Hi everyone!
I’m still pumped from our two APQS Road Show events … Tuesday, July 16th in Appleton and Wednesday, July 17th in Elkhorn! Now I know many of you either had scheduling conflicts or don’t live close enough to attend in person. No problem!
First, I want you to know that even though these events highlighted our APQS machines, they also provided lots of quilting information helpful to any quilter, new or experienced, regardless of machine manufacturer preference.
Road Show Recap
The main topics covered were:
- MY favorite things about APQS,
- quilting resources,
- a potential business plan,
- APQS machines,
- the APQS warranty,
- APQS setup and initial training, and
- APQS pricing.
MY favorite things about APQS
Two things stand out for me when asked what I like best about the APQS quilting systems: their stitch regulation and their longarm frames.
First, APQS stitch regulation is top of the line. Not only does the stitch regulation adapt to your quilting speed, resulting in a consistent, even stitch length, but it also allows for clean direction changes and balanced tension.
Second, if you want a heavy duty longarm frame, APQS is number one. The Deluxe Bliss frame is made in one solid piece. Available extras on this frame include motorized fabric advance, overhead lighting and a hydraulic lift or casters.
The Standard Bliss frame uses separate leg and arm systems that are securely bolted together.
Both the Deluxe Bliss and Standard Bliss frames are built using the same track system of steel ball bearings that provide a ‘smooth as glass’ glide for your longarm machine.
Quilting resources
This part was so much fun! I loved all the sharing!
APQS has put together a whole list of resources for quilters! Click here to access their information on recommended sources for batting, fabric, pantographs and other patterns, thread, other quilting accessories, trade shows or trade publications and associations!
There’s A LOT of information but here are some highlights.
Batting: APQS lists seven batting suppliers. Our Road Show attendees favored Hobbs, Pellon, Quilters Dream and The Warm Company.
In the shop, we use another supplier, American Fiber Products.
We offer periodic truck load sales of their batting. BUT WE NOW HAVE SOME IN STOCK! You must be local to participate as you need to pick up the batting from either of our shop locations. Just order online, and we’ll call to schedule pickup.
Oh, and we had a quick lesson on loading your batting correctly! Always load your batting with the same side up that the needles punched through when it was processed. (Think dimple side up and pimple/knobbed side down.) If there’s a scrim, it goes down against your quilt back.
Fabric Companies: A list of several companies.
If you’ve never checked out Sew Batik, do so. Fun fact … I used to work for this company! Bruce Magidson, who owns the company with his wife Diane, designs all the stamped batik patterns. They also offer hand dyed fabric and 115” extra wide 100% cotton batik backing.
Pantographs and Patterns: A list of several possible sources for your quilting designs! You’ll see that some of the companies listed provide more than just pantograph patterns.
Thread Companies and Suppliers: My opening tip … make sure the thread you choose is designed for longarm quilting. Thread for micro quilting is the thinnest at 100 weight. More commonly used lines include Omni, Glide, Magnifico and Fantastico at 40 weight.
My favorite company from this list is Superior Threads. Our ‘go to’ in the shop is their So Fine line of 50 weight thread. So Fine is available in an extensive range of colors and is lint free. We love it!
Other Accessories: A mixed list of vendors.
- Bold Notion Quilting provides various products, services and classes.
- Machine Quilters Business Manager Software provides a ‘quick books’ equivalent for longarm quilters running a business.
- Long Arm Clips, Leader Grips & Quick Zip Systems cover a variety of ways to attach your quilts to your longarm’s leaders. My favorite, of course, is the Quick Zip System™ created by my mom, Sue Schmieden! It’s sold across the country as well as internationally. Zippers rock!
- Quilted Joy Rulers provides not only quilting rulers but also various products, services and classes.
Machine Quilting Trade Shows: A list of the national/international quilt shows.
Visit the Houston Quilt Show if you get the opportunity! This is the largest of the quilt shows, and they feature a different theme each year. (Quilts Inc. Festival)
I also recommend visiting The Great Wisconsin Quilt Show in Madison. This year’s show will be held Thursday, September 5th through Friday, September 7th. See you there!
Trade Publications and Associations: Valuable online resource information.
A potential business plan
Are you thinking about starting a longarm quilting business? APQS provides several resources.
Basic steps include researching your local area to find out how busy professional quilters are, creating a quilting business plan, describing the services you plan to offer and performing a market analysis.
You’ll also want to calculate your return on investment, or how long it will take you to recoup the cost of your longarm system.
Click here for more details and to request a free Sample Business Plan.
APQS machines
APQS offers seven machines: Millie 30, Millie (26” throat), Freddie (26” throat), Lucey (26” throat), Lenni (22” throat), Larry (18” throat) and Ellie (18” throat).
Millie 30, Millie and Freddie come on the Deluxe Bliss frame system. Lucey can be upgraded to this frame. The Deluxe Bliss frame comes in 8’, 10’, 12’ and 14’ lengths.
Lucey and Lenni come on the Standard Bliss frame. This frame comes in 8’, 10’ and 12’ lengths. Larry can be upgraded to the Bliss track system.
Ellie comes on the 5’ Halo hoop frame, providing an option for quilters with limited floor space.
Except for Ellie, all APQS machines can be upgraded to include the Quilt Path computerized quilting system.
See our website for more details on the APQS longarm quilting machines. Also check out the “Learn all about the APQS Longarm Quilting machines!” YouTube in Angie’s Answers.
The APQS warranty
The APQS warranty is lifetime excluding wear and tear items.
APQS setup and initial training
When you order a longarm from APQS, they ship directly to you. You then have the option of having The Quilting Connection complete the setup of your system, test everything, and review the basic operation of your longarm with you.
You are also invited to participate in a free beginner class at one of our shop locations. When you attend this class, you’ll receive the APQS manual including instructions for machine operation, troubleshooting information and more.
APQS pricing
APQS has announced that they will be raising prices on August 1st. (Expect an increase of about 5%.)
However, APQS is also offering a fantastic July special! Through the 31st, you can receive a free Deluxe Bliss frame and the APQS Quilt Glide System with the purchase of a Millie 30, Millie or Freddie longarm system. That’s a $9,500 value!
Okay, Road Show highlights complete! Please reach out with any questions!
But I’ve got so much more to share! We’ve just added some in-person classes to our August calendar … classes that host a Handi Quilter van of six Amara Pro-Stitcher machines in addition to our shop machines!
Advanced Free-Motion Class with Wendy Fuller
August 21st – Appleton
Wendy has been offering a three class free-motion/ruler series in both Appleton and Elkhorn for months now. These classes are immensely popular and always sell out. Well, we’re going to offer a follow-up class!
This class will build on the amazing concepts and ideas Wendy has shared in her original classes. She wants to cover how to combine designs, do placements into blocks and so much more that she hasn’t had time to cover in previous classes.
Like all of Wendy’s classes, this will be hands on! We’ll supply all the needed materials and lunch. You’ll get to take your class sample home with you after class. Click for details!
Basic Pro-Stitcher with Angie Dugan
August 28th – Elkhorn
This class is designed for quilters who are thinking about adding Pro-Stitcher to their current Handi Quilter longarm. Come learn about this powerful computerized quilting system!
SPECIAL BONUS: If you purchase Pro-Stitcher at this event, we’ll apply the cost of this class towards your purchase. Click for details!
Advanced Pro-Stitcher with Angie Dugan
This class is designed for quilters who currently own the Pro-Stitcher and have already taken the basic level class. We’ll focus more on custom quilting … with plenty of hands-on machine time! Click for details!
Longarm Bootcamp
These two-day bootcamps are designed for quilters who don’t currently own a longarm but want to learn all about the amazing Handi Quilter machines!
Your first morning covers an introduction to longarm quilting basics. That afternoon you’ll explore free-motion quilting. Day 2 starts with learning about longarming with rulers. And the afternoon culminates with experiencing Pro-Stitcher computerized quilting!
SPECIAL BONUS: If you purchase a Handi Quilter longarm or Pro-Stitcher at this event, we’ll apply the cost of this class towards your purchase. Click for details!
Upcoming Events
And if that’s not enough, we have a couple more special events on our August calendar!
Saturday, August 10th / Sunday, August 11th
Darting Needles Quilt Show, Appleton, WI
Fox Valley Lutheran High School, 5300 N. Meade Street
Saturday 10 AM – 4 PM / Sunday 10 AM – 3 PM
Admission $8.00 / day (children 16 and under free)
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Saturday, August 10th
Lutherdale Quilt Auction, Elkhorn, WI
9 AM – 3 PM
We are having our floor model summer blowout sale! Click here for the current inventory.
Capri on Insight $4,995 - 2 left
Amara ST $6,995
Moxie (15) with Pro Lite $8,490
Moxie XL (18) with Pro Lite $10,990
Amara 24 with Pro-Stitcher $22,090
Infinity with Pro-Stitcher $26,490
Lot’s going on!
As always, if you have ANY questions or want additional information about ANY of the products and services we offer, please call us at (262) 723-6775 or email us at info@QuiltingConnection.com.
You can also visit us online at QuiltingConnection.com or in person at 21 Adams Street in Elkhorn, WI (usually M-F 9-4, please call to confirm we’re open) or 1017 W. Northland in Appleton, WI (W, Th & F 10-4, S 10-3).
Finally, check out our blog at QuiltingConnection.com/blog and our Facebook posts.
Please share your thoughts and questions. I’d love to hear from you!
Angie