Friday, April 4, 2014

Look Mom!! No computer!!

Look Mom, no computer! 
Okay!! So, I really hate pictures of myself - which is why I never post them if I don't have to.  But, I feel like I need to post this picture of me with my longarm (don't mind the unkempt studio which is still a work in progress).  Let me tell you why.  I have been sharing my quilting pictures via Facebook, Instagram and this little blog here.  Most of you have been following me from the get go and have been around for a few years,  so you know that I am a free motion quilty kind of girl. I use two tools when I quilt - my marker and my straight ruler, but the quilting is done by me. I control the movements of the machine, hence the phrase - free motion.  
  
Look Mom, no computer! 
I posted this picture on Facebook yesterday and was so thrilled to share with you all what I have been working on - at least a peek of it anyway because it is meant for my Canadian friends who are taking classes from me next week. Anyway, someone mentioned - yet again, probably the tenth time in a week - that "isn't it so nice that computers can do this."  First off - thank you for thinking my quilting is precise enough that my work is compared to that of a computer, I really do appreciate it.  But, don't get me wrong - I want credit for what I do. So, as you can see my in my picture - this is my A-1 longarm with no computer.  The computer would be visible at the top of the machine if I had one.  

Look Mom, no computer! 
In posting this I also want to mention that I have no problem with computerized machines.  In fact, you have to be super talented to be able to design quilting, then program it into your machine and get the correct placement on a quilt.  I think that is wonderful when people choose to go that route and more power to them.  I feel it is quilting art as well.  

Look Mom, no computer! 
I would never use a computerized program or machine and claim that I didn't.  So, I hope these pictures will help with any confusion.  

Also, when I post pictures, I am not looking for words of critics.  I know, that must sound terrible - but my blog and Facebook accounts are not open opinion forums where you can say hurtful things, although I love hearing the positive stuff!  I am a human being after all and I just want to set the record straight.  I am a free motion longarm quilter and I am proud of it!

103 comments:

Josie McRazie said...

I want to say thank you for all your inspiration! My Honeyman just bought me a long arm (I had NEVER used one) and I strive to be HALF the artist you are! You do such amazing work and I love to see what works of art come from that talented mind of yours! (Mine is not computerised either. Just a base model with no bells orwhistles!)

Beth said...

You do amazing work! I'm inspired by you to stretch a little farther in my free motion long arm quilting skills. I'm so sorry that anyone would feel the need to make less of your talents in an effort to make themselves feel better. You did an excellent job of graciously setting the record straight. Well done!

Mom said...

I get comments like this frequently as well. Why is it that people assume when quilting is neat and precise that you couldn't possibly have quilted it? Why is the highest accolade of a quilter to have a computer? FYI - the winners of the computerized wall quilt at AQS Phoenix all quilted their quilts freehanded (they had to enter this category because of having stitch regulators). Keep quilting, and keep them wondering!

Janis said...

You have been blessed with this amazing talent. We all have different styles of quilting, and choices. I love to snoop on your blog and get great inspiration! Thank you !!!

Lisa said...

Tell it like it is!!! You have an incredible talent and we are all blessed to be able to share in it's beauty.

Becky N said...

Judi! You are a wonderfully talented quilter. Your skill surpasses so many! When people say those negative things, just remember; it's a reflection of how they feel about themselves - not YOU. They know they could never have quilted as beautifully without a computer's precision.

Your creativity and skill is to be praised. It's definitely envied. (At least by me!)

Keep up the great work, and thanks for sharing so much of it.

~Diana said...

Never had a doubt, unfortunately, haters gonna hate...

Take your picture! You're beautiful! I make myself (same issue as you) I decided I wanted my daughters to know I was present in their lives, not the invisible person behind the camera!

MGerson said...

I have been following your blog for a little while now. I just want to say that your work is amazing! I could only free motion quilt like that in mg best dreams. Ignore any negative comments - they usually come from unhappy people. Happy quilting!

Queenie Believe said...

Your work is wonderful! Hand guilded free motion quilting rocks!
Regarding critics... There is always, the delete button :)
Keep up the beautiful work.
Have a great day.
Always, Queenie

rose said...

Just have to say kudo's to you for setting the record straight. Love your work and most excited to be taking a class with you next month in Salt Lake City. See ya then....can hardly wait.

Karen - Quilts...etc. said...

you should be credited with your work as you do it free motion without the aide of a computer - my hat is off to you! you do terrific work -- I don't see how it can be fun to program the computer to quilt your quilt - set back and watch it do it's thing - where is the fun in that? But to each their own - I'm a hand quilter by the way so my work is completely different from yours - but I love your stuff too - just totally different than mine.
I too hate to receive criticism on my blog - if people do not have nice things to say - don't say them!

Sarah said...

You are absolutely the best quilter I've ever seen. I did wonder if any of it was computerized. The other thing I wonder is how much I can get my quilting to look like yours without a longarm. Is it possible?

Camille Mendel said...

Judi, you are the most amazing quilt artist I know. I'm blown away by your quilts and aspire to have one of your pieces in my home one day. I have just purchased a longarm machine and plan to use a computer. Your artistry far surpasses anything a computer can do. You go girl. Keep your chin up. Your fans love you!

Melia Mae Quilting said...

Good for you! Your quilting is just amazing. I aspire to one day be as good as you. I don't have a "computerized" long arm quilting machine either. I just did not want something more difficult to use and when they break they cost a lot to fix, so I wanted something like my grandma's old fashioned sewing machine. I agree though ALL forms of quilting are beautiful whether it be by a free motion machine or computer driven. Quilts are just amazing! Especially when you use your God given talents and quilt from the heart!

Unknown said...

You're a beautiful woman with a huge talent for creating beauty in the form of free-motion quilting. I've followed you for several years and am glad to see you speak out! There can never be too much beauty in this world and you contribute to it every day.

Unknown said...

Aw Judy you are cute as a button and I love seeing your amazing talent!!! Just ignore the negative people they probably are so jealous! Gramma Val

weedabble said...

Well said Judi!! I love your quilting, and you are a very talented and gifted quilter...hands down my favourite to watch and see what you are going to quilt next. Your quilting is fun, and innovative and modern, and almost perfect! (haha..that was a dig to all those who think it iso computerized)
I am always amazed when people feel the need to point out negatives, or that "it is not my style"...who care? keep your negativity and opinions to yourself...I feel just like you...if you can't be nice, and say something positive and supportive...then be quiet...it is just mean and hurtful to say anything else.
Keep up the great work...keep posting...keep inspiring those of us who want to be able to quilt half as good as you!!! :)

Unknown said...

votre travail est excellent et beau et a parcourir votre blog c'est un vrai bonheur et une source d inspiration ..
continuez a nous enchanter

marie claude

Gunilla said...

You do such a wonderful work!
Regards,
Gunilla in Sweden

Sarah Craig said...

Amazing quilting, as always! I think it's so much fun to do my own FMQ, and don't like to use pantos - and can't imagine using a computer! Your videos have given me the courage to try things I wouldn't have thought possible before - thanks for sharing so much with us!!

Nancie Anne Quilts said...

You have it almost right...you are a Longarm Quilting Artiste...and an inspiration! And a darn cute one too...says the Mother of three daughters!

Linda Cates said...

You are the Best, Judi. Beautiful inside and out. I don't know you, but I've followed you since I've been quilting for about 3 years. Sharing your God given talent has inspired me in ways I never thought possible. Thank you for your post and for encouraging quality work that is beautiful, thoughtful and meaningful. I don't want to be a quilter who mass produces quilts. I want them to be special and I thank you for inspiring that in me from afar.

Helen L said...

I have two things to say to you: You are a beautiful woman. Allow more pics to be taken of you!! Now that I am 55, I look back on my pics of my 20's and 30's and think,"I wish I looked like that now!", so enjoy yourself, and if you don't think you are pretty, start telling yourself "I'm a beautiful woman, a beautiful wife, a beautiful mother." Enjoy your looks, cause in 40 years you'll regret NOT enjoying them while you had them!! :-) And your quilting is just amazing: you are one of the most talented machine quilters that I've ever seen, and I've been to PIQF (many times), Road to California, and many local shows. You do a wonderful job and are definitely a great ARTIST!!! In my opinion you are a star in the quilt world, and I'd be awe-struck to meet you sometime!! Have a wonderful weekend!!! Hugs, H in Healdsburg

Helen L said...

I have two things to say to you: You are a beautiful woman. Allow more pics to be taken of you!! Now that I am 55, I look back on my pics of my 20's and 30's and think,"I wish I looked like that now!", so enjoy yourself, and if you don't think you are pretty, start telling yourself "I'm a beautiful woman, a beautiful wife, a beautiful mother." Enjoy your looks, cause in 40 years you'll regret NOT enjoying them while you had them!! :-) And your quilting is just amazing: you are one of the most talented machine quilters that I've ever seen, and I've been to PIQF (many times), Road to California, and many local shows. You do a wonderful job and are definitely a great ARTIST!!! In my opinion you are a star in the quilt world, and I'd be awe-struck to meet you sometime!! Have a wonderful weekend!!! Hugs, H in Healdsburg

Nonnie said...

YOUR quilting is an inspiration especially to OLDSTERS that just want to do half as good. I see such a fresh and stimulating designs. I love seeing what you do so I can strive to emulate your lovely designs.... NONNIE

Karen said...

I've been a follower/huge fan of yours for several years. I feel so bad that you get negative comments. Just know that there are so many of us that may not comment but always stand in awe of what you create. God has given you a talent that not many will ever possess. Please continue to share, we all benefit from it - even if we (I) will never be able to come close to achieving it.

Karen said...

I've been a follower/huge fan of yours for several years. I feel so bad that you get negative comments. Just know that there are so many of us that may not comment but always stand in awe of what you create. God has given you a talent that not many will ever possess. Please continue to share, we all benefit from it - even if we (I) will never be able to come close to achieving it.

Hannah S. said...

Well said!

Anonymous said...

Beautiful work!!! The best --all using your own creativity!!!

Michelle Jensen said...

Well wonderfully put!! I love that you make a point to let people know that you are quilting this on your own which is a great inspiration to us all that don't have computers on our long-armers and want to be as fabulous as you are!! So thank you so so much :) I love how straight forward you are about all of this and the pics are GREAT!!! You look so cute.. um beautiful actually ;) Congrats on all your accomplishments and talent you have sharpened. Thank you for always sharing. I am up here in Tooele further north from where you are and I am a new long-armer. I have had mine for about a year. I was thinking about taking a class from you at the HMQS. I first have no idea if they are full or even what you are teaching but the thought just crossed my mind today. Do you know what you would suggest for myself. I am probably intermediate as far as skill level goes. I just want to work on things as always. I run a small business out of my home for quilting and I am a pattern designer too so I have my time split between the two but I definitely want to grow as a quilter for my business as well as for personal too. Thanks for your help! Michelle :)

Pieces of Cotton said...

I've been following your blog for about 6 months now and just love seeing your quilts. Unfortunately, people feel free to be as negative and hateful as they want with the anonomous nature of the internet. I think you're best bet is to just delete them. I don't understand. Not once in my life have I felt compelled to write "I do t like your quilt" on someone's blog. What causes them to do that?

Unknown said...

And it's because of great FMQ's like you that have inspired me to buy my first longarm (just waiting for delivery in May) and become a longarm artist (a longartist maybe). I have your book, follow your blog and love what you do. Meh to all those peeps who think you use a computer - those of us who appreciate the real art of FMQ know this is all you.

JoyceT said...

I see lots of comments here about how talented and gifted you are which is abundantly obvious. But I would like to recognize how hard you have worked to get to your level of expertise, too! Love you, girl.

LynnEl Springer said...

Amen! You are who I aspire to be!

Anonymous said...

Thank you for recognizing that we computerized quilters have our own skill sets. Your work is beautiful, and I am awed at the work you do freehand. I do enjoy my computerized work, but I am also working on my freehand. Please keep inspiring all of us. Hugs!

Fiona said...

I love your work... keep it up....
Hugz

Auntie Pami said...

You go girl! We will watch out for you. Hugs!

Lucky Duck Dreams said...

You are awesome! I have followed you for years! If someone on instagram is negative to you again, selecton their name, then click on the box with arrow in the right corner and block them. I do it all the time for the unsavory followers. Its your social media world and you dont have to put up with it. You can also block on facebook.

Anonymous said...

You are my goddess of longarm quilting. I am a beginner and have a sit down mid arm and can only hope with practice that I may achieve some level of talent. It is funny since I am considering transitioning to a full long arm machine and was wondering what kind you had. I am looking at several ones closely. So thank you for sharing. And by the way, I don't believe I've ever seen your level of intricate detail in a computerized pattern. Never.. Your work is Beautiful as always.

Debbie
"Want-a-be Green Fairy Quilter" some day lol

Janet Ann said...

Your work is AMAZING! That's it … just amazing!!

LisaT said...

I've been a huge fan of your work for a while now and I totally get why someone would think it was computerized and I totally get why you would hate that! Your work is stellar and I am so grateful that you share it freely!

paulette said...


Your working is incredible!! I sure wish people would think that my FMQ was computerized...instead of the mess that it is!! haha...BUT I am getting better all the time...and that's all that matters!! Maybe some day I will be half the artist that you are! So ignore those negative comments...they are just jealous of the amazing work that you do!!! And keep those pics coming...you are one gorgeous mama...and an inspiration to us all!!
P

CJ said...

Judi, I find when people get things wrong they need to be educated. Your words were well said and you educated them in a very nice way. We are always being taught by others and you certainly have an advantage over many longarmers. You have put your time into it and trained, trained, trained. Your work is stunning. If the quilting is too dense for some,than they are on the wrong site. I only found your site the beginning of this year and I am so impressed by your talent. You're a positive and, beautiful young lady that I admire. cj2sew

Afton Warrick said...

It's understandable why some folks think an actual human wouldn't be capable of doing what you do. You're unnaturally good. There can only be one explanation--you are a human implanted with a quilting computer brain! Ha, I figured it out, and disclosed it to the world. Muwah ha ha! Your quilting domination will now be foiled! Humans revolt against this obvious imposter. Witness her work! It bears evidence of her electronic implantation. Study her book! Within it are clues are to how to how we can overcome complete take over by this semi-robotic being! Revolt! I say, revolt!

Bev said...

I have admired your work for a while now. Unfortunate there are unfeeling negative people in blog land. You are a beautiful person who does AMAZING fmq. I would be satisfied if I could do an eighth if what you achieve. I just wish you had the time to blog more often.

Jenny said...

You go girl!!!

Unknown said...

Judi, Your work is a piece of art! Its amazing and beautiful! I only wish there was more talented longarm quilters out there! Or at least more that didn't rely completely on computers. We spend countless hrs. creating our quilt tops and only wish a more personal touch could be added when it is quilted.We pay a fair price to have our quilts professionally quilted. I only wish you were located near me!

Debbie said...

The nay Sayers are the wanna be's. Your quilting is an inspiration to us all. We are blessed that you share with us. Ignore the ignorant, there are plenty of us that know your work for what it is and the hard work and pride you apply.......just like us all.

Baa. xxx said...

We love your quilting - we subscribe to see what wonderful work you are doing and we think you ROCK!!! You do such amazing stuff and we just drool over how pretty it all is - well Baa drools - he's a sheep . We sigh ah......!!!!

supersara20 said...

I showed my mom one of your you tube videos when trying to explain the quilting process, she was amazed and has since given me "the talk" you get when your parents get older... the when I die I want you to get a quilting machine so you can learn to do it like the you tube lady. (sorry thats what you go by for her!)Sorry that people are so rotten at times, they stink!

Cindy said...

Way to stand up for yourself! i would have just felt hurt and never said anything. Good for you!

Barbara M. said...

Judi, after those bad comments, made only to put doubt in others and make you feel inadequate, I would you confirm my absolute admiration for your job and make you smile, maybe with a translator, with an italian phrase that explain perfectly, the feeling of that people who can decide to avoid to comment instead of saying something bad and go ahead far away... Be proud of you and your talent. Enjoy! <3
' La volpe che non arriva all'uva dice che è acerba'

*Cornelia* said...

omg people can be so rude unbelieveable, if they dont like it they should stop looking,
Im always in love when I see your pics on your blog or instagram, such a joy to look at them and all those tiny wonderful details, you are just incredible amazing
dont let them bring you down.
Greetings

Unknown said...

When I first saw your work, it took my breath away. It looks so fresh and modern while absolutely suiting traditional quilt patterns. I don't have a longarm but as soon as I saw that you had written a book, I bought it and was reading it last night, totaaly inspired to try these patterns out myself. You are very generous to share youe method of working to make it accessible to all of us. I can see that you really believe that here is enough for everyone but there are many who don't and who feel threatened by the unfamiliar instead of embracing all. Someone as beautiful, and talented, and clearly very intelligent, as you doesn't need to be upset by them. Just ask for their angel to wrap them in the love and security they desperately need. With respect, it is just another small instance of forgive them for they know not what they do. You are much loved.

Samiya said...

I went to a quilting show and tried out a long arm machine similar to yours. Believe me I was rubbish! Omg, it takes skill and creativity to do what you do. You inspire me, I'd love to be a good as you one day!

Diane said...

I am always inspired by your work. What surprised me was how young you are! That only means you'll just keep coming up with more and more beautiful inspirations! Thank you for sharing what you do. You are truly talented!

quilting/fitness said...

you do beautiful work and don't worry about what others think or say unless its good lol
I cant wait to start my fractured diamond this week and see what you think thanks for your help
Diana young

9patchnurse said...

Beautiful! Just fantastically beautiful!! Keep sharing.

Kelly Cline said...

Well said! I am a longarmer WITH a computer, but I love free motion. I always let people know what I have done on their quilt and also let them tell me which they prefer. I am equipped to do either and like you, see goodness in both. Why folks need to be negative is beyond me. I am sad for THEM!

Michele said...

Yeah for you for setting those critics straight.

Unknown said...

You are an inspiration I'm new to quilting,
I read your blog daily and hoping to be half as good as you I have a quilt top ready purely to try out some of your designs from your book quilting wide open spaces. Keep doing what you are doing and ignore the rest.

kansaswx said...

The internet is a strange thing. It not only makes people say critical things ........it also makes you care what people you don't know, won't ever meet and certainly won't ever care about think of you. Just take what you need and leave the rest. And sometimes "the rest" is nothing.

I saw you work at the 2013 Road to California and it is beyond gorgeous.

kansaswx said...

The internet is a strange thing. It not only makes people say critical things ........it also makes you care what people you don't know, won't ever meet and certainly won't ever care about think of you. Just take what you need and leave the rest. And sometimes "the rest" is nothing.

I saw you work at the 2013 Road to California and it is beyond gorgeous.

Gladys said...

You do amazing and wonderful work! I admire you so much! You are my inspiration! You did that after seeing photos of their work, I really want to learn FM! I still have a long way to go, but I already gave the first step! Please, keep sharing and inspiring! Thank you for being you so sincere and show their real work! Everything you do is wonderful!

Unknown said...

Computers are boring. Takes the fun out of free motion;)

Anonymous said...

It disappoints me someone would post negative comments,but then you are an artist using a longarm as your medium and there are always 'art critics' who you cannot please. I use a computer guy did system and it is quite obvious to me you are a free motion artist. What your art does for me, is to inspire me to practice my freemotion so I can combine computer with free motion. you are an incredibly talented woman!thank you for sharing your awesome work!

Leah said...

I love you quilting, I know it's you and not a machine. Very impressed with it.

Anonymous said...

Interesting to read comments to your post. I love that you have so much talent hand guiding and good sturdy back. Custom quilting is ALOT of work both hand guided and computerized as I speak from experience of both. Hit your delete button...it's jealousy those comments! I applaud you!

Karen, aka Yaya said...

I love your quilting! You do such awesome quilting and it's so inspiring-encourages me to try to do more designs than I do at present on my domestic machine. I never thought it was computerized quilting and can't believe others would make that statement.

I recently quilted a very large over-sized queen quilt on a friend's mid arm. It took me quite a while to figure out how to follow a pattern with a lazer with some consistency. I am in awe of you and other quilters who can do such beautifulfree motion quilting!!

Rebecca Grace said...

OH MY GOSH!! I can't believe anyone would say mean things about your quilting ANYWHERE, let alone on your blog or Facebook page! You know, I was once at a quilt show, admiring the most amazing completely hand-quilted quilt with teeny, tiny micro stitches that were even and perfectly spaced. It was an absolute masterpiece, and I felt blessed to be able to see it up close like that. Then two women strolled by, looked at the same quilt, and started making disparaging remarks about the quiltmaker, things like "That's just ridiculous, who does she think she is to make the stitches that small? She must think she's better than everyone else." Seriously! I was so shocked I couldn't even speak. Which I'm telling you because it's not just master longarm quilters who get negative feedback from people who are jealous or feel inadequate, I think it's an ugly component in our culture today that looks down on ANY woman who works really hard and strives to achieve the best they can do, and unfortunately it's mostly women putting down other women for reaching for the stars. When a man creates something amazing, he gets nothing but praise, but when a woman creates something amazing, she gets "who does she think she is?" and "she must have used a computer!"

Judy said...

My sister gave me a longarm and it has no computer. Thank you for showing me that I don't need it, that I CAN learn! You are AWESOME!!!!

mharpole said...

I think you are awesome!

Judy1522 said...

I have yet to see a quilt of yours that I have not absolutely loved. You have such a talent. I don't know what it is in people tht makes them so negative it really seems to be like an epidemic sometimes. Just know that there are many of us that have not one thing negative to say about your quilts. They are gorgeous!!!

Lynette said...

Hi, Judi! You know I adore your quilting, but I had to stop in and say:

Lady, you are cute as button! You should not feel self-conscious about pictures of you. Let the world see your pretty smile. :D

diane said...

Judi, you are an amazing quilter and I am always inspired by your talented work! What a compliment to hear someone thinks your work is awesome enough to be mistaken for a computer ...but shame on them if they're accusing you of misrepresenting yourself!

Kathleen said...

You do lovely work. It always reminds me of beautiful antique ceiling tiles.

kitty said...

Dear Judi, unfortunately we all have to confront sometimes persons who will try to play down or even ridicule our talents, because in doing so they don't have to acknowledge their own (in the best-case scenario) mediocrity. Most of the time their "criticism" hurts or even affects our accomplishments, although we may recognize where it comes from. If you did feel bad after that hurtful criticism, I'm sure you must feel much better because of all the wonderful comments before mine!! You are an amazingly talented quilting artist and your work inspires lots of quilters all over the world!
Thank you from the Netherlands! (a country where mediocrity has become sort of a national virtue)

Anonymous said...

As always your work is flawless, artistic and beautiful and I would never even get the thought that it's computerized.

When I dream of a LA for myself, very early on I decided that a computer driven one is not for me. I want to feel the rhythm, learn the swoops and swirls and just enjoy the creativity of it all. As things look now, I have to continue dreaming ;)

Maggie said...

Dear Judi

You inspire me. My hubby bought me a Bernina Quilters Edition 2000, way back then to make it easier for me to quilt my quilts. At the time the walkingfoot was too expensive. So I never got it, it also do not have a stitch regulator. In 2008 I finally decided to take the plunge, jump in at the deep end, relax, drop the feed dog on my machine and start to free motion my quilts. I spoke to a friend, who makes award winning quilts, she told me "Quilt the borders first", I was, okay?, if she can do it, so can I. Not only did I quilt 13 quilt tops in less than two months, I discovered, I could do it, without any fear. No quilting in the ditch. It is liberating to know it can be done. I aspire to quilt as amazing as you do. Thank you!

QuiltingBeetle said...

I used to say I wish I could quilt like that. Now I say I wish to one day have Judi quilt one of my quilts for me. You have amazing talent and I love your work! GailS

Wendy said...

Judi, I have been a very long time fan of your blog and even more so of your quilting ... you do absolutely wonderful work and inspire me!! Thank you so much for sharing :)

BetsyE said...

I've followed you for quite a while... and I think your work is beautiful! Amazing to be compared to a computer, I guess... but you do astounding work!!

pennydog said...

Slightly off topic but I would love to now what kind of marker you use please Judi, I have such trouble finding a good one that lasts a decent length of time and I'm scared of the Frixion pens!

Sheshy said...

Well said Judi! I have never understood why people can say things like they do to others who take the time to post for our benefit. I also don't know how anyone can say anything hurtful about you or your work...your work is stunning & I too strive to be half as good as you some day! I am looking forward to taking classes with you next week & am super excited to see a teaser of what we will be doing!! Thank you for being who you are & for sharing what you do so amazingly!!

Cheryl said...

Your work is just wonderful, I follow your blog just for the inspiring pictures!

Teresa Silva said...

I love your work Judi and am in awe of it. I can't believe anyone would think this is computerized work. I know how much hard work goes into this! Thank you for all your inspiration. I love seeing your work.

Jennifer said...

You are such an inspiration to all quilters! I 'felt' for you when I read some of the comments about your quilting being computerized. People think anything computerized is better and that isn't always true. It can be hard to compete with the computers but when you can do it without why not?! You do such beautiful quilting it makes me jealous! LOL. Love your work and keep up the posts!

Patty said...

Props to you for setting some people straight. Your work is beautiful and only a small group of people are as talented as you are. Your work is better than what a computer can do because you fit it to the space and computers aren't always that good. You should be so very proud of your work.

Donna S. said...

The only thing I have to say about your "free motion" is that it is so awesome people can't believe it is done by your hand!! I love it but it makes me realize how untalented I am!! LOL. You have a great talent.

Rose E. Glasses said...

I keep coming back to your blog because you do what talented people should do, you inspire! Joyfully.

1994. That is how old my long arm machine is.... and the year I started to hone my skills,no stitch regulator, no laser pointer,and no computer. I have hardly done pattern quilting.

A notebook doodler as a child, it is a joy to use doodle art on quilts. Lately, I have had a few calls with people asking me if I quilt with a certain type of computerized machine. Those calls do not seem to understand styles of machine quilting.

If I could,I would run three machines. NOT!! With that kind of cash. ;-). But imagine I could have 3 machines: I would own a computer machine for quilting those precise over and over insets. I would keep my freehand longarm machine. She is an old dear friend, we share patina. I feel joy in the rhythm of physical movement...AND wouldn't a smaller quilt frame and machine for those quick baby quilts be nice? AAAH a dream studio! Maybe I should be an octopus? on Roller skates? LOL!

I think, in a competitive quilt show, it is fair to have categories for the hand quilted and home machine/computerized/regulated and unregulated machine way quilts are quilted. A "Fair" is a place where things are judged.

Thank you for sharing and letting me share my thoughts.

Diana said...

Your amazing! Really, truly. I'm always super impressed with EVERYTHING you do. Yeah, for your amazing talent. Don't let their words hurt you too much. Just reflect back on the night you let Shan and I try out your long arm....YOU are the talented one!!!!

Shar said...

I'm proud of you for standing up for yourself! Thank you. I am hoping to meet you at the HMQS show.

Judy in MO said...

You have such a talent and are so generous to allow us to see your work. I'm constantly amazed at your quilting and look forward to your next endeavor. Please keep allowing us to enjoy your work.

Judy in MO

lucysmom said...

Didn't everyone's mom teach them the saying- if you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all.

The quilting is as usual beautiful. I have been quilting using a mid-arm and moving the quilt myself. How hard is it to switch to a long-arm quilt machine? It looks hard to be a larger distance from the quilt itself.

vivian said...

Your beautiful work has always inspired me! You are definitely an artist.
I used to love to free-motion quilt -it was so relaxing and creative. Then I had back surgery and there is no way I can free-motion quilt again. There is a place for computer guided quilting-it allows me to continue to pursue my love of quilting for me and others.

Becca said...

Thank you for frank words and the beautiful work you're sharing. I started out working with my machine's stitch regulator and had to shift to the manual mode once I got comfortable with the machine. I'm still working through keeping my stitches even, but I love the way the machine stitches so much more smoothly than with the stitch regulator.

I had a chance to pick up a long arm with a computer (the QBOT, which isn't fancy, but does drive the machine). I have never been so frustrated except by my beginner tension issues. The computer stitches at a snail's pace compared to a confident free-motion long-arm quilter. I have so little interest in continuing to work with the computer as I believe my own work is so much better and faster. I would rather stitch some of myself into that quilt than just set up the computer and walk away.

Your work is beautiful!

stitchenmylifeaway said...

You are such a inspiration. I'm only 73 and when I growup I want to be like you. You go Girl!!
Shay

Vonna said...

What a professional way to address your cirtic. I must say I am glad when I see quilting such as yours that is so precise and beautiful to know whether it is free-motion or computerized. I can set myself for so much discouragement when trying to do something that is undoable without the assistance of tools whatever they may be. So I appreciate the explanation because I am wanting to learn and it helps to know what tools, if any, are used.

You are a go to blog. Keep up the work.

Vonna

Leigh said...

OMG! You are an amazing quilter! Just a true inspiration. How long have you been quilting?

Unknown said...

I have watched your site in wonder. I only hope that I could get to be half as good as you are.
I do not understand why people think they have to be critical, but you are so right, they need to think about the person at the other end. I adore your work!! And cannot believe anyone would just assume you are using a computerized machine. That is just jealousy talking!! I know I am jealous of the talent in your wonderful hands.

Taller de lino / Linen artisan said...

Such an incredible job!!

unbelievable ART ...I cannot imagine how does it work !
I'm in the prehistory of free motion quilting ...still trying with paper stencil on it and doing my best for a decent work ..Thanks for your inspiration

Unknown said...

Amen Sister! you go...the negative usually does come from those who are jealous. You are an AMAZING QUILTER and a beautiful person (met you at the Phx Show). FABULOUS WORK YOUNG LADY :)

Jan Jones said...

Thank you for the inspiration! I don't have a longarm YET, but love the look you have achieved! Someday...