Handi Quilter Training

I've mentioned it a few times that I was signed up to take three full days of Handi Quilter and Pro Stitcher training this weekend at Tiny Stitches. I have just returned from the training and here are my thoughts...

• Susan Manry is a delightful, patient, kind and articulate teacher.

• For the first time, I felt like I finally know enough about my longarm and Pro Stitcher that I actually understood 'most ' of what was being explained. It's a whole other lingo and language!

• I LOVE working with rulers as much on my longarm as I do on my domestic, it's a transferable feeling even if the skills are not. LOL

• I found out that playing with feathers is fun. I stink at it, but it's fun. And like anything else, it's skill that takes lots and lots of practice.

• The intro to Pro Stitcher class is just my speed. I learned what quite a few buttons and functions do that I had just been avoiding until now. 

• The more I learn about my Pro Stitcher, the more I realize that I will NEVER learn it all. It's an operating system with endless options. 

• Apparently my face is very transparent, as Susan asked me more than once which part of the concept was I not understanding ( the answer would be ALMOST ALL OF IT! LOL)

• I have more trouble trying to use the simulator on my laptop than I do the actual program on my longarm. Better than the other way around at least!

• I am relieved that I learned several practical tips and steps for the things that continue to be my biggest issues (needle shredding and restarting after rolling the quilt forward.)

• I'm never going to love playing with my Pro Stitcher as much as I love ruler work and free motion quilting...and that's OK. 

• I'm not ready to go to the official training in Utah, I still have more to learn before I'm ready for that. That's good to know before I spend that much money and time.

• I love the other folks who do this crazy thing called longarming. They are kind and helpful and encouraging and SO supportive. I only hope that one day I can have enough knowledge to help someone else. 

Please excuse me, I have to go try some of what I learned on my Amara now...

Diane