Over the years I have made a lot of big quilts on this machine, including the quilting. Here's two of my favorite quilts that I did on this machine:
A wedding/anniversary quilt for my nephew and his wife from the book, "Say It With Quilts". It was because of this quilt that I got my new sewing machine! This quilt just about did it in!
High school graduation quilt for my son at our apartment in Germany, enlarged from a pattern by Robbi Joy Eklow:
I did a lot of dense free motion quilting that is shown here on the back of the guitar quilt:
This old machine was used a lot! I have it now as my backup sewing machine; I just can't get rid of it! Years ago I would have said this machine was a workhorse; I could do just about anything on it. But it is so different from my new machine! The power and the speed differences are so noticeable now. The quilting space seems so small. And after making this quilt top today, instead of a workhorse, I would say it is like a sullen teenager! I had to coax it over the seams, it sewed slow, it was stubborn. Oh, it got the job done, but the attitude I could have done without!
I sure do hope my favorite sewing machine is out of the shop soon! But it looks like I'll have to do the quilting on this old machine! I hope it is up to the challenge! At least the quilt is not big and I have a simple design planned. I'm going to give it some oil and let it rest overnight and see how it goes tomorrow!
LaDonna
You made some really pretty quilts with that little machine!
ReplyDeleteThat's funny that your backup machine is a Bernette. I have one also, but it's my backup backup. It is actually the newest machine I own and I just never warmed up to it. My two main machines are both old Kenmore's. One from 1980 and one a few years earlier than that even! Those two machines are workhorses for me! The Bernette and I just never clicked. While my one machine was in the shop a few weeks ago I did get it out again and I have been sewing on it, trying to make myself like it more. Maybe getting rid of the old Singer will make the Bernette behave better... haha.
ReplyDeleteI love the guitar quilt and so would my son! I made him one years ago with appliqued guitars in square blocks. He loves it and I bet your son loves his. Great job on it!
All three quilts are beautifully made!
ReplyDeleteI love the new little polka dot quilt. So cute!!
Deborah
Wow! I read the whole post of course but kept going back to look at the guitar quilt! I just love it! Bet your son does too!!!
ReplyDeleteLove both of the quilts you made on your "little workhorse". Technology is a wonderful thing, just wish "they" would figure out a way to keep the bobbin from running out.
ReplyDeleteI have a really old Bernina that I bought used in 1975 that I would never think of parting with. These machines are just part of our family, huh?!! And the quilts that your little machine made are beautiful!
ReplyDeleteI love the guitar quilt. It is fantastic. Your little Bernette did you proud. Hugs
ReplyDeleteHope you are back to your new machine soon. I know going back to my old Kenmore would be hard. I love my Singer.
ReplyDeleteThe guitar quilt you made is incredible ~ such a piece of art! I've only made five quilts (all by hand and they take for-ev-ah!) but some day hope to create something as beautiful as yours:)
ReplyDeleteWith a smile,
~Cindy
I love the guitar quilt and the happy smiles :-) I hope your back up machine cooperates the way you want it to!
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your week,
Judy
....like a 'sullen teenager' and you could do without the attitude! OMG...you crack me up! That is so perfect, and says it all! lol
ReplyDeleteLove your writing style!
ReplyDeleteLike fabric, notions, quilt mags and books - one sewing maching is not enough! And while I love my new heavy duty janome memorycraft, I still have soft spot for my original MyStyle! She and I learned to sew together and she is small and fiesty. She is like a quirky aged aunt and she gets to come out with me for expeditions to quilting classes and groups (she knows all the gossip)!
ReplyDeleteCheers Kathy
HA! Our quilt did your little sewing machine in! Too funny LuLu! We love our quilt, its the only "blanket" we use all year. :)
ReplyDeleteI am currently having a go at my first free from machine quilt...tough stuff.. my forearms ache and I need a break every 20 minutes! It's a long process! The finished product will hopefully make it to my blog in next month or so!
ReplyDeleteHey Suz! I love to do free motion and I'm glad that you are trying it out! It does take some practice. I have learned over the years that an adjustable chair is very important. I've sewn at my dining table, a desk, a card table, etc and being at the right height can really affect your sewing and how you feel. Also, when I changed over to a flush sewing surface, it really made a huge difference. No more fighting the quilt and the corners of the acrylic table! Gloves, like gardening gloves with the sticky dots or Machingers also are a must! Don't go too fast...a slower speed helps you keep a consistent stitch length and tension and maintain better control. The main thing is practice, practice, practice! I'm looking forward to seeing your finished quilt! (I started my reply to your comment as an email and then noticed you are a no-reply blogger, that's why I'm commenting here!)
ReplyDeleteLaDonna
Love the guitar quilt!!! The wedding quilt, too. The little machine did good for you :)
ReplyDelete'Sullen teenager' with 'attitude' cracked me up!
ReplyDeleteSweet baby blanket. Turned out nice.
Hi- I'm new to your blog and saw your guitar quilt. I made one for my son but I really like how you made the quilt bigger! May have to re-visit that pattern! :)
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