Monday, October 02, 2017

Long Arm Quilting Workbook by Teresa Silva

Achievable and Encouraging – Long Arm Quilting Workbook by Teresa Silva
Photos courtesy of F+W Media

My job as the Inspiration Manager for FreeSpirit is to take our beautiful fabric collections and create quilts to inspire shop owners and quilters to fall in love with our fabrics.  Teresa has quilted for me, always with stunning machine quilting which I, as a quilter, aspire to and admire.  So when asked to review her new Long Arm Quilting Workbook, I jumped at the chance.

I have long considered purchasing a long arm machine but always ask, “Can I do this?” “Would I be able to learn how to create the beautiful stitches that make a quilt a work of art – stitches that turns quilt tops into quilts?”

For anyone who shares my thoughts when considering a long arm machine, this book is for you! It is chalk full of everything you need to consider from batting to marking pens and needles to rulers. She delves into thread and endorses polyester and poly-wrapped thread which many have considered taboo. Most importantly, from my perspective, she confirms that your quilts deserve premium, high quality fabrics.

The book is full of techniques including practical considerations in selecting the right machine, whether a mid-arm or a long arm.  Teresa encourages you to shop for a reliable local independent retailer who will teach you how to use your machine and be there to assist with questions and repairs.

Best part, the variety of techniques presented in such detail allows a complete novice to open the book and start playing.  Teresa tells you to practice the techniques on your home sewing machine before you even consider buying a long arm. From whole cloth to pieced quilts, she openly shares what she has learned along the way, encouraging your confidence and making the techniques achievable. 

She sprinkles wonderful tips throughout the book such as doodling in a journal thus teaching yourself to draw and hanging your quilts with hand sewing needles so as not to disrupt the beauty of your work of art.  Her gallery of quilts speaks to her outstanding work and expertise, making this truly a coffee table worthy book. 

FreeSpirit is stop one on this blog tour.  Follow along and hear what others have to say as well.  I am certain they will find this book equally as inspirational. In the meantime, comment on our blog and tell us your long arm aspirations.  We will select one commentator to win a copy of Teresa Silva’s Long Arm Quilting Workbook . . . your long arm quilt dreams will come true with this book!

-Sharon Thornton

Wednesday, October 4, 2017
Thursday, October 5, 2017
Friday, October 6, 2017
Monday, October 9, 2017
Tuesday, October 10, 2017
Wednesday, October 11, 2017
Thursday, October 12, 2017
Friday, October 13, 2017
Monday, October 16, 2017
Tuesday, October 17, 2017
Quilting is My Bliss

A few quils from Teresa's Longarm Quilting Workbook




 
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91 comments:

Mona Phelps said...

I would love to have a long arm machine, but no funds at the moment!

Cecilia said...

I have a long arm that is hand guided and this book would be great to have! Thanks for the chance to win a copy.

Brenda said...

At this time I do not own a long arm. I am really hoping that someday I will be able to own one. First things first - we must get our youngest child through college. She is a senior right now - already accepted to the college of her choice. Basically - hoping in the next 4 years - we can get me one. Would just be way too cool. Thanks.

Babs said...

Such wonderful results from long arm quilting -- I would love to earn more.

Brenda S. said...

I just started longarming earlier this year.. I look forward to the day when I will be as comfortable with my quilting skills as I am with my piecing skills. I know that it will take much practice, because my piecing skills developed over time and hopefully my quilting skills will also develop over time. I must be patient!

Unknown said...

That would be amazing to practice on my newmachine!

quilter said...

I do not have a long arm (yet) but someday!!! Thanks for the information and am looking forward to a great blog hop!
cork@pa.rr.com

scottylover said...

One of these days I hope to own a long arm, but that would include having to move! There isn't a room in my house that is big enough for one, not even one of the sit down options. Until then, I will quilt what I can on my domestic machine and "quilt by check" those I can't!

Sandy A

Linda Williamson said...

Teresa’s talent is amazing. I can only wish to one day be so good. Although I don’t own a long arm as of yet, it’s something I’m working towards. Thanks grinnie1961 at gmail dot com

GranChris said...

This is the book for me. I am not there yet mostly because of money.

Unknown said...

This book looks fantastic! I have a longarm and want to learn as much as I can. I would love to have this book and practice, practice, practice!! Thanks for the opportunity!!

John Scibran said...

I'm just restarting my long arm adventure again. I took in quilts when I had a shop, but that was 6 years ago. Trying to keep up with my techniques, so I can once again quilt for others. The workbook seems like a great way to re-learn what needs to be done.

BodyBalance said...

I'm so excited to get a copy of Teresa's book. My dream is to own my own long arm machine but until then, I'll just have to work with the rental shop's machines here in town.

Nancy @ Grace and Peace Quilting said...

I dreamed of and saved up for a longarm for 13 years. It's finally come true! What a fine book for guidance on modern quilting.

Pam H in Nc said...

I would like to be able to free motion quilt on my long arm.

Unknown said...

I aspire to challenge myself to improve my free motion skills.

Unknown said...

Teresa is such an inspiration - as a long arm quilter I aspire to quilt like her! I love learning from Teresa and would love to read her book! Thanks for the opportunity!

Unknown said...

I recently purchased Teresa's book. I had never done Ribbon Candy. WOW I am hooked. This is a sweet way to decorate sashing. I am looking forward to making my first whole cloth quilt. I have owned my long arm for 5 years and just upgraded it to lightening stitch. It's wonderful, Like a new machine. Fall is upon us and time to spend more time in my "Quilted Dreams Studio"
I also love the blog hop idea. My first blog hop. Our guild is doing a sew along quilt and I am using the new Spirit Animal fat quarter bundle. Wonderful set of fat quarters.

Anne-Marie said...

My goal is to work from the front of the long arm more often.

Afquilt said...

What beautiful quilts! Love the quilting details on each!

Juicewoman said...

My goal for 2018 is to learn free motion longarm quilting. This book would help tremendously. Keeping my fingers crossed.

Dresden Lane said...

I just bought a longarm this summer and it IS intimidating. but I'd been renting one for 7+ years and it was time to do it! I am looking forward to this book and glad there are resources like this out there. LaurieEMatthews at gmail dot com

Kristi said...

I have a longarm. I just need more confidence to step away from pantographs. Really looking forward to seeing what inside the book. Thanks

gail said...

The book looks amazing, I'm fairly new to long arm quilting, have a lenni, just for personal use, but have a lot to learn, and love the inspiration this book provides!
Gail

Jennifer said...

This book looks beautiful! I keep considering getting a long arm or mid arm but then wonder if I can really do it. Maybe this book will help me decide!

Jenny in Florida

Unknown said...

I would love the opportunity to read this book. I am a longarmer and I am always looking for ways to improve my quilting. Teresa's work is outstanding. I want to practice, practice, and practice!

Twisted Stitcher Quilting said...

I agree 100%! Teresa's book is great. I love it.

Elle said...

I aspire to own a mid-arm or long-arm. I love quilting so much, and I just can't fathom how much quilting I would do for charity with one of these machines! In the meantime, I'll keep renting at my local quilt shop and practicing on my domestic!

Unknown said...

Having not tried to do any quilting on my home machine, this book seems like one that will be able to take me by the hand and lead me through the process. It also seems like it will take the 'scary' feel out of it and guide me slowly through what I need to do to be successful as a beginner. I can relate to the practice part of her book. Everything becomes easier with practice. Looking forward to jumping in to try my hand at this beautiful craft.

Patty Sliney said...

Love Teresa's new book, she knocked it out of the park! I took her book with me to a 3-day long arm workshop, and I was able to make a very informed decision on which long arm was right for me. Teresa has also quilted several quilts for me, and has always done a spectacular job. She is my inspiration for being brave enough to jump into the long arm quilting world!

Mary Crowther said...

I long to upgrade to a Real Longarm. I have a Viking 18-8. Love seeing the many quilts that Teresa has done.

Kristina said...

I purchased a long arm earlier this year and would love to have my own copy of Teresa's book! Thanks for the chance to win!

BodyBalance said...

I love Teresa's work and can't wait to buy her book!

BodyBalance said...

I love Teresa's work and can't wait to buy her book.

quilter said...

Sew very pretty!! I would love to win this great book, thanks for the chance to win!
cork@pa.rr.com

Unknown said...

I am going to do a whole cloth quilt in the next 6 months. When I overused this book I agreed with everything you had to say! So excited for you Teresa!!!

Unknown said...

So excited to do a whole cloth quilt in the next 6 months!! I agreed with everything you had to say!

cooper4 said...

I would be so excited to get this book as i've had to learn all my longarming on my own with the help of internet only. I really really want to learn to be a great quilter. I want to learn to do FMQ like so many of you. I want to learn what to quilt on a quilt and do it as great as possible. I would love to win. But I'll be excited for whoever does win. :)

Juleen Jaeger said...

I am one of Teresa's customers and I'm in love with the magic she works on my quilts. I received my book today and I must say that I am impressed. Quilting my own quilts has never been on my list of things to accomplish but I love Teresa's book and who knows if Imight play sometime. It is an amazing book by an amazing young lady.

Cheryl A-S said...

I would like to increase my free motion skills with my long arm "Hazel".

cpentzer said...

I dream of a long arm machine in my workshop upstairs. Until my dream can be fulfilled, I am quilting on a new domestic machine, the first one I have purchased in 44 years. My plans are to perfect my skills as I save for a long arm. Teresa's quilting workbook would help me make the decisions necessary to make my dream come true.

jade2night@gmail.com said...

I hope that one day I will be able to quilt an award winning quilt.

Jeanne S said...

I have a long arm, I am always working to improve my quilting.

Cynthia Allen said...

Even though I have been quilting on a longarm machine for a number of years, I know there is always something to learn. I'd love the chance to have Teresa's new book! Thanks.

Anonymous said...

I purchased my long arm at the beginning of the year and have started quilting for others. My dream/goal is for people to recognize my quilting and know that I was the one who quilted it. I love all the blogs, videos and books available to learn from and be inspired by.

Willow @bearpaw_stitchdesign said...

My longarm aspirations... currently I am researching and comparing longarms...which one will it be??? :) So, in the meantime I enjoy being inspired by other longarm quilters and Teresa is right there at the top of the inspiration list. Wow, does she make her quilts vibrant with her designs!

Rachell said...

Oh wow. I love following Tammy's blog.
I do everything on my domestic Bernina: I love her! But she's all I have! Piecing to Free-Motion Quilting! Right now, I have room for a sit-down machine like a Handiquilter Sweet Sixteen, since that's the method I'm used to with my domestic. Or the Bernina sit-down longarm. If I could have a stand-up, I'd get a Handiquilter Simply Sixteen, because it would still fit my space and budget. But of course, I can dream big too, so I'd love a Handiquilter Avante or the APQS sit down George or their standup like Lenny or Millie. Someday! But that doesn't stop me from getting books or taking classes like Craftsy to help me keep learning and practicing!
reillyr2(at)hotmail(for)com

Unknown said...

I hope to quilt a whole cloth quilt in the next 6 months. Excited about this quilting book

Kally m said...

I am looking for new quilting motifs. Looks like a great book.

Kally m said...

I am looking for new quilting motifs. Looks like a great book.

Unknown said...

A goal of mine is to have a long arm sitting in a dedicated sewing room, radio playing, and lots of light.

Doddlebugquilting said...

Loving the Longarm Quilting Workbook

ledamewood said...

Aspirations? Oh, I'd love to own a long arm, but I don't think it is in the cards for me. However, I do plan to rent some time on a long arm this year.

Unknown said...

This book is a great addition for any collection!

Anita Jackson @ Domestic Felicity said...

My day dreaming about and for long-arm quilting is to be able to take a couple of classes and learn another step in my works of art~ My husband is so anxious to buy one for me so I Just Have to Find the Room in our Home!

momto1 said...

Teresa's quilting is just amazing, and I know there are a lot of us who wish we were as talented as she is. This book is definitely on my to-buy list!

Carole S.

Debbie said...

I would love to read and learn with Teresa's book. My longarm quilting is rudimentary but so is my setup my hubby put together for me.
Many thanks for this opportunity for someone.

tammik said...

Teresa's design & quilting are wonderful, I follow her on IG. I currently am learning on my domestic and hope to get a mid arm soon, unfortunately no room presently for a long arm. Looks like much of her information can be used regardless of the size of your machine!

kathiquilts said...

totally intimidated by long arm quilting but also so inspired

Jasmine said...

I quilt on my mom's Longarm and on my sit down machine. I hope to quilt as good on the Longarm as I can while sitting down.

tac73 said...

The quilting is amazing! So excited to see this book.

ferne said...

My first aspiration is to find a space big enough to own a long arm and then the money to buy it...though credit is an option! I am always rearranging things in my mind to find a way to make it work and no doubt I someday will. Meanwhile I practice quilting on my domestic machine and really enjoy that!

JANET said...

Right now, owning a longarm quilting machine is only in my dreams, although I plan on taking a class to rent in the near future. Recently purchase was a Viking 10" harp DSM as I was quilting kings on a older Kenmore. Your quilting is beautiful!

Camille said...

I have a longarm and need to expand my free motion skills. By sharing her techniques and skills, Teresa will assist many quilters on their quilting improvement journey. Winning Teresa's book would be wonderful!

JANET said...

I am currently quilting on my DSM, but would love to own a longarm. Unfortunately, like many others, money and space are holding back my dreams. I am contemplating taking a class to rent time on a longarm, but need a few tops completed before I can take that step.

carol alperin said...

My roommate at MQX took Teresa's class and loved it. I need to get the book!

Anonymous said...

Would love to learn from Teresa...her book looks amazing.k2sews@hotmail.com

Unknown said...

This looks like a very useful book. I quilt on a home machine and am always looking to expand my abilities!

WhiteEagle said...

Just what I've been searching for. I have been doing edge to edge and free hand meandering for a few years and want to break out...this looks like my inspiration!!!

Martha said...

I would love to improve my free motion quilting!

Michele said...

I would love to own a longarm of my own. Perhaps one day.

Laurie said...

I have an Innova...and still need to practise!

Four dogs and one quilter said...

Would love to win a copy of Teresa's book. Even though I am quilting on a domestic machine, I know her tips will help me improve my technique.

mumbird3 said...

I love long arm quilting - my best quilts are the ones my friend Janet has quilted for me on her long arm machine. I would love one for me but at the moment I like looking at the designs for long arming and dreaming!!!!.... mumbird3(at)gmail(dot)com

LakeMGal said...

I would love to read this book. Theresa's quilting is absolutely beautiful. I currently work on my domestic machine, but would some day love to have a long-arm.

Anonymous said...

Love your Blog+your stitching designs! Thanks for sharing!
msstitcher1214@gmail.com

LakeMGal said...

I use my domestic machine at the present time. Would love to some day have a long arm. This book sounds full of useful information for any quilter. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and talent!

the momma said...

A longarm is several years down the road for me, but I *will* have one, one day (Lord willing. The husband is already on board :-) For now, I am working to increase my skills on my domestic.
Thanks for the chance to win ~ Tracy

Denise8 said...

I aspire to compete in a national quilt show one day. Always looking for new opportunities for education. This book looks really inspirational!

Karen in Breezy Point said...

I've had a long arm for years but still struggle with quilting ideas--the book looks wonderful--I've seen lots of her beautiful photos on IG!

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