Accufeed - Absolutely Fab

It took a few minutes, and a little bit of advice from the husband, to work out how to attach the accufeed ankle and foot.  Once I understand how it goes together, no problem.  It is much easier to change over than the 7700 which is one of the main reasons for getting the 8900.  I have little, sometimes no central vision so I have to rely on peripheral vision, magnification and touch to get things where they need to be.

At this stage I only have the zig zag accufeed which came with the machine but I'll be buying a 1/4" one when I can.  

Quilting this scrap quilt with a serpentine stitch was the last job I did with the 7700.  I've used the new accufeed to zig zag around the edges before trimming it up and applying the binding.  Used the default zig zag and it went round without a problem.

A 10/10 for the Accufeed!

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.

Star Quilt Workshop quilt nearing completion

Step back to September 2009 by clicking here  I came home from this workshop to find that my instruction sheet was incomplete - there was a border required after the stars and before the pieced triangle border - what size should it be.  The handout said the size "would be discussed in class".  Had it been?  I couldn't remember at all.  I did what I could and completed the four pieced triangle borders and put together the star blocks for the centre of the quilt.  Then it was suspended in bits from a hanger to keep it from creasing and remains hung away safely for a couple of years...........Yes! A couple of years.

Quilt University to the rescue.  My second course with QU was Math for Quilters (more on that in another post).  From this I gained the confidence to do the maths and work out size and dimension to complete THAT star quilt.

Ferret Workshop

Work in progress photo - I'm hoping it will look much more splendid when finished.

Here's a link to Ferret's finished version

Click Here

Only managed the morning and lunch at Ferret's workshop at the Royal Hotel in Bridlington, but it was enjoyable all the same.  Had to dash off to the eye hospital in the afternoon as things are not going well in that department.

The food was delicious and Ferret was very attentive and helpful.  Above is my background to Autumn Leaves wall hanging.  You could machine quilt it in straight lines or take the more challenging option of free motioning adjoining leaf shapes.  Well, what's the point of taking the easy route?  I could stay at home and quilt in straight lines.  Once my machine stopped breaking threads (Ferret sorted it) I set off at a pace as I was already lagging behind everyone else - not unusual for me at these events.  I wasn't impressed with my leaves as I was stitching them, but once out of the machine and viewed at a distance they weren't really that bad.  Everyone at home identified what they were at first glance when asked, so they are good enough for me.  

I made a start on the binding - a Ricky Timms method taught by Ferret but it is still to finish off.  Fiona from the Royal has kindly offered to help me finish it off if I can't do it from the instructions Ferret gave me before I had to leave.

I'd definitely do another Ferret workshop - she's very lively and chatty and I liked her teaching style.

More quilting workshops at The Royal in Bridlington

http://www.royalhotelbrid.co.uk/Whats%20On.php

If I didn't live less than 20 minutes drive away I'd definitely consider the residential options - the hotel is spotless and comfortable, lovely hosts, on the sea front and the food is awesome!  Actually if I was feeling flush, I'd probably go stay there anyway despite the proximity to home as it would make it even more enjoyable.

Lucky on Freecycle

About a month ago I was lucky enough to get a beautiful sewing cabinet, which seemed to be made to measure for my Horizon MC7700QCP sewing machine, from a lady on the local Freecycle.  Today she was offering a Simplicity fold away cutting table and I was extremely lucky to be chosen again to receive that.  Actually I was more than extremely lucky as there were some other things I was given along with the table which were surplus to requirements and they are great additions to my sewing room.

Made in Australia from corrugated cardboard, this table is as solid as a rock when set up.  In the box it will fit neatly under the bed.  

A June Tailor Quilter's Mate - this is a large cutting mat perfect size for taking to classes.

A small Fiskars cutting mat.

A new aluminium yardstick.

A June Tailor Shape Cutter ruler - which I used to cut the borders for the Stained Glass quilt and it's a really nifty gadget.  Takes all the pain out of cutting strips, and according to videos on You Tube it cuts great squares, rectangles, diamonds in large quantities so it'll be a big time saver.

This is another nifty gadget - videos on You Tube demonstrate this Square and Circular Pillow Template cutting pillows quickly and easily any size from 12 inches to 24 inches.

There was a travel iron too - another useful thing to take to classes rather than queuing for the ironing board.

Aren't I lucky?

I also got to see this lovely lady's beautiful quilts currently under construction.  They were gorgeous and so precise, not to mention perfect colour combinations.  

Last but not least I got a guided tour and demo of the all new singing and dancing Brother embroidery machine.  I'm not going to go into details but it was AMAZING - I never thought I would want to pursue machine embroidery, but I could well be tempted if I spent too much time looking at that machine.  Needless to say this lady's embroidery work was  exquisite.

Stained Glass Workshop - Borders On

The black bias has been sewn down - I used a twin needle which worked well and the only glitches were operator error.  I have to admit it isn't easy to keep on the bias when you can't see straight lines, but I can't help that.  I slipped a pale green border in before the main red one and I think the colours look good.  All the fabric is dyed by me - except the cream background of course.  Next step is quilting.  I need to think about how to tackle that.  The pattern I have used has stippled all the cream - wonder if I dare?

Stained Glass Workshop

It's a long time since I've been to a workshop at Hutton Buscel and it was lovely to see old friends again.  The photo shows how far I got on the day, the rest is to finish off at home as and when I've got time.  A wall hanging entitled "Glasgow Rose".

Sashiko Panel - 2009

This sashiko panel was started at a Susan Briscoe short workshop at the Great Northern Quilt Festival, Harrogate in 2009. It's been languishing in the drawer now for two years.  I came across a piece of dark blue batik whilst rummaging this morning and the two cried out for each other.  I cut a 1" strip of cream fabric, folded it in half and ironed, then it was sewn round the edges of the panel as mock piping.  Borders of batik applied finished it off.

Next step is some "tasteful" quilting and it will get a cream double fold binding.  As it is one of my rare pieces of hand work it will become a wall hanging.  That mock piping is so simple and really sets a piece off.

Hunter Star

I subscribed to "Just Hands On TV" last month, it's too early to say whether or not I will stay subscribed.  The idea was that instead of paying a ridiculous amount for a couple of quilt magazines each month I would invest it in a subscription to this web site and be able to view lots of quilting videos - "New videos uploaded every Friday!"  I've been disappointed with a few "new videos uploaded" as they seem to be either very short indeed or an advert for something they are selling and only two each Friday, just narrowly scraping into the 'plural'.  That said last Friday there was a very good workshop on dyeing fabric in plastic bags - that subject being of great interest to me at the moment.  So, I'm reserving judgement on JHO TV and will give it a bit longer and see if there is enough to keep me interested.

Anyway, back to the point of this post.  There is a competition on JHO TV where you make any kind of star block and send it in - your name goes in a draw and the blocks are used to make a charity quilt.  Couldn't sleep last night so went looking for quilt blocks patterns and found this brilliant site which has loads of free block patterns and absolutely excellent straightforward instructions for making them up.  The site is Delaware Quilts and there is an alphabetical list of block names, then the blocks are listed in finished sizes so it's easy to locate what you are looking for.

Above is my first effort - a block called Hunter Star.  I was very pleased with how it went together but devastated when I measured it to ensure it was the stipulated 12 1/2 inches - it is only 12 1/4", which means my seam allowances must have been just that bit too big.

I've got quite a bit of this leftover fabric so I'm going to make more blocks and create my own Hunter Star quilt.  I daren't send my non regulation sized block off to the quilt experts - but I can easily jiggle minute differences in sizes into something acceptable.  The prize is a sewing machine and I really don't need any more.........  Who knows if I make enough blocks one of them might just turn out to be spot on size-wise.

There were many places in this block where lots of seams intersected and points met.  The Horizon was coaxed carefully over these using the O2 foot, stitch no 93, pressure 4, stitch length 1.8, slow speed and a very firm hand.  It performed acceptably but not outstandingly.

Quilting in Progress

 The Sue Briscoe Super Strips quilt started in April this year has moved into the next phase.  I've chosen to use Hobbs Polydown wadding from Creative Grids.  This is the first time I've tried 100% polyester and I might be converted.  It's a big quilt - the biggest I've attempted to machine quilt (I think) and I'm managing it well in the large throat space of the Horizon.  Already I can see the loft of the polyester is giving a much more defined texture to the quilt and it is light and easy to manoeuvre.

Here are a couple of pictures of the semi-quilted state - only the borders to complete and then I can work on the binding.  I've used the piano key style border as suggested by Sue Briscoe but have had to deviate on the  mock mitred corners as I ended up just a little short of fabric.  With a bit of thinking and fiddling I decided to run each set of piano keys into the corners and it looks fine to me.

The colours of the Bali Pop really make this quilt.  When time allows I'd like to do this quilt again in a different colourway.

Hope to finish this one up and post a picture in a couple of days.

Click on Picture to Enlarge

Click on Picture to Enlarge

Crazy Quilt Complete

This quilt was started a long time ago, it may have been three years or more - I can't remember.  Some of the fabric I recognise as being more than 10 years old.  The quilt started at a Beryl Frank workshop at Hutton Buscel and I came across the completed blocks last week when having one of my regular forages for fabric in boxes and drawers.  With the addition of a bit of sashing, backing leftover from another quilt and random decorative stitches along the seams in crazy patchwork style it all came together.

PS - Last week I exchanged an old gift token and a bit of cash for what I am told is a very powerful image editing programme.........can you tell?  I've played a bit with the above photo but not sure that I've improved it.  More about that in a future post.

Quilting Workshop Invitation for You!

Philippa Naylor, an award winning quilter has agreed to teach another workshop at the craft group I run in East Yorkshire - post code of venue YO25 6TT


Friday 2nd March 2012 - 10am to 4pm - £26 - bring your machine and a packed lunch.  Full supplies list will be provided after payment received.


Sometimes we come home from a workshop with an unfinished quilt and wonder just how to give it a professional finish.  Philippa will cover precision piecing, piping and binding to help us confidently deal with all those UFOs.  She also gives lots of hints and tips in her interesting dialogue throughout the day and will answer your quilting questions.


Email me for a booking form - places are limited - £10 deposit required by 30th September 2011.


If you need accommodation I can supply a list of local B&B and hotels.


Love to see you there!


Go to Philippa's web site for more information about her quilts and workshops

Tea Cosy

We were asked at Pick n Mix craft club last month to make a tea cosy for McMillan so here's my effort.  It's made completely from leftovers and embellished with lots of different decorative stitches along the seams.  

Quilt University

I've just completed my first Quilt University course - Machine Quilting.  It lasted four weeks staring April 15th, followed by three further lessons released at weekly intervals on Friday evenings 6pm local time.  The lessons containing instructions for what we needed to work on were well written and the tutor was available via the discussion forum every day.  Questions seemed to be answered very quickly and were available for all to see.  There's also a class gallery where students can post what they are working on, or examples of finished projects or problems which need advice.  Also I've done some work on machine quilting and attended a Philippa Naylor workshop, there were still some bits and bobs I found useful being information which was new to me.

There is a more advanced class to sign up for at the end of this month, but I'm too busy to do it justice right now so maybe I'll catch it when it comes round next year.

I think the courses offered by Quilt University are good value for money and let you work through at your own pace.  The classroom closes about 3-4 weeks after the last lesson so you need to print out the lessons as they become available if you can't finish it in time.  You can click here to find out what courses are currently open for registration.

The picture is a sampler of different techniques I have practiced during the course.  The central motif is a continuous line design marked with a stencil.  Around the centre is meandering, stippling, freehand lines and some pebbles.

Smooth lines and not getting yourself stuck in a corner you can't get out of will come with practice and I need plenty of that.

The Janome Horizon 7700 QCP really does the job with free motion quilting. 

Super Strips Workshop

Yesterday I enjoyed a Susan Briscoe Super Strips workshop at the Royal Hotel in Bridlington.  I used a Hoffman Bali Pop (Sherbet) and with Susan's help on what colour should go where it is taking shape well.  Next job is to make the piano key borders.  The colours are gorgeous.  Click on the links to see the other attendees quilts - one design, so many different looks!  Not complaining but the strong sunlight has made the colours of my quilt look a bit washed out - they are really much stronger.

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Short Break in Norwich

Paul and I have just had a couple of days in Norwich.  We decided to stay over and start exploring the city - up to now we have not been able to stay long when dropping off or picking Jon up from uni and it hasn't been the weather for sight seeing really.  What a glorious day for wandering.  We headed towards Magdalen Street where there were three fabric shops - fabulous home furnishing one, a dressmaking one and another which sells sewing machines.  I'm taking measurements back to choose curtaining from Anglian Fabrics for our living room which is on the list for a makeover.  If you're interested in dressmaking you wouldn't be disappointed in Anglian Fashion Fabrics selection.  On the other hand, Sew Creative in Magdalen Street had a few bits and pieces and some machines - they also told me that Sew Creative at Wroxham Barns had closed - very disappointing.

We have lots more explore on future visits, it's a lovely place - lots of history, good shopping and places to eat.

 We walked around the cathdral and through the grounds then along the riverside.

HOWEVER despite the city Sew Creative telling us that Sew Creative Quilts had closed, we went to Wroxham Barns anyway and found Sew Creative very much alive and well in bigger and better premises and under new management.  If you're a quilter GO THERE.  It's not massive but it has a wonderful selection of quilt fabrics displayed in ranges so it's easy to pick and choose and know everything will be co-ordinated.  I bought a fat quarter pack and some yardage from the Phoebe range as I have some little girl quilts to make.  Their sample quilts felt soft and light so I asked for the same wadding they used so I can try it for myself.  Their web address is http://www.sewcreativequilts.co.uk/  and they are situated a few miles outside Norwich amongst several other crafty type shops, garden centre and childrens' play area.   Click here to find out what else is there.  Don't confuse it with the Sew Creative shop in the city - despite what their website says they do not have a selection of quilt fabrics - just some Christmas stuff and a few fat quarters on a shelf.

Lazy Girl - Claire Bag

The Claire bag from Lazy Girl Designs finished last weekend.  It has two central pockets on the outside and small pockets all around the interior.  Not particularly difficult to make and it looks nice finished.  It's not very "sturdy" and any weight inside distorts the shape.  If I made it again I would use a much heavier weight interfacing.  It's wide open top gives no security for the contents but there is a small optional flap in the pattern which would keep it together in the middle.  It uses a different fabric combination on each side and requires 7 fat quarters, fusible fleece and interfacing.

I think it will be useful for carrying my packed lunch to work - not secure enough to carry anything of value.  Just dropping it on the floor would have things dropping out all over the place.

Interior showing internal pockets

Other side showing alternative colour way.

Japanese Circles and Squares

This quilt started at the Susan Briscoe workshop at the Royal Hotel in Bridlington is finished.

It was quilted the day after I went to the talk given by Ferrett in York - I didn't feel able to stitch in the ditch or cover it in straight lines after seeing her magnificent work so I thought outside the box..........circles, land of the rising sun etc and came up with a large circle in the bottom left corner with lines radiating out around it to the edges of the quilt.  I drew round a dinner plate for the circle and free-handed the lines using a yardstick and chalk.  I used a brown/cream YLI variegated thread on top and a brown/orange Gutterman variegated in the bobbin.  It needs a hanging sleeve then it will be on the wall somewhere in the house.

I used a Japan themed fabric for the back, rather bright but it's not on show on the wall and I'm beginning to wonder, with the rising price of cotton, if a quilt is being made for display then should it be backed with a quality calico.  It isn't seen and costs a fraction of what quilting cotton costs.

I'd make this quilt again.  It's not a difficult one and lots of different looks can be achieved depending on fabric / colour choices.

10 Inch Squares

After visiting the Quilt Museum and Gallery in York we walked towards the minster and I popped into the Viking Loom - I came out with these two sets of 10" squares.  I thought they would be ideal to go with the pack of purse/eyeglass case snaps I bought at the museum.