Unexpected time off

 I have a couple weeks off from longarming due to an error code I was getting on my robotics.  I had to ship the motor to Utah for repair.  I have 15 quilt tops waiting for me when it gets shipped back though so I hope they fix it quickly!!

In the meantime, I'm using this time to sew for my grandchildren, ages 5, 2 and 10 months.  I haven't made clothing in over 20 years, since my son was little, and I'm a little rusty at it!  I made pajamas using this pattern and decided to use flannel.  

Flower Girl

I made this quilt top using my Featherweight and had it hanging on my design wall for months waiting for me to find the time to longarm it. It's done now! This was a Jolly Bar quilt kit from the Fat Quarter Shop, the fabric collection is called Flower Girl.

Difference in Thread Weights

 I don't remember where I found this photo, but it's a great visual of the various thread weights available today.  50 wt is what I use on my long arm.  40 wt is usually used on embroidery machines as well as quilt piecing and sewing garments.  I use 70 wt thread for bobbin thread on my embroidery machine.

How to get perfect longarm tension

 Jamie Wallen shared a video 12 years ago about how to get perfectly balanced tension and it's been watched by over a quarter million longarmers.  It's the best instruction I've seen that explains how to fix problems you might be having with your stitching.

Latest quilt on my frame

 It's been beautiful in NC the last few days!  I've had my windows open every day and the breeze is wonderful as I work on my longarm machine.  This is the latest quilt on the frame.  It's 110"x110" and it belongs to a customer.  

Ode to Sewing Machines #48

 Many of you follow my "Ode to the Sewing Machine" posts.  We've all seen the ads on craigslist, ebay and elsewhere.  The clueless sellers give those of us who sew a belly laugh, or two!  

Just when I think I've made enough Ode to Sewing Machine posts, I see another "can't believe this one" and I have to share it with you. Here's installment #48!  

This is the only photo!  

A new kind of rotary cutter!

 There is a new type of rotary cutter available and it is wonderful!  Much different than the usual rotary cutter, it has ball bearings in it that make it so much easier to cut.  You don't have to press nearly as hard to get the blade to cut.  And the best thing is our cutting mats will last longer! 

Another benefit is for people who have arthritis in their hands or shoulders.  With less pressure placed on the cutter there is a bit of relief from pain while using a cutter.

It's sold only at Missouri Star Quilt Company.  

UPDATE:  They have introduced a 60 mm and a 28 mm rotary cutter with ball bearings in it!  

Under my needle

 I had the privilege of working on an antique quilt today and had to share it with you. This quilt is from the 1930s or 1940s and is made with feed sack fabrics. My customer chose a floral design to be stitched on it and I think it looks wonderful!