How I prepared my quilts for quilting on the Handi Quilter Sweet Sixteen

Hi, I would like to tell you how I prepared my quilts for quilting on my new Sweet Sixteen sit-down system. First I went to Joann's and purchased several clearance fabrics.  Then I pre-washed them following the instructions on the Leah Day website,  http://www.daystyledesigns.com/howtoprewashfabric.htm  
There are those who believe you should prewash all fabrics and those who feel you don't have to prewash.  I have done both and since prewashing using the above method I think I prefer to do this if I can.  The fabrics smell fresh and the starching makes them crisp.

After prewashing I then made several quilt sandwiches using different basting methods.  
1.  I used a hand basting method by Sharon Schamber, her video is on youtube.  
2.  Another method I used was spray basting.
3.  I also used the popular pin basting method. 
As I sew through these quilts I will give my opinions of using these three methods. 

MY HANDI QUILTER...:)

Yesterday was the big day...Richard from Quilter's Cocoon, Riverside came to my home and set up my sit-down quilting machine.  He sat with me and explained everything about the machine in detail.  He had me practice on a quilt sandwich to find my ideal quilting speed.  What great service!  I can see why he  just won the customer service award for the entire area.  


Here's the picture of my new toy...

In anticipation of getting my sweet sixteen I have prepared several projects ready to be quilted.  Do you notice the deep 16" of throat space?  It has lots of lighting, lots of space for quilting.  I'll post again as I use this ....Rose