I have three sewing machines. An embarrassment of riches. They aren't all the fancy schmancy sort, but they all can sew 1/4" seams. In quilting, that's really what matters, right?
I have three sisters and a momma. One sister lives far away, has fancy schmancy sewing machine and could teach sewing (Really. She has a home ec ed degree). But the other two sisters live close by as does the momma. So, in July, we all came together at my house. I gave them access to (most of) my fabric stash. And we cut. And cut. and cut lots of fabric. We're making table runners. Soon, it was time to go.
We made plans to come back in September and keep on sewing. It was decided that we weren't in a hurry. We valued the sisterhood as much as the crafting.
Sistah #1 came by one day and learned the various blocks (four blocks total: 6" block, a four square block, and two log cabin-ish blocks. She made one of each with me and then went home and got to work.
Well, last Saturday, the sistahs and momma came and we actually sewed!!
Fixing a cutting mistake
trying out combinations
The sisterhood
who's happier the girl or the dog?
We're actually sewing!
"that's right mom, good job!"
it's so satisfying when the back side lays properly!
I took my sewing machine to get serviced. It's been a year since I bought it and it still makes me happy. I know that Janome has a new version of the Horizon, but I like mine, thank you very much.
So, my machine is back. And I started piecing the frame to the blocks for Amish with a Twist. It's very exciting and I'm glad to know how to do frames. I will try to do one frame a day for twelve days and get this thing put together.
I think this will be a gift, so you might not see it for a bit, but I enjoyed doing this particular pattern very much. Practice, practice, practice is good for this girl; and I really like doing samplers. I might make one for us, but I think in cream.
I just finished my Basics Quilt Class. Here's one of the squares I learned to construct ... The square: The Windmill
Why it's a Basic:When I think of quilting, windmills and whirligigs are what come to mind. Also, it utilizes the same technique as the Half square triangle with a 4-patch design.
What I learned: Look how those eight points come together in the middle. Genius. Also, this is the first block I sewed with my new machine.
What I like about this square: One of my favorite designs
In 2007 I got my first Janome sewing machine. I'd been itching for one -- I wanted to make pillows and other things for our home. And I did. My Decor 2007 really served it's purpose. It's a good machine.
Then last year I got the quilting bug. I did what I could with my machine, but it had it's limitations. So I started looking at other sewing machines. I looked at Consumer Reports (not too helpful, it was out of date), I looked at a lot of sewing and quilting blogs and the one Janome everyone talked about was the Janome 7700. If Bernina machines are the Mercedes-Benz of sewing machines, the Horizon is an Audi. Lower key, less money, but a well-made machine. During last summer's shop hop, I found the Horizon at various stores and looked at it with envy.
What did I like about it? The work area between machine and needle is 7 inches. No more squishing things up. I knew how to use a Janome, I just needed a friendlier environment. A better sewer could handle the DC2007, I'm sure.
It has front wheel drive... that's what I call it. I'm sure it's called something else. The feed dogs just sort of take the fabric and drive it through. It's a wonder.
Isn't it pretty?
And look at that plate! I think it is virtually impossible for me to mess up a 1/4" seam with this machine (operator error has been reduced to 25%). It has markings in every direction! Gorgeous.
So, since last summer I've been looking at this machine from afar. In March, I went down to my favorite Janome dealer and asked about the machine. She showed me the features and I fell in love with it all over again. The bobbin pretty much feeds itself. You have to place it in the holder, secure the thread, but press a button twice, and viola, threaded. I didn't buy it then. I wanted to tell my dear husband about it. DH is fiscally frugal and wanted me to wait. I was disappointed, but determined. I may have to forgo my designer hair, but I was determined to get this machine.
I did. Memorial Day weekend. It's beautiful and has the ability to do more than I'll ever understand. I love my new machine and look forward to using it!
The Janome Horizon doesn't need a foot pedal to sew... press the start button, the machine goes. Press the stop button, it stops. Done, press the scissors button, the threads get cut. I love this machine.
