SEWING MACHINE SAGA

Because I was asked to make a special quilt for a friend, I finally realized I'd like a machine that does something other than a straight stitch.  I would like to be able to applique occassionally but I love my Juki machines which are straight stitch only.  So I decided since I have the Juki 2000 on a quilt frame and could take it off if need be, maybe I would like something that would allow me to do some decorative work.  Unfortunately in order to afford it I would have to sell my small embroidery machine and my Juki TL-98.

Looking at the new plastic machines on the market I decided to buy an older Bernina Artista.  While it was a nice machine it became an $800 nightmare.  Bernina only supports software for so long then you have to buy updates.  Found free update then had to have special cable with a serial port since I use a laptop.  After all that I realized embroidery just isn't for me.  I have enough hobbies already.  So off the Bernina went to Craigs List (sold for almost what I paid it thankfully) but it meant I still needed an every day machine as I sold my Juki 98.

I was so thrilled to see Juki just starting offering a higher-end computerized machine with 200+ stitches.  And, it was the exact amount I paid and sold the Bernina for, yeah.  So it arrived Friday and I LOVE this machine.  Juki just makes an amazing product, no questions asked.   Here's a picture of the HZL-F400.

DID YOU THINK I GAVE UP SEWING

Well, I decided to take the month of August and play catch up before I begin my studying.  I need to catch up on all the things that got put on hold while I was working on the ALS quilts so I can devote time to studying without the nagging thoughts of that to-do list.

So, this month you'll see me posting the things that were on the "hold" list.   I even splurged and hired a yard service so I can use that time to quilt.  Can't beat $10 a week to cut, trim and clean up.  Besides, just because I'm studying doesn't mean I can give up quilting.   Watch for new posts soon especially a special quilt I'm making for a good friend.  Not sure how it will turn out yet.

TEXTBOOKS - THIS IS PLAIN FUNNY

Guess it turns out there is a "dummies" book for everything.  No lie, this is actually one of my textbooks.

DID I FORGET TO MENTION

Wow my last post reminded me - did I forget to blog that I was going back to school to become certified as a paralegal.  It will add a lot more career opportunities and it's an area I've always been interested in.

I'll be able to do 99% of the course with textbooks and the internet.  The books arrived in the mail last weekend - all 10 of them.  When they said it requires extensive reading, they weren't kidding.  Lesson one was reading 5 chapters in one book and 3 in another.  I really hope I'm not to old to learn to study again.  Here's my main text book.

ALS FINISHED FOR 2012

Unfortunately I ran out of time and had to ship my ALS quilts this past weekend.  All donations have to be in Virginia Beach by July 30.  I wasn't able to finish the 10 I wanted but I did get the 8 posted here finished and mailed in.   They will arrive there tomorrow.   8 people will receive quilts in memory of my dad.

This week I am working on quilts for a husband and wife I love dearly and have been struggling with a lot of things lately.  Nothing reminds you that you are loved like a quilt.  I am also finishing up the piecing on a queen size for a quilters swap then I'm ready to set to quilting all the tops.  I can't believe how many have accumulated while I was working on the ALS quilts.

In my closet waiting now are 2 for Gaylene, my veggie quilt, 2 of my my round robins, Shannon's halloween one, one tablerunner for Peggy, one I can't remember and I'll be adding the 2 for the couple I mentioned and the 1 from the swap.    Between this and studying for school I'll keep busy.