Another 6” sampler block -
That you can make using -
2-1/2” squares -
And anything else -
That finishes at 2” -
Three across and three down -
Variations of the basic NINE-PATCH -
The sewn block will MEASURE 6-1/2” -
And FINISH at 6” -
===
Block #72 - Chocolate Cake -
Talk to you later - gotta go - gotta sew -
Another 6” sampler block -
That you can make using -
2-1/2” squares -
And anything else -
That finishes at 2” -
Three across and three down -
Variations of the basic NINE-PATCH -
The sewn block will MEASURE 6-1/2” -
And FINISH at 6” -
===
Block #71 - Rolling Squares -
Talk to you later - gotta go - gotta sew -
This is the time of year -
When people buy Christmas gifts -
But as Quilters - we all want/need to make Quilts - ;))
So I have a question for you -
Have you ever been disappointed in the reaction -
That you received from the recipient of your quilt/gift?
My bloggy buddy - LindaJ - reminded me the other day of the caveat -
About not making a quilt (of any size) for someone who will not appreciate the efforts -
I think that before any of us go all gung-ho -
And get all stressed out -
We might want to remember that - ;))
In fact - I think that it should be a RULE -
Do not make a quilt (of any size) for someone who will not appreciate the effort.
Of course -
As with any of my RULES -
Feel free to totally ignore it - ;))
Talk to you later - gotta go - gotta sew -
Another 6” sampler block -
That you can make using -
2-1/2” squares -
And anything else -
That finishes at 2” -
Three across and three down -
Variations of the basic NINE-PATCH -
The sewn block will MEASURE 6-1/2” -
And FINISH at 6” -
===
Block #70 - Rolling Stone -
Talk to you later - gotta go - gotta sew -
DESIGN WALL MONDAY - 11/26/12
Check out all of us who link up with Judy L. at Patchwork Times on Mondays.
We have some awesome stuff on our walls!
Well, THEY do - ME - not so much sometimes - ;))
===
Another episode of -
Leisurely Turtle Race to Christmas with Squirrels Allowed - ;))
This last week I took a little break from my LHQSQ blocks -
And decided to get some quilts ready to quilt -
For that I needed my can of basting spray -
And my handy-dandy kitchen island -
I love my kitchen island -
It’s huge - ;))
I spray-basted “Do You See What I See?” -
Unpinned and spray basted a practice top -
And got a whole pile of stuff ready to quilt -
LAST year I told myself that THIS year would be the year -
That I would practice my Free Motion Quilting -
And get my quilts QUILTED -
I’m quickly running out of year - ;))
Talk to you later - gotta go - gotta sew -
QUILT JOURNAL - ANNIVERSARY QUILT
Quilt-As-You-Go
Preprinted blocks alternated with Machine Quilted solid blocks
One solid block is hand quilted
Queen-Size
Started - August 1994
Completed - January 1995
Made as a gift for my Mom & Dad's 50th Wedding Anniversary
Reference - McRee Hickman booklet
Quilt-As-You-Go method
The story is below -
In an edited version of the letter I included with the quilt -
QJ - 1995
===
January 1995 -
HAPPY 50TH ANNIVERSARY MOM & DAD!!
Let me tell you the story of this quilt.
Some months back, I was trying to figure out just what to do to celebrate your 50th Anniversary. I wanted it to be really special. It finally came down to three choices:
1) Hand-quilt a wholecloth queen-size guilt.
No, that would take forever and I don't have the time.
2) Hand-piece and then quilt a double wedding ring queen-size quilt.
I could get a pre-cut kit but it would still take forever and I don't have the time.
3) Machine quilt a queen-size quilt from those stars you said you liked last Thanksgiving (1993).
Yes; you liked the stars; it would go together rather quickly. I had the time.
I figured I would need 25 stars for a 5 x 5 grid approximately 90" square. Off to the store I went. They had 12 stars on a bolt but 2 were flawed - OK 10. The clerk and I found a 2-star panel already cut - OK 12. I had 2 at home - OK 14. I could alternate with plain pink blocks and hand-quilt those. I got the fabric for the backing.
Off I went to the other store for the pink - they had a little over 2 yards left. I bought it all. Once home I discovered that I didn't have 2 stars. I had given one to a coworker - OK 13. I could still do it.
X O X O X
O X O X O
X O X O X
O X O X O
X O X O X
X = 13 STARS
0 = 12 PINK BLOCKS
TOTAL = 25 BLOCKS
In the meantime, I sent away for a booklet (McRee Hickman) on a new technique I had seen mentioned in a book. The booklet arrived and I cut the blocks. I had to fudge on the pink. After I cut out all the white backs, I found out the blue was 2 inches shorter in width and had to fudge on the blue and re-cut the white. There was no pattern - I had to make it up as I went along - like life.
I hand-quilted one pink block. Another coworker came up with a route for stitching the stars with a minimum of starts and stops and a very long continuous line. So far, so good! I stitched a few stars.
I set it aside for a while - I had lots of time.
I finished the quilt in January and mailed it to you early - just because. I included a verse from "Aunt Jane of Kentucky" by Eliza Calvert Hall.
HAPPY 50TH ANNIVERSARY MOM & DAD!!
Another 6” sampler block -
That you can make using -
2-1/2” squares -
And anything else -
That finishes at 2” -
Three across and three down -
Variations of the basic NINE-PATCH -
The sewn block will MEASURE 6-1/2” -
And FINISH at 6” -
===
Block #69 - Broken Wheel -
Talk to you later - gotta go - gotta sew -
Another 6” sampler block -
That you can make using -
2-1/2” squares -
And anything else -
That finishes at 2” -
Three across and three down -
Variations of the basic NINE-PATCH -
The sewn block will MEASURE 6-1/2” -
And FINISH at 6” -
===
Block #68 - Peach Cobbler -
Talk to you later - gotta go - gotta sew -
Happy Thanksgiving!
Here's hoping that you have a very nice Turkey Day with your family!
And have plenty of left-overs! ;))
Talk to you later - gotta go - gotta sew -
Another 6” sampler block -
That you can make using -
2-1/2” squares -
And anything else -
That finishes at 2” -
Three across and three down -
Variations of the basic NINE-PATCH -
The sewn block will MEASURE 6-1/2” -
And FINISH at 6” -
===
Block #67 - Raspberry Cheesecake -
Talk to you later - gotta go - gotta sew -
Another 6” sampler block -
That you can make using -
2-1/2” squares -
And anything else -
That finishes at 2” -
Three across and three down -
Variations of the basic NINE-PATCH -
The sewn block will MEASURE 6-1/2” -
And FINISH at 6” -
===
Block #66 - Saw Tooth -
Talk to you later - gotta go - gotta sew -
DESIGN WALL MONDAY - 11/19/12
Check out all of us who link up with Judy L. at Patchwork Times on Mondays.
We have some awesome stuff on our walls!
Well, THEY do - ME - not so much sometimes - ;))
===
On my wall this week are my LHQSQ Blocks #61 - 72 -
They need sashing -
Then I can add them to the ones on the design wall in the hallway -
And start working on the last batch - ;))
Talk to you later - gotta go - gotta sew -
QUILT JOURNAL - WAL-MART/POLY-FIL BLOCK - RED MINIATURE WATERCOLOR
Machine Pieced
Original - 12 - 1/2" square
Started - June 27, 1995
Completed - June 28, 1995
Duplicate - 15-1/2" - 14-1/2"
Completed - July 1996
In June 1995 - Wal-mart/Polyfil had a Quilt Block Contest - "Back to Basics" -
To design a block using basic shapes -
I chose a square -
1" squares - 12 x 12 = 144 squares
Tuesday - 6/27/95 - I cut the squares
Wednesday - 6/28/95 - I sewed them together
Thursday - 6/29/95 - I turned in my entry at Wal-mart
Friday - 6/30/95 - Was the last day to enter the contest
I was the store winner - must have been the only entry - ;))
I also did NOT take a photo of the block before I turned it in -
So I made another one - to commemorate my win - ;))
I won a $25.00 gift certificate -
And used it to buy a 24" x 36" cutting mat -
The perfect size for my cutting table -
The duplicate won Third Place at the County Fair in August 1996
QJ - 1995 - 1996
I was thinking the other day -
About how much a blog is like a book -
With periodic “Chapters” -
Some more frequent than others - ;))
And I thought how interesting it might be -
To choose a blog -
ANY blog -
And to read it like a book -
From the VERY beginning -
However far back that might be - ;))
Read about how the blog began -
Watch it as it evolves -
Watch how the author’s writing style changes - or not -
Read about the life and times of the blogger -
And maybe even get to know someone better - ;))
Talk to you later - gotta go - gotta sew -
The original plan for my Left-Handed Quilter Sampler Quilt (LHQSQ) -
Was to make NINETY-NINE - 9-patch blocks -
All to finish at 6” - ;))
I have 60 on the design wall in the hallway -
All sashed and ready to sew into rows -
I have 5 more made - but they still need sashing -
I have 7 more cut and kitted up - and partly sewn -
And - if my math is correct - that makes 72 -
I still need 27 more -
So -
I made my final choices from the EQ7 blocks (public domain) available -
And printed out the block patterns -
I’m ALMOST there - ;))
Talk to you later - gotta go - gotta sew -
In between my Left-Handed Quilter Sampler Quilt (LHQSQ) blocks -
And the Leisurely Turtle Race To Christmas With Squirrels Allowed (LTRTCWSA) stuff that Linda and I are working on -
With Christmas coming -
I’m also working on some secret stuff that I can’t post -
And it’s a real bummer to be working on something -
And not to be able to share my progress - ;))
But I can’t show you any of my “Santa” stuff -
‘Cuz I don’t want to spoil any surprises - ;))
Just in case the intended recipient reads my blog -
And you never know - he/she just might - ;))
Talk to you later - gotta go - gotta sew -
I was sewing right along -
Foundation Paper Piecing some “Square in a Square” patches -
For my LHQSQ blocks -
And then this -
The one on the left was looking OK -
The one on the right needed a “do-over” -
It wasn't supposed to be folded over like that -
Or maybe it was just time for my nap - ;))
Talk to you later - gotta go - gotta sew -
I have joined hundreds of stitchers in Daffycat’s TUSAL -
Totally Useless Stitch-A-Long
To play the game -
I have to fill my glass container -
With saved thread clippings -
Or ORTS - Old Ratty Threads -
Fabric trimmings -
Stitching cast-offs -
And then -
On the New Moon -
Take a picture of the ORTS in my jar -
Post it to my blog -
And label the Totally Useless posts with “TUSAL” -
Done - done - done - done - and done - ;))
Talk to you later - gotta go - gotta sew -
DESIGN WALL MONDAY - 11/12/12
Check out all of us who link up with Judy L. at Patchwork Times on Mondays.
We have some awesome stuff on our walls!
Well, THEY do - ME - not so much sometimes - ;))
===
Another 6” sampler block -
That you can make using -
2-1/2” squares -
And anything else -
That finishes at 2” -
Three across and three down -
Variations of the basic NINE-PATCH -
The sewn block will MEASURE 6-1/2” -
And FINISH at 6” -
===
Block #65 - Indiana Puzzle -
Talk to you later - gotta go - gotta sew -
QUILT JOURNAL - GREEN/ROSE QUILT
Pre-printed panels of Rose Medallions - 4 x 6 SQ
Machine Pieced
Hand Tied
Queen-Size
Started - January 23, 1995
Completed - May 20, 1995
Made for our daughter and her husband -
As you can almost see from the scan -
Their cat likes it, too - ;))
She likes green and I wanted to try out my new basting gun -
So after checking for a one-way layout - I laid the panels side by side -
Trimmed the inner border 1/4" from the Rose Square on each panel -
And sewed the panels together down the center (1/4" seam) -
I used the trimmed inner borders for the top and bottom borders -
And did not miter the borders -
I centered them at the diamond at the center seam -
Attached the binding to the quilt top only -
Basted with the staple gun and hand tied it -
I trimmed the back and batting -
Turned the binding to the back and hand stitched it down -
Won First Place at the County Fair in August 1995
QJ - 1995
LEFT-HANDED QUILTING - Review - Brother SQ9050
============
Note - these instructions are written in LEFTISH.
If you are right-handed - just reverse the directions.
============
Today I want to show you my new sewing machine -
Lots of features -
And VERY reasonably priced -
My kind of sewing machine!! - ;))
But first -
Disclaimer -
I am in no way affiliated with the manufacturer or supplier of this product - to my knowledge.
I did not get this product for FREE in exchange for a review - aka barter. I paid for it.
I have no intention of slandering or libeling anyone or any product.
I am simply stating my opinions - I could be wrong - you may disagree.
My opinions are based on my experience with this product - your results may vary.
I think that about covers it - if I missed something - let me know.
I am not a lawyer - and I am just trying to cover my a$$. ;))
===
I have THREE sewing machines already and didn’t really NEED a new one -
But I was looking for another basic sewing machine for piecing and found this -
It’s called the -
Brother SQ9050 - Computerized Sewing and Quilting Machine -
Made by Brother - here -
Made in China
Description -
It is described as a "Computerized Sewing and Quilting Machine" -
And Includes a Built-In Sewing Font for Basic Monogramming -
I think that it's technically an "Electronic" machine -
If you define a "Computerized" machine as one with USB computer capability -
This machine has computerized parts - but no USB computer connection/port -
The USA version has a polarized plug (one blade is wider than the other) for the wall outlet -
I'm not sure if other versions are available for other countries -
You might need to contact the company about that - ;))
Where you can get it -
I picked mine up at Walmart for $200 - here - ;))
If the store doesn’t have one in stock - have them order it for you -
I wouldn’t recommend ordering it online - I’ve had trouble with their site - ;))
What you get -
Some Quick Start Guides - an Instructional DVD - and a 77 page Operation Manual -
100 Built-in Stitches -
An Alphabet Font -
On a little Flip Chart -
There’s a set of buttons to tell the machine which set of stitches you want to use -
And then there’s the Start/stop button -
The Reverse button -
The Needle Up/Down button -
The Speed Control -
And a whole BUNCH of other stuff - ;))
What I LIKE about this sewing machine -
It came with a LOT of “extras” that other sewing machines do NOT include -
An extension table - 14" total -
Eight inches to the LEFT of the needle -
AND our favorite QUILTING goodies -
Walking foot -
FMQ spring foot -
1/4” foot -
Quilting guide -
It has THREE different ways to sew a 1/4” seam -
It has an ALPHABET font for monogramming - or quilt labels - ;))
LED light on needle area -
Button for needle up/down - raise or lower the needle -
Stop/start feature - you can sew without the foot controller -
Needle threader -
Stipple stitch - honest! - I’ll show you in a minute - ;))
What I DON’T like about this sewing machine -
The only thing that I DON’T like so far is that the default stitch is #00 -
And that is the LEFT needle position -
After I turn on the machine -
I have to change the stitch # to #01 for the CENTER needle position -
It’s not hard - it’s just annoying - ;))
===
EDIT UPDATE - 12/20/15 -
I found - on page 11 of the Operation Manual -
"Changing the initial needle position" instructions which state -
(1) Turn off the sewing machine
(2) Hold down the "+" side of the (graphic) (stitch selection key) on the left and turn on the sewing machine.
The initial needle position changes to the center needle position.
NOTE TO SELF -
Review the manual occasionally - you may have missed something - ;))
===
A couple of things that are not "bad" -
Just "different" than my Husqvarna/Viking Lily 555 - are -
It has a Vertical spool holder -
My Lily 555 has a Horizontal spool holder -
But the top thread guide may make it easier to use my Cone Thread Holder -
The presser foot lever is on the inside RIGHT side - not the back -
But I use my RIGHT hand to reach through to raise the presser foot anyway -
So that is a minor adjustment for me -
EDIT UPDATE - 12/23/12 -
CAUTION!! Do not accidentally hit the foot pedal-
When you are trying to raise the presser foot lever -
Your thumb may get caught between the needle bar thread guide -
And the presser foot lever - ask me how I know - ;))
The thread cutter is on LEFT side - not the back -
So I have to get used to pulling the fabric FORWARD -
And then cutting the thread off the LEFT side -
The bobbins are a different type - of course -
They are a clear plastic - not metal - or green plastic -
So that makes three kinds of bobbins in my collection now - ;))
How I use it to Sew a 1/4” Seam -
There are three ways to sew a 1/4” seam on this machine -
#1 - 1/4” foot -
Her 1/4” inch foot works really well -
Straight stitch - single hole foot -
Center needle position -
My HST came out at 2-1/2” like it was supposed to -
And my two little pieces cut 1-1/2” x 2-1/2” -
Came out at 2-1/2” square - YAY!! -
#2 - Stitch #43 - RIGHT side -
Zigzag foot "J" -
I lined up my little guide with the Seam Guide ruler -
I stitched two strips - 1-1/2” wide -
And it came out at 2-1/2” - Right on!! -
#3 - Stitch #44 - LEFT side -
Zigzag foot "J" -
I did the same thing using the other stitch -
I lined up my little guide with the Seam Guide ruler on the LEFT side -
I stitched two strips - 1-1/2” wide -
It was a bit weird lining up the fabric on the LEFT -
But it came out at 2-1/2” - Right on!! -
How I use it to sew some Sample Stitches -
Alphabet font sample -
I drew lines on some blue fabric about 1/2” apart -
And used a coffee filter as a stabilizer -
The top three lines are the three fonts on my Husqvarna/Viking Lily 555 -
The bottom line is the Brother SQ9050 -
With the Lily - I simply push the button with the letter I want/need -
With the SQ9050 - I have to push two stitch selection keys to enter the number of the stitch -
So it’s a bit more time consuming -
But I actually like the looks of the SQ9050 letters better -
“Stipple stitch” - Stitch #49 -
The one in the middle - I was fiddling with the stitch width and length -
But the ones on the left and on the right are at the default settings -
“Lazy Daisy stitch” - Stitch #27 -
“Loopy” decorative stitch - Stitch #75 -
Quilting sample -
I did a little FMQ - Leah Day style -
With my “broken” FMQ spring foot and the feed dogs UP - here -
Not bad - but I need more PRACTICE!! - ;))
Summary -
I have only had this machine for a very short time -
And I have just scratched the surface in terms of what she can do -
And I have some more testing/playing to do yet -
And some reviews have said that she develops tension problems about six months down the road - so we’ll have to wait and see about that -
But -
From what I have seen/done so far -
What it can do -
And - especially - for the PRICE -
I think that it’s quite a cool little sewing machine!! - ;))
Would I recommend this sewing machine?
YES
EDIT UPDATE - 8/29/13 -
As I told Miau in the comments below -
YES - she still does a good job!! - ;)) I use her mostly to do my piecing - and use Method #2 described above - Stitch #43 with the zig-zag presser foot "J" - and my stitch guide. Her tension messed up on me ONCE - I simply turned her OFF for a second - then turned her back on - sort of like re-booting your computer. When I turned her back on - all of the tension settings had re-set to the defaults - and she was fine - ;)) Would I still recommend this machine? - YES!! - ;))
EDIT UPDATE - 11/6/13 -
Today I was having some tension issues - loops were showing on the back of the fabric. I turned her off - re-threaded both the top thread and the bobbin - turned her back on - and she was back to normal - ;))
Talk to you later - gotta go - gotta sew -
