A Review of the New Janome Skyline S5

Here's a video review I did of the Janome S5 at the shop I work at, Sew Simple. Not one of my best, since it was taken at night and I had the hold the camera with one hand throughout.

I didn't do any fancy free motion quilting on it on video since one handed quilting has limits. I do really like the machine and think it's a great one for someone who wants to move up from a regular sized sewing machine, but doesn't want to go whole hog on a high-end 11 inch throat machine. That knee lift is a hugely useful feature!

To clarify, it has 8.25 inches to the right of the needle. Please don't ask me the price since Janome dealers aren't allowed to publish the price for this machine online. Since I work for a dealer, I don't know that I should post it either. I know these kind of policies irritate many customers online, but Janome does not want to 'fix' the price for all the dealers. This also helps get people to go to the dealers closest to them to check out the price. I'm pretty sure most dealers will give the price over the phone. It's to also dissuade buying at the cheapest dealer wherever and then getting any service work (free when under warantee) done by a dealer who didn't get to profit from the sale.

I hope you find the video useful if you are looking for a new machine and I hope to get back to more quilting related posts asap! (Yes, we are feeling much better!)

Craftsy App and Fortitude

It seems I'm getting some new readers here and I am thankful. I am also sorry there hasn't been more quilting content lately. The kids have been taking turns with illnesses. It seems today is my turn and let's just say I am thankful for a couple of kinds of fortitude and the http://www.craftsy.com/apps.


I've been in bed whenever I could, watching some of the classes I bought during the last big Craftsy sale on my tablet. Sure helps pass the time since I didn't want to fall asleep while I had 2 kids at home today.

I've always heard that big-time bloggers prepare and schedule post in advance. I've always thought it a good idea even though I'm not a big-time blogger. Guess I'll add it to my to-do list!

Welcome new and old readers to 2015 at Amy's Free Motion Quilting Adventures! I think it's going to be a blast! (In a few days.)

Monday Musings

It's the first Monday of the new year! I'm excited. I'm organized (mostly). I've got a plan and I'm working it. I'm....cleaning up barf. Stomach bug hits the 5 year-old. But other than that, things are feeling great.  (If you just want quilting news, scan past my ramblings of goal setting for the new year in the next few paragraphs.)

I took my usual calender and cut the pages free so I could see the whole year on it. I'm one of those people who will miss an appointment in the first part of the month because I've failed to turn the page to the new month. I also went to Art Call, an online call for entries for many quilt shows and entered in some potential show dates. I also added in some dates for AQS's Quiltweek shows. Will I manage to finish and submit a quilt for show this year?

I certainly hope so! "Finish" is my word of the year. I've had so many unfinished projects sitting around, mocking me, weighing on my mind. Did you know there is scientific evidence that leaving things unfinished impairs your brain? Yep. Apparently leaving tasks unfinished leaves a portion of your brain power thinking on those things, tying up resources that could be used on the task at hand. No wonder I have trouble focusing, remembering, and thinking sometimes! (OK, let's not discount the effects of 3 young kids and chronic sleep deprivation, but still.)

My husband helped me put up a bulletin board in my studio last night. It's right in front of where I tend to sit at my lap top. I've got my "Finish" notecard up there as a reminder.

Since it's the start of the new year when people make resolutions, I'm working on a few things too. But I prefer to set goals. I've made a weekly checklist for some of the things I want to improve. I am not a very confident person, and I read that small successes can help you feel more confident, so I've got that up on a wall too.

If you've stuck with me this long, or scrolled down, I've got some quilting news too. I bought myself a yummy box of Aurifil thread in the 40 weight. I can't wait to try it. I've got another box of 50 weight backordered in a range of basic colors too.

My final quilty news comes via the talented and super helpful Patsy Thompson. She's turned me onto another potential source of ruler feet that are supposed to work for nearly all models of domestic sewing machine. They aren't available for sale yet and I'd like to do more checking into them before I give you the website, but it's so encouraging to hear that there are more options for us to do ruler work. Additionally, she says that while she can't get specifics, she's heard that Babylock is working on a ruler toe too. No idea of when it might be available.

Now I better get back to my sweet boy and hopefully get some quilting done. Happy New Year!

A New Year and a Do-Over

I created this Christmas piece 3 years ago. It's got a flaw that I forgot about. I hung it up at the shop this year and after it hung there for 4 weeks, somebody pointed it out to the owner.

See it yet? 

Counselor! Darn it. I consider myself a good speller too. Boss man thought it was hilarious. Of course it was one of his brilliant granddaughters who caught it.

Anyway, I just wanted to pop in and say, "Happy New Year!"

I'm working on my new calendar for the year, making some plans, and wondering at the transformation of 2014 from a homeschooling-take-care-of-the-kids-24/7 mom to a mom who would like the kids to hurry up and get back to school. Wednesday? Why the heck not Monday? Sigh...

LOL! Well, I am enjoying them but just when you think you've got a good schedule going, it changes.