Before I did anything however my sewing machine needed attention. Not the newish machine that I bought for quilting but my ordinary machine that I do all my piecing on. When I used it last it kept making a funny noise every so often. I can only describe it as the noise Donald Duck makes - I kid you not - lol ! At the time I was intent on quilting anyway so I just put it to one side and left it. Yesterday however I was in the mood for some serious piecing. I had phoned the sewing place and they said if I brought it in they would have a look at it. But there was a 2 week wait and a basic service would cost £50 ( I think about $80 ). Now I love spending at anytime but when I thought of what else I could spend that cash on - well it got me thinking.
I had already removed the footplate and gave it a good old clean in there - I do it all the time. Being brave I decided to go a bit further and started removing the side cover being careful not to lose the screws. Surprising how much fluff had built up. Then I started manually turning the wheel and watched which bits inside moved up and down. I'm not sure of the technical name for any of these parts but being very cautious I applied a couple of drops of machine oil to the bits that seemed to be doing the most work. I had a hairy moment when I did indeed drop a screw inside the machine and said a very rude word - lol ! But with the removal of the bottom of the machine I managed to get it and screw it back in the right place. Once it was altogether I grabbed a bit of scrap fabric and tried it out. To my absolute delight it was great. No strange noises and definitely sewing smoother. Nowhere in my manual had it mentioned oiling the machine - it is 3 years old and I have used it a LOT so I suppose it stands to reason a drop of oil would not go amiss. I am chuffed to bits and am now deciding what to spend my pennies on.
To give it a bit of a workout I spent a couple of hours sewing strips together cut from these fabrics.
They are quite subtle for me and I have had them for a couple of years. Also unlike me they are all from the same range - I never normally buy stuff like this. It is called Zen from Makower and is vaguely Japanesey.
I had bought a new ruler a few months back and armed with a wonderful tutorial from Lurline (she has it listed on the left hand side of her blog ) I had a lovely time sewing and chopping and pressing. Today after a bit of applique I have this
The question I am asking myself is do I like the block enough to make more and turn them into a quilt ? These are big blocks - almost 20 inches square. I would need to make another 11 and then borders to make a new quilt for Jason and I. Shall I or shan't I ? If I do go ahead I am thinking to hand quilt each block separately and put them together Quilt As You Go. I need to think about this one - lol !
As usual I am behind on answering emails - still having back probs - so if I owe you a reply you never know I might get round to it soon. I have been having some lovely comments from no-reply bloggers whose profiles are private so have no way of thanking them for taking time to chat to me. All comments are very much appreciated even if I don't always manage to answer.
One last thing. I am trying to get hold of a copy of Australian Patchwork and Quilting. It's Vol 17 no 7 - 2009 Yearbook. I will gladly swap, buy or whatever. I would be eternally grateful for any help..
Take care xx
19 comments:
Belated Birthday wishes! Well done on finishing a UFO (and starting another one!)
What a lovely Dresden variation. I'll definitely have to go and take a peek at the tutorial. Though the colors may not be your usual taste, they are truly lovely together.
Good job getting your machine running better! I think mine needs to go in for a tune-up, :( I like the block and it would make a lovely quilt but you're doing the work so you have to decide!
Yaay for home sewing machine maintenance.
I think your block is gorgeous. I would use it as the center for a medallion quilt. Make it like a round robin that you do yourself.
Well done in your first foray into a new career as sewing machine mechanic! Incidentally, when my machine starts making a clunking sound, I know it's full of lint, and a good clean out will make it sound as sweet as a nut! Love the block - looks VERY complicated.
Good for you taking the bull by the horns and maintaining your machine. Lots of stash money saved for STASH!
I love that big block. The colors are very soothing. I know it's a lot of work, but a quilt out of those blocks would be gorgeous. What ever you decide to do will be great though!
Well done on sorting out your sewing machine. I'm lucky in that I have a little man who will come and collect my machine, service it and bring it back the same day. I couldn't be without him.
I love the fabrics you've used in your block. If it's that large you could use the block as a centre to a medallion quilt?
Love and hugs Gina xxx
I often take my machine to bits and give it a good clean. Then about every 2 years I take it to the "man" for a proper clean and oil...it's too expensive to take it more often.
Love the block...a whole quilt of them would be gorgeous...but, wow, what a lot of work.
I had a look through my AP&Q mags, but mine don't go back that far. Sorry.
Thats a nice block, it would make a great quilt.
Oh that is a cool block! I may need to check out that ruler and get one!
i agree with Jeanne...if you dont feel like doing a lot of those blocks, use this one for a medallion quilt. of course, if you dont mind making more, the colors are gorgeous and i think it would make a beautiful quilt with several of these blocks. very pretty!
Well done of the DIY machine maintenance...50 pounds will buy a lot of fabric, much more fun.
Your block is gorgeous, love everything about it.
I've gone through my AP&Q collection and I stopped getting it after issue 15 - drats! I've one 17 but it is volume 5...so close but oh so far.
If you've still not had any luck give me a shout and I'll put a post on Scquilters (it's an Aussie/New Zealand yahoo group) and see if there is anyone here who can help you.
Its a fabulous looking block.
Oh I think it's beautiful! If you don't make a whole quilt make a pillow or a throw - it's just so pretty! And I'm so happy that you were smart enough to get your machine running! Yep we all need a bit of oil from time to time.
Belated happy Birthday! Well done with the pretty UFO! Love the happy backing too.
I love the colours in the new block, think a whole quilt would be very nice and restful.. LOL!
Makes me smile to hear about successful sewing machine maintenance done at home! Good for you! I paid good $$$$ for a vac and oil and the guy didn't even get the thing put back together properly. Hope your back feels better soon so you are back in full swing. :-D
Wow that is realy neat... and it's a Dresden Plate block like the quilt I'm working on right now! (In Blues)... only your 'blades' are made up of lots of different fabrics... it's another good idea. Must try it soon!
OOO it just occurred to me and my hubby that I could use that idea (larger Dresden Plate blocks) for our European pillow cases using 'multi fabric blades'! Yaaaa...
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