Sunday, September 5, 2010

Stitch, stitch, quilt

The bobbins for my Bernina 820 are a lot bigger than a normal bobbin and they've been rattling around in a tin which is not good for the senser thingymigig part. You know what they say, "neccesity is the mother of invention"
Mr Quiltsalott and I got our heads together and came up with this simple little number. It's made from a scrap piece of wood and some dowling. No Nails, no glue because he has power tools to do the job. As soon as the prototype was knocked up, I ordered another one quick smart because there's no flies on me.
I suggested some stain to flash it up but the comment was that then I wouldn't be able to smell the wood. Silly me, what was I thinking.
I just about wrecked myself getting all the blocks made for the scrapalicious quilt so I'll just wait for a little bit before I sew the them together. I'm glad I got this far because in the middle of sewing, I was beginning to doubt it was anything but a mish mash. I'm sure it'll look great on a bed, it's not art people!
Some thought I was really dedicated to make pieced blocks, sorry to dissapoint you but this is cheater fabric, it's pretty effective and did a lot of work for me.
What else have I been up to? Well I've spent a fair bit of time practicing some more machine quilting which means that my applique was put on the back burner.
I'm going to keep it real and show the good, the bad and the plain ugly. I'm going to be self critiqueing so that I can improve and learn.
The lesson here is to figure out better paths from one motif to another so it flows more naturally.
This one was a play with a feather and look, look, circles blobs! We shouldn't be afraid to experiment, it could lead to something great.
This piece has a wool batting and I washed it to see how it would look. I was attempting to make a branched feather. More circular blobs this time.
With every bit of practice, I'm learning. To keep it up, I've decided to try and give myself time at the machine. I'm calling it free motion Friday. I may just have ordered some bits and pieces to help me. I'll wait to tell you when they get here.
I think my next goal will be to do something that's not so heavy with thread and more casual and airy.

There are a couple of generous bloggers who are helping us with free motion quilting. Leah has a blog called 365 days of free motion quilting and Christina over at A Few Scraps is hosting a beginners machine quilting party you can join.

So why do I want to learn?
Because I can't afford to send the tops out  to get done by a proffessional.
I want to retain ownership of the quilt by doing it by myself.
It's a challenge and a new skill to learn.
I have more quilt tops than I can get through by hand quilting even though it's still my preference.

Thanks for visiting, until next time, find some time for stitching.

59 comments:

Sue said...

Heehee! You got me in with that cheater cloth. I really thought you'd done those hexies.
I'm so impressed by you fm quilting. It's a lot better than my wonky swirls.

Anita said...

Hi Janet, I love the quilt you are making with all the bits of material. It looks fantastic. I admire the machine quilting that you've done as well. I must try that one day. Kind regards, Anita.

Marit said...

Beautiful free motion quilting! I am inspired. I hear you on reasons to quilt your own quilts, and I hope to start working on my pile of tops. Do you have any size restrictions to how big a quilt you will quilt yourself?

The scrapalicious quilt is looking so good. Maybe a perfect top to practice more fm quilting?

Nat Palaskas said...

The scrapalicious quilt is gorgeous and I can see your machine quilting skill will come in handy for this quilt. Your quilting is coming along very nicely. I have saved the 365 days of free motion quilting blog as well. I think one day I will need to learn how to machine quilt too. Have fun free motion Friday Janet.
Hugs
Nat

Jess @ Scrappy n Happy said...

Your quilting looks fantastic! I wish my quilting looked that good, maybe in a few years when my boys are at school I'll have time to do it all!! Ha ha

Kaaren said...

Your free motion quilting looks close to perfect now, Janet. I can just imagine what a little more practice will bring. I so admire your tenaciousness when it comes to learning a new skill.

I think Mr. QAL would do well in making those bobbin holders to sell. They too look wonderful too and very professional.

Rachaeldaisy said...

It's amazing how it was only a few weeks ago you did your class with Kelly from Dont Look Now and now youre quilting fancy feathers. I'm really impressed and inspired. I agree with all your reasons for fmq, especially the feeling of ownership. So funny you used the phrase mish mash, I've just named a quilt Stash Mish Mash. Love the Jen Pag quilt!!

Linda said...

Free Motion Friday-- what a great idea!

Shari said...

Your quilting looks great to me! And I love the quilt... your granddaughter is just going to be so loving it... I just love these simple scrappy quilts. You have a very handy hubby - could do with a fancy bobbin holder myself - I'm using a chocolate tin (what else?).

Lisa said...

Hi, just wanted to say that I agree with all your reasons for mastering machine quilting. I am slowly getting to grips with it too - practice makes perfect as they say! It's encouraging to watch your journey. Love your branched feather!

Unknown said...

Your bobbin holder is just fantastic!! How wonderful that Mr. Quiltsalott was able to fabricate this for you!! And boy oh boy is your quilting paying off. All the reasons that you state are so valid too!! Love them!

ranette said...

The bobbin holder's are terrific....great idea!
I think your fm quilting is lovely and I look forward to seeing your progression. I am going to order the dvd by Patsy that you mentioned earlier to give it a try myself.

Oh was your daughter affected by the earthquake in NZ?

Sandy said...

I love when you post! Those "blobs" as you call them are darling....the circles in the feather center are perfect- I find that the finer the thread, the easier the quilting, although I have not done much, I did have a hard time with the thicker threads.I know silk is expensive,but that produced the best result. Your grandaughter is a lucky cookie....the scrapalicious is wonderful! Sandy
PS: Good bobbin keeper ;)

Kim said...

Janet I think your quilting looks spectacular! Are you doing that on your Bernina? I am enamored! It looks wonderful!

Dolly said...

Each person's journey seems to help another's !

Thank you so much for journaling all of your attempts. I'm crazy over the pebbles in the center of a feather !

Great job !

And yes, that quilt is going to be scrumptious on a bed !

Dolly said...

Wonderful bobbin holders, too.......my hubby used to always come to my rescue with wooden working objects !

Rebecca Merry said...

I'm with you on retaining ownership! That's why I've never had the guts to send away a quilt to someone else! I'll just stick to the hand quilting...until I work up the guts/skill to try some machine quilting myself! Maybe this is the nudge I need to try!

Yvette said...

I so agree also about retaining ownership! I purchased a Bernina 830 last year with the hopes of the extra space to have more room to learn to free motion quilt better. Have I practiced? NO! I need to take a lead from you and set aside an hour a week just to go for it. I am using so much of my budget hiring out.

Your samples are fantastic!!!

Lori said...

You say scrapolicious is not art, but the fabric makes it art! What a fun quilt and so Monet!!
Love the bobbin holder. You have quite a talented hubby.
I quilt a lot of my own for the same reasons..mostly financial.

Crispy said...

Beautiful Janet!! I LOVE your blobs, who says they have to be circles, blobs have more personality IMHO :0)

Sure wish I could afford a nice machine, just can't do machine quilting with a featherweight LOL.

Do you have a stitch regulator on your Bernina?

Crispy

Shirley said...

I am in awe again at your perseverence to master something and you say it isn't perfect. It looks pretty darn good to me. Love that feather design and your cheater fabric looks great mixed in with the patchwork. It resembles an old fashioned patchwork quilt and I reckon our stitching ancestors would be proud.
Love Shirley.x

YankeeQuilter said...

Good on you for taking on machine quilting! I too love hand quilting but when you start piecing by machine I think it throws off the quilt equilibrium and you end up with a pile of tops!

Kim Brackett said...

Love the bobbin holder -- how smart are you?!

Your machine quilting looks really pretty. I prefer hand quilting, too, but at some point I realized that it was taking me several months to finish a quilt, and I have so many more that I want to make. It didn't take you very long to get the hang of it. Your designs are gorgeous!

Mimi said...

Well, I for one think your "blobs" look pretty good; and I give you credit for going gunho on learning to machine quilt to keep those quilts ALL your own doing. I wish I had the time to do the same. Maybe someday. Thanks for sharing.

Teresa Rawson said...

Your bright and fun quilt is looking great!

I think you are doing fantastic with the machine quilting...I like the circles/blobs...maybe you could call them feather berries or fern berries? They are a hit with me.

Thank you for the links...I would like to learn to machine quilt, at least some of my smaller projects.

Nice bobbin gadget!!


In stitches,
Teresa :o)

elliesue said...

Do you know that I am doing my own quilting for the same reason as you have cited. I am no where near the standard you are at as I don't have the time to practice as yet, I have to finish the quilt first, but thank you for giving me incentive to keep going.

Funoldhag said...

My goodness, dear lady, you are doing a spectacular job of machine quilting!! There is no reason for you to ever send anything out to be quilted. You go, girl! Carol

Darlene said...

Love the bobbin holder - very clever indeed.

The quilt is fabulous, Janet.

OMG, your machine quilting is wonderful - way to go.

Ann Champion said...

Your bobbin holder is so simple yet so clever. Mr. Quiltsalot is very handy.
Your machine quilting skill is amazing. You're a natural?
The quilt top for your GD is so pretty, and once it's quilted the texture will make it gorgeous! :)

Eileen said...

Your feathers are looking really good-i don't see blobs, I see circles.
And yes, it is art. You're so close you don't see it; it is art.

quiltingnana said...

great invention...and I have been so wanting to do my own machine quilting...but every time I try, I don't like the outcome...guess I just need more practice

Barb said...

What a clever idea...with the bobbins.

You are so inspiring me to get with the free motion...thanks!

Taryn said...

I love this post. I can't believe you are a beginner at this because your machine quilting looks great. It is a testament to your natural ability and your ability to follow directions. :) I would pay the long armers but I am picky and sometime struggle with finding someone to give me what's in my head. And, the really good ones all have waiting lists a mile long. Thanks for the links. I might just try this myself.

Taryn said...

I love this post. I can't believe you are a beginner at this because your machine quilting looks great. It is a testament to your natural ability and your ability to follow directions. :) I would pay the long armers but I am picky and sometime struggle with finding someone to give me what's in my head. And, the really good ones all have waiting lists a mile long. Thanks for the links. I might just try this myself.

Anonymous said...

I was at a quilt show yesterday, and it was disappointing to see how many quilts had been done by long arm quilters - some of the quilts would actually have been quite poor if it hadn't been for good quilting - but as that isn't done by the person submitting the quilt, it almost feels like cheating!

Terry said...

I love your bobbin holders! They're so pretty stacked up that way! :0)

Browndirtcottage said...

What a great little bobbin holder. Did you buy your bobbins in a 'bulk' sack? Yes, I was warned when I bought my machine to watch out for my bobbins and their little silver sensors! I think I only have about 9 bobbins so far and they came 3 to a little clear tube with a red screw on top. These little boogers are expensive aren't they....LOL...well, just about anything involving a Bernina is expensive!
And you are getting sooo good on your FMquilting!!! BRAVO! I just kept having problems with my stitch regulator having HUGE skipped stitches so I just put it away and use my darning foot!
Good job girl....now you've inspired me to practice more....I think I'll lay these clamshells down for a while and go to my machine.

Janet said...

I just love your feathers with blobs - keep on showing us your practice pieces - they're like mini whole cloth quilts! What a great bobbin holder - Mr Quiltsalott is a handy guy.

Cardygirl said...

Your quilting looks great...thanks for the links!

Andi said...

The quilt is looking gorgeous (and huge!!)
And your quilting is absolutely wonderful!!
Andi :-)

Sue-Anne said...

The quilt is looking fantastic and I love that cheater block!!!!

Your machine quilting is amazing, you may see faults with it but I can't. It looks great.

Karen said...

Janet, I totally agree with you and you are well on your way to becoming a very good machine quilter. You will have much greater satisfaction in finishing them yourself. I started 4 years ago and have enjoyed the journey.

Sonja♥ said...

Your patch is beautiful! And your progress in machine quilting also!!!
I love Leah's blog, she's a very good teacher:)

Unknown said...

WOW you are really coming on with your quilting - I just wish I didn't have a houseful this last weekend that I could have got some done, but I've already lost my sewing room for the sleepovers and then when 'they' are there I loose the dining table too ;-(

Jantine said...

Wow, I am very impressed about your feathers! Great job! Keep practicing, you don't need to sent your quilts out, you seem an excellent quilter already!

Barb said...

Hi Janet
I so admire your machine quilting practice discipline!
I feel the same way about ownership. I'd rather it all be done by me. I should practice more.
the spool caddy is wonderful!

antique quilter said...

great feathers, your really conquering the machine quilting, makes me want to go out and buy a new machine with the BSR!!!!
oh yes its all about the practice but it certainly pays off

great spool holder
you two make a great team!

Kim D. said...

Your quilting looks fantastic! Those feathers are perfect. Love Mr. Q's bobbin holder, it's wonderful!

Thimbleanna said...

Oh Janet! Your machine quilting is so beautiful -- I sure wish I had your patience! Your bobbin holder is pretty darn cool too!

Elisabeth said...

Hi Janet. This post is so good. The quilt is so nice, your bobbin holder is perfect idea! And your quilting,... I do not have words.... beauitful...

Elisabeth

Quilts And Pieces said...

How clever is that bobbin holder your hubby made you! Love it! and your quilting is getting better and better! I'm jealous!

Anonymous said...

You continue to inspire, Janet. Thank you.

RG said...

Hi Janet,
Love your bobbin holder thingy...what a great idea... I can smell it from here :-)
Your FreeMo quilting is looking fantastic!! It is such fun isn't it?
I love doing it too and love your idea of giving yourself time and wow do I ever agree about making it all yours...it's a geat feeling!
Keep up the fantastic work and I really hope you liked the lemon cake :-)

Carrie P. said...

great way to store your bobbins.
I like those blobs (lol) in your feathers. Your work is looking really great to me.

kim mclean said...

Doing great with the machine quilting there Janet!
Mr. Q can start a bobbin holder making enterprise and pitch it to the Bernina people. cheers, Kim McL

Ivory Spring said...

As far as I am concerned, your quilting looks wonderful!!!

Featheronawire Sally Bramald said...

Your quilting is looking good but what I liked most was you wanting to take ownership of your quilt. This is the most important thing to me.

Helen in Switzerland said...

Your quilting is AMAZING! I'm so impressed! It makes me want to take my machine quilting up a notch or two!

nancyc20 said...

What ugly???!!! There is no ugly stitching here! It's all fabulous!