A Patchwork Post

Nope, not that kind of patchwork. Just a little bit of this and that for you today. Forgive me in advance for rambling on and writing a total hodge-podge. I've got a ton of stuff in the works but nothing actually done other than what I shared with you on Wednesday.


Things I've mentioned:
  • Designing a show quilt- I'm revamping the design after stalling out when I had to change up the fabrics. I'm almost back to nothing. Suffice it to say, I won't be submitting a quilt to anything soon. What was I thinking?
  • Re-organizing my "studio". Done for the most part. A little clutter to clear away then I'll share my new arrangement. My cutting table, where I sit or stand when at my computer, now faces a window. I've been watching a wren on my porch off and on all day.
  • Checking out the new Janome S5. We've got them at the shop and I'm working on a review of it. Preliminary investigation tells me I like it. I won't trade my 6600 in on it, but if I were just now looking for an upgrade from a typical sewing machine, this would be the one. It has nearly the same harpspace/throat (1/2 inch less, I think) than my 6600, but nearly 3 inches more than most basic sewing machines. Plus a ton of high-end features while retaining a mid-range price.
  • Working on a tutorial for incorporating text into a quilt project like I did with my "Never underestimate the power of a woman with a sewing machine" wall panel.
Things I haven't mentioned:
  • I'm working on sharing some resources with you soon for getting ruler feet for machines other than those who are Janome compatible. (I have mentioned this on my FaceBook page)
  • I started sending my little guy to a 2 day a week preschool/daycare. My baby, my sweet little sunshine of a fella...sniff. OK, actually it's going quite well. He thinks it's fun and I don't have to scramble to find a babysitter when I work away from home. I think it's a nice preparation to get him ready for Kindergarten next year. I homeschooled my other two kids until this year when I sent them off to 3rd and 4th grade. 2014 has shaped up to be a year of changes for our family with hopes of additional changes in 2015.
  • I created a house last week and a 'troublesome truck' (train car) this week all out of a big Horn sewing machine cabinet box. (If you've been thinking about getting a sewing machine cabinet , Horn is a quality product made in the USA. In fact, they're in WV, so when we order one at the shop, we can usually get it in one day!)
  • While I'm getting things done in my quilty work, my home life and all...you know the daily stuff....I'm feeling a bit stuck. So, so many projects to work on and ideas to pursue, but little focus.

Have I told you all how much I love having this blogging space to share and teach? It makes my day when I put up a post and get such lovely comments from you. I think we get to encourage one another. Having something to share with you also helps me keep stitching away, even though it's a big time commitment to design, make, photograph, and write enough to have material to post. I get enough comments now that it's hard to respond to each one, but I read all of them and do my best to answer any that ask questions.

As we head into the holiday shopping madness, might I suggest that you take a look at the businesses that advertise here on the blog? A purchase through these advertisers' links here helps keep this blog going. While I do use affiliate links in my posts from time to time when pointing out where you can buy some of the products I mention here on the blog, I never do 'sponsored posts' where a company would pay specifically for me to write about them.

Don't forget to comment (or send an email) on my Playing with Color post to be entered in the Johanna Basford postcard giveaway before Monday.

11 comments:

  1. Hey Girl...I get where you are!..You inspire me ( if only I was ** (years younger) You are responsible for delayed dementia)...( thats what I tell hubby) Keep on doing what you love but when you feel a tug in your heart go with that...Our kids get grown up way too fast and you can always quilt...Val xoxo

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    1. Delayed dementia---Ha! Maybe it's transference, since I am certain I'm losing my mind!

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  2. I've been following you for awhile and practicing and practicing. While watching your videos I really concentrated on the speed and sound of your machine. I am so thrilled to report that while doing quilting this week I really worked at repeating the sound of your machine which had me slow down and I was able to really do a better job. I did a wall hanging with pebbles around applique pieces and other then getting a bit lost with the actual circle shape it really went fantastic and when I showed the finished piece at Guild this week they all ohhed and awed at it. Thank you so much for doing the videos.

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    1. That is fabulous! Way to go! I'm glad the videos have helped.

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  3. I'm so looking forward to any suggestions for ruler work with my Juki TL2010Q. You've done a lot to keep me motivated to learn to FMQ, Amy. Thank you! On projects and focus, I seem to be always working to reach a deadline - not always what I want to be working on, but then time drives me onward.

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  4. Hi Amy: I think you're not stuck, rather you have to slow down a little before you make the next turn towards new ideas and projects. Keep sharing your journey ~ you definitely inspire me to keep practicing and improving on my quilting:)

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  5. Being a long-time FMQer myself, I find it refreshing to read your posts. You face the same decision-making, challenges, and successes I do. It's encouraging to know I'm not alone. I'm sure you're being too critical of yourself and that quilt you want to enter in a show. I never made a quilt intending it just for a show. Rather, I made a quilt I loved and decided to enter it in a show where I could just be proud to enter. That's when, in May 2012, I won "Best of Show" and my prize was a Bernina Aurora 440 sewing machine! Now I'm all about entering a quilt whenever I have a chance! It's like dangling that proverbial carrot in front of a horse. I may never win another thing, but I'll keep trying. My best to you for entering a show. You CAN do it!

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  6. Hi Amy! It's ironic to be full of ideas and in the midst of a year of changes - and feel stuck :-/ I hope things fall in to place and your next year is a great one!

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  7. Take a step back and reassess your goals. Isn't that what a new year is for? You a real inspiration to me...I appreciate all of your work.

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  8. What a fun time for your little guy Amy! I appreciate all of your observations - I have a Janome 8900 and absolutely love it. Like many others I hadn't really, really read my instruction book until I started reading your blog and saw how many things my machine would do that I hadn't realized. I've learned so much! :) blessings, marlene

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  9. Since I finally got my BLQP short arm machine fixed (the 4th person to work on it was the charm), I'll be looking forward to your info on ruler feet. I am trying to simplify my life and just sold my Babylock Tiara sit-down machine but think I might want to try some ruler work using the BLQP. I think probably my machine and insert sits flat enough in my Koala table - I suspect that is the crux of the matter .
    Don't worry about "stuck" -- this is such a busy time of year coming up, so relax and enjoy it with your family. The new year is always a good time to assess new starts.

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