Despite telling myself that I don't need to be going full speed ahead every second of the day.......which by the way, I have not been for a couple of weeks, frustration is setting in at my lack of accomplishments lately.
Life has taken over my life in the studio.....nothing terrible....just mundane things that needed to be attended to. But, here and there I've had bits of time to work on this ginkgo leaf project. It's now designed and the next step - GULP - is machine stitching to enhance the leaves and then - really BIG GULP - machine quilting.
This is forcing me to get better acquainted with the Janome 8900 I bought near the end of last year. I'm going to fine myself a dollar every time I mentally compare it to my beloved Pfaff.....which now resides in machine heaven. The biggest hurtle is the size of the feet (HUGE) and the cumbersome walking foot....not to mention the unnecessary number of complex settings.
Machine manufacturers seem to feel required to offer machines that 'do everything', which by the way....don't seem to do the simple things really well anymore.
Stay tuned.......
12 comments:
This is beautiful....can hardly wait to see the extra enhancement your stitching will undoubtedly add....sorry to hear you are still unhappy with your machine....I have a 6600p that I absolutely LOVE for machine quilting ...but I agree about the older pfaffs ...when it comes to garment construction that is my number one choice....I bought a newer "simple" pfaff....the machine is "okay" the parts are SO flimsy....but their dual feed system is second to none! Janome's accu-feed is quite clunky in comparison and really disappointing that it can only be used with certain feet....and yes....I don't need /want 100s of stitches or embroidery or many of these other flashy bells and whistles....just want a well built reliable workhorse that can get the job done right with a nice even consistent stitch....maybe we are asking too much?????
I agree with your view on the complex machines - who needs 65 embroidery stitches? A "simple" machine that does a few things really well would be a good thing!
Stunning piece!
Love, love, love this piece! Colors are WONDERFUL!
what a lovely piece, best of luck with the quilting, I have a featherwieght and that sews the straightest lines much better than the bernina or new home that I also have, mind you it does not have any other stitches which is probably why it is so good and it is 67 years old.
Looking good!
The fabric used in the ginkgo leaves really captured my attention. You are master at putting together a simple but very compelling palette and design. Can't believe I am about to give you advice - still here it goes. I often make a quilt sandwich from the scraps or extra fabrics I used to piece the quilt top. This way I can test thread colors and fmq patterns without committing them to the quilt until I am ready.
Gwen.....you reminded me of a practice I USED to do....way back when I was actually new to patchwork. Since I generally make my quilts larger than the desired finished size.....I actually used to stitch on those outside border to test thread color.....and sometimes patterns. (though I was pretty much a hand quilter in those days). Thank you for the reminder!!
omg it's like needing a manual to operate a dang phone.
I nurse along my ancient Bernina, feeding her bits of peeled grapes, and taking her to the bernina hospital for repairs because I just don't love the new machines. I want to hit the floor running, not invest years in figuring out how to manipulate one of these new monsters. I haven't heard a lot of people in love with new machines either.
A friend of mine recently went from Pfaff to Bernina and says she's happy but she expresses frustration to me.
You do not have to be constantly productive. Aren't you retired? Sometimes it's okay to sit, and be still, and just read or look at pretty pictures. It has to be or I'm a real slug!
LEeAnna at not afraid of color
Lovely, lovely quilt. But you can do this! One step at a time..one step at a time! Although nothing can replace your beloved machine, in time you'll tame the new one and you and she will be the best of buds.
Well said!
Such a pity that the basics cannot be combined with some of the more useful computerised features without losing the quality of the stitch and without the need for excess!
The ginkgo leaves are looking promising.
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