Can't Machine Quilt...Why Does Machine Skip?

[OHhappychicks]

She's here! She's here! My new baby is here! I think I shall name her, I've waited so long. Going to make sure she's clean inside, oil her up and get used to the way she moves and grooves! I already learned to wind bobbins and thread her. I got such a great deal that I have enough left to throw at our new barn. I spent less than half of what I'd already saved up to buy one.

OH Speckledhen!!! Congratulations!!!! I'm so happy for you!!! I got to bring my baby home a couple of weeks ago, so I know how you feel!!

And a good deal to boot!!! God is soooo gooood!!!!

 

[OHhappychicks]

I was surprised, really, though. Doesn't seem like westerns were really in favor with the younger crowd, who love the superheroes, but I've wanted a modern-day TV show to be created, similar to The Big Valley, just with current day characters. The closest I've seen and loved is Longmire. We need something different and more substantive on television, for us and for kids.

I finished the quilting in short order. My hardest thing is to be consistent with the size of the design. Like swirls-I start out with loose, larger ones and always, they end up tighter and tighter by the middle so that by the end of the quilt, it's denser.

You will get better. Your quilts are just lovely!!! You are doing a good job! The right equipment makes all the difference!

 

[speckledhen]

OH Speckledhen!!! Congratulations!!!! I'm so happy for you!!! I got to bring my baby home a couple of weeks ago, so I know how you feel!!

And a good deal to boot!!! God is soooo gooood!!!!

Good for you! Good things do come to those who wait. And you know how long I've been talking about this machine. Also helps that I got such a sweeeet deal on it!

You will get better. Your quilts are just lovely!!! You are doing a good job! The right equipment makes all the difference!

It's already making a difference. I love having almost double the throat space, not having to fight the piece while quilting nearly as much. And it doesn't balk over seams at all, just glides right over. My DH commented on how quiet it is, too.

 

[speckledhen]

Was again at my late father's house to try to slog through that basement of his. Brought back a few things of my mother's. My dad used to work for Singer sewing machine company in his younger years and had his own garage door business later, so the basement is full of electrical stuff, electronics, hardware, nuts, bolts, nails and some machine parts, including a very old vintage machine that I just didn't pull out this time. Thought you might like some photos of what I found of my mom's. Of course, she had Singer machines.

 

[SuperK]

This is awesome!

 

[speckledhen]

Working on numerous projects, some for giving, some for the Etsy to replace a few things I may remove since they haven't sold (why won't folks buy beautifully hand quilted, high quality pieces at almost giveaway prices????), some for no reason whatsoever.

Disappearing Nine Patch that was supposed to be random florals. Well, during construction of the blocks, I hated it more and more. Random was just too haphazard, using only fabrics from my bins. Changed plans from twin quilt to lap quilt because I just could not stand to continue with it, slapped a bright spring green border on it and stuck it on my design wall to work on something else. Except for one patch that is really too dark, it started growing on me and almost, if you squint, has a watercolor feel to it. I may quilt it after all, LOL. I've named it "Floral Chaos".

Tried the French Braid method for the first time. Super easy. Did two small table runners that I'll give as gifts to family. Yes, I've suspended my "no quilts to family" rule for this year and we'll see how it goes.



And this "use whatcha got" super simple lap quilt is for my BIL, who suffers from COPD and I just know will be sitting in his apt with the heat off to save $$ this winter. This has a flannel backing in a fishes and lures motif (he and his dad were avid fishermen years ago) and I used cheapie poly batting so it should be a nice thing for him to throw across his lap while watching TV.

 

[speckledhen]

Updating that Rhonda is a dream machine! I love this gal. She scoffs at thick, multi-layer seams, glides over them without a hitch. I've even made two Kindle covers since DH bought me a Kindle Fire for my b'day this year. Rhonda (as in the Beach Boys' "Help me, Rhonda") was worth the wait and all the agonizing.
This one is mine, the Masters of Mountain View series one will be for sale.

The pattern wasn't correct on the velcro placement so I had to add a strip to get it to catch right. Adjusted on the next one I made.





Flannel double layer pocket to protect the screen.

 

[speckledhen]

An iPad cover in progress, cover size about 12 x 8. This one isn't quilted, binding pinned on.






ETA: made this one for my SIL. I love the fabric.

 

[speckledhen]

Hey, anybody know the answer to this? The spool cushion that came with my Brother 1500 that is supposed to fit on cross wound thread spools doesn't fit on the Aurifil thread I bought. The flat one doesn't go on it. The manual says to use the triangular one on cross wound types like this Aurifil, first time I've had one of those. I wonder if I could stretch the inner tube on the thread spool so the cushion will fit over it-would that compromise the way it feeds? Sprry one pic is grainy, stupid camera won't flash sometimes. Maybe I'm putting it on a spool that doesn't even need it. Maybe it goes on a cone from the bottom? I have no idea!





My friend Angie told me to try it without it. It works just fine, does beautiful stitches, loves the Aurifil thread.

 

[wyoDreamer]

I love the Aurafil and have never used anything with the spools. Just plopped them on and sewed.