Monday, June 29, 2009

Kathy where are you?


My Pay it Forward gifts are finished and packed for posting. Micki and Jennie, thank you for your details but Kathy - where are you?!

I've checked your blog - no activity there and you haven't answered my emails. Please get in touch or if you read this and know Kathy, please ask her to get in touch.

If I haven't heard from Kathy by 15 July, I will offer up her PIF as a giveaway.

Not since I played with Fuzzy Felt as a child have I had this much fun with wool felt. I'm working on a little something at the moment. Want a sneak peak?



Oh, and there's this...



There was even time to work on some quilt blocks.



Thanks to Vintage Sandy for details of a generous giveaway offered by QuiltQua - a chance to win a fat quarter bundle of Frosted Memories by Holly Taylor for Moda Fabrics.



Of course, if you don't enter then there's more chance for me to win.

(queue Vincent Price evil chuckling)


Happy Stitching

Sunday, June 21, 2009

That Moment of Terror


I don't know about you but my heart skips a beat when I make the first cut into the fabric for a new project.

This is the first block in this quilt - Licorice & Latte from American Patchwork & Quilting's Quilt Sampler Spring/Summer 2008.



The quilt is for my son - so another without florals. Boy am I busting out after this!

I took inspiration for the colour scheme from this bowl.



I may have to rename the quilt Iced Mocha Latte.

I'm also planning to make this quilt for a friend whose baby is due in December. Not really quilt weather in Australia but no matter.



Happy Stitching

Thursday, June 18, 2009

Sewing Machine Review



It's Sewing Machine Month over at Sew, Mama, Sew's blog. There is loads of interesting information, giveaways and tips. Here's a review about my trusty sidekick.

What brand and model do you have & how long have you had it?

I use a Janome QC6260 which I've had for about 3-4 years. It was a special Quilters Edition because it came with a quarter inch foot, walking foot, darning foot and quilting guide.

How much does that machine cost (approximately)?

Zilch, zero, nuthin'. That's because it was a gift. I do have the docket and it was about $800. Not sure if this was full price or discounted.

How much do you sew? How much wear and tear does the machine get?

At least a couple of times a week. Sometimes all weekend! It's treated very well. I change the needle regularly and clean the bobbin area, giving it a good wipe over. I generally don't have a machine serviced unless something goes wrong - which, so far, touch wood, has happened yet.

Do you like/love/hate your machine? Are you ambivalent? Passionate? Does she have a name?

I already have a Janome Memorycraft 3000 which I bought after my faithful old Singer passed on. I bought the Memorycraft because it had *automatic buttonholes*. It's a terrific little machine. I was given the QC6260 but I don't think it's as good. It doesn't have a name...at least not one that I can repeat in polite company.

What features does your machine have that work well for you?

It has a speed limiter which is a good thing but it's in a silly place. The Auto tension is also pretty reliable.

I guess that if I were to buy another machine I'd want something simple with a big throat space for quilting.

Is there anything that drives you nuts about your machine?

It certainly has a woeful throat space which makes it difficult to quilt a quilt. I guess you make the most of what you have and bought an extension table for it. I'd like to have alphabets rather than all the embroidery stitches I never use. I wish it had a Clear button so you don't have to cycle through 15 stitches to get back to Number 1.

Do you have a great story to share about your machine?

Not really. While it has it's shortcomings, it has helped me make some wonderful projects and gifts for friends and family. It does spot-on buttonholes too.

Would you recommend the machine to others? Why?

That depends on what you want to do with it. If you just do a lot plain sewing, dressmaking, etc then it's not a bad machine. If you want to do a lot of free motion machine quilting I'd think about something else.

Janome seems to be a reliable brand. Especially in these days on in-built obsolescence, plastic and computerisation.

What factors do you think are important to consider when looking for a new machine?

  • After sales service from the point of purchase.
  • Features you will actually use
  • A manual you can understand
  • Easy access to the light globe and screws on the needle plate
  • Easy to thread
Do you have a dream machine?

Not really. *Better* machines are so much more expensive and out of my price range as to be beyond consideration.

I guess I'd like a prettily decorated old Singer in an attractive stand - restored and ready to use.

Happy Stitching



Monday, June 15, 2009

Working on a Surprise

I'd like to show you what I'm working on at the moment but it's meant to be a surprise for someone who reads this blog.

If you know, please don't mention anything in your comments.

Once they receive it I'll reveal all.

Ruth at Log Cabin Quilter is having a terrific giveaway to celebrate her 100th post. Pop over and take a look.

Happy Stitching

Monday, June 8, 2009

Long Weekend Project


I always imagine that with a long weekend I'll sew up a storm. It never turns out that way. Somehow I'm distracted by a hundred other little tasks that need attention.

I was pleased to have made this wallhanging from a design by Gail Pan. Gail's design included a stitched house but I changed that to applique.

As promised here is a picture of the paisley quilt.


Hope your weekend was a restful one.

Happy Stitching

Thursday, June 4, 2009

Delicious Cakey Goodness


Who says you can't have your cake and eat it too?

You can when it's a layer cake of course. I treated myself to some new fabric - Collections for a Cause Legacy - from Fabric Patch. Thanks Linda for the little present that came with it - some charms squares.

I realised that I can cut each 10 inch square into quarters to yield 160 5 inch charms. More than enough to make this quilt and add a lovely border.


Charming designed by Tracy Wilson
from Australian Country Threads Vol 8 No 5

Now for a slice of Hummingbird...or Chocolate...or Caramel Banana...

Happy Stitching

Monday, June 1, 2009

May Finish - WISP


Well, I think I just made it. Here's my May finish - the quilt for my brother. It just needs a wash to remove the quilt markings and then it will be ready for posting. I'll take another picture of it - and the quilting - before it goes.

Sigh....I almost don't want to give it away.

Oh, I found that missing Bunny Hill BOM from April. Here 'tis.


Just need to find the right ribbons to finish it off. Suppose I had better make a start on May.

Happy Stitching.