Sewing on a Gammill Longarm Machine

I am learning how to use a two-control hand-guided quilting machine, a Gammill Premiere 18-8 longarm machine. The machine moves around during quilting instead of you moving the fabric layers around. Developed in the 1980’s, this large throat sewing machine on tracks can be operated from both sides, moved in any direction, and pantographs (continuous line design quilting patterns) can be traced directly onto the fabric with the use of a laser light which shines on the continuous line design pattern on the worktable behind the machine while you are quilting your project. These machines were first used by professionals and have recently started being used by today’s home quilters.

My quilt shop, in Jupiter, here in Florida, where I have taken a few quilting classes at, has a longarm machine that they rent out to quilters. I have been using their machine and practicing my skills. Soon I hope to have a Gammill machine of my own at my quilting disposal. The requirement of the amount of workspace room that is needed to set up the machine, quilt poles (which hold the layers), and the worktable (where the pattern being traced lays) is delaying my purchase. Until I have the room for this item, I am so grateful for the opportunity to utilize the machine at my quilt shop.