Pam S

I love ruler work so I always look for a new ruler when I go to shows. By far, my favorite one when I first started out (and still a favorite go-to) is the VersaTool by HQ. It's a neat little ruler with a straight edge for SID, a 90 degree for corners or chevrons, a half-circle arc and another broader curve. It has etched lines to help with placement and 2 little indents for the hopping foot to use for outlining applique. Can you tell I love this little ruler? Also, if you need thread, be sure to visit the Superior Threads booth. They'll have their entire line in various colors. Enjoy your trip. Wish I was going.

Bobbielinks

Keep it simple. When it comes to rulers a straight edge ruler and a set of circles (marked with centers and etched lines) will really be all you will need to start with. If you enjoy pantos, look for those that interlock, and again I would keep it simple, maybe a floral, a feathered one, a manly one. I find stencils are never the size I need. Do go and have a great time, looking and comparing products.

bjchad

What about a thread sample card for your favorite brand and type. Or a couple. I can't get the type thread I like locally and having a thread sample would make it easier to order online.
I'm not a long armer but this is something I would like.

Pagzz

Longarm quilting has multiple facets that all have learning curves. weigh when you will next be at a quilt show with lots of vendors for machine quilters. you can easily spend the year between practicing just a couple things - ruler work and pantos, or freehand flowers and feathers. it takes time to round out your repertoire. I also suggest checking out MQResource.com which is a machine quilter's forum and very helpful.

twinkie

I have bought several things at shows that I never used. I think one gets caught up in the thrill of the show and the demonstrations.

grann of 6

I have a computerized HQ Avante. I bought some rulers and shapes, but have never had the patience to get better at using them. I would much rather download designs from websites and let "Bob" (my longarm) quilt while I am mopping the kitchen floor. I don't plan to do longarm quilting as a business, so I will save the money spent on doodads for thread and fabric.

margecam52

I have a TL18LS with Qbot V3 added. I agree with others...don't buy a ton of stuff at first. First, get to know your machine & frame...practice, practice & then practice some more.

I Have zippers sewn to my leaders...I use one pin on each end of the backing to secure the center top and bottom to the takeup & belly bar...then I unzip and take the backing to my sewing machine (never could use the longarm, though some do)& baste from center out to each side...then I can zip the quilt backing on and off if I need to. At first, when I was still attaching the top to the leaders, I pinned the top & batting to the backing at the leader , and had a zipper for the bottom edge of the top that attached to the pole. I now float my batting and top...so removed the bar for the top...got it out of my way.

I have one ruler I always use... the Linetamer by fourpaws quilting (http://www.fourpawsquilting.com) & I love it...great for SID, and straight lines/cross hatching.
My other go to is a curved small ruler I got to go with my Karen McTavish book (Ronda's rulers??). I gave all the pantos away...I never work from the back of the machine anymore. I mostly do freehand work...unless a customer has a specific design they want..then I use the qbot for that.

Get Extra bobbins, and an extra bobbin case (or 2), needles (in a couple sizes), Pins (hat pins if you will be pinning the quilt to the frame). You will need thread...there are all kinds and brands...find what works for you.

That's about it for gadgets...oh...several really sharp seam rippers...oh yeah, you will need those!

mjhaess

I would love a longarm quilt machine...my next big purchase I hope.. Have fun...

quiltingshorttimer

I agree with Bobbielinks--if you buy pantos make sure they are interlocked and also marked so that it's easy to see registration marks and direction you are going. I recommend stencils that allow your to mark registration marks--I use the Pam Clark ones with pounce chalk (but use a foam "paint" brush to lay down the chalk)--these allow me to mark borders for motifs, divide a space, etc--I have purchased fancy stencils at shows but never seem to use them

I use lots of rulers--you will definitely need a straight edge one and one that curves--I like DeLoa Jones boomerangs (several sizes) for curved cross hatching and any curve really. If you are going for circle or hexagon, etc shapes, I would suggest the kind that snap together after you put them around your hopping foot--several people make them, like Dusty Farrell, etc. I find that the rulers I don't use are those that are hard to hold while running the machine--ask if you can try one out before you actually purchase it--there are lots of long arm dealers around!
Also, things I can't do without--my snips and the clip I put them onto my shirt with that pulls out to use, extra bobbins, extra bobbin case, a spray bottle for water(I put backing on the frame and leave overnight and spray it to get the wrinkles out); 2 cones of any thread you buy if you have a separate bobbin winder. I also use a Towa gauge for bobbin tension--it saves me a lot of guess work & time and has been well worth the expense to me. I also think a good reference on maintaining your machine, some from different long armers that you admire their work. My next purchase will be batting scissors. Have fun and take some long arm classes if you have the chance!