When I conceived the idea of learning to quilt my thoughts were along the lines of, "I have a sewing machine, what else would I need?" I mean people have quilted since before sewing machines were even invented, right? I have carpel tunnel so extensive hand sewing is not an option but I have a sewing machine ~ I'm set!
Not.
As I got farther into each step on my quilt, I knew I had better buy a walking foot for my machine before I got to that point. So I sit down and start searching. Oh NO! My machine is not made to use a walking foot!
Now, I had options...hand-quilting - out, as explained above...Have it quilted by someone else - I kinda had my heart set on actually learning to quilt, not just piece...Buy another sewing machine - sooo expensive! Drats...what to do?
I had already dealt with quite a few "problems" with my inexpensive, basic machine, an off the shelf Singer. It's always "needle up" and no way to change it. It has tension problems with the bobbin thread and no way to fix it. It's sewing speed is strictly based on how hard you push the foot control and I could really use a slower "top" speed until I get better.
Dash talked me into buying a new sewing machine when he learned of the problems I was facing. In fact...he searched the internet for the best possible price on the machine I was interested in and then insisted we buy it. She was delivered last week.
I'd like you to meet Fern.
Fern, as I've named her is a Juki HZL-F600.
I think we are going to become very good friends!
I also got this nifty sewing desk for Fern to live on.
This all sits directly behind my stitching desk. All I have to do is turn my chair around to sew! I will need to buy a table to go behind the sewing desk when I'm actually quilting to support the quilt.
I've been practicing on some small pieces, while getting my big quilt ready for quilting. I'm looking forward to the finish!
Thank you for visiting my blog today!
xox
Very nice machine and I just love your sewing table.
ReplyDeleteTake Care & Happy Sewing
Hugs, Sandy
Fern is beautiful! And you're on your way to a dream craft area, aren't you? the only quilting I've been able to do is piecing two pieces of sheets together with batting in between. And that is already hard!!! Have fun :)
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to see what rolls off of Fern!
ReplyDeleteI am soooo jealous of you and fern. I bet it even has computer software so you can design patches for your vest!!!
ReplyDeleteHugs!
Jan
Good luck with the quilt.
ReplyDeleteLinda
Your post made me giggle. I had the same thoughts how hard can quilting be? You just cut fabric and sew it together.....right? My very first quilt ever is a California kind extra wide extra long quilt.......I mustered through and got it done with a lot of curse words, a lot of seam ripping and a lot of google searches.....I soon became addicted to quilting to the point I have fallen behind on stitching.....a better machine makes a world of difference along with a lot of practice...good luck and I can't wait to see what you create!
ReplyDeleteLovely new machine, looking forward to seeing what you make with it
ReplyDeleteFern looks right at home, I hope you are her become great friends and am looking forward to seeing what you too create in the future.
ReplyDeleteHappy quilting!
Oooo nice :)
ReplyDeleteAwesome! Your first steps into quilting sound similar to mine! Only difference is (lucky you) have advanced into the newer machine phase already! :-) Your quilt looks beautiful and I have to say you look like a natural born quilter that will be making many beautiful quilts in the years ahead! Just remember to always have fun with it! :-)
ReplyDeleteLovely machine, your Husband is as generous as mine, we are lucky ladies.
ReplyDeleteHave fun with that machine, I look forward to seeing your finished quilt.
Catherine
Way cool! What an awesome sewing table too.
ReplyDeleteLOL....yes I had the same idea about quilting! I decided that it's best to practice with a small simple design of just little blocks that will eventually be for my youngest to use as a blanket for her dolly!
ReplyDeleteI've been having tension problems as well but think that's just me....so will try a few other things that I think may be causeing it. I love your Fern and can't wait to see what comes off her :)
Looking forward to what you and Fern turn out, Sharon!! Have fun :)
ReplyDeleteNice machine. I love that you named her Fern!! Can't wait to see all the great things you make.
ReplyDeleteGreat machine, Sharon, you and she will be BFF. Good luck with your quilting.
ReplyDeleteNew toy - fabulous. Hope you have many happy sewing adventures.
ReplyDeleteAlways exciting to buy a new machine. I'm sure you will be doing loads of quilting now. Love your desk.
ReplyDeleteQuilting is an adventure and so addictive too! Have fun!
ReplyDeleteCool purchase!
ReplyDeleteI machine sewed a bunch of quilt tops, but I am quilting them by hand as I cannot afford to buy a quilting machine for at least a year or two. It takes a long time, but I've almost finished my first real quilt (from a quilting magazine pattern). I have my eye on that same machine, so I'll be following along to see how you like it!
ReplyDelete