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Wednesday, July 2, 2014

Crossing the Line


Time for a new post, eh?
(That's Canada speak!)

The good news is that summer has finally decided
to make an appearance.
Whew!!


The bad news is that the weather decided to change 
just when I picked up my new....


...Janome Horizon 8200!!


It's kind of difficult to stay indoors to play
when opportunities like this beg to be taken advantage of!

But I spent a few minutes each evening
getting my new machine set up and ready to go.
Now I'm practicing my FMQing so I can start my first quilt.
It'll be a small one!

I'm finding that I do great when I'm just working
on a simple sandwich,
but when I try to quilt something pieced,
my FMQ foot bogs down at the seam allowances,
making for some pretty jerky movements.
Aren't I supposed to be able to 'cross the line'?
I'll figure it out sooner or later.
Update:  A screw on the FMQ foot itself?
Who knew?

I always keep a project on the work table
so I can pass by, sit for a minute, and take a stitch or two.
Here are a couple of For Pink's Sake blocks
I constructed,


compliments of 

The Crafty Quilter

Between paddling and working in the yard,
it took me four days to put them together,
but they were so worth the wait!!
I love them and
I look forward to making them in a different color.

Four more owl pillows
sit patiently upon the craft counter


waiting to be stuffed.
Once completed, that makes 7.
Only 5 more to go.


This Mourning Cloak
(Nymphalis antiopa)
has been keeping me company most mornings
while I enjoy my coffee in the early morning sun,
contemplating my day's activities.
It's so rich and velvety looking.

I hope you are enjoying some rich and velvety
summer days!
~karen


32 comments:

Barb said...

It would be hard to sew when you have that outside beckoning you to come and play. Wonderful machine and projects.

Karen - Quilts...etc. said...

pretty projects you are working on. I always found that when I machine quilt that I have to be ready for the seam joints and kind of give a push or pull to make sure they go through after I got my Juki I didn't have that problem - some say to press your seams open for machine quilting so you don't have thick spots to go over? glad summer finally came for you - July is starting out hot here

Just Ramblin' said...

Oh dear, I would never get anything done, if I was surrounded by that beautiful setting. Happy you got your machine fixed. It will be so nice to be able to quilt your own pieces. Your blocks are beautiful. I love the bright pink fabric you chose. These pillows are going to brighten some little person's day. What a good thing you are doing. Enjoy the beautiful weather you are having and your special little friend. Nola

TexWisGirl said...

love the mourning cloaks! only see them occasionally here. happy sewing but happy summering, too!

Sheila said...

What an amazing machine you have , glad you found a solution for the FMQ . Such pretty pink blocks and those owl pillows are so cute . Love your visitor :-)

Paula, the quilter said...

Glad that you figured out the FMQ problem. You are going to have so much fun!

Sondra said...

WOW..that's top notch!! You are going to create some excellent projects I predict! I DO hope that at some point my wrists will get well enough to paddle a kayak again...I'm itching for a try!

Fiona said...

it's a tough choice between gorgeous days outdoors and lovely projects on your new machine??? haha.... have fun with both!
Hugz

Abby and Stephanie said...

What a cadillac of a machine you have. Have fun getting to know her. The Mourning Cloak looks like chocolate velvet. Gorgeous display of Mother Nature.

julieQ said...

What fun owl pillows!! and the moth is just gorgeous!

hetty said...

I doubt if I could do any sewing with all that beauty around. Love your new machine! At least when you are sewing things will go easier. All your projects look amazing. I especially love those owl pillows. Happy paddling! I mean sewing!

Roy Norris said...

Never mind the quilting Karen, (do that in the winter) you need to get out in the big outdoors as summer doesn't last that long.{:))

Carrie P. said...

Oh, I would be outside too. Summer will be gone before you know it.
Your new machine has a big throat area for quilting. Glad you figured out what was wrong.
Pretty pink blocks.

grammie g said...

Hi Karen.... Oh it is been miserably hot here!! Not my idea of a fun summer!!
I know a new toy can be distracting
but what about the short time you are there!! Try to get out and enjoy!! I would love to visit where you are someday, but my day are getting short lol!!
Those Owls are adorable!!

Grace

Di said...

What fun to have a brand new machine! I love your pink blocks too, looking oh so pretty draped on that flowering shrub.

Montanagirl said...

That Mourning Cloak is so pretty - and your projects look fun...I hope you enjoy your days sewing!

Susie said...

Wow! I would most definitely be outdoors in the day and at that fabulous machine in the evenings. It all looks so wonderful.

DeniseinVA said...

The best of both worlds :)

StitchinByTheLake said...

I have the Janome 8900 and occasionally have the same problem. I'd be interested to know how you adjust that foot... blessings, marlene

Vickie said...

I have that machine....I grew to love it after we "got to know each other". Yes, it took me awhile to figure out about the screw on the foot. The sales people should tell us those things ! Now that it's getting hot in the afternoons I come in and quilt. But for you I recommend being outside in the beautiful countryside !

Bob Bushell said...

A nice machine and new quilt, and some great photos.

Julie Cefalu said...

There's nothing like a new sewing machine to brighten one's day! I love your pink blocks and thanks for the mention. It looks like you live in natures's paradise. Summer is so fleeting and I can see why you would want to spend as much time as possible outdoors. What's good for the soul is good for the creative mojo too!

Simone de Klerk said...

Great catching up with you again! You've been busy as always (-:
And I think I have the same sewing machine as you. Table included. With the same siccor and pin cushion in the same place. Funny.
Have a wonderful stay in your narrowed down reasons to stay in Canada!

Rohrerbot said...

First off! Love the owl mits!!! Sweet sweet sweet!!!! Second, here's how I would do this. One. Go out and enjoy the outside during the day and two. At night, sit down an play with the machine. Or on break time....break time can last as long as you want it to:)

Kathie Brown said...

Karen, it all looks so pretty there. Your days sound peaceful, minus the trouble with the sewing machine! Just stay in that zen zone and go with the flow! Nice quilting!

eileeninmd said...

I love your quilt pieces.. But those kayaks are begging to be taken out.. Your owls are adorable.. And the Mourning Cloak is beautiful. Have a happy day!

Judy said...

Wow, congrats on your new, awesome sewing machine! It sounds like you've been really enjoying your summer. Paddling is such a great way to enjoy the outdoors :-)

Rike Busch said...

Amazing machine! I have a MC6600 with a quilting foot. The 'screw' is right over the spring beside the foot. Maybe you've got the same?
greetings, Rike

Karens Quilts, Crows and Cardinals said...

Woot, woot! Congratulations on your new Janome! I can't wait to see what you create! Small pieces is how I started and panels are another fantastic way to practice on a piece that can be used when you're done. Lovely pictures again today - thanks for sharing!

Unknown said...

Lovely pink blocks, Karen and congratulations for your new machine!!!!
Hugs from Italy
Deborah

FlourishingPalms said...

Yay for getting that wonderful new sewing machine! I need to connect you with an Iowa quilter-friend who just bought a new Janome 8200.

Silvana Vituriano Celistre said...

Congratulations on your horizon 8200!