The center of my Confetti doll quilt is now finished. Being such a fun pattern to stitch, it was hard to stop. With no repeats in fabric, you would say my quilt is charmed.
Instead of squaring up the edges with ruler and cutter, I have made up some templates. This way I will not have to cut into the diamonds and squares. Now, I have to decide if this round will be an inner border, or part of the border.
The month of January came and went and I am happy to report that it was a fabric free purchase month, but I did go a little crazy with books. I just couldn't resist Link to the 30's by Kay Connors and Karen Earlywine.
Last posting, I mentioned the three books by Kathleen Tracy and I also ordered Small Blocks, Stunning Quilts by Mary Elizabeth Kinch and Biz Storms. Plus, Quilting Line & Color, by Yoshiko Jinzenji, which is techniques and designs for abstract quilts and a book by Jean Wells, Intuitive Color & Design, about the adventures in Art Quilting. It's just like going back to school!
180 Klosjes Completed
10 made this week
It looks like I have been enjoying a little vintage charm!
The other day, I final got around to testing out my grandmother's Singer 301 and it seems to be running just fine. So, on Friday, I purchased some sewing machine oil and needles, and soon she will be ready for her first assignment. The original darning foot (for free motion) is missing, but I can easily order one and I also have my eye on a 1/4 inch foot with a quilting guide bar attached.
As for my Brother PC 3000, it has been three months and the keypad has yet to come in. What I didn't know was because the repair shop is not a Brother dealer they cannot order Brother parts, they order from a distributor which sells parts that will work in a Brother machine. I didn't like the sounds of that and told her to cancel the order.
After thinking long and hard about it I have decided not to get it repaired. I am not willing to travel as far as the nearest Brother dealer is located and the keypad and installing of it will cost almost half of what I paid for the machine. Not worth it for a machine I rarely use. If I was ever to buy a new sewing machine, I would be sure to leave all the bells and whistles at the store.
Now, I can still use the machine, but the needle is locked in the left hand position. Why one would sew with the needle to the left is beyond me, but I tested it out and am still able to attach my walking foot for quilting, but not my 1/4 inch foot, as this requires the needle to be in the center position, but I did find another foot in my bag of goodies, that works like a 1/4 inch foot, so piecing and binding is still possible. And, because the free motion foot has a wide opening, it should work with the needle in the left position.
So, all is not lost, just the parts of the machine I never really used. Sure wish I thought of this three months ago!
Until next time.....happy quilting!
Karen
28 comments:
love your charming little quilt! The books sound interesting, too. I love books.
I like the little quilt and you've made so many Klosjes! I'm looking forward to seeing them both finished. I'm sorry you've had so much trouble with your sewing machine, when my beloved Elna died I did indeed leave the bells and whistles in the store! My children always make fun of me for not wanting things which have fewer parts to break.
What a cute little quilt!
Love your Klosjes! I made 10 this week too. I guess that was the magic number. LOL!
The quilt is gorgeous. I'm not a fan of 30's fabric but i love the look in your quilt. Lovely klosjes.Hugs,
That is a fantastic design. I have that book. I must try it.
Just love your new quilt!
Charmed by the centre!!! I know, doesn't feel good to cut those lovely fabrics hihi!! Enjoy your machine stitches hihi, great story! have a happy sewing day, hugs, Daniëlle
The confetti centre part looks absolutely charming. It is gorgeous. Can't wait to see what you are going to do with it. The klosjes look lovely too.
Sorry to read about the trouble with your Brother machine. You are lucky the 'oldie' is working perfectly. Happy stitching!
Your confetti quilt is just precious! I LOVE charm quilts! And your latest posting of Klosjes are so bright and cheerful. I love watching the progress of these long term projects. They really embody what quilting is all about for me.
In stitches,
Teresa :o)
Sorry to hear about your sewing machine. It's a good thing that you could figure out how to still use it.
Your new books and darling doll quilt is wonderful.
Thanks for sharing, Carolyn :)
The Confetti quilt is adorable!! I'm not a big book buyer but some of those look pretty interesting....
Bummer about the machine but the dealer should have been honest with you up front...sheesh!!
Crispy
Another very sweet quilt! I love the pattern and I love the fabrics - but then I love all types of fabrics! Glad you figured out how to use your machine. My Bernina is almost 23 years old and has been such a reliable old friend. Looking forward to how you finish off the darling little quilt. Carol
What a sweet little doll quilt, it's a lovely pattern. Your klosjes are wonderful And your books soun great, I LOVE quiltbooks!!!
Have a nice day, Cisca
Glad you can finally use your machine again. I wouln't want to live without a sewingmachine, but it would be nice if I could do every maintainence myself. I hate it when I have to bring my machine away.Your quilt looks gorgeous. One can never have enough quiltbooks can you? ;)
Groetjes
Annemieke
La trapunta confetti è molto simpatica!
Ciao
Your confetti quilt is so cute! And your klosjes are also lovely and fresh. I'm pleased you have sorted out something with your machines - how frustrating but it sounds like you are all go now.
I just love your confetti centre piece, absolutely a work of art! I have a Singer 301a and it is a dream machine to sew on, great for piecing. Sorry to hear about the trouble you had with your Brother machine, but it looks as if you have come to an 'arrangement' with it as it is LOL. All is not lost! Your blog is lovely!!
What a darling little quilt! Great way to use up scraps!
I LOVE LOVE LOVE that 30's fabric! You did a fabulous job! What a super way to put something together using your scraps.
I haven't bought any fabric in 2011, but I've bought a few books (to help use my stash, I keep telling myself). We really can't have too many books, can we?
I like your 1930s Confetti doll Q top. It's an intriguing design. Sweet! I may just have to buy that book :)
Oh great your confetti.
And the klosjes ,you have already a lot of them.
Hi -- Just wanted to let you know how much I enjoy both of your blogs. I am amazed at the hand pieced blocks. I would really like to start your One Flower Wednesday. I tried to sign up, but it didn't work. Can you help?
great site
Glad your still able to use your machine. Really love your Confetti quilt. I've never seen this pattern before looking forward to seeing it completed.
Hi Karen....Love your confetti quilt ...it is gorgeous....and the books...wow...great...You have been busy...well done..Kate xxx
I love the little Confetti quilt! What a great pattern!
Love your confetti quilt and the book looks very interesting. And could I ever relate to some of your frustration with the Brother Machine. I have a different model, with problems that never got fixed...I adjust and make it work. But one of the biggest that remains is the DEFAULT needle position to the LEFT? I have splintered plenty of needles forgetting to reposition for my 1/4 inch foot (haven't discovered a way to change the default). Anyway, won't buy Brother again! And glad you have an alternative!!
that confetti quilt is just fascinating. Love it.
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