30 April, 2014

Introducing... Snowbird!

Cue the drumroll...
I asked you what you thought was coming next... if you were one of  those who answered "another longarm"; you're correct! Some of your responses were interesting; but, no, there won't be a merry-go-round, a wood lathe or a piano taking up floor space where Sundance once stood. Yesterday Sundance's successor, Snowbird, arrived; a 2014 APQS Millenium. I smiled when I saw the packaging: "Extreme Excitement Bundled Inside" and "contents may cause excessive hugging, squealing, jumping and fist pumping" were printed on the outside of the carton that contained the head... you won't be surprised to learn that each of those statements held true.
A peek inside that carton found the new baby adorned with a huge, pink bow! Gregory was here for this momentous occasion; he clapped his hands over his mouth when he saw the bow and excitedly whispered "Nana, it's like a birthday". He was right, it was exactly like that, and more... Christmas too!
Here's Snowbird, all set up and ready to go.


The front has a touch screen and new, updated features that will make quilting a breeze.

Among the new features are a bobbin level indicator, thread break sensor and stitch settings that can be customized. Sweet.

First thing this morning I was up and at 'em; I loaded up a practice quilt and worked to dial in the tension and familiarize myself with the settings while thread doodling simple shapes. Snowbird performed beautifully, the Bliss drive system makes each movement smooth and fluid. I was ready and itching to stitch on a "real" quilt though, to take Snowbird for her first quilt run.

My mother pieced this scrappy strip quilt and entrusted me with quilting an all-over pantograph design on it for Snowbird's premiere outing. Easy-peasy lemon squeezy; the stitch quality was perfect. Snowbird sailed through it and was begging for more, no problem; I've got a closetful of quilt tops hanging in a queue and waiting patiently.
Life is Good!

21 comments:

dot said...

Very nice, I will be using my Liberty for many many more years. Enjoy, Snowbird is a beauty.

Nancy Near Philadelphia said...

Congratulations! I still remember your sheepishness when you told me you had bought Sundance . . . .

Paula, the quilter said...

Welcome to Snowbird! You are going to have so much fun, Mrs. G.

Teresa in Music City said...

Congratulations!!! How exciting :) Love the humor over at APQS - of course they probably have witnessed tons of excitement since they've been delivering these wonderful machines!

quiltkeemosabe said...

Looking good! Glad your mother is getting some quilting done on Snowbird while she is visiting. I'm sure it won't be a very steep learning curve

Janet O. said...

What a wonderful new addition to the family! Happy quilting days ahead! : )

Liz said...

Very happy for you! May you have many years of sewing pleasure and sharing your projects with us. hehe. Liz

Mama Spark said...

How exciting!!! I can't wait to come over and play with it!!!

OhQuilter said...

Wow I think you have redefined Quilt in a Day!! Have fun!!

Shakerwood said...

So happy for you! Can't wait to see all the tops finished that are lurking in your closet. Can't wait to see you at your guild show this month!!

Unknown said...

Yay!

Witch Hazel said...

Very cool!

Nane said...

Nice.... Looks like it set up pretty quickly too. Some of the play sets I have looked at for Wase say to expect 12 to 15 hours to set up!

Quiltdivajulie said...

Have fun !!! Love Gregory's comment . . .

jude's page said...

Glad you have another longarm, look forward to seeing more of your creations. But why is it called Snowbird?

Gari in AL said...

Your excitement made me smile.

Little Penpen said...

Congrats!!! Can't wait to see your mom's pretty quilt, when you and Snowbird have finished the masterpiece!

LizA. said...

Excitement is right! I hope you enjoy your new friend.

45th Parallel Quilter said...

Happy and excited for you ... but ... now there are no more excuses for "flimsies" to be hiding in your closet!! LOVE the name, too!

cityquilter grace said...

how exciting and wonderful.....enjoy to the max!

Tanya said...

WOW!!!! I am so envious!!! Love the way the company packaged your new friend.