New Toy

 

I have wanted a long arm for a very long time. I don't know why I think that my quilting will be better on a long arm or maybe the sort of quilting I want to do is better suited to a long arm or whatever.

But I just wanted one.

Unfortunately as wonderful as my studio is - it is just not big enough for one so for quite a while I have been eyeing the Handiquilter Sweet 16 sit down machine. I have heard great things about it and so have bitten the bullet.

It was amazingly easy to set up and my first sample was quite acceptable so I am pleased.

It makes a perfect combination with my Bernina 820 and I am really looking forward to the three of us working together on some exciting new projects. Can't tell you exactly what yet but believe me - they are very very exciting.

Quilting Practice

I think I have finally got the hang of quilting on my Bernina 820. I have done this little piece and am very pleased with it. I think it has a definite underwater feel to it and would love you to suggest a name for it.

It is only 12in x 12in and used a single piece of hand painted silk which I purchased at an Opportunity Shop for a couple of dollars for a two metre piece. A bargain I think. It was quilted with a selection of Japanese threads which I purchased in Tasmania a few months ago and didn't have one breakage. Yay!!

Here is a detail shot.

Of course it will probably need a bead or two of course.

I had a great time in Melbourne at the Show and one of my highlights each day was having lunch with Deb Louie who is this year's Bernina Featured Quilter. Deb is one of the best machine quilters I know and the work she creates on domestic machines is unbelievable.
This was one of her doodles she did while answering numerous questions about the Bernina 820 she was working with. She kindly gave me this one so I could try myself but I have a long way to go.

SAQA Auction

I am a member of SAQA - Studio Art Quilts Association - and each year they have a Benefit Auction of 12in quilts.
This years quilts have just been posted on their website and it is certainly worth looking at them as it represents an incredible range of work.

I didn't, unfortunately, submit one but it would be a great opportunity to buy some amazing art.

The image above is some of my latest piece which hopefully will be finished in time for a deadline next week. I am getting used to the Bernina 820 which I have to admit is getting used to me now.

Bobbin Work

I have been playing around with bobbin work as I really enjoy the effect. This was another exercise from Patsy Thompsons free downloads and I used Wonderfil Sizzle thread. This is an 8wt metallic which is threaded on the bobbin and then sewn upside down.
Still struggling a bit with tension but everytime I use the machine I get a bit better.

Bernina 820 Playtime

I spent some time today on my new Bernina 820. I managed to thread a new bobbin and put it back in correctly as well as thread it too. May sound simple especially when these ease of these features is one of its selling points. But you invariably get into a rhythm with your machine and can do it without thinking but any new machine is going to take time. I think I have mastered these now so onward I go.

I downloaded some of Patsy Thompsons free quilt designs and went through a set. They are progressive so you work through them getting more complex as you go. Got another set to work on tomorrow.

I used the BSR function which worked really well and I only outran it a few times. It was good as it made me slow down a little which I need for better control.

I had some issues with tension but found the tension adjustment screen/function very easy to use and quickly got it right. Tension has always been one of my issues so I am pleased about this.