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Messages - KayK

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1
To make things a little clearer - my mistake - I actually wanted to free motion around the leaves, adding veins etc. and then free motion on the background itself as well.  It was going to be a 'throw' for a yet to be purchased garden/garden room bench/sofa thingy!  I have quilted many items before, without too much trouble using either free motion or a walking foot, but I feel that the linen background is too thick/stiff.  I did do a mini sample beforehand, but stupidly hadn't factored in the size and weight, but the technique of appliqué, free motion etc worked fine (well, it would, wouldn't it!)

There is a lady in a nearby town (her quilt won the overall prize at the big quilt show - Vendulka Battais from Oliven quilting - she is now a qualified judge) who has a long arm quilter on a frame, and she gives lessons on it, and then you can hire it thereafter.  My thoughts were to have a go on this for the free motion/stippling aspect.  I have many friends who have their quilts long armed professionally, but I am far too tight to pay for it!

On the other hand, I could just pull the wadding out of it and free motion from there, leaving just the backing!

One of those things I almost wish I'd never started - wish I'd turned it into cushion covers instead - much more manageable!

@SewRuthieSews - thanks for advice - I think this laptop has almost had its day - it does do some weird things, often only lets you get so far with something, like ordering stuff, has problems with PayPal etc.

Thank you @Iminei for adding the photo!  I tried to put on a photo of my new cats the other day, but that didn't work either!

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  [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]     Drat, darn and all other words necessary.  I have started to make a quilt/wall hanging which has monstera leaves appliquéd on.  All nicely layered, ready to go.  The instructions are to free motion the leaves, and stipple the rest.  Take quilt to machine, and there is NO WAY is it possible to free motion around the leaves!  The quilt is so heavy I can't move it, despite using a slider and virtually no pressure on the foot.  I have made such a terrible job of the first leaf I have had to patiently un-pick the stitching - something I never do!  (and I used to teach free motion!).  Stitching unpicked, damp sprayed and re-ironed to get rid of stitch holes (that worked). 

Do I either take the wadding out, stitch just using the cotton backing and use it as such (the main fabric is a plain linen) or, I can have a lesson on a long arm quilter on a frame, and then hire it to do the rest?

I am unbelievably peeved!
 
I'll see if I can attach a pic, but for some unknown reason, I sometimes can't!

If it doesn't happen this is it:https://www.pinterest.co.uk/pin/575897871114215656/

3
In the wardrobe / Re: Mary Quaint Shift Dress
« on: March 09, 2024, 16:05:29 PM »
Fits you very well indeed!  A good make!

4
My only suggestion (for what it's worth) is, when buying a ruler, make sure the markings and lines are in black (or bright green!) I bought a Fiskars ruler some time ago, the markings were all in orange, and the very devil to see.  That has now been donated to a Charity shop!

5
Sewing Machines / Re: Celia’s new machine
« on: February 24, 2024, 16:33:11 PM »
Oh what a sweetie!  3 of my students had these, and loved them (although one of them had the very devil of a job with it, but she would have had a problem with anything!)

Enjoy!  I also heard they weren't going to be around for much longer, shame!

6
Sewing Machines / Re: Smallish good sewing machines ideas
« on: February 21, 2024, 11:48:54 AM »
Agreed @WildAtlanticWay
Needle threaders on my bernette and even the Bernina is bloody crap.

Indeed they are!  I can thread the needle on my Bernina B720 better than it can - it takes me half the time! Brother needle threaders are very, very good!

7
Sewing Machines / Re: Smallish good sewing machines ideas
« on: February 21, 2024, 11:42:38 AM »
I had a Brother Innov-is 15 to take to classes for a while - I did sell it as the only thing I personally didn't like about it was the 7mm stitch width, apart from that, it was brilliant, and a pretty good price too.  I am currently very happy with my old Bernina 801 to take to classes. I don't take it in its very bulky case, it fits quite nicely in a Sainsbury's 'bag for life'  :thumb: All mechanical tho, so no needle up down, which I agree, is a pretty good feature to have!

Good luck in your search, it's quite exciting!

8
Sewing Machines / Re: Update on my sewing machine world. LATEST
« on: February 10, 2024, 12:47:25 PM »
@Bill- just take your time with it - they are lovely machines and my only advice re: tinkering is that they need a surprising amount of oiling!.  The feet are very expensive, but the quality is far better.  Buttonholes are very good indeed. 
https://www.sewingmachineworld.co.uk - a very good company (used to be on the old site as 'Sewing Machine Steve').  They often have a 'Bernina offer of the month' which is worth a look at from time to time

Good luck!

9
Sewing Machines / Re: Machine for my Mum
« on: February 03, 2024, 17:34:10 PM »
A needle should be changed after about 8 hours of use -  If the needle sounds like its 'thumping', then definitely replace it!

10
For Sale, Wanted & Free to a good home / Re: Bernina 1008 for sale
« on: January 24, 2024, 10:42:51 AM »
Sold it! Going to a lovely lady in Derbyshire!  An awful lot of scammers tho - quite funny sometimes!

11
The Haberdashery / Re: Circle cutter
« on: January 22, 2024, 18:35:31 PM »
I have the Olfa one, and it is a tricksy little beast to use!  Once you have got used to it, it's ok.  A lady at a sewing class had one similar to the Grace one, and it was easier to use.  I think she got it from Hobbycraft!

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Sewing Machines / Re: Machine for my Mum
« on: January 20, 2024, 17:16:23 PM »
Also second the Elna Explore 340 machines - simply because they are mechanical and very robust - I used to teach in a sewing studio, and these were the machines that were used, and boy! did they get a bashing.  They survived the absolute worst of use, are simple to maintain and operate, without being over confusing!

Good luck!

13
For Sale, Wanted & Free to a good home / Re: Bernina 1008 for sale
« on: January 20, 2024, 12:39:51 PM »
I have just discovered that this machine wasn't manufactured in Switzerland - yes, it is the last of the mechanicals!  I have the machine for sale on Facebook Marketplace and received a very shirty message from a bloke pointing out my error!  Oops - I have also had the usual range of scammers as well!

14
Sewing Machines / Re: All about Sewing Machine Needles
« on: January 20, 2024, 12:36:59 PM »
I second the Ironing Press company -excellent service, super value too!  At least half the price of the local sewing shops as well (I do like to support local, but sometimes the prices are eye-watering!)

15
For Sale, Wanted & Free to a good home / Bernina 1008 for sale
« on: January 17, 2024, 17:58:08 PM »
I  haven't had it very long, but have decided to sell my Bernina 1008 - the last of the mechanical machines made by Bernina in Switzerland - it was manufactured in 2020. It comes with a full set of accessories, foot pedal, instruction book, extra large free motion foot, cover, table and I also have a perspex insert for a Horn table.  It is in excellent condition all bar a little chip in the paintwork, works like a dream.  Only selling as I downsized house and not much more room to store stuff!

I love a mechanical machine - so I am keeping my Bernina 801 to take to classes.

I'd like £650 (ono) for it, but will post free!  [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]  

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