Hand Dyed Quilt Complete

All done.  Used utility stitch 19 to bind and quilt this one and its just the job.  Not too intrusive but a firm holding stitch.

Quilting the hand dyed project

Janome 8900 QCP Stitch Bible

I've started creating a Stitch Bible for my new machine.  I have the Craftsy Worksop, Stupendous Stitching, by Carol Ann Waugh and that is the first lesson.

I'm using Bottom Line in the bobbin and 100% cotton is definitely better as a top thread as it gives more coverage than polyester.  Don't have much pure cotton around other than rather expensive quilting thread so will put it on my shopping list.

Hand Dyed Scrap Quilt

A couple of years ago I did some hand dyeing which turned out well.  It left me with a lot of cotton and calico samples.  I've been cutting them into 2.5" strips and have pieced them together.  It's a shame for them to lay in a drawer.  I thought Sparky would like some new quilts for his bed and these are just the job.

There's probably enough left to do a couple more when I'm in the mood.  I've used leftover wadding and zig zagged pieces together.  It's time I found a use for the wadding, it's so wasteful throwing it away.

Now to find a suitable backing.  I've definitely done some stash busting recently.

Wonderclips vs Tesco Office Supplies

When I saw Wonderclips being demonstrated I thought there's something to stop me bleeding on my quilts.  Pins are difficult to see these days and I generally "FEEL" them first,  OUCH!

Then I saw the price of Wonderclips.  OUCH!

In Tesco's stationary department I found these fold back clips.  Bright and easier to see and 50 for £1.  One pack has almost gone round this smallish quilt so I'll get another packet or so for larger quilts.

Quilt in Progress

Moda summer breeze charm squares sashed with som blue tone on tone from my stash.  Started on the 7700 and now demonstrating that the 8900 does not have the same issues/difficulties travelling over seam intersections as the 7700.

So far, so good it is a pleasure to sew with.  Still lots of features to work through.

Janome Horizon 8900 QCP

My new sewing machine arrived today.