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Member since 5/30/13
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Posted on: 5/31/14 6:28 AM ET
The recent question about what kind of machine used for FMQ got me thinking...

I have a Brother Dreamweaver XE that I use for FMQ (among other things). My current FMQ set-up involves my machine with extension table sitting on a fairly large table. It works pretty well for me, but it does seem like that with the extension table attached, the machine feels a bit too far in front of me.

I'm pondering removing the extension table and turning the machine 45 degrees, so the head of the machine is facing me, to get it a little closer. Other than making the screen a good reach, which isn't really a huge problem because it's pretty much just set it and forget it for FMQ, having to have the bulk of the quilt on my lap most of the time, and less supported space by the needle, would there be any other problems?

I'm not thinking it would not stress the machine since the feed dogs are down.

Any reason I shouldn't give this a try?

Aw heck, I'm going to go up and give it a try. I'll report in.
  
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Posted on: 5/31/14 7:09 AM ET
OK, tried a couple of different things, first removed the extension table and just scooted the machine closer to me. Much better, seems I don't need the extension table for support as much as I thought.

Then turned machine sideways, got it threaded, funny how awkward something you can do without a thought can be from a different angle. didn't wok so well. The head of the machine is a bit wide to see around.

So, for now, I'm just going to lose the extension table and see how it goes. I'm working the border of a big quilt right now, I may change my mind when I get into quilting the middle of one.
  
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Posted on: 5/31/14 9:26 AM ET
In reply to Addierecoy
You can turn that machine in any direction that works for you. Really. Most go with the default setup but lots of people find their own setup that works best. The only way you could harm your machine is if you tug and pull the quilt around while FMQ.
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Member since 1/29/13
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Posted on: 5/31/14 10:14 AM ET
You know, I've never thought of it before, but I bet turning the machine would work great. You said 45 degrees, but I'm thinking 90 degrees would work fine (and maybe that's what you meant), so it's set up like a sit-down long arm machine. If you quilt from right to left, or left to right, you would have fewer problems trying to force the fabric under the throat. Like you said, the head of the machine may make it more difficult to see around ... but I may have to play with this a little bit myself anyway. :-)
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Brother Stellaire XJ1, 1034D, Pacesetter Cover Stitch 2340CV
Bernina 770QE Kaffe, 570QE, 435, L890QE

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Member since 4/12/05
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Posted on: 5/31/14 12:13 PM ET
Do you have a Supreme Slider that sits on the bed of the machine. It has an opening in it for the needle and works really well. Makes it slide around and really reduces the drag on the fabric and on your body as well.
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Currently working on a boys quilt. Sized 40 x 40 inches. It has chickens, chicken eggs, cows, fish, sea life, afield with water, Dachshunds, mini sailboats, and many colorful other fabrics. The blocks are a 4 x 4 finished size, so many of them are needed.
This my 4th quilt in 7 months.

Bernina 630, Bernina embroidery module, Pfaff 2036, Bernina 1200DA serger, Unique Sewing Cabinet 450L

Gardening info: zone 8 standard map and zone 6 Sunset map
  
Member since 10/27/10
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Posted on: 5/31/14 12:30 PM ET
Most of the sit-down, mid-arm quilting machines (Baby Lock Tiara, HQ Sweet Sixteen) are oriented 90 degrees from the usual dsm position. That is, with the needle in front of the operator, and the machine pillar directly behind that, in line with the needle.
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🌸 Plenty of machines, mostly Berninas 🌸
  
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Posted on: 5/31/14 12:40 PM ET
In reply to Learn To Sew
I don't, but I don't have much trouble moving the quilt. I do use a bit of spray-on wax on my extension table, and that seems to be enough. If I stick with my new configuration, I may have to try one though.

With this machine, the needle just always seems to be a bit far away. I tried different chair heights, and that didn't help much. I just always felt like my arms were extended too much.

Right now, after playing with it for a while, I think I'm going to go without the extension table (adds about 1.5 inches to how far back the machine needs to sit on the table), machine facing traditionally, and see how it goes. I'm liking it better.

But this might not work as well when I'm doing very large designs. I'm working fairly small right now as to design size.
  
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Posted on: 5/31/14 12:42 PM ET
In reply to Skratchie
Yes, I did mean 90. I always do that. I don't know why.
  
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Posted on: 5/31/14 3:53 PM ET
That is the direction it would be sitting if you were using a quilting table with rails that has a platform for the machine to sit on.

The platform moves the machine from left to right as one rail sits inside the harp, or otherwise, to the right of the needle if you were looking at the front of the machine.
-- Edited on 5/31/14 7:38 PM --
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OLD CHINESE PROVERB: I HEAR & I FORGET; I SEE & I REMEMBER; I DO & I UNDERSTAND.
  
Member since 1/7/13
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Posted on: 5/31/14 4:12 PM ET
In reply to Addierecoy
As the feed dogs will be dropped you can turn the machine any way you want because you not using directional feed..45 or 90 degrees would work although with 45 you could still change your settings easily if needed ,you'd still have the machine head close and the sight line would still be good..

Hope it all works out for you .
  
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