New Machine and Quilting

Good morning! It is a beautiful morning here in Alabama after being cloudy and raining Tuesday in to Wednesday. It is chilly, but the sun is shining and the daffodils are blooming, the trees are budding, and one apple tree is leafing. I love spring, except for the allergies, but love seeing everything come back to life. I feel refreshed and anew as only God can make me feel. My mood brightens, and I feel energized. What about you? Does spring have that affect on you? Share with me about your favorite part of the year. I know many of you are ready for the snow to be gone!

I traded in my Janome 7700 for a Janome 11000 Special Edition. I did not want one that expensive, but hubby wanted me to have it since I could sew, quilt and embroider on it. I am loving it! I have only embroidered one thing, so far just to try it out. But, I've been quilting the Carpenter's Star quilt on it. I thought I loved my extension table when I was quilting, but I've found that I have much more room on my table without it and I do the quilting easier. My quilting isn't as good as I want it to be, but I was told on FB yesterday not to talk down about my quilting. LOL Love that woman! Of course, we are always our worst critics are we?

I am loving what I can do with this machine. Of course, I am still learning so much! A sweet Facebook friend sent me what she called some crayons, but it was a spool of bobbin thread and some Sulky embroidery thread. Love it! Can't wait to use it! I just need to learn more about this machine and plan some gifts using the embroidery designs.

Going to go. Have a blessed and creative day! Be quilty!

Teresa

What will your answer be?

Good wet, cold Monday morning! How any of you are ready for spring to come and the cold, snow, sleet, ice to go away? I know I am. I live in Alabama, but we've had snow three times this year so far. We were in the 70s yesterday and the 50s this morning and the temps will drop as the day goes by. Thankfully, we don't have coming what my friends in the north, west and east of us do. I enjoyed the weather yesterday so much, and I'm ready for more of that type. Sunny, temperatures mild, breeze blowing. Uh huh. LOL

I don't have anything new to share today. That is one reason why I've not posted lately. I feel like I don't have anything anyone will be interested in reading about. Ever feel that way? I do. I have started the quilting process on the Carpenter's Star quilt I made, but haven't gotten past the center star where I did my first "real" hand quilting. It doesn't look great, the stitches are way too big, but I'm learning. I will try to continue the quilting using my machine though. I plan to work on that some today. As far as any other sewing goes, nothing. Not that I didn't want to, but just either have not felt like it due to my arthritis having flared its ugly head, or I was prepping for a colonoscopy and having it done. All news was good from that! Praise the Lord. I had polyps last year, so I had to have another one done this year. Now I have the pleasure of waiting five years! Wahoo!!! 

Another reason that I have not had a lot to say lately, is that I'm researching embroidery machines. I don't really have room for two machines, so hubby gave me these options: get a stand alone embroidery machine and supplies for less than $1000. I want at least a 5 x 7" hoop. Or, I can trade in my Janome for a combinations sewing/quilting/embroidery machine. I found out that the Janome I was sent from the company to repair my relationship with them after the fiasco over my Horizon MC 7700 QCP not getting repaired and having problems getting anything from Janome headquarters is not the machine I was led to believe. It is a New Home 7700 QCP. Did not cost as much new as my Horizon did. I was concerned about this, but I blame myself for falling for it. I want to be about to quilt/ sew and embroider. I want to be able to add monogramming or flowers or whatever to my quilts, handbags, shirts, etc. Does that make sense? I am looking at a Janome that has the above included. Costs much more than ever imagined I would be able to pay, but hubby is willing. I've looked at Brother machines. Not sure they would take my New Home in as a trade-in though. I do not want to buy online. I want to buy from a dealer who will service it and repair it if needed, plus be able to teach me how to use it. I have read online and have friends who have BabyLock machines. I have friends who have Pfaff's and Husquavarna? machines. 

I would like for you to tell me what your favorite machine is and your feedback on combo embroidery/quilting machines. Will you do that for me? Thank you so much for your input. I value your input, but reserve the right to make my own decision. I will let you know what I decide after more research and trying out some machines.

Have a blessed day! Be Creative!!
Teresa