This past weekend I pulled out a number of project boxes to assess those projects. I was afraid to do this, but I'm happy to tell you that there are not very many unfinished projects in there at all. I guess I've been working through them without paying all that much attention. Yay me! I found three projects in the closet that are almost finished, so I think it's really time to get those done, don't you?
All three of these are very close to being finished--or I can redefine them as finished--so I just closed my eyes and picked one. It turned out to be these lovely blocks:
These are Steps to the Garden blocks that I was making as a Rainbow Scrap Challenge project from 2017. I'm not sure why I stopped making them. I think I got busy one month, then got behind, then just didn't pick them up again. You know how that goes, right? I ended up with 16 blocks, which is almost 6 months worth.
So I threw the blocks up onto the design wall and here's what they looked like:
Friends, I really hated this. I just really don't like the look of it at all. It looked like a really good idea on paper, but here it's just too dark and too busy. I think it would have looked a lot better with different background colors, but that ship has sailed now. What to do?
I decided to pull out two of the purple blocks and one red block, then space them out with some alternate blocks:
Gosh, that's better. It's still dark, but it keeps the stepping stones theme, and it's not nearly as busy. As a bonus, the chain blocks are super easy to make and go really fast. Some strip piecing and they're pretty much finished. I cut the pieces for the last four blocks already and I'll make them up one afternoon this week. My only real question about this quilt top is whether I should add two of those blocks back in for a last row. It would have to be two Garden blocks and three alternate blocks, and I'm not sure that I'd like having the quilt be unbalanced. Heck, I might not even notice, and it would use up those blocks. What do you think?
So there's one project re-thought and almost done! In addition to this project, I'm having to take on another one-- finding a new sewing machine. Yeah, my main machine has given up the ghost:
Sadness! I bought this machine new in 2007 over the objections of the owner of the sewing machine store, who warned me that this was a machine for "occasional sewers" and would never last a year if I used it every day. Guess I showed her, huh? Alas, the machine started having power issues, in that it wouldn't stay on for more than a few stitches at a time, and then it refused to turn on at all. I could have it fixed, but there are other issues as well, so it's definitely not worth putting money into. So now I'm using the emergency backup machine:
Yes, I need to make the list of must-haves and start shopping around really quick, because this will just not do! I'm really looking for a used machine, but I'll look at some new ones, too, even though they're probably really too expensive for me. What features would you consider "must have" in a new machine? Help me make my list!
Hope you're all having a good week with no machine issues and lots of sunshine!
Sharing at Let's Bee Social.
16 comments:
You probably know all this, but the most important thing is to get a computerized one. When I tried one in the store it had all these quick things, like never having to turn the wheel. Just pressing buttons. My daughter gave me her computerized Brother and it’s like a brand new world. So get as many bells and whistles without the embroidery, and with a good throat. Good luck with that.
A good size throat, needle down, straight stitch, blanket stitch, a knee lift if possible, dual motor for bobbin winding, a free motion foot, 1/4" foot and that's what does me.
Add the next row and get rid of those blocks...
Good on you for working towards another finish. Decisions, decisions with buying a new machine. The thing I love the most on my machine is “needle up needle down”. Yes, a big throat size is really helpful too. There are so many features which are pretty standard, but I don’t use many of the fancy stitches. Have fun looking at what’s around.
Hurray for pulling another UFO out of the closet and making it work! I’d go for another row. I’m always conscious of that balance, too, but I recently finished a quilt that wasn’t, and it looked great anyway. I’m a proponent for the older machines. They just seem to last longer, make sweet stitches, and cost less. If you’re only using it to piece, you don’t need s larger throat.
The alternate blocks in your quilt are perfect...they continue the chains and help to highlight the other blocks. Have fun picking a new machine.
I am with some others here in wanting needle up/down functionality. Love it.
Needle down is critical for me. Dual-feed is nice. Ability to drop feed dogs for free-motion (if you are so inclined). Blanket stitch if you will use it, otherwise go for a straight stitch machine and you won't be paying for fancy stitches you don't use.
I just bought a new machine a little over a year ago. Here's what I like about it. It has multiple thread cutters, which I love. One by the bobbin fill, one on the side (the usual one), and my favorite, the thread cut when I'm done sewing (just the push of a button). The needle up/down is great. I love the needle threader (this one actually works). I also like that I can push a button and the foot will automatically come up just a bit when I stop, so I can pivot without having to push a button or lift the foot. Good lighting on my machine! Makes a huge difference. My machine has what's called an Accufeed foot, which I believe is similar to a dual feed. I love, love, love it. Seriously. And I really like that quilt you are working on. I've always wanted to make a quilt with a green background, and it never seems to get done!
I like the new layout. I sew mainly on vintage straight stitch machines. I do have a simple Janome that I like for machine quilting (I'm a straight stitch only gal) and for it's decorative stitches. You do have to move the needle to get a correct 1/4" seam, despite having a 1/4" foot, but, I've been told my many modern machine owners that this is common for most brands.
I like the alternate blocks you added, Mari! They give some nice space between the busier blocks. I'm sorry you have to get a new machine though. I'm following on the comments other people are leaving because that could be in my future, too!
You've come up with a very neat solution to your UFO setting problem. Congrats. My suggestion for a new machine, keep it simple. I tried a top of the line machine and really regretted it, it took me so long to figure it out, it was a misery to sew. Good luck with the machine hunt.
I think being able to set the machine so that the needle stays down when you stop sewing is very important. I also like being notified when the bobbin is empty is a great feature.
I love all my Berninas. A real work horse of a machine.
Lovely what you did with the alternate blocks! I think I would try using the extra blocks, but then I do prefer rectangular quilts. :) I think needle up-down functionality is a must have. It’s the one thing that I wish I had on my machine just about every time I sit down. Good luck!
Hi, Mari!!! I love the new layout with the alternate blocks. Can you tell me where to find the Steps to the Garden block pattern? I love the look of that block and the whole quilt. Don't ask me about a new machine, lol. I've been using an old Kenmore since 2005. I would love to get a new one too, but hopefully that'll come in time. Have a great weekend. Hugs!!! Pam
Hi there!I'd like to add my two cents worth for a new machine. If you are looking for a quilting only machine, consider buying a larger size one that does straight stitch only. Juki, Janome and others all have similar machines. I have a Brother 1500, it has a 9 inch harp,it cuts, has a threader, needle up/down, knee lift, and sews straight stitch only. It's faster than I am, works hard and is absolutely reliable. It sews a perfect 1/4 inch seam, but comes with lots of other feet. Joann has them on sale for less than 500$. I bought mine online and it shipped fine. I have another old machine that I haul out if I need to do blanket stitch or zigzag for clothing repairs, but use my brother 99% of the time.
Enjoy your blog, thanks for sharing your lovely work!
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