The One Before the Vacation One...

I am way behind...I have this - a pre-vacation post - to write before I even begin sharing what a wonderful vacation I had!

So.  I believe that I mentioned in my last post that I was getting company before I left on vacation. My niece, Jody, who is also my goddaughter, came for a quick overnight visit.

Jody Lynn, me Mum (the girls' Gram), and Michelle (also niece/godddaughter)

Jody Lynn with me Mum (her Gram)

Jody Lynn with me Mum (her Gram) at the nursing home.

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I finished the cotton and steel churn dash quilt top!  I like it a lot, though it is not (at this point, anyway) one that I am absolutely in love with!  I am waiting on some fabric for the back and then the Big Bad Boy and I will tackle the quilting.  

60 x 60 inches square

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And, I also finally finished the antique quilt repair for Kim.

Antique Quilt circa 1941

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Naomi Janome came home from the spa before I left on vacation. She had a nice quiet rest while I was gone.  

My next post will be all about my time away from home.  

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.". Jeremiah 29:11

The One Where Naomi Janome Needs a Vacation, too!

Well, she is all set to go...  

Naomi Janome has been having a few problems and needs to visit the spa. Time to relax and rejuvenate. And, get those feeding problems fixed!  Nothing real serious...just not feeding smoothly.  

Luckily, I have the Big Bad Boy...who is stepping up to the plate nicely.  He is a real workhorse.      

Here's what I'm working on right now...

This is my third quilt for the Heart Builders...a very worthy charitable organization.  This quarter, we are donating to Project Linus.  I am very proud to be part of this team.  If you would like information on Heart Builders, please click here.




"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.". Jeremiah 29:11

Do You Remember?

How many of you remember the 'Big Bad Boy' I acquired over 7 years ago?  If you recall, he came with a Handi-Quilter that I was never able to use...space and Big Bad Boy (my name for this machine) tension problems being the reasons.

The Big Bad Boy is a Janome 1600P DB...a workhorse, for sure...built for speed and does only straight stitching. 

Well.  The poor thing has been neglected all these years.  I planned to send him for a maintenance check (and please, could you fix the tension?) several times, the last being almost 3 years ago.   However, it never did get done.  Until now.  I got him in for a check-up at my LQS this week and all is good.

I am very much looking forward to using the BBB for piecing.  The next thing I need to do is to buy a walking foot so that I can do some easy quilting with this BBB.  Did I mention that he has a larger work area than my Naomi Janome?    

The results of my test drive with him:  works like a charm, though noisier than Naomi Janome.  Ah well...cannot have everything, right?  Love this Big Bad Boy!  Making plans to work with him tomorrow.

How is your weekend going?


"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.". Jeremiah 29:11

Time Off...

It was inevitable.

I guess.

Naomi Janome said she needed a rest...

so she made an appointment at the spa.
 Time for a little rest, relaxation and tune-up.

She took her little niece,

Miss 'nobody puts Baby Lock in a corner!'

and off they went.

I feel lost without her.

Bereft, almost.

Serger Sue is a bit standoffish...
I think I'll leave her alone.

 I could play around with the 'big bad boy'.

But, he's been a bit tense.
I believe he needs a spa treatment, too.

What will I do while I have no sewing machine?

I could start a stitchery project.  

We shall see.

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.". Jeremiah 29:11

Couple of Things...

Most importantly...Allegra is not feeling well. She has a fever and has been having a few problems. The last few days, she has been exhibiting some bizarre (yes, even for her) behavior. She's not barking, either. For those of you who know her, you'll understand how much she doesn't feel good by that statement alone. I took her in late this afternoon and we're sending blood and urine off to the lab. I'll keep you posted...am very worried about my little girl.

Other news...I got the quilting frame all set up on my spare table in the sunroom today. Here's when I had the frame and track all set to go. The leaders are on the poles (just muslin...the top and backing are pinned on to them).

In this photo, the Big Bad Boy is all set up and rarin' to go! See how it works? Rollers ride the tracks and rollers of the piece the machine is on rolls forward and backward. With a ~9" throat, I'll be whipping these quilts out faster than you can say "Big Bad Boy Janome"!!!
See the paper pattern? There's a laser to follow the lines of the pattern. It'll take some doing to get that under control. haha. One doesn't need to have a pattern...just if you want.

The quilt that's on the frame is not mine...it came with the set up, so I'm using it to practice.

See this cute Scottish Highlander baby??? Larry (of Larry & Lois that I bought this set up from), sent me this photo...his son and DIL (or is it his daughter and SIL?) have a farm where cattle, sheep, chickens, etc., etc., are raised. See their Christian ministry here.

The Big Bad Boy has arrived....

Meet my new (to me) machine...the Janome 1600P DB.

He just does straight stitch - up to 1600 stitches per minute

(though I hardly think I'll be going that fast)!

wheeeeeee!!!

He brought all of this with him.

I should have everything set up tomorrow.

Hopefully, I'll get in some play time!

That's all for tonight.

It's been an exciting but long day.

Time to sit and relax.