View entire thread: Newbie
Posted by Julia in MN on Sat Jul 08, 2006 4:37 PM    Post subject: Re: newbie



It is possible to make a quilt without any handwork; everything can be done on the sewing machine. Piecing and applique
are, of course, done a block at a time. For your first quilt, start with something small and simple. Some of the Quilt
in a Day books are good for beginners, because the instructions are very detailed. Their Log Cabin, Irish Chain, Trip
Around the World, Rail Fence are all especially good for beginners. You can quilt on your regular home machine, but
large quilts do get bulky and hard to handle. There are a number of techniques for reducing the bulk. Besides the
books & websites others have mentioned, you might want to take a look at "Machine Quilting in Sections"
by Marti Mitchell. She's gives several techniques for reducing the bulk of a large quilt; most of the ideas are
documented in other places, but I haven't seen anything else that describes all of them in one place. I've used a
couple of her techniques -- before I bought the book. I've documented one such project at
<http://webpages.charter.net/jaccola/Quilting_in_Sections.html> Julia in MN Sharon & Jack wrote:
[quote:b51b6b6911]Hi - my name is Sharon, and I've never made a quilt. My SIL and I tried, several years ago - a BOM,
with no sewing. Instead, you fused a "picture", then outlined everything with a blanket stitch. Well, by the
time we got the thing fused, I needed a hammer and pliers to get a needle through the fused layers. That ended our
attempt at quilting. I've acquired a several books on quilting over the years, and always drool over the pictures, but
never go any further, for several reasons, primarily health - I can't do a lot of hand work. But, the other day I saw
an article about making blocks and completing them individually - right through the backing, and then assembling the
quilt. Unfortunately, I was in a hurry or something, because I don't have any idea where I saw it. Now the big
question - does anyone recall seeing anything like this? Thanks (and I'm not usually this ditzy, honest) Sharon
[/quote:b51b6b6911] -- This message has been scanned for viruses by Norton Anti-Virus
http://webpages.charter.net/jaccola/

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View entire thread: Newbie
Posted by Anonymous on Sat Jul 08, 2006 1:59 PM    Post subject: Re: newbie

There are several methods of quilting as you go. Here are links that have descriptions of several methods. Please note
that while I reseached this a while back, I have not tried all of them, nor do I have any of these books on the subject.
* With this method, individual blocks or sections of a quilt can be done. It does require some hand work on the back.
Georgia Bonesteel's series of books, already mentiioned by Patti. http://www.secretsof.com/content/624
http://www.acornhillquilts.com/quiltasyougo.pdf * A method that requires no hand sewing. The batting in one section is
separate from the batting in another section. In the shown example, the quilting was done across strips of blocks that
were sewn together. http://community.webshots.com/album/547387259nozWsW * There is a variation on the previous one, but
for some reason I cannot find the link for it this morning. First the blocks are sewn together in strips (width or
length of the quilt). A single section is quilted, but not to the edges. The batting for the next section is sewn to
the batting in the already quilted section. The top strip for the next section is sewn to the top of the already
quilted section. The backing strip for the next section is sewn to the bottom of the already quilted section. The next
section is smoothed, basted and quilted (if it is not the outer edge of the quilt, do not quilt to the edges). Repeat
as needed. * A sashing on the back covers the seams. This sashing is machine sewn and shows on the front.
http://www.treadleon.net/quiltshop/joiningblocks/joining.html * Betty Cotton developed a different method, as shown on
her web site. The result is a reversible quilt, that has some three dimensional ridges. Betty appeared on "Sewing
with Nancy". I think there were three episodes on her "Pinetree" quilt. http://www.quiltyard.com/ *
Julie Olson has a method that uses Steam-a-Seam 2 and a bias tape maker that is described in her book.
http://tinyurl.com/ecw6p I'm sure there are others, as quilters tend to be so innovative. Bev in TX Sharon & Jack
wrote: [quote:6fdb41d172]Hi - my name is Sharon, and I've never made a quilt. My SIL and I tried, several years ago - a
BOM, with no sewing. Instead, you fused a "picture", then outlined everything with a blanket stitch. Well,
by the time we got the thing fused, I needed a hammer and pliers to get a needle through the fused layers. That ended
our attempt at quilting. I've acquired a several books on quilting over the years, and always drool over the pictures,
but never go any further, for several reasons, primarily health - I can't do a lot of hand work. But, the other day I
saw an article about making blocks and completing them individually - right through the backing, and then assembling the
quilt. Unfortunately, I was in a hurry or something, because I don't have any idea where I saw it. Now the big
question - does anyone recall seeing anything like this? Thanks (and I'm not usually this ditzy, honest)
Sharon[/quote:6fdb41d172]

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View entire thread: bernina info please
Posted by Kate Dicey on Mon Sep 04, 2006 2:33 PM    Post subject: Re: bernina info please

Jane Gillett wrote: [quote:5a1d8c2f60]Suspect I could probably handle curtains OK if the accessory box makes the
platform up to a standard size - and if it was found necessary there probably would be one for that standard of machine.
Not planning any quilting (I'm not creative enough - and too busy!) but I'll discuss possibility with a supplier. I've
seen a website for one supplier in Plymouth (Express) which is get-at-able although more expensive than Taunton which
seems to be next nearest. Think I'll chat to both and see which seems most helpful. Was interested to read that the
1008, although more expensive to buy, has proved to be more economical in total (schools etc) because it had lower
maintenance bills. That suggests it will give less trouble long term and that's one thing I want. [/quote:5a1d8c2f60]
I've taught occasional classes in schools where the 1008 and its precursors were HAMMERED! The Old Sewing Machine Guy
I got to for my machines says they get serious abuse, sometimes don't get serviced for years (he does a lot of school
machine servicing), and still come up smiling. If I ever need to buy a back-up machine (I can't see it happening
soon, not with 13 machines in the house!) that's first on my list! :) At the moment I use a HV Lily 550 bought in
1999, and have a Viscount 2000 (mid 80's vintage all metal machine) as my main back-up. When/if that dies, I'll be
saving for a 1008. The quilting table was invented for quilters, but has a lot more uses. As a dress and costume maker
I often have large bridal skirts or heavy costumes to support, and the quilting table really does help. It also
helped enormously with projects like the 4 poster bed I dressed, and the 3 pairs of matching curtains, and the curtains
for my own dining room. I have living room and bedroom curtains to do in the next year, and the quilting table will be
a great help there, too. Another thing I find a great help is my rolling Ikea basket drawers with the desktop on them:
I can shove this up against the work bench next to the machine and sit in the angle of the L this forms, and have a
large item supported beside me as well as beside and behind the machine. This lessens the danger of a heavy skirt or
curtain falling to the floor and dragging the machine with it. -- Kate XXXXXX R.C.T.Q Madame Chef des Trolls Lady
Catherine, Wardrobe Mistress of the Chocolate Buttons http://www.katedicey.co.uk Click on Kate's Pages and explore!

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View entire thread: bernina info please
Posted by Jane Gillett on Mon Sep 04, 2006 12:12 PM    Post subject: Re: bernina info please

In article <44fa8713$0$543$ed2619ec@ptn-nntp-reader03.plus.net>, Kate Dicey <kate@diceyhome.free-
online.co.uk> wrote: [quote:5b8d436625]Jane Gillett wrote: Have been looking at the 1008 on the web. I understand
it has a free arm (for cuffs etc); is this a standard part of the machine or an accessory you fit? If standard, I cannot
find any mention of an extension table. Does it have one? Does it need one? What about large items such as curtains?
Would I have to order one as an extra? Cheers jane The accessory box slides onto the free arm to give a standard
larger sewing area. [/quote:5b8d436625] That sounds as though it would give what I need. [quote:5b8d436625]There may be
a quilting table available for the machine that gives you a much bigger area, but I couldn't see one in a quick search.
[/quote:5b8d436625] Suspect I could probably handle curtains OK if the accessory box makes the platform up to a standard
size - and if it was found necessary there probably would be one for that standard of machine. Not planning any quilting
(I'm not creative enough - and too busy!) but I'll discuss possibility with a supplier. I've seen a website for one
supplier in Plymouth (Express) which is get-at-able although more expensive than Taunton which seems to be next nearest.
Think I'll chat to both and see which seems most helpful. Was interested to read that the 1008, although more expensive
to buy, has proved to be more economical in total (schools etc) because it had lower maintenance bills. That suggests it
will give less trouble long term and that's one thing I want. Many thanks Jane [quote:5b8d436625]If not, it wouldn't
be too hard to get one made up from a sheet of plexiglass. [/quote:5b8d436625] -- Jane Gillett :
j.gillett@stertfarm.co.uk : Totnes, Devon.

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View entire thread: bernina info please
Posted by Kate Dicey on Sun Sep 03, 2006 8:50 AM    Post subject: Re: bernina info please

Jane Gillett wrote: [quote:6fb6d3ab0b]Have been looking at the 1008 on the web. I understand it has a free arm (for
cuffs etc); is this a standard part of the machine or an accessory you fit? If standard, I cannot find any mention of an
extension table. Does it have one? Does it need one? What about large items such as curtains? Would I have to order
one as an extra? Cheers jane The accessory box slides onto the free arm to give a standard larger[/quote:6fb6d3ab0b]
sewing area. There may be a quilting table available for the machine that gives you a much bigger area, but I couldn't
see one in a quick search. If not, it wouldn't be too hard to get one made up from a sheet of plexiglass. -- Kate
XXXXXX R.C.T.Q Madame Chef des Trolls Lady Catherine, Wardrobe Mistress of the Chocolate Buttons
http://www.katedicey.co.uk Click on Kate's Pages and explore!

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View entire thread: bedsheets as backing
Posted by Roberta Zollner on Wed Nov 08, 2006 7:36 PM    Post subject: Re: bedsheets as backing

I have used them many times with no problem, also machine quilting. But only 100% cotton sheets! (Once tried a cotton-
poly sheet in my early quilting days, and the dratted thing bearded something fierce!) Roberta in D, not inclined to
shave any quilts "Martha" <martha54@sover.net> schrieb im Newsbeitrag news:martha54-
B5AC9E.06300508112006@news.sover.net... [quote:dbf7ff8a4c]I bought barely used sheets with floral patterns at our
rummage sale. Any reason I shouldn't use them as backing? I will be machine quilting. TIA! Martha[/quote:dbf7ff8a4c]

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View entire thread: bedsheets as backing
Posted by Butterflywings on Wed Nov 08, 2006 4:22 PM    Post subject: Re: bedsheets as backing

Good to see you again :) Good that things are finally better for you. Take care Butterfly "R. E. Wicker"
<rewicker@msn.com> wrote in message news:5vg3l29r0pt91uil546m90u0anqqjvvijg@4ax.com... [quote:26ed946f16]I would
first check and see what the cotton ratio is to polyester. If your top is 100% cotton I would use a 100% backing for
the best quilting results and best appearance. Rhoda (about to come out of recovery from totalling my car in Sept.)
On Wed, 08 Nov 2006 06:31:04 -0500, Martha <martha54@sover.net> wrote: I bought barely used sheets with floral
patterns at our rummage sale. Any reason I shouldn't use them as backing? I will be machine quilting. TIA! Martha
[/quote:26ed946f16]

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View entire thread: bedsheets as backing
Posted by Kathy Applebaum on Wed Nov 08, 2006 3:38 PM    Post subject: Re: bedsheets as backing

"Martha" <martha54@sover.net> wrote in message news:martha54-B5AC9E.06300508112006@news.sover.net...
[quote:9bf8adf903]I bought barely used sheets with floral patterns at our rummage sale. Any reason I shouldn't use them
as backing? I will be machine quilting. [/quote:9bf8adf903] I'd do a test first. Some sheets seem to work fine, some
don't. IM(NS)HO, high thread count sheets are more likely to give problems (often tension problems, loopy knots on the
back, or skipped stitches), as are new, unwashed sheets. My theory is that the extra resistance the needle encounters
causes a hesitation in the stitch, which makes the stitch not form correctly or not form at all. -- Kathy A.
(Woodland, CA) Queen of Fabric Tramps mailto:KathyA@KayneyNOSPAMQuilting.com
http://fabrictramp.typepad.com/fabric_tramping/ remove the obvious to reply

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View entire thread: bedsheets as backing
Posted by Patti on Wed Nov 08, 2006 3:13 PM    Post subject: Re: bedsheets as backing

I have done the same, Martha. They seem fine. .. In message <martha54-B5AC9E.06300508112006@news.sover.net>,
Martha <martha54@sover.net> writes [quote:d7eee5dd33]I bought barely used sheets with floral patterns at our
rummage sale. Any reason I shouldn't use them as backing? I will be machine quilting. TIA! Martha
[/quote:d7eee5dd33] -- Best Regards pat on the hill

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View entire thread: bedsheets as backing
Posted by Trixie on Wed Nov 08, 2006 2:29 PM    Post subject: Re: bedsheets as backing

I've used flannel sheets as backing for quilts several times without any problems. Trixie "Martha"
<martha54@sover.net> wrote in message news:martha54-B5AC9E.06300508112006@news.sover.net... [quote:4a54b14ca9]I
bought barely used sheets with floral patterns at our rummage sale. Any reason I shouldn't use them as backing? I will
be machine quilting. TIA! Martha[/quote:4a54b14ca9]

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View entire thread: bedsheets as backing
Posted by Cats on Wed Nov 08, 2006 12:51 PM    Post subject: Re: bedsheets as backing

Some sheets have a very high thread count. That can SOMETIMES make hand quilting a bit harder, but by machine
(domestic SM?) it shouldn't be too bad. Many sheets are poly/cotton blends, but if you are happy with the feel and
look - go for it! Check that the weight of the fabric is similar to the fabrics in the top, use a new needle for
the quilting and good thread, and you shouldn't have any significant problems. Remember - there are no Quilt Police!
-- Cheryl & the Cats in OZ o o o o o o ( > Y < ) ( > Y < ) (
> Y < ) Enness Boofhead Donut http://community.webshots.com/user/witchofthewest
catsatararatATyahooDOTcomDOTau "Martha" <martha54@sover.net> wrote in message news:martha54-
B5AC9E.06300508112006@news.sover.net... :I bought barely used sheets with floral patterns at our rummage sale. : : Any
reason I shouldn't use them as backing? : : I will be machine quilting. : : TIA! : : Martha

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View entire thread: bedsheets as backing
Posted by R. E. Wicker on Wed Nov 08, 2006 12:50 PM    Post subject: Re: bedsheets as backing

I would first check and see what the cotton ratio is to polyester. If your top is 100% cotton I would use a 100%
backing for the best quilting results and best appearance. Rhoda (about to come out of recovery from totalling my car
in Sept.) On Wed, 08 Nov 2006 06:31:04 -0500, Martha <martha54@sover.net> wrote: [quote:947b6e4194]I bought
barely used sheets with floral patterns at our rummage sale. Any reason I shouldn't use them as backing? I will be
machine quilting. TIA! Martha[/quote:947b6e4194]

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View entire thread: bedsheets as backing
Posted by Jessamy on Wed Nov 08, 2006 12:42 PM    Post subject: Re: bedsheets as backing

well.... if they are pretty why not use them in the front? ;-) I have done that before and also used sheets and old
duvet covers as backing with no problems :) -- Jessamy Queen of Chocolate Squishies (and Occasional Liquorice Ones) In
The Netherlands Take out: _I love the colour_ to reply. www.geocities.com/jessamy_thompson
http://uk.pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/jessamy_thompson/my_photos ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ I bought
barely used sheets with floral patterns at our rummage sale. Any reason I shouldn't use them as backing? I will be
machine quilting. TIA! Martha

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View entire thread: bedsheets as backing
Posted by Martha on Wed Nov 08, 2006 12:31 PM    Post subject: bedsheets as backing

I bought barely used sheets with floral patterns at our rummage sale. Any reason I shouldn't use them as backing? I
will be machine quilting. TIA! Martha

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View entire thread: stippling questions
Posted by JPgirl on Wed Nov 08, 2006 12:09 AM    Post subject: Re: stippling questions

Roberta Zollner wrote: [quote:916b5733b2]4. Stitch length set to 0. [/quote:916b5733b2] This is something that varies by
machine as well. My machines tension is electrinically controlled and I find that if I set my stitch length to 0 for
free motion quilting it totally screws everything up. I drop the dogs, use a quilting foot (embroidery/darning
whatever) and set my machine to use a normal straight stitch with a 3.5 stitch length, for me, that seems to work
prefectly.

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View entire thread: stippling questions
Posted by Julia in MN on Tue Nov 07, 2006 7:30 PM    Post subject: Re: stippling questions

If the feed dogs are down, you really don't need to be concerned with stitch length. Spray basting works well -- it
keeps all layers together nicely and you don't have to worry about hitting a pin. Julia in MN Roberta Zollner wrote:
[quote:7dee68d235]1. Dogs down. (Although on some machines, some people like a bit of traction and leave them up.
Experiment.) 2. No hoop. Baste well with safety pins! (Make sure when you baste that the backing is not stretched. When
you release it, it will snap back and no longer fit the top!) 3. Darning, big foot or "free motion foot". 4.
Stitch length set to 0. 5. Stitch type normal. (You don't want stitch width either.) Tips: Practice! Most people who
have done a certain amount of machine sewing will have a feel for how fast the fabric moves when the needle is going up
and down at a certain speed. So that's about how fast you need to move the fabric sandwich. Slow for curves. You might
have to adjust the top tension -my machine likes to free motion with the top set at the "zipper" setting.
Organize a flat surface around the machine. For a small piece, the acrylic extension table might be enough. For big
pieces, I dream about owning a fancy cabinet and make do with the ironing board at my left and a big extra table behind
the machine to support the weight of the quilt. Use your hands to maneuver the fabric sandwich. Your extended thumbs on
each side of the stitching area will form a little window. Some people get a better grip by wearing garden gloves with
rubber dots. I usually remove the pins from a small area just before quilting it. (You really don't want to stitch over
a safety pin.) Take a break every half hour or so. Remember to breathe and keep your shoulders relaxed. Roberta in D
"Tricia" <cricket527@e-garfield.com> schrieb im Newsbeitrag
news:1162913619.918633.34070@m7g2000cwm.googlegroups.com... okay, co-worker got assigned a model project at work....an
appliqued/blanket stitched santa thing (I havne't seen the final result yet so I'm not sure what to call it...I think it
is a WUH).... Boss wants it stippled, machine in use a Janome that seems a bit on the older side (it's a tad fancier
than my basic Kenmore machine but nothing too fancy if you know what I mean). Co-worker is having some difficulty with
her practice swatches....none of us at work really seem to be able to help her much...we all know theoretically how it
is supposed to happen but making it happen is something altogether different. In discussing this, we discovered that we
have heard different ways of doing it that tend to conflict with the other ways heard so.....(ie I thought walking foot,
someone else thought big foot/darning foot, etc) So, I have questions: 1. feed dogs down or up? 2. Hoop or not? 3.
walking foot or big foot/darning? 4. stitch length setting? 5. stitch type (the other setting next to stitch length)?
any tips, etc.? I next work with the gal in question on Saturday and there is a chance the thing could have been worked
out by then but I'm curious to know what you all have to say about it..... Tricia (not game to try it any time soon
personally) [/quote:7dee68d235] -- This message has been scanned for viruses by Norton Anti-Virus
http://webpages.charter.net/jaccola/

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View entire thread: stippling questions
Posted by Tia Mary on Tue Nov 07, 2006 7:18 PM    Post subject: Re: stippling questions

Sunny wrote: [quote:7073d3941a]Hi, the only thing I will add to the wonderful explanation from Roberta is this: the
faster you can go the better. I mean the speed of the machine. Put the pedal to the metal. It gives you smoother and
more fluid motion. Sunny [/quote:7073d3941a] DITTO!! Move the needle fast but the fabric slow. A big part of the
problem most people have with stippling (Me included!!) is that they tend to start off moving the fabric nice and slow
but then start moving it faster and faster. This results in an uneven stitch length and, on my machine, a tight
bobbin thread but a much looser top thread! So, try to make the needle go fast but move the fabric slow. Oh --
another thing -- at least for me -- I try to never cross over my previous stitching. I know some stippling and meander
quilting people do this but it just doesn't work for me. Only time I do cross over existing stitching is if I am
doing a free motion design -- like a KITTY FACE -- and crossing over is part of the design. But then, that's not
stippling so it's a totally different type of free motion quilting :-)! CiaoMeow >^;;^<

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View entire thread: stippling questions
Posted by Roberta Zollner on Tue Nov 07, 2006 5:26 PM    Post subject: Re: stippling questions

1. Dogs down. (Although on some machines, some people like a bit of traction and leave them up. Experiment.) 2. No
hoop. Baste well with safety pins! (Make sure when you baste that the backing is not stretched. When you release it, it
will snap back and no longer fit the top!) 3. Darning, big foot or "free motion foot". 4. Stitch length set
to 0. 5. Stitch type normal. (You don't want stitch width either.) Tips: Practice! Most people who have done a certain
amount of machine sewing will have a feel for how fast the fabric moves when the needle is going up and down at a
certain speed. So that's about how fast you need to move the fabric sandwich. Slow for curves. You might have to adjust
the top tension -my machine likes to free motion with the top set at the "zipper" setting. Organize a flat
surface around the machine. For a small piece, the acrylic extension table might be enough. For big pieces, I dream
about owning a fancy cabinet and make do with the ironing board at my left and a big extra table behind the machine to
support the weight of the quilt. Use your hands to maneuver the fabric sandwich. Your extended thumbs on each side of
the stitching area will form a little window. Some people get a better grip by wearing garden gloves with rubber dots.
I usually remove the pins from a small area just before quilting it. (You really don't want to stitch over a safety
pin.) Take a break every half hour or so. Remember to breathe and keep your shoulders relaxed. Roberta in D
"Tricia" <cricket527@e-garfield.com> schrieb im Newsbeitrag
news:1162913619.918633.34070@m7g2000cwm.googlegroups.com... [quote:c50e584944]okay, co-worker got assigned a model
project at work....an appliqued/blanket stitched santa thing (I havne't seen the final result yet so I'm not sure what
to call it...I think it is a WUH).... Boss wants it stippled, machine in use a Janome that seems a bit on the older
side (it's a tad fancier than my basic Kenmore machine but nothing too fancy if you know what I mean). Co-worker is
having some difficulty with her practice swatches....none of us at work really seem to be able to help her much...we all
know theoretically how it is supposed to happen but making it happen is something altogether different. In discussing
this, we discovered that we have heard different ways of doing it that tend to conflict with the other ways heard
so.....(ie I thought walking foot, someone else thought big foot/darning foot, etc) So, I have questions: 1. feed dogs
down or up? 2. Hoop or not? 3. walking foot or big foot/darning? 4. stitch length setting? 5. stitch type (the other
setting next to stitch length)? any tips, etc.? I next work with the gal in question on Saturday and there is a chance
the thing could have been worked out by then but I'm curious to know what you all have to say about it..... Tricia (not
game to try it any time soon personally) [/quote:c50e584944]

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View entire thread: Corduroy Quilt?
Posted by ms_peacock on Tue Nov 07, 2006 6:15 PM    Post subject: Re: Corduroy Quilt?

"Debra" <debnbilll@worldnet.att.net> wrote in message
news:to91l21dt5uddfc096qkuecjmmk5hmsnkl@4ax.com... [quote:ff01774691]On 6 Nov 2006 20:24:20 -0800, "Sunny"
<shemphill@genext.net> wrote: Debra, I've never used corduroy, but you only have to look at the famours Gee's
Bend quilters to see some examples of stunning corduroy quilts. They were using it because it was available and warm. I
think it's a great and overlooked modern quilting material. I hae some corduroy put away that I intend to use
"someday" to make a warm quilt for use in our Northwest winters. I'd love to see the quilt when you get the
top finished. I doubt you'll want or need batting and you probably will end up tying as opposed to quilting. But I think
it will be well worth the exploring. Sunny I doubt I'll ever tie a quilt. I don't like the look of the strings
flopping around on the top, or the feel of the knots. Machine tacking might be the way to go though. Or maybe just
machine quilt in straight lines. I might have enough corduroy to make it cord on both sides, or I might just put muslin
on the back if I think it would get too heavy. Debra in VA [/quote:ff01774691] You know, it might be perfect for a raggy
style quilt. The seams are nice and wide on them and they don't have to be tied either. Ms P

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View entire thread: Corduroy Quilt?
Posted by Debra on Tue Nov 07, 2006 4:39 PM    Post subject: Re: Corduroy Quilt?

On 6 Nov 2006 20:24:20 -0800, "Sunny" <shemphill@genext.net> wrote: [quote:ebb29b5584]Debra, I've never
used corduroy, but you only have to look at the famours Gee's Bend quilters to see some examples of stunning corduroy
quilts. They were using it because it was available and warm. I think it's a great and overlooked modern quilting
material. I hae some corduroy put away that I intend to use "someday" to make a warm quilt for use in our
Northwest winters. I'd love to see the quilt when you get the top finished. I doubt you'll want or need batting and you
probably will end up tying as opposed to quilting. But I think it will be well worth the exploring. Sunny
[/quote:ebb29b5584] I doubt I'll ever tie a quilt. I don't like the look of the strings flopping around on the top, or
the feel of the knots. Machine tacking might be the way to go though. Or maybe just machine quilt in straight lines.
I might have enough corduroy to make it cord on both sides, or I might just put muslin on the back if I think it would
get too heavy. Debra in VA See my quilts at http://community.webshots.com/user/debplayshere

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View entire thread: Pfaff 7550
Posted by jennellh on Sun Nov 05, 2006 3:06 PM    Post subject: Re: Pfaff 7550

Hi countrymom, the first thing to do to program a word is to 'Open' one of the memory tabs. The machine has M-memory or
P-memory - press the 'M' memory button on the front of your machine - this opens a window with a numbered list of memory
pages - click on any one of them that is not being used already - a new window opens on your machine viewing screen.
Use this as your base - open up the rom memory (rom or ram buttons) and then go into the Alphabet mode - - decide which
style you want to use and start to add your letters - there is also a space bar included if you want to make a complete
sentence. As you select each letter - it should be transferred to the memory page and you will see it form a word as
each letter is added. When your word is completed - look for the sewing machine symbol at the bottom of the screen -
touch the button beneath that symbol and your word is transferred to the machine ready for sewing. For single stitch or
motif - look for the single pattern/stitch button on the machine front and engage it before sewing your word/sentence.
You will have to disengage this command when finished single pattern/stitch sewing to return to regular sewing mode. Do
you have a manual for your machine? If I have said rom when I should have said ram - I apologize - I haven't used my
7550 for more than a year. If you need more help - let me know and I can pull out the manual to find an answer for you.
jennellh (change the mail to news) countrymom wrote: [quote:3fba1b47df]Hi.New to the group and hoping someone out there
can help! I have a used pfaff 7550 that is great for piecing and quilting! I rarely use the embroidery and can't remeber
how to wehn I need to. 1. Can I program in a word (instead of each indvidual letter) 2. How do I tell the machine to
stop after doing the word once Thanks so much! Countrymom[/quote:3fba1b47df]

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View entire thread: Pfaff 7550
Posted by Shirley Shone on Sat Nov 04, 2006 11:50 PM    Post subject: Re: Pfaff 7550

In message <1162677739.648477.228940@k70g2000cwa.googlegroups.com>, countrymom <countrymom3@gmail.com>
writes [quote:e92d188e6d]Hi.New to the group and hoping someone out there can help! I have a used pfaff 7550 that is
great for piecing and quilting! I rarely use the embroidery and can't remeber how to wehn I need to. 1. Can I program
in a word (instead of each indvidual letter) 2. How do I tell the machine to stop after doing the word once Thanks so
much! Countrymom You can stop the sewing after doing the word once by pressing the pink[/quote:e92d188e6d] button
second from the right. You have to press that before you stitch the word You can program a word but I have forgotten
how to do it. Do you have the manual. I have been using my 7550 the past week but it is quite sometime since I did
words Shirley -- Shirley Shone shirley@allcrafts.demon.co.uk http://www.allcrafts.demon.co.uk

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View entire thread: Pfaff 7550
Posted by polly esther on Sat Nov 04, 2006 11:25 PM    Post subject: Re: Pfaff 7550

Hello, Countrymom. It could be that all of our Pfaff quilters are in Houston for the big show. Until real help gets
here, I looked in my Pfaff manual but my Pfaff didn't do letters. Hurricane Katrina sunk the Pfaff in about 30 feet
of slime. Anyhow, the sewing machine probably has a button called 'single pattern' or 'pattern end'. Something like
that. If you don't have a manual with your machine, I believe you would benefit from one and might be able to locate
one over at ebay. And just a silly - if you can't get it to stop, you could always unplug it. Sorry. Just couldn't
help myself. Polly "countrymom" asked > Hi.New to the group and hoping someone out there can help! I
have a [quote:4175453c42]used pfaff 7550 that is great for piecing and quilting! I rarely use the embroidery and can't
remeber how to wehn I need to. 1. Can I program in a word (instead of each indvidual letter) 2. How do I tell the
machine to stop after doing the word once[/quote:4175453c42]

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View entire thread: Pfaff 7550
Posted by countrymom on Sat Nov 04, 2006 11:02 PM    Post subject: Pfaff 7550

Hi.New to the group and hoping someone out there can help! I have a used pfaff 7550 that is great for piecing and
quilting! I rarely use the embroidery and can't remeber how to wehn I need to. 1. Can I program in a word (instead of
each indvidual letter) 2. How do I tell the machine to stop after doing the word once Thanks so much! Countrymom

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View entire thread: Opinions on machines
Posted by Valerie in FL on Tue Oct 31, 2006 1:06 PM    Post subject: Re: Opinions on machines

You may want to do a search on "Juki" on this newsgroup. There was a conversation going on a week or so ago
about the Juki TL98Q. I am reposting my small contribution to that discussion here: [quote:5f29df7e6a]I love mine. It
took a little while to get the tension right, but once I did, it doesn't matter what I'm sewing, the tension is still
perfect. I also[/quote:5f29df7e6a] really like the thread cutter button on the foot pedal, which both cuts the threads
and raises the needle (the machine always ends with needle down) but I still haven't gotten the hang of the knee pedal
for raising the machine foot. Maybe it's because if I am chain piecing I never have to lift the foot; I just feed the
next pieces in. The edge of the walking foot is 1/4", and I find I use it for most of my piecing, although it does
come with a regular 1/4" foot, along with a zipper foot and general purpose foot and 2 feet for free-motion
quilting. It has a switch to drop the feed dogs for free motion and there is a lot of room to the right of the needle.
It took me a little while to get up to its full speed of 1500 stitches per minute, mostly for piecing long strips. I
saw that Juki now has a TL98QE, which runs about $200 less than the TL98Q I bought, and seems to be an identical machine
except it's missing the thread cutting button on the machine itself, so I guess you can only activate the thread cutting
from the foot pedal. It is a wholly mechanical machine, and because of the speed of the motor, I do oil it every time I
use it, as recommended. In fact, if I'm sewing all day, I'll oil it again after 3-4 hours. I have a Brother 270D for
fancy stitches and machine embroidery which does a fair job, but it's the Juki that I use all the time. -- Valerie in
FL My quilts: http://community.webshots.com/user/vjkahler "fixedgearhead"
<fixedgearhead@columbus.rr.com> wrote in message news:1162255105.552933.324650@k70g2000cwa.googlegroups.com...
[quote:5f29df7e6a]I am in need of an opinion on the desirability/differences between the Janome 1600P long arm sewing
machine and the Juki TL98Q or QE. I have sewn on the Janome 1600 and have 2 other Janome machines plus a Janome Serger.
I like the Janome line of machines that I have and have seen. I have not used or seen, other than on the Internet, the
Juki so I was wondering if anybody has had any experience with them, particularly that model.The specs for the Juki seem
to have more options for about the same price but I am wondering about the reliability/longevity. There is no dealer
locally that I could get a look at a machine first hand so that leaves me to ask all of you who may have had some
experience on these machines. Any input would be appreciated. Thanks, John Taylor [/quote:5f29df7e6a]

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View entire thread: machine needles for quilting
Posted by Carolyn McCarty on Wed Nov 01, 2006 12:48 PM    Post subject: Re: machine needles for quilting

Good thoughts and organizational vibes on the way! -- Carolyn in The Old Pueblo If it ain't broke, you're not trying.
--Red Green If it ain't broke, it ain't mine. --Carolyn McCarty If at first you don't succeed, switch to power tools.
--Red Green If at first you don't succeed, get a bigger hammer. --Carolyn McCarty "Taria"
<tariawilson@verizon.net> wrote in message news:41d1h.14973$DH5.3095@trnddc04... [quote:33ac68a901]I am trying to
remember the link for the good prices on Schmetz machine needles. Anyone have it handy? While we are talking needles
what do you use for machine quilting and why? Type and size. Do you use different ones for poly and cotton? I have a
couple of boxes of universal 80's that I use as much as I can but they are not always great for free motion work. We
are in the last week of escrow if everything falls into place. Thursday the big move day. Please cross your fingers and
muster up any good thoughts and prayers that things go smoothly. I just might unearth a machine soon! TIA, Taria
[/quote:33ac68a901]

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View entire thread: machine needles for quilting
Posted by ms_peacock on Tue Oct 31, 2006 5:04 PM    Post subject: Re: machine needles for quilting

Maybe you were thinking of http://www.discountembroiderysupply.com/ ? I always get an assortment and I've always been
happy with their service. Ms P "Taria" <tariawilson@verizon.net> wrote in message
news:41d1h.14973$DH5.3095@trnddc04... [quote:ffd8b3c702]I am trying to remember the link for the good prices on Schmetz
machine needles. Anyone have it handy? While we are talking needles what do you use for machine quilting and why?
Type and size. Do you use different ones for poly and cotton? I have a couple of boxes of universal 80's that I use as
much as I can but they are not always great for free motion work. We are in the last week of escrow if everything falls
into place. Thursday the big move day. Please cross your fingers and muster up any good thoughts and prayers that
things go smoothly. I just might unearth a machine soon! TIA, Taria [/quote:ffd8b3c702]

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View entire thread: machine needles for quilting
Posted by Audrey on Tue Oct 31, 2006 4:20 AM    Post subject: Re: machine needles for quilting

Has anyone tried this source? http://www.homesew.com/MachineNeedles.html#133 I have used them for my Middle school
classes for quite a while and they seem to work well under the stress of Kids. not a bad price either. Audrey
"Taria" <tariawilson@verizon.net> wrote in message news:41d1h.14973$DH5.3095@trnddc04...
[quote:f62c2b6a8c]I am trying to remember the link for the good prices on Schmetz machine needles. Anyone have it
handy? While we are talking needles what do you use for machine quilting and why? Type and size. Do you use different
ones for poly and cotton? I have a couple of boxes of universal 80's that I use as much as I can but they are not
always great for free motion work. We are in the last week of escrow if everything falls into place. Thursday the big
move day. Please cross your fingers and muster up any good thoughts and prayers that things go smoothly. I just might
unearth a machine soon! TIA, Taria [/quote:f62c2b6a8c]

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View entire thread: machine needles for quilting
Posted by C & S on Mon Oct 30, 2006 8:32 PM    Post subject: Re: machine needles for quilting

Is this the site you may be looking for: http://www.kapres.com/index.html I obtained this site from Cats in Oz. I've
ordered from them and all went well. Hope this was what you were looking for. -- Carole Champlain, NY
http://photos.yahoo.com/ceridwen_rhea http://360.yahoo.com/profile-Pp9n.fIyfrQ6NDNCfp9E0UU6hGPI Treasure your Mind,
Cherish your Reason, Hold to your Purpose Epictetus (52 c.e - 135 c.e.) "Taria"
<tariawilson@verizon.net> wrote in message news:41d1h.14973$DH5.3095@trnddc04... [quote:1fc6f42f22]I am trying to
remember the link for the good prices on Schmetz machine needles. Anyone have it handy? While we are talking needles
what do you use for machine quilting and why? Type and size. Do you use different ones for poly and cotton? I have a
couple of boxes of universal 80's that I use as much as I can but they are not always great for free motion work. We
are in the last week of escrow if everything falls into place. Thursday the big move day. Please cross your fingers and
muster up any good thoughts and prayers that things go smoothly. I just might unearth a machine soon! TIA, Taria
[/quote:1fc6f42f22]

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View entire thread: machine needles for quilting
Posted by Julia in MN on Mon Oct 30, 2006 8:06 PM    Post subject: Re: machine needles for quilting

I usually use Schmetz 80/12 jeans needles for piecing and quilting. I bought a bunch from
<http://www.kapres.com/needles/needles.htm> a few months ago, based on recommendations from someone in this
group. The service was good, as I recall. I have used universal needles for piecing (they work okay for that) and
keep some around for those times when I am sewing knits (not a very common occurrence these days :) Julia in MN Taria
wrote: [quote:77d3e34f4f]I am trying to remember the link for the good prices on Schmetz machine needles. Anyone have
it handy? While we are talking needles what do you use for machine quilting and why? Type and size. Do you use
different ones for poly and cotton? I have a couple of boxes of universal 80's that I use as much as I can but they are
not always great for free motion work. We are in the last week of escrow if everything falls into place. Thursday the
big move day. Please cross your fingers and muster up any good thoughts and prayers that things go smoothly. I just
might unearth a machine soon! TIA, Taria [/quote:77d3e34f4f] -- This message has been scanned for viruses by Norton
Anti-Virus http://webpages.charter.net/jaccola/

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View entire thread: machine needles for quilting
Posted by Sandy Foster on Mon Oct 30, 2006 4:34 PM    Post subject: Re: machine needles for quilting

In message <41d1h.14973$DH5.3095@trnddc04>, Taria <tariawilson@verizon.net> writes [quote:90d503cc52]I am
trying to remember the link for the good prices on Schmetz machine needles. Anyone have it handy? While we are talking
needles what do you use for machine quilting and why? Type and size. Do you use different ones for poly and cotton? I
have a couple of boxes of universal 80's that I use as much as I can but they are not always great for free motion work.
We are in the last week of escrow if everything falls into place. Thursday the big move day. Please cross your fingers
and muster up any good thoughts and prayers that things go smoothly. I just might unearth a machine soon! TIA, Taria
[/quote:90d503cc52] The only time I use a universal needle, Taria, is when I'm mending (ugh!) something that's
poly/cotton. For piecing and FM quilting, I use a sharper needle, with size depending on the size of the thread. I love
jeans and microtex needles -- jeans most, though. I generally use a size 80/12 for piecing, except for paper piecing,
where a 90/14 is better. For quilting, an 80/12 will work well with a 50 or 60wt cotton thread, though a 60 works best
with 100wt silk thread and a 90 may be necessary with a heavier cotton like the YLI. HTH. Unfortunately, my old source
for inexpensive Schmetz needles has disappeared, so I can't help there. :( -- Sandy in Henderson, near Las Vegas my
ISP is earthlink.net -- put sfoster1(at) in front http://home.earthlink.net/~sfoster1 AKA Dame Sandy, Minister of
Education

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View entire thread: machine needles for quilting
Posted by I.E.Z. on Mon Oct 30, 2006 12:39 PM    Post subject: Re: machine needles for quilting

"Taria" <tariawilson@verizon.net> wrote in message news:41d1h.14973$DH5.3095@trnddc04...
[quote:c44fa38318]I am trying to remember the link for the good prices on Schmetz machine needles. Anyone have it
handy? While we are talking needles what do you use for machine quilting and why? Type and size. Do you use different
ones for poly and cotton? [/quote:c44fa38318] I used to use Schmetz needles and still have several left of various
kinds - metallic, microtex, jeans, quilting. When I got the embroidery machine I had to find a cheaper source of
needles because after thousands of stitches per design, it's best to change them frequently. I started buying Organ
needles, and found they worked well. Then I tried using them in my other machines for piecing and machine quilting.
Although I still use a Schmetz quilting needle occasionally, I really can't tell the difference in my machines. I
most recently bought needles at http://www.allstitch.net/index.html where they sell Organ for $10 per box. Just as an
aside, I ordered from Allstitch on Wednesday morning and UPS brought the package to the door Thursday afternoon!! I
was flabbergasted! They also have good prices on stabilizer and NEB bobbins, in case anyone here also does machine
embroidery. Iris

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View entire thread: machine needles for quilting
Posted by Kate Dicey on Mon Oct 30, 2006 9:22 AM    Post subject: Re: machine needles for quilting

Taria wrote: [quote:ac66e490f2]I am trying to remember the link for the good prices on Schmetz machine needles. Anyone
have it handy? [/quote:ac66e490f2] No, sorry! I get mine in bulk from a local shop. [quote:ac66e490f2] While we are
talking needles what do you use for machine quilting and why? Type and size. Do you use different ones for poly and
cotton? [/quote:ac66e490f2] Either quilting or Jeans needles, usually. I always have some to hand. For quilting I
use 80's, but I keep some 90's handy for tougher projects like curtain making. [quote:ac66e490f2] I have a couple of
boxes of universal 80's that I use as much as I can but they are not always great for free motion work.
[/quote:ac66e490f2] Save them for piecing. [quote:ac66e490f2] We are in the last week of escrow if everything falls into
place. Thursday the big move day. Please cross your fingers and muster up any good thoughts and prayers that things go
smoothly. I just might unearth a machine soon! TIA, Taria [/quote:ac66e490f2] Fingers are crossed! :) -- Kate
XXXXXX R.C.T.Q Madame Chef des Trolls Lady Catherine, Wardrobe Mistress of the Chocolate Buttons
http://www.katedicey.co.uk Click on Kate's Pages and explore!

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View entire thread: machine needles for quilting
Posted by Patti on Mon Oct 30, 2006 9:19 AM    Post subject: Re: machine needles for quilting

I don't use universal needles for anything, Taria. I need all the help I can get! and a sharp needle is a big help.
Nowadays, I use microtex (sometimes), but most I use jeans needles (except for the odd metallica). For machine
quilting - which needs the most help! - I find a new jeans needle serves me best. I use 11's or 10's for both piecing
and quilting. Mind you, I do go pretty slowly! Do hope all goes well with the house. .. In message
<41d1h.14973$DH5.3095@trnddc04>, Taria <tariawilson@verizon.net> writes [quote:094d68633f]I am trying to
remember the link for the good prices on Schmetz machine needles. Anyone have it handy? While we are talking needles
what do you use for machine quilting and why? Type and size. Do you use different ones for poly and cotton? I have a
couple of boxes of universal 80's that I use as much as I can but they are not always great for free motion work. We
are in the last week of escrow if everything falls into place. Thursday the big move day. Please cross your fingers and
muster up any good thoughts and prayers that things go smoothly. I just might unearth a machine soon! TIA, Taria
[/quote:094d68633f] -- Best Regards pat on the hill

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View entire thread: machine needles for quilting
Posted by Taria on Mon Oct 30, 2006 5:18 AM    Post subject: Re: machine needles for quilting

Thanks Polly. Someone is bound to remember the site. I put off hemming jeans until DH starts rolling the hems up like
he is a kid of the 50's again. His hinting is anything but subtle. HOpe to have good news about the house. (actually
it is the close for the house we are selling and we are moving back to our desert house) It will be the first time I
have a dedicated sewing space since I was a teenager. I have always liked sewing in the midst of everything but this
room is off the living room so it is close and has a bright morning sun. DD has been living in that house full time
since June. She is threatening to get an apt. when we move back. I just smiled and kept my mouth shut. If she does
that who am I to stop her <LOL> Taria polly esther wrote: [quote:56270c9755]Gee, Taria, we must have found a
great price because my notes say I haven't bought any needles this entire year. If someone doesn't remember our site, I
can go look back through my 05 notes. If you want a needle that you don't have to think much about, the green band
Schmetz seems to do very well on just about everything. I do change over to a tough one if I am Forced to hem jeans and
might, maybe, change to one with a long scarf if I'm using a fussy metallic. And marvelous big huge best wishes for
the escrow goings on. Polly [the numbers on the Schmetz 'quilting' needle packs say 130/705 H-Q, 75/11.]
"Taria" <tariawilson@verizon.net> wrote in message news:41d1h.14973$DH5.3095@trnddc04... I am trying to
remember the link for the good prices on Schmetz machine needles. Anyone have it handy? While we are talking needles
what do you use for machine quilting and why? Type and size. Do you use different ones for poly and cotton? I have a
couple of boxes of universal 80's that I use as much as I can but they are not always great for free motion work. We
are in the last week of escrow if everything falls into place. Thursday the big move day. Please cross your fingers and
muster up any good thoughts and prayers that things go smoothly. I just might unearth a machine soon! TIA, Taria
[/quote:56270c9755]

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View entire thread: machine needles for quilting
Posted by polly esther on Mon Oct 30, 2006 3:23 AM    Post subject: Re: machine needles for quilting

Gee, Taria, we must have found a great price because my notes say I haven't bought any needles this entire year. If
someone doesn't remember our site, I can go look back through my 05 notes. If you want a needle that you don't have
to think much about, the green band Schmetz seems to do very well on just about everything. I do change over to a
tough one if I am Forced to hem jeans and might, maybe, change to one with a long scarf if I'm using a fussy metallic.
And marvelous big huge best wishes for the escrow goings on. Polly [the numbers on the Schmetz 'quilting' needle packs
say 130/705 H-Q, 75/11.] "Taria" <tariawilson@verizon.net> wrote in message
news:41d1h.14973$DH5.3095@trnddc04... [quote:2ff146084f]I am trying to remember the link for the good prices on Schmetz
machine needles. Anyone have it handy? While we are talking needles what do you use for machine quilting and why?
Type and size. Do you use different ones for poly and cotton? I have a couple of boxes of universal 80's that I use as
much as I can but they are not always great for free motion work. We are in the last week of escrow if everything falls
into place. Thursday the big move day. Please cross your fingers and muster up any good thoughts and prayers that
things go smoothly. I just might unearth a machine soon! TIA, Taria [/quote:2ff146084f]

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View entire thread: machine needles for quilting
Posted by Taria on Mon Oct 30, 2006 3:00 AM    Post subject: machine needles for quilting

I am trying to remember the link for the good prices on Schmetz machine needles. Anyone have it handy? While we are
talking needles what do you use for machine quilting and why? Type and size. Do you use different ones for poly and
cotton? I have a couple of boxes of universal 80's that I use as much as I can but they are not always great for free
motion work. We are in the last week of escrow if everything falls into place. Thursday the big move day. Please
cross your fingers and muster up any good thoughts and prayers that things go smoothly. I just might unearth a machine
soon! TIA, Taria

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View entire thread: Best thread for piecing
Posted by Cats on Sun Oct 29, 2006 1:26 AM    Post subject: Re: Best thread for piecing

Yes - machine piecing. -- Cheryl & the Cats in OZ o o o o o o ( > Y < ) (
> Y < ) ( > Y < ) Enness Boofhead Donut http://community.webshots.com/user/witchofthewest
catsatararatATyahooDOTcomDOTau "Sandy Foster" <invalid@invalid.invalid> wrote in message news:
invalid-7A3FAD.08135928102006@news.west.earthlink.net... : In article <45430998_2@news.chariot.net.au>,
"Cats" <CATS@NO.SPAM.com> : wrote: : : > I have just been doing some piecing using Bottom Line
thread : > instead of my usual Aurifil #50. : > : > I know about this thread in bobbins (I used it for : >
embroidery) and applique (I still prefer #100 silk) but I : > vaguely recall someone on here saying it was also good
for : > piecing. : > : > In general I like to use cotton thread for piecing cotton : > fabrics - well,
most fabrics actually. But the new : > polyester threads are certainly a far cry from the ones I : > used years
ago. And when I have used this I don't seem to : > have had any problems I can remember. And I did like the :
> finer (#60) thread and reduced seam bulk. But I haven't : > used this a lot, and I haven't any idea how it
stands up to : > wear and tear. : > : > So - what's the general opinion? Is this a good thread for : >
general piecing? Are there really any serious drawbacks to : > using good quality polyester threads on cotton
fabrics : > anymore or have they been addressed by manufacturers? : > : > What is your favourite thread for
piecing? And where do you : > buy it? : > : > This enquiring mind would like to know. : : : I use Aurifil
50wt. for piecing these days -- both hand and machine : piecing. I haven't used Bottom Line, except in the bobbin when
FM : quilting, usually with silk on top. Let me know how you like the Bottom : Line for piecing -- and are you talking
about hand or machine piecing, : Cheryl? I'm assuming machine.... : -- : Sandy in Henderson, near Las Vegas : my ISP
is earthlink.net -- put sfoster1(at) in front : http://home.earthlink.net/~sfoster1 : : AKA Dame Sandy, Minister of
Education

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View entire thread: Halloween help on garment sewing
Posted by Jane Kay on Sun Oct 29, 2006 2:10 AM    Post subject: Re: Halloween help on garment sewing

My simplest dress/nightie (only done for little kids, but should work) Test first with an old sheet or something &
use it for a cool nightie or a beach cover-up. Measure your body at the biggest circumference- bust, hips, whatever.
Add at least 6 inches for "ease" - room to move & sit. Sew a tube of fabric this wide and as long as you
want your dress to be, plus some extra for hems and fudge factor. If you are in a big hurry you can hem the bottom edge
with stitch witchery at this point. Put 2 long strings in reach, then step into the tube and pull it up until the
bottom is where you want it, and even. Adjust so that the seam(s) fall where you want. Tie a string around your waist
over the tube to hold it up. Measure UP from the bottom so that the hem is even. Now pull the top up and tie it where
you want the top to be, leaving some vertical looseness. Top should "blouse" a little. Generally, a woman
will need more fabric length in the top front and skirt back. Mark the string lines with a chalk pencil all the way
around-(easier if friend or hubby does this for you, especially the back) sew elastic in on the string lines. Hem top
& bottom edges, or turn the top edge to make a casing for the elastic. Add straps if you want them- the elastic
might be enough, but straps would hide your bra straps. Jane in NE Ohio "quilter"
<l_marsella@yahoo.com> wrote in message news:1161988736.472440.294470@k70g2000cwa.googlegroups.com...
[quote:74c06d3ba8]Well, it is one day until I need to wear a halloween costume, and despite my best attempts at sending
positive thoughts toward the fabric pile, my lovely tropical fabric from tahiti has NOT turned itself into a halloween
costume. I'd like to take some fabric and make it into a simple tropical dress, probably strapless...basically, one
step up from just wrapping it around my body and tying it (which I may have to do). I'll at least hem the edges. At
this point, all I can think to do besides that is maybe add some velcro. I certainly am not up to a zipper or other
closure. It'd be nice to give it some shape, like a bit of ruching (sp?) on the side or at the front or some darts, but
is this waaay too hard? free tahiti fabric scrap to whoever can help! I've never even hemmed a pair of pants on my
machine. The fabric I have is a fairly thick 100% cotton fabric (bought for quilting really), white, with a lovely
column of orange tropical flowers up the side. Plan B is to take a smaller piece (bright blue with white tropical
flowers) and make a wrap skirt, but I don't really have anything suitable for the top of the outfit (it's too cold to
wear a bikini top) so a one-piece seemed easier. I think I may actually have a pattern for a wrap skirt somewhere
around here, but I've never opened it. This will all be accessorized by shell necklaces and plastic leis and flowers in
the hair and a husband in a grass skirt and coconut bra (he hasn't quite agreed to that part yet). Why didn't I buy a
pattern before now? Lynn, very impressed with anyone who can sew clothes [/quote:74c06d3ba8]

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View entire thread: Halloween help on garment sewing
Posted by Sandy Ellison on Sat Oct 28, 2006 3:19 AM    Post subject: Re: Halloween help on garment sewing

Howdy! Fold over the top, hem it, add a length of elastic threaded thru' the hem, or insert a tie of some kind; tighten
around your upper chest, you get the built in gathers for some blousy effect. You can even use a big pin to hold the
ends of the elastic band or tie. Pink or hem the other/bottom edge; you're ready to go. Wear a tube top or slim
t-shirt and wear the fabric as a sarong. If it was good enough for Dorothy Lamour and my Barbie doll, 2 top trend
setters, isn't that good enough? <VBG> http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dorothy_Lamour Wear a piece of that
fabric as a scarf over the t-shirt, so tropical. And don't forget a piece of it on your head, Island Girl.
Ragmop/Sandy On 10/27/06 5:38 PM, in article 1161988736.472440.294470@k70g2000cwa.googlegroups.com,
"quilter" <l_marsella@yahoo.com> wrote: [quote:9b012b9315]Well, it is one day until I need to wear a
halloween costume, and despite my best attempts at sending positive thoughts toward the fabric pile, my lovely tropical
fabric from tahiti has NOT turned itself into a halloween costume. I'd like to take some fabric and make it into a
simple tropical dress, probably strapless...basically, one step up from just wrapping it around my body and tying it
(which I may have to do). I'll at least hem the edges. At this point, all I can think to do besides that is maybe add
some velcro. I certainly am not up to a zipper or other closure. It'd be nice to give it some shape, like a bit of
ruching (sp?) on the side or at the front or some darts, but is this waaay too hard? free tahiti fabric scrap to
whoever can help! I've never even hemmed a pair of pants on my machine. The fabric I have is a fairly thick 100%
cotton fabric (bought for quilting really), white, with a lovely column of orange tropical flowers up the side. Plan B
is to take a smaller piece (bright blue with white tropical flowers) and make a wrap skirt, but I don't really have
anything suitable for the top of the outfit (it's too cold to wear a bikini top) so a one-piece seemed easier. I think
I may actually have a pattern for a wrap skirt somewhere around here, but I've never opened it. This will all be
accessorized by shell necklaces and plastic leis and flowers in the hair and a husband in a grass skirt and coconut bra
(he hasn't quite agreed to that part yet). Why didn't I buy a pattern before now? Lynn, very impressed with anyone who
can sew clothes [/quote:9b012b9315]

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View entire thread: Halloween help on garment sewing
Posted by Kathy Applebaum on Sat Oct 28, 2006 12:34 AM    Post subject: Re: Halloween help on garment sewing

The search engine is your friend. You can whip up something without any sewing other than hemming -- it's all in how
you tie it. http://www.kangausa.com/howtotie.htm http://www.cottonwoodhotel.com/sarong.html
http://www.sarong.com/tieoneon.html http://www.tropicalhulahut.com/sarongcare.html http://www.idcw.org.uk/sarongs.html
http://www.sarongsontheweb.com/howto.html Well, you get the idea. Have a blast! -- Kathy A. (Woodland, CA) Queen of
Fabric Tramps mailto:KathyA@KayneyNOSPAMQuilting.com http://fabrictramp.typepad.com/fabric_tramping/ remove the obvious
to reply "quilter" <l_marsella@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:1161988736.472440.294470@k70g2000cwa.googlegroups.com... [quote:86aff7985a]Well, it is one day until I need to wear
a halloween costume, and despite my best attempts at sending positive thoughts toward the fabric pile, my lovely
tropical fabric from tahiti has NOT turned itself into a halloween costume. I'd like to take some fabric and make it
into a simple tropical dress, probably strapless...basically, one step up from just wrapping it around my body and tying
it (which I may have to do). I'll at least hem the edges. At this point, all I can think to do besides that is maybe
add some velcro. I certainly am not up to a zipper or other closure. It'd be nice to give it some shape, like a bit of
ruching (sp?) on the side or at the front or some darts, but is this waaay too hard? free tahiti fabric scrap to
whoever can help! I've never even hemmed a pair of pants on my machine. The fabric I have is a fairly thick 100%
cotton fabric (bought for quilting really), white, with a lovely column of orange tropical flowers up the side. Plan B
is to take a smaller piece (bright blue with white tropical flowers) and make a wrap skirt, but I don't really have
anything suitable for the top of the outfit (it's too cold to wear a bikini top) so a one-piece seemed easier. I think
I may actually have a pattern for a wrap skirt somewhere around here, but I've never opened it. This will all be
accessorized by shell necklaces and plastic leis and flowers in the hair and a husband in a grass skirt and coconut bra
(he hasn't quite agreed to that part yet). Why didn't I buy a pattern before now? Lynn, very impressed with anyone who
can sew clothes [/quote:86aff7985a]

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View entire thread: Halloween help on garment sewing
Posted by quilter on Fri Oct 27, 2006 11:38 PM    Post subject: Halloween help on garment sewing

Well, it is one day until I need to wear a halloween costume, and despite my best attempts at sending positive thoughts
toward the fabric pile, my lovely tropical fabric from tahiti has NOT turned itself into a halloween costume. I'd like
to take some fabric and make it into a simple tropical dress, probably strapless...basically, one step up from just
wrapping it around my body and tying it (which I may have to do). I'll at least hem the edges. At this point, all I can
think to do besides that is maybe add some velcro. I certainly am not up to a zipper or other closure. It'd be nice to
give it some shape, like a bit of ruching (sp?) on the side or at the front or some darts, but is this waaay too hard?
free tahiti fabric scrap to whoever can help! I've never even hemmed a pair of pants on my machine. The fabric I have
is a fairly thick 100% cotton fabric (bought for quilting really), white, with a lovely column of orange tropical
flowers up the side. Plan B is to take a smaller piece (bright blue with white tropical flowers) and make a wrap skirt,
but I don't really have anything suitable for the top of the outfit (it's too cold to wear a bikini top) so a one-piece
seemed easier. I think I may actually have a pattern for a wrap skirt somewhere around here, but I've never opened it.
This will all be accessorized by shell necklaces and plastic leis and flowers in the hair and a husband in a grass skirt
and coconut bra (he hasn't quite agreed to that part yet). Why didn't I buy a pattern before now? Lynn, very impressed
with anyone who can sew clothes

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View entire thread: OT: surgery, suggestions please and sorry so long
Posted by WV Quilter on Fri Oct 27, 2006 3:19 AM    Post subject: Re: OT: surgery, suggestions please and sorry so long

Jacqueline!!!! I cannot believe I forgot to suggest. goto http://www.quiltersnewsnetwork.com/ You don't have to really
read alot you can listen and pick up all kinds of quilter news, patterns and ideas. Free 24 hour quilting shows!! what
could be better. You might pick up headphones or earbuds to plug into your laptop if your afraid to bother your Dad with
the sound but it's a great website. WV Quilter Jacqueline wrote: [quote:671a434d66]Patti, I already have about 10
books on P&Q but my problem is my eyes do not hold up long enough to read them. I also have some magazines. LOL I
thought what was really strange is I posted and asked about the brick wall or whatever it is called last week, I didn't
know it had a name, was just thinking off the top of my head and low and behold if it wasn't in a magazine that I got.
I think that is what finally made me decide this was what I wanted to do. Thanks for the tips, and I do plan on doing
as much of that as I can. Jacqueline in KY On Thu, 26 Oct 2006 07:33:57 +0100, Patti <Patti@quik.clara.co.uk
wrote: Sorry to hear about the extra problem; but, hopefully, it won't be a long-lasting incapacity. I had knee
surgery in the early days of 'keyhole' and it worked well. As to what you can do: read, read, read! Before you go for
your operation get as many books as you can from the library and spend your 'laid-up' time finding out as much as you
can about P&Q. If you can afford some magazines, try those, too. This will give you a big boost in knowledge, and
will answer questions you didn't know you had >g< It will also take your mind off things a bit! . In message
<4b50k21tm9590vfbk2rplnm4qor8sh0nvp@4ax.com>, Jacquelinequilteratmountain-breezedotcom@?.?.invalid writes snipped
Now what can I do while I am recovering from this? Am I making the right decision to put this up and wait. I have
waited for this for 12 years now and am still waiting. I have to get my house cleaned really well before I have this
surgery and I mean really, really, clean and I have to cook up a bunch of meals for Dad and me and then I have to make
sure everything is washed in the house, I mean all the clothes and sheets and towels and that kind of thing, I normally
only do this once a month or so and never do I have everything washed at one time. I also figure I may as well go on and
do my Christmas tree, decorations and wrap presents before hand, just in case recovery takes longer than I plan. BTW,
my sewing machine sets where the tree does so it would have to come down or be moved to the middle of the floor anyway.
I guess I need suggestions, encouragement and a little push because I am just plain down and out. I knew this was why I
had been depressed and stuff lately but I will be glad to get it over with so that this pain will finally go away.
Maybe on my one year anniversary of my fall it will be OK. I mean it will be 11 months since the fall when they do the
surgery. I know it is minor surgery and day surgery at that but I am the caregiver for my dad and I need to be able to
do things for him too. Sorry so long! Jacqueline in Kentucky if replied to privately please do so at quilter @
mountain-breeze dot com[/quote:671a434d66]

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View entire thread: OT: surgery, suggestions please and sorry so long
Posted by Susan Laity Price on Fri Oct 27, 2006 12:05 AM    Post subject: Re: OT: surgery, suggestions please and sorry so long

Sorry to hear about your surgery but if it will help the pain it will be worth it. You can learn to sew with your left
foot. I even had a handicapped student who put the foot pedal on the table and ran it with her hand. That only left one
hand to direct the fabric but she had learned to do a nice job sewing clothes so did well with quilting. When I injured
my right foot a few years ago I mentioned in front of the doctor that I would have to learn to sew with my left foot. He
thought I could just stop sewing for a few weeks. He just didn't understand. Another poster was correct in warning you
not to exhaust yourself with cleaning before the surgery. You want to go into surgery with your body, mind and spirit in
as good of shape as possible. Get the laundry "done-up" and a few meals in the freezer but also accept help
from your church friends. If they are anything like my church friends they will shower you with so much food when you
first come home from the hospital that you will gain weight. Follow the doctor's orders about keeping the leg up and
then the exercises. As for putting that special project away---you could fold it and place it on top of a bookcase or
something so you could enjoy the colors of the fabric and dream about getting back to work on it. If dust and/or cats
are a problem put the project in a large plastic bag. Keep in touch. I will change the message on my prayer list from
PT to surgery. Susan On Wed, 25 Oct 2006 22:24:32 -0400, Jacqueline quilter at mountain-breeze dot com wrote:
[quote:dc173daa79]You all know how badly I have wanted to start my quilting experience and it seems things keep getting
in the way. I have had a zillions designs and material in mind and finally settled on the design which was the one I
asked about a week or so ago, called brick road, only I am going to do it in squares and so I guess mine will be called
something else. I am going to do it in the chocolat by 3 sisters I think it is made by Moda, anyway I have the squares
I bought charm packs and jolly packs and that kind of things to do it and ordered the material for the borders, binding
and backing, yesterday morning. I was just so excited. I was going to make a post about it all last night and go too
upset to do so. I got the squares all laid out and lined up and sewed my first two and of course they were not even so
I ripped them out and realized that the fabric was hard for me to see. I knew I needed new glasses but the doctor
refuses to make me any until the pressure in my eyes stabilizes again. I had surgery in Jan and March of this year for
the glaucoma but it hasn't worked and pressures are back to the 30's and in one month my vision changed drastically in
my right eye. That's just a long side note, surgery is this: Almost a year ago, Dec. 10, 2005, I fell down our
basement steps, backwards; was lucky to survive it but I did with only injury to my right leg/knee/foot. The pain in my
knee has been terrible, so finally my doctor sends me to an orthopedic and I know they decided by MRI and mainly by the
way my leg moves that I have torn cartilage in my knee, actually the MRI only showed a very tiny tear, but since it did
not improve with PT and meds, etc., he now wants to do surgery and I am having it on Nov. 10th. I am so disappointed, I
knew this could happen but was hoping and praying it wouldn't. So my question is this, I know that it will probably be
after Christmas before I can sew again at my machine, maybe, if I heal well, it won't be that long but I am over weight
and I know it will be slower because of that, plus I am an insulin dependant diabetic, which will also slow down
healing. I have so much to do to prepare for this surgery that I am thinking of putting this quilt that I have drawn
out, figured all the necessary things for, laid out and every thing, away until the first of the year. The reason being
I doubt that I will be able to see to do hand quilting, and I was planning on doing everything by machine, and I also
think my eye sight is one reason I am not able to line up the fabrics correctly, so maybe also need to wait until he
will write me a new script for glasses. :( I am so hurt and disappointed over this. Also, remember I am just now
learning, did a small quilt and it was so off that I finally gave up on it. Now what can I do while I am recovering
from this? Am I making the right decision to put this up and wait. I have waited for this for 12 years now and am
still waiting. I have to get my house cleaned really well before I have this surgery and I mean really, really, clean
and I have to cook up a bunch of meals for Dad and me and then I have to make sure everything is washed in the house, I
mean all the clothes and sheets and towels and that kind of thing, I normally only do this once a month or so and never
do I have everything washed at one time. I also figure I may as well go on and do my Christmas tree, decorations and
wrap presents before hand, just in case recovery takes longer than I plan. BTW, my sewing machine sets where the tree
does so it would have to come down or be moved to the middle of the floor anyway. I guess I need suggestions,
encouragement and a little push because I am just plain down and out. I knew this was why I had been depressed and
stuff lately but I will be glad to get it over with so that this pain will finally go away. Maybe on my one year
anniversary of my fall it will be OK. I mean it will be 11 months since the fall when they do the surgery. I know it
is minor surgery and day surgery at that but I am the caregiver for my dad and I need to be able to do things for him
too. Sorry so long! Jacqueline in Kentucky if replied to privately please do so at quilter @ mountain-breeze dot
com[/quote:dc173daa79]

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View entire thread: OT: surgery, suggestions please and sorry so long
Posted by Anonymous on Thu Oct 26, 2006 4:19 AM    Post subject: Re: OT: surgery, suggestions please and sorry so long

I don't have anyone that will come sew with me or anything unless my sister would teach me to weave and I just don't
have the desire to learn that right now. Plus, I hoping that my sister's will help with my dad during this time. I
will just have to ask you all to post a lot because I have already decided to download the group on my laptop and it is
wireless so will go anywhere I go, or at least in my house that is. I do not like to use it but I will when I have to.
I also decided, just after I sent the first message, that I could get one of my websites ready for Christmas during this
time. Christmas is one of the biggest times of the year for my sites, so I can do that on laptop in bed, but said I had
to keep leg elevated. That may make it a little harder to use the laptop. I am sure I will make it though, I have been
through worse, I think. I am just scared and also worried about my dad and how he will take to it. Jacqueline in KY
On 25 Oct 2006 20:00:26 -0700, "WV Quilter" <qdu@charter.net> wrote: [quote:da196d2614]I'm sorry your
having such a hard time, surgery can bring you up or down. I have had so many, I understand what your feeling. Do you
have anyone that sews or does a craft that can come spend some crafting time with you after your feeling better. It
would make you feel so much better and it also would make the time pass a little faster. Pay someone come clean and
don't feel one bit guilty about it. It is expected that you might gain a little weight during your recovery and eating
well is very important to healing, especially protein. I understand your fears and hope you feel better after it is all
over. Get well soon WV Quilter Jacqueline wrote: You all know how badly I have wanted to start my quilting experience
and it seems things keep getting in the way. I have had a zillions designs and material in mind and finally settled on
the design which was the one I asked about a week or so ago, called brick road, only I am going to do it in squares and
so I guess mine will be called something else. I am going to do it in the chocolat by 3 sisters I think it is made by
Moda, anyway I have the squares I bought charm packs and jolly packs and that kind of things to do it and ordered the
material for the borders, binding and backing, yesterday morning. I was just so excited. I was going to make a post
about it all last night and go too upset to do so. I got the squares all laid out and lined up and sewed my first two
and of course they were not even so I ripped them out and realized that the fabric was hard for me to see. I knew I
needed new glasses but the doctor refuses to make me any until the pressure in my eyes stabilizes again. I had surgery
in Jan and March of this year for the glaucoma but it hasn't worked and pressures are back to the 30's and in one month
my vision changed drastically in my right eye. That's just a long side note, surgery is this: Almost a year ago, Dec.
10, 2005, I fell down our basement steps, backwards; was lucky to survive it but I did with only injury to my right
leg/knee/foot. The pain in my knee has been terrible, so finally my doctor sends me to an orthopedic and I know they
decided by MRI and mainly by the way my leg moves that I have torn cartilage in my knee, actually the MRI only showed a
very tiny tear, but since it did not improve with PT and meds, etc., he now wants to do surgery and I am having it on
Nov. 10th. I am so disappointed, I knew this could happen but was hoping and praying it wouldn't. So my question is
this, I know that it will probably be after Christmas before I can sew again at my machine, maybe, if I heal well, it
won't be that long but I am over weight and I know it will be slower because of that, plus I am an insulin dependant
diabetic, which will also slow down healing. I have so much to do to prepare for this surgery that I am thinking of
putting this quilt that I have drawn out, figured all the necessary things for, laid out and every thing, away until the
first of the year. The reason being I doubt that I will be able to see to do hand quilting, and I was planning on doing
everything by machine, and I also think my eye sight is one reason I am not able to line up the fabrics correctly, so
maybe also need to wait until he will write me a new script for glasses. :( I am so hurt and disappointed over this.
Also, remember I am just now learning, did a small quilt and it was so off that I finally gave up on it. Now what can I
do while I am recovering from this? Am I making the right decision to put this up and wait. I have waited for this for
12 years now and am still waiting. I have to get my house cleaned really well before I have this surgery and I mean
really, really, clean and I have to cook up a bunch of meals for Dad and me and then I have to make sure everything is
washed in the house, I mean all the clothes and sheets and towels and that kind of thing, I normally only do this once a
month or so and never do I have everything washed at one time. I also figure I may as well go on and do my Christmas
tree, decorations and wrap presents before hand, just in case recovery takes longer than I plan. BTW, my sewing
machine sets where the tree does so it would have to come down or be moved to the middle of the floor anyway. I guess I
need suggestions, encouragement and a little push because I am just plain down and out. I knew this was why I had been
depressed and stuff lately but I will be glad to get it over with so that this pain will finally go away. Maybe on my
one year anniversary of my fall it will be OK. I mean it will be 11 months since the fall when they do the surgery. I
know it is minor surgery and day surgery at that but I am the caregiver for my dad and I need to be able to do things
for him too. Sorry so long! Jacqueline in Kentucky if replied to privately please do so at quilter @ mountain-breeze
dot com[/quote:da196d2614]

back to top


View entire thread: OT: surgery, suggestions please and sorry so long
Posted by WV Quilter on Thu Oct 26, 2006 4:00 AM    Post subject: Re: OT: surgery, suggestions please and sorry so long

I'm sorry your having such a hard time, surgery can bring you up or down. I have had so many, I understand what your
feeling. Do you have anyone that sews or does a craft that can come spend some crafting time with you after your feeling
better. It would make you feel so much better and it also would make the time pass a little faster. Pay someone come
clean and don't feel one bit guilty about it. It is expected that you might gain a little weight during your recovery
and eating well is very important to healing, especially protein. I understand your fears and hope you feel better after
it is all over. Get well soon WV Quilter Jacqueline wrote: [quote:00e0007404]You all know how badly I have wanted to
start my quilting experience and it seems things keep getting in the way. I have had a zillions designs and material in
mind and finally settled on the design which was the one I asked about a week or so ago, called brick road, only I am
going to do it in squares and so I guess mine will be called something else. I am going to do it in the chocolat by 3
sisters I think it is made by Moda, anyway I have the squares I bought charm packs and jolly packs and that kind of
things to do it and ordered the material for the borders, binding and backing, yesterday morning. I was just so
excited. I was going to make a post about it all last night and go too upset to do so. I got the squares all laid out
and lined up and sewed my first two and of course they were not even so I ripped them out and realized that the fabric
was hard for me to see. I knew I needed new glasses but the doctor refuses to make me any until the pressure in my eyes
stabilizes again. I had surgery in Jan and March of this year for the glaucoma but it hasn't worked and pressures are
back to the 30's and in one month my vision changed drastically in my right eye. That's just a long side note, surgery
is this: Almost a year ago, Dec. 10, 2005, I fell down our basement steps, backwards; was lucky to survive it but I did
with only injury to my right leg/knee/foot. The pain in my knee has been terrible, so finally my doctor sends me to an
orthopedic and I know they decided by MRI and mainly by the way my leg moves that I have torn cartilage in my knee,
actually the MRI only showed a very tiny tear, but since it did not improve with PT and meds, etc., he now wants to do
surgery and I am having it on Nov. 10th. I am so disappointed, I knew this could happen but was hoping and praying it
wouldn't. So my question is this, I know that it will probably be after Christmas before I can sew again at my machine,
maybe, if I heal well, it won't be that long but I am over weight and I know it will be slower because of that, plus I
am an insulin dependant diabetic, which will also slow down healing. I have so much to do to prepare for this surgery
that I am thinking of putting this quilt that I have drawn out, figured all the necessary things for, laid out and every
thing, away until the first of the year. The reason being I doubt that I will be able to see to do hand quilting, and I
was planning on doing everything by machine, and I also think my eye sight is one reason I am not able to line up the
fabrics correctly, so maybe also need to wait until he will write me a new script for glasses. :( I am so hurt and
disappointed over this. Also, remember I am just now learning, did a small quilt and it was so off that I finally gave
up on it. Now what can I do while I am recovering from this? Am I making the right decision to put this up and wait.
I have waited for this for 12 years now and am still waiting. I have to get my house cleaned really well before I have
this surgery and I mean really, really, clean and I have to cook up a bunch of meals for Dad and me and then I have to
make sure everything is washed in the house, I mean all the clothes and sheets and towels and that kind of thing, I
normally only do this once a month or so and never do I have everything washed at one time. I also figure I may as well
go on and do my Christmas tree, decorations and wrap presents before hand, just in case recovery takes longer than I
plan. BTW, my sewing machine sets where the tree does so it would have to come down or be moved to the middle of the
floor anyway. I guess I need suggestions, encouragement and a little push because I am just plain down and out. I knew
this was why I had been depressed and stuff lately but I will be glad to get it over with so that this pain will finally
go away. Maybe on my one year anniversary of my fall it will be OK. I mean it will be 11 months since the fall when
they do the surgery. I know it is minor surgery and day surgery at that but I am the caregiver for my dad and I need to
be able to do things for him too. Sorry so long! Jacqueline in Kentucky if replied to privately please do so at
quilter @ mountain-breeze dot com[/quote:00e0007404]

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View entire thread: OT: surgery, suggestions please and sorry so long
Posted by Cats on Thu Oct 26, 2006 3:40 AM    Post subject: Re: surgery, suggestions please and sorry so long

As one who has BTDT (or most of it anyway) my quick advice is - Do what you HAVE to in the way of cleaning (going
into even minor surgery exhausted and stressed is not a good idea) Get a simple handsewing project for your recovery
time. Placemats are my favourite for this, or even knitting. Keep the "dream" project for when you feel
recovered and want to reward yourself with the joy of setting out on your big new quilting adventure. Don't assume
that you will be laid up for months recovering, just take one day at a time. You could be back and better than ever
much quicker than you thought - there is no way to be sure. Good luck on the medical front, for both surgery and eye
prescriptions! -- Cheryl & the Cats in OZ o o o o o o ( > Y < ) ( > Y
< ) ( > Y < ) Enness Boofhead Donut http://community.webshots.com/user/witchofthewest
catsatararatATyahooDOTcomDOTau <Jacqueline quilter at mountain-breeze dot com> wrote in message
news:4b50k21tm9590vfbk2rplnm4qor8sh0nvp@4ax.com... : You all know how badly I have wanted to start my quilting
experience : and it seems things keep getting in the way. I have had a zillions : designs and material in mind and
finally settled on the design which : was the one I asked about a week or so ago, called brick road, only I : am going
to do it in squares and so I guess mine will be called : something else. I am going to do it in the chocolat by 3
sisters I : think it is made by Moda, anyway I have the squares I bought charm : packs and jolly packs and that kind of
things to do it and ordered the : material for the borders, binding and backing, yesterday morning. I : was just so
excited. I was going to make a post about it all last : night and go too upset to do so. I got the squares all laid
out and : lined up and sewed my first two and of course they were not even so I : ripped them out and realized that the
fabric was hard for me to see. I : knew I needed new glasses but the doctor refuses to make me any until : the
pressure in my eyes stabilizes again. I had surgery in Jan and : March of this year for the glaucoma but it hasn't
worked and pressures : are back to the 30's and in one month my vision changed drastically in : my right eye. That's
just a long side note, surgery is this: : : Almost a year ago, Dec. 10, 2005, I fell down our basement steps, :
backwards; was lucky to survive it but I did with only injury to my : right leg/knee/foot. The pain in my knee has
been terrible, so : finally my doctor sends me to an orthopedic and I know they decided by : MRI and mainly by the way
my leg moves that I have torn cartilage in : my knee, actually the MRI only showed a very tiny tear, but since it :
did not improve with PT and meds, etc., he now wants to do surgery and : I am having it on Nov. 10th. I am so
disappointed, I knew this could : happen but was hoping and praying it wouldn't. So my question is : this, I know
that it will probably be after Christmas before I can sew : again at my machine, maybe, if I heal well, it won't be
that long but : I am over weight and I know it will be slower because of that, plus I : am an insulin dependant
diabetic, which will also slow down healing. : I have so much to do to prepare for this surgery that I am thinking of
: putting this quilt that I have drawn out, figured all the necessary : things for, laid out and every thing, away
until the first of the : year. The reason being I doubt that I will be able to see to do hand : quilting, and I was
planning on doing everything by machine, and I : also think my eye sight is one reason I am not able to line up the :
fabrics correctly, so maybe also need to wait until he will write me a : new script for glasses. :( I am so hurt and
disappointed over this. : Also, remember I am just now learning, did a small quilt and it was so : off that I finally
gave up on it. : : Now what can I do while I am recovering from this? Am I making the : right decision to put this up
and wait. I have waited for this for 12 : years now and am still waiting. I have to get my house cleaned really :
well before I have this surgery and I mean really, really, clean and I : have to cook up a bunch of meals for Dad and
me and then I have to : make sure everything is washed in the house, I mean all the clothes : and sheets and towels
and that kind of thing, I normally only do this : once a month or so and never do I have everything washed at one
time. : I also figure I may as well go on and do my Christmas tree, : decorations and wrap presents before hand, just
in case recovery : takes longer than I plan. BTW, my sewing machine sets where the tree : does so it would have to
come down or be moved to the middle of the : floor anyway. : : I guess I need suggestions, encouragement and a little
push because I : am just plain down and out. I knew this was why I had been depressed : and stuff lately but I will be
glad to get it over with so that this : pain will finally go away. Maybe on my one year anniversary of my : fall it
will be OK. I mean it will be 11 months since the fall when : they do the surgery. I know it is minor surgery and day
surgery at : that but I am the caregiver for my dad and I need to be able to do : things for him too. : : Sorry so
long! : : Jacqueline in Kentucky : if replied to privately please do so at : quilter @ mountain-breeze dot com

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View entire thread: OT: surgery, suggestions please and sorry so long
Posted by Anonymous on Thu Oct 26, 2006 3:24 AM    Post subject: OT: surgery, suggestions please and sorry so long

You all know how badly I have wanted to start my quilting experience and it seems things keep getting in the way. I
have had a zillions designs and material in mind and finally settled on the design which was the one I asked about a
week or so ago, called brick road, only I am going to do it in squares and so I guess mine will be called something
else. I am going to do it in the chocolat by 3 sisters I think it is made by Moda, anyway I have the squares I bought
charm packs and jolly packs and that kind of things to do it and ordered the material for the borders, binding and
backing, yesterday morning. I was just so excited. I was going to make a post about it all last night and go too upset
to do so. I got the squares all laid out and lined up and sewed my first two and of course they were not even so I
ripped them out and realized that the fabric was hard for me to see. I knew I needed new glasses but the doctor refuses
to make me any until the pressure in my eyes stabilizes again. I had surgery in Jan and March of this year for the
glaucoma but it hasn't worked and pressures are back to the 30's and in one month my vision changed drastically in my
right eye. That's just a long side note, surgery is this: Almost a year ago, Dec. 10, 2005, I fell down our basement
steps, backwards; was lucky to survive it but I did with only injury to my right leg/knee/foot. The pain in my knee has
been terrible, so finally my doctor sends me to an orthopedic and I know they decided by MRI and mainly by the way my
leg moves that I have torn cartilage in my knee, actually the MRI only showed a very tiny tear, but since it did not
improve with PT and meds, etc., he now wants to do surgery and I am having it on Nov. 10th. I am so disappointed, I
knew this could happen but was hoping and praying it wouldn't. So my question is this, I know that it will probably be
after Christmas before I can sew again at my machine, maybe, if I heal well, it won't be that long but I am over weight
and I know it will be slower because of that, plus I am an insulin dependant diabetic, which will also slow down
healing. I have so much to do to prepare for this surgery that I am thinking of putting this quilt that I have drawn
out, figured all the necessary things for, laid out and every thing, away until the first of the year. The reason being
I doubt that I will be able to see to do hand quilting, and I was planning on doing everything by machine, and I also
think my eye sight is one reason I am not able to line up the fabrics correctly, so maybe also need to wait until he
will write me a new script for glasses. :( I am so hurt and disappointed over this. Also, remember I am just now
learning, did a small quilt and it was so off that I finally gave up on it. Now what can I do while I am recovering
from this? Am I making the right decision to put this up and wait. I have waited for this for 12 years now and am
still waiting. I have to get my house cleaned really well before I have this surgery and I mean really, really, clean
and I have to cook up a bunch of meals for Dad and me and then I have to make sure everything is washed in the house, I
mean all the clothes and sheets and towels and that kind of thing, I normally only do this once a month or so and never
do I have everything washed at one time. I also figure I may as well go on and do my Christmas tree, decorations and
wrap presents before hand, just in case recovery takes longer than I plan. BTW, my sewing machine sets where the tree
does so it would have to come down or be moved to the middle of the floor anyway. I guess I need suggestions,
encouragement and a little push because I am just plain down and out. I knew this was why I had been depressed and
stuff lately but I will be glad to get it over with so that this pain will finally go away. Maybe on my one year
anniversary of my fall it will be OK. I mean it will be 11 months since the fall when they do the surgery. I know it
is minor surgery and day surgery at that but I am the caregiver for my dad and I need to be able to do things for him
too. Sorry so long! Jacqueline in Kentucky if replied to privately please do so at quilter @ mountain-breeze dot
com

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View entire thread: OT: I'm not quilting....
Posted by Pat in Virginia on Tue Oct 24, 2006 10:08 PM    Post subject: Re: OT: I'm not quilting....

Seaside: What do you want to know? How to cut? A supply list? How to hand quilt? How to machine piece? Providing a
beginners course, or listing basics would be a very time consuming process. What would help here is for a few of us
to list some resources for you to investigate. Take a peek at:
http://quilting.about.com/od/stepbystepquilting/index.htm?nl=1 ... quilting.about has those categories and more! When
you want to select a pattern or block, go to: http://www.quilterscache.com/ I am sure other quilters will have other
suggestions. Quilting is tons of fun ... so jump in and enjoy. PAT in VA/USA Sea Side wrote: [quote:d4d0c199b5]new, i
was lurking a bit and wondered if you might be able to suggest a guilt beginning project; i need to use photos for
memory keepsake and have never quilted b4; so can you list the basics; how time consuming is this, expense, and does
there have to be alot of stitching.... your response would be most appreciated. thankyou, ss [/quote:d4d0c199b5]

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View entire thread: Sewing Machine Suggestions REquested
Posted by Anonymous on Tue Oct 24, 2006 8:15 PM    Post subject: Re: Sewing Machine Suggestions REquested

You all are making me wish I had kept my mother's old Brother from the late 40's now, it was heavy as lead and I could
barely lift it when it was in the case. Shortly before she passed away I was cleaning house and had to move it and I
looked at her and said, "I wish we had someplace else to store this thing, it breaks my back to move it." My
mother informed me to ask Becky if she wanted it, that's one of my sisters and the one that did learn to sew quite well.
Needless to say she jumped at it although I had bought her a new Singer in the late 70's early 80's she said that
mother's machine was much better. She didn't even leave it at our house until I fussed for her to take it home. Every
thing else she gets she leaves here forever. I have begged her to take Mother's Blue Willow dishes home but to no
avail, they are still here. BTW, don't think I am crazy to give up Blue Willow, but I have my grandmother's set and I
have another set of my mother's china, then I have my every day dishes and my china and a set of Magnolia stoneware,
more dishes than anyone person needs. Anyway you all have convinced me that I might just ask her if she is using the
machine and if not go get it if she will let me. Jacqueline On 24 Oct 2006 06:59:37 -0700, "Sunny"
<shemphill@genext.net> wrote: [quote:c94c473ee3]I have a little box of old Singer attachments, including a
walking foot. They don't fit my Janome and I doubt I'll ever buy a Singer. (Caveat: they don't fit my friend's new,
shiney and terribly expensive Singer with embroidery function). I would be really happy to pass them on to you for the
cost of postage. Send me a private email and we can exchange details and get these on the way. I've refused to throw
them away, refused to give them to a friend who "collects" and then resells on eBay, refused to give them to
Goodwill. I would b e really glad to see them go to a good home with a beginning quilter who will put them to good use.
And yes, do keep that old Singer. Take it and have it cleaned and tuned up. Keep it well oiled and dusted. And it will
probably do almost everything you want for a long time. As I contemplate buying a new machine, I find myself wishing my
mom had kept her old "Singer from the early '70s. Sunny Washington State Linda F wrote: I am a new quilter
(just finishing my very first class ever) who hopes/wants/will try to continue quilting. I was not machine sewer prior
to this quilting class and currently own a very very old very basic Singer sewing machine. I am in need of a 'walking
foot' and a 'darning foot' attachment for my machine and find that these will cost me over $75. My dilemma is: do I
purchase these feet, or do I get a different sewing machine? If a different machine - what kind do I need? Any
suggestions from others would be most appreciated! (I know I don't want to spend the life savings on a really high
class machine, but I would be interested in something that would last me for a few years, be more up-to-date than my
current machine, and perhaps have a few more 'niceties' (like an easier to operate bobbin, etc.) Many thanks for any
comments. linda[/quote:c94c473ee3]

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View entire thread: Sewing Machine Suggestions REquested
Posted by Roberta Zollner on Tue Oct 24, 2006 4:49 PM    Post subject: Re: Sewing Machine Suggestions REquested

Welcome Linda! I second the advice to look into a used machine. Pfaff machines have a built-in top feed, no need for an
extra foot. Hang on to your solid old Singer -those old ladies never die. I have 2 oldies and love them. It's nice to
have an extra machine for a session of piecing when you have the other one set up for quilting. Roberta in D
"Linda F" <lfranklin@mchsi.com> schrieb im Newsbeitrag news:pfe%g.206975$FQ1.168865@attbi_s71...
[quote:72d09b5616]I am a new quilter (just finishing my very first class ever) who hopes/wants/will try to continue
quilting. I was not machine sewer prior to this quilting class and currently own a very very old very basic Singer
sewing machine. I am in need of a 'walking foot' and a 'darning foot' attachment for my machine and find that these
will cost me over $75. My dilemma is: do I purchase these feet, or do I get a different sewing machine? If a
different machine - what kind do I need? Any suggestions from others would be most appreciated! (I know I don't want
to spend the life savings on a really high class machine, but I would be interested in something that would last me for
a few years, be more up-to-date than my current machine, and perhaps have a few more 'niceties' (like an easier to
operate bobbin, etc.) Many thanks for any comments. linda [/quote:72d09b5616]

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View entire thread: Sewing Machine Suggestions REquested
Posted by Linda F on Tue Oct 24, 2006 4:07 PM    Post subject: Re: Sewing Machine Suggestions REquested

Thank you to all of you for this info!!!! Sounds as if the consensus is 'KEEP THE SINGER" at least for a while
and get a cheaper set of feet. I'm working on that. I really look forward to learning from all you folks. linda
"Linda F" <lfranklin@mchsi.com> wrote in message news:pfe%g.206975$FQ1.168865@attbi_s71...
[quote:ea110a62f6]I am a new quilter (just finishing my very first class ever) who hopes/wants/will try to continue
quilting. I was not machine sewer prior to this quilting class and currently own a very very old very basic Singer
sewing machine. I am in need of a 'walking foot' and a 'darning foot' attachment for my machine and find that these
will cost me over $75. My dilemma is: do I purchase these feet, or do I get a different sewing machine? If a
different machine - what kind do I need? Any suggestions from others would be most appreciated! (I know I don't want
to spend the life savings on a really high class machine, but I would be interested in something that would last me for
a few years, be more up-to-date than my current machine, and perhaps have a few more 'niceties' (like an easier to
operate bobbin, etc.) Many thanks for any comments. linda [/quote:ea110a62f6]

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View entire thread: Sewing Machine Suggestions REquested
Posted by Sunny on Tue Oct 24, 2006 2:59 PM    Post subject: Re: Sewing Machine Suggestions REquested

I have a little box of old Singer attachments, including a walking foot. They don't fit my Janome and I doubt I'll ever
buy a Singer. (Caveat: they don't fit my friend's new, shiney and terribly expensive Singer with embroidery function). I
would be really happy to pass them on to you for the cost of postage. Send me a private email and we can exchange
details and get these on the way. I've refused to throw them away, refused to give them to a friend who
"collects" and then resells on eBay, refused to give them to Goodwill. I would b e really glad to see them go
to a good home with a beginning quilter who will put them to good use. And yes, do keep that old Singer. Take it and
have it cleaned and tuned up. Keep it well oiled and dusted. And it will probably do almost everything you want for a
long time. As I contemplate buying a new machine, I find myself wishing my mom had kept her old "Singer from the
early '70s. Sunny Washington State Linda F wrote: [quote:f8f4653cdc]I am a new quilter (just finishing my very first
class ever) who hopes/wants/will try to continue quilting. I was not machine sewer prior to this quilting class and
currently own a very very old very basic Singer sewing machine. I am in need of a 'walking foot' and a 'darning foot'
attachment for my machine and find that these will cost me over $75. My dilemma is: do I purchase these feet, or do I
get a different sewing machine? If a different machine - what kind do I need? Any suggestions from others would be
most appreciated! (I know I don't want to spend the life savings on a really high class machine, but I would be
interested in something that would last me for a few years, be more up-to-date than my current machine, and perhaps have
a few more 'niceties' (like an easier to operate bobbin, etc.) Many thanks for any comments. linda[/quote:f8f4653cdc]

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View entire thread: Sewing Machine Suggestions REquested
Posted by Sandy Foster on Tue Oct 24, 2006 2:58 PM    Post subject: Re: Sewing Machine Suggestions REquested

In article <pfe%g.206975$FQ1.168865@attbi_s71>, "Linda F" <lfranklin@mchsi.com> wrote:
[quote:e6f11faf76]I am a new quilter (just finishing my very first class ever) who hopes/wants/will try to continue
quilting. I was not machine sewer prior to this quilting class and currently own a very very old very basic Singer
sewing machine. I am in need of a 'walking foot' and a 'darning foot' attachment for my machine and find that these
will cost me over $75. My dilemma is: do I purchase these feet, or do I get a different sewing machine? If a
different machine - what kind do I need? Any suggestions from others would be most appreciated! (I know I don't want
to spend the life savings on a really high class machine, but I would be interested in something that would last me for
a few years, be more up-to-date than my current machine, and perhaps have a few more 'niceties' (like an easier to
operate bobbin, etc.) Many thanks for any comments. linda [/quote:e6f11faf76] I can't add any better advice than
you've already been given, Linda, but welcome to the group! :) For $75 (or less, if you shop around) you'll be getting
what you need to make your old Singer a quilter's dream -- don't get rid of it! <g> As Cheryl said, if your
Singer just isn't doing what you need and isn't easily repairable, look into second-hand machines; anything
inexpensive and new is likely to be so full of plastic that you'll have to replace it within a year or two -- even if
you aren't awfully unhappy with its stitch quality and "cooperation" in the meantime. -- Sandy in
Henderson, near Las Vegas my ISP is earthlink.net -- put sfoster1(at) in