Introducing Lizzie

Here she is!

The TinLizzie18LS. All assembled and operational. 

 

And huge. I assembled the frame with 98-1/8" rails. I know, that's an odd number, isn't it? It is one of four lengths that work perfectly with the table pieces that are along the back of the frame (you can't see them here). The table is designed to hold pantographs, which are line drawings of designs that one can follow using the laser light attached to the side of the machine. I'm not sure I'll ever use the pantographs (I'd rather do my own, self-guided designs), but the table is there if I ever want to use them.

Assembling and installing Lizzie was not without some challenges. First, the two pieces of the frame that hold the rails for the top, backing and batting, did not look anything like the photo in the manual or in the instruction booklet. Before I began staining the frame, I had to make sure that the pieces were all right, so I had to wait until the shop was open to call my dealer. She was very, very, helpful and explained that I had received the "new and improved" frame, and she emailed photos to me to show how the oddly shaped pieces work.

 

I'm glad she cleared up that mystery, because the pieces I received are very, very different from those on the frame shown on the TinLizzie website. I really couldn't figure them out!

Eric helped me to cut the pipes (1-1/4" EMT conduit) using a little hand cutting tool from the home center. Something we didn't anticipate is that, when you cut the pipe that way, a small lip is formed on the inside cut edge of the pipe. It became an issue when the plastic assemblies, which attach the pipe to the frame, didn't fit into the pipes on the cut ends. Another trip to the home center for a file, about 45 minutes of filing, the pipes were good to go and the frame went together very easily.

After all the staining and sanding and staining and assembling (it went on for days, really), I had to prep the machine. Lizzie comes with a DVD to take you through the process. Step one is to attach the "square tubing" to the top of the machine using two screws and lock washers.

 

Well, the screws and washers were missing from the packaging. After anxiously waiting for the TinLizzie factory to open (they are on the west coast, I'm on the east coast), I spoke with someone right on the factory floor who was able to tell me exactly which screws I needed to fit into the machine. I even talked with Floyd, who owns the company, and he was very concerned and helpful. I couldn't have asked for better service! A quick trip to Home Depot solved that problem and things went pretty smoothly after that. (TinLizzie is also sending them out to me, but I couldn't wait!)

Finally, I cut and hemmed the ends of the canvas leaders to fit the length of the pipes (minus 6") and attached them to the rails using self-adhesive velcro. Again, the DVD was very helpful and this final step was easy-peasy.

I'm pretty pleased with myself that I was able to build the frame and get Lizzie set up all by myself.

I spent a couple of hours learning my way around the equipment, threading the machine, winding bobbins, adjusting tension, etc. I also intentionally created and solved a few problems for myself, thinking it is better to do so on a practice piece than a real quilt.

Julia and I also did some thread "painting".

 

Let the fun begin!

Tonight I'll load up a Figgy Pudding quilt for my etsy shop. I can't wait!

Sue

Comments

[Allie]

You ROCK!!!!!!!! Oh Lizzie is just beautiful! I think that's the best way to do it, assemble it yourself so you know the machine and frame inside and out....good for you!!!! Your quilting looks wonderful. Congratulations on finally getting her going!

[Allie]

Congratulations--how exciting for you!

[Erin]

I want that frame! It's beautiful. =)