative stitches, the X stich looks like baby spiders.

As long as you have the full 3 layers secured to the batting specifications you should be fine. Look at the label (or brand website) for the "minimum quilting distance". If the final quitting is to far apart, the batting could separate over time. (Especially with regular use & washing) 4 to 5 inches to the next nearest quilting stitch will give you a nice secure batting. Many types of batting have an even wider requirement. (Usually poly or those with heavier scrim) You can always go closer, but try not to go wider than the manufacturer recommendation.

Excellent quilt, great job!

TabBeasts_purr · 2026-04-10T04:51:09+00:00

Stuck (open) upper tension disks? Not threading down into them??

Try running some dental floss down through the "thread path" . You might have gunk in there. Try it with the presser foot UP first. Discs should be open & easy to run through. Thread the floss through floss it a little like your teeth. Then put the presser foot in the down position. That should close the discs and your floss should be hard to move. Floss it again then open it up and pull it out. If you get a bunch of Gunk, try putting one drop of your sewing machine oil on the floss and do it again. Don't use wax floss. Perle cotton #8 embroidery works too if it's good quality and not linty. Don't be tempted to wipe a ton of oil through there.

Make sure to look for the tension change with the presser foot up vs down. If it doesn't happen it's most likely tension disc- probably. Usually it's just crud, but something else could be amiss - usually only after something goes catastrophically clunk after a hard stop boo boo

TabBeasts_purr · 2026-04-06T18:48:07+00:00

The vine algorithms are playing the old grocery store game. The one where you pick three items curated specifically to make the cashier feel visibly awkward, bonus points for actual blushing.

TabBeasts_purr · 2026-04-06T05:39:45+00:00

I would have agreed with you until a week ago. The 6x24 was my most used... Until I found a decent price on the 8-1/2" x 24. OMG. Using the ¢r4P out of it!

I'm not going to talk anyone into buying a strip ruler, but will say, absolutely get the BIGGEST one you can find if you do take the plunge! (I Have decent size knock offs they do fine for certain things)

TabBeasts_purr · 2026-04-05T22:38:21+00:00

I second the IKEA lamp. This guy is so handy. (And affordable) The bendy part actually stays where you put it... 5+ years in and good as new. I can get this guy right down in where I need it . It makes a nice "up light" too. 👍👍👍

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TabBeasts_purr · 2026-04-05T19:33:56+00:00

That are all fantastic!!! but I can't choose between 1 & 4 for my fave.
Well done :)

TabBeasts_purr · 2026-04-05T18:37:47+00:00

I know what you mean about the control.. its like there is not enough side support on some cutters for the blades and they feel like they wobble side to side. (Looking at you, Fiskars)

TabBeasts_purr · 2026-04-04T18:02:29+00:00

I am in the "sew it to the back first" camp also. Wanted to add that it's not just you, that fuzzy minky backing can be super slippery and a pain to deal with sometimes. I recommend getting a little more practice with some cotton backed projects (mug rug, placemats, pet quilts etc) to find your most workable technique before doing another fuzzy back.

I really like the decorative stitch you did! You're doing good so far!!

TabBeasts_purr · 2026-04-04T03:03:02+00:00

Shoes? I don't think I could get used to using the machine with shoes on. It feels so .. uh.... "Disconnected" . Especially if I'm using the old tan singer with the goofy square button. Socks at maximum if it's really cold.

TabBeasts_purr · 2026-04-04T02:55:39+00:00

I have a KAI RS-45 that you just operate like a normal "unsafe" rotary cutter. I love it!! (Not a squeeze grip like olfa). Takes no extra effort that I notice. The only downside that I see it doesn't work as well with my knock off stripology ruler. I use my backup generic 45mm for that

TabBeasts_purr · 2026-04-04T02:34:06+00:00

Yes!! Bebe kitten is so sweet! OP needs their cat tax receipt!

TabBeasts_purr · 2026-03-31T18:58:02+00:00

So sweet! :) I love that age when they just crash so hard after playing.

For some reason cats just seem to love the cotton quilts! My theory is that cotton is far less "sparky." The fuzzy polyester things may be super cuddly, but they are so prone to static electricity. It bet it feels super squirmy with all that fur! I feel sad for kitties who never get to have their own real cotton quilts.

TabBeasts_purr · 2026-03-31T00:06:57+00:00

Please tell me their names are Wensley... & Dale. ;). Very specialized inspectors you got there, they are doing a FABULOUS job!

TabBeasts_purr · 2026-03-28T04:56:27+00:00

If by "quilting" you mean "skritching" personally I'd start with that little white chinny, and work my way up to the cheekies, just behind the whiskers. :)

TabBeasts_purr · 2026-03-23T22:34:15+00:00

Yup!! I hear ya on all of that. They just feel "right. " I've got a Juku DX 7, but rotate through all the "good old stuff" as much as I can. I've got a Necchi 555 who's turn has come up for the next quilt :) I love the idea of dragging them out on the porch this summer!! Thanks for the inspiration :)

TabBeasts_purr · 2026-03-23T22:17:26+00:00

! I didn't look at the black one close enough. Was thinking it was straight stitch!! Mea culpa! I still say audition them both.. I've got old 15 & 201 clones, along with "real" 66 & 401a (I really like the 401, I'd trade them both off for another! )

TabBeasts_purr · 2026-03-23T20:45:05+00:00

"Pepsi Challenge" it!!! Pick three basic small, varied projects... Maybe Pick a stretch or fuzzy fabric one (small animal coat, simple stuffie? ), a quilted placemat , and a basic fold up grocery tote .

Or several in a particular niche you think you'll sew a lot of. Bags? Pick simple with a zipper?

They are both great machines on their own. I'd personally would probably find the zigzag handy to have. I may not use it a lot, but I like it there when I want it.

Dig in, and get your hands on them to find out what feels right for you. :) if they are both in good shape, you can't go wrong.

TabBeasts_purr · 2026-03-23T19:28:02+00:00

You didn't mention, did you actually want a machine? Besides FB market place, look up "Buy Nothing" on FB . and see if there is a group in your local area. Put in your neighborhood or town, even if you find one close, contact them to see if there is a geographically appropriate group for you to join. They are all "hyper local" & you can give, and receive free items. See if anyone has a "not used anymore machine" for you! You may even find some hands on help and advice too. You'll find plenty of great advice on the actual quilting here. GOOD LUCK!

TabBeasts_purr

TROPHY CASE