I’ve had enough!!

That’s it…no more tonight!  I changed thread, used the Sewer’s Aid, took out the bobbin looking for lint, oiled everything I could see and the thread is still breaking.  I am going to give up tonight and look at it tomorrow with (hopefully) fresh eyes.

Frustrated!

I have been trying to quilt a baby quilt to send to Maureen.    I outline stitched in the ditch around the large blocks and had no problems.  Then I started a free motion design of meander and loops.  About every 8 or 9 inches, the thread breaks.  I have changed needles, re-threaded the top, switched out bobbins, adjusted tension and even changed the pressure setting.  Nothing is working and I am about to start screaming.  I have NEVER had this kind of problem with Jenny before.  My machine is not dirty and it doesn’t need lubricating.  I clean my machine after every time I use it and I oil it regularly. 

Other than the constant thread breaking, the stitches look pretty good.   I am not running the machine at a really high

rate of speed – just about mid-range.  My hand movements are consistent and smooth.  I am running out of ideas.

Any suggestions?

Checking out Live Writer

Just checking to see if this is as good a program as Rhonda tells us it is!  So far I really like the format.  It has the same feel as Microsoft Word so that is a plus.  Now I am going to enter a photo to see how that works.

That worked like a dream!  (Note – good looking couple is my oldest son and his lovely wife.)

Changing font size is a snap.  Ooohhh – you can add maps or videos and there is even a thingy on the sidebar where you can add plug ins.  At the bottom, you can easily set your date for publishing (so you can pretend like you are writing a post everyday but you are only REALLY doing it once a week!)  You can set categories.  You can edit and then preview right as it will look on your page.

This program is TOTALLY AWESOME!!  Get it, y’all!  It’s a free download from Window’s Live.  DO IT!!

Mama's got something new!!

Remember me writing about the new sewing machine I was thinking about getting? I really didn't want to spend too much but I wanted a lot of features for my money. I think I found exactly that in my new machine. Here it is!

From Quilty stuff

See all the built in stitches?

From Quilty stuff

There are are decorative stitches, quilting stitches and heirloom sewing stitches. It came with an extended table (not shown), a hopping foot for free motion, a walking foot and a bunch of other feet. It has feed dogs that lower (whooeee!), a needle down function and ... I love this ... it has the option for push button sewing.

From Quilty stuff

I can just set the speed and hit the button. Why is this exciting? Think about it...the biggest challenge in free motion is moving your hands in coordination with keeping the foot pedal at a constant rate of speed. With this, I only need to be concerned that my hands keep moving consistently. I won't be using this machine really for much quilting - Jenny is a wonderful quilting machine and we have a "groove" but it is so cool to have the option. Another great feature is that it weighs about 12 pounds. It will be great for dragging to S4 meetings, retreats and classes.

I am just about giddy. Can you tell?! It just arrived yesterday afternoon and I have had only a little time to play so that's what I am going to do today.

Have a wonderful weekend!!

Retreat goodies

First, I have absolutely no photos of the retreat. I had a camera with me, took one terrible photo of my sister and put the camera into my bag. I promptly forgot to take it out again. (Senior moments)

We did have a wonderful time and much was accomplished. The retreat projects were to make a purse and a sewing tool organizer.

From Quilty stuff

The bag is the Mini Bow Tucks and it is a great bag! Not too big and not too small with lots of pockets.

From Quilty stuff

The tool organizer is a fast project and a lot of fun to make.

From Quilty stuff

I completed 3 rows of the batik quilt I started. I really am enjoying the pattern and I think the quilt will be beautiful. I will post photos as soon as it is completed!

Feeling better

Thanks to all of you that sent "get better" wishes! I still don't feel like myself but I am definitely on the mend.

My son sent me this photo of my granddaughter in the dress I made for her. Looks to me like it is too big but that is another downside of living so far away from her...no way to do a fitting.

From Quilty stuff

At least it isn't too small so I know she will grow into it. I love the fabric, Bella likes it and I enjoyed making it. That's good enough for me! (I love the big smile with the missing tooth - too cute!!)

Oh dear...

Back from retreat (where we had a wonderful time) with a sore throat, aching head and a fever. I haven't had a fever in 7 years!! I will tell you all about the retreat and show you all what I accomplished but not today. I am going to put on my jammies, drink a pot of tea to soothe my throat and think happy thoughts!