Working Hard!

I 've had to work "at my other job" for the last two days so I am a bit behind in my "blogging". I was successful in loading my quilt, but I must say, my quilting "leaves a lot to be desired". I am having a really hard time with getting a consistent good tension, on the front AND back. The front is beautiful, but the back is a combination of "okay" to straight line. I really think it is the operator though. When the Pat, my machine dealer, was showing me how to thread the machine, I wasn't listening as well as I should have. The pictures don't give me quite enough information, so I am going to email tonight for clarification. I also purchased the Towa Tension Gauge "thingy" so I think that will help me a lot as well.

Well, gotta go get ready for work tomorrow!

Hugs!

Patricia

Oh Boy!

I woke up this morning with a dull headache---at times I have trouble sleeping and last night was one of those nights. I was really excited to see how Harriet works. I drank my cup of Java and took my blood pressure pills (I wanted to make sure I didn't keel over before I even got a chance to try my hand at circles); cracked my knuckles (people say it loosens your hands up) and practiced slow deep breathing (I have a tendency to hold my breath when I concentrate and holding ones breath increases your blood pressure---I am a nurse after all). When I was sufficiently relaxed I went down to try my hand at quilting via a pantograph. My husband was standing there watching in amazement (I thought--it may have been doubt--but I digress) when I BROKE A NEEDLE (with a horrific sound). Oh My Goodness---I know I didn't breathe for at least 5 minutes (I was starting to get dizzy) but when I looked at my husbands face it said "OMG, she just got this thing and already she has broken it---I haven't even paid for it yet". Not to fear however, I KNOW HOW TO CHANGE A NEEDLE and I chose to ignore that sound. When he wasn't looking I looked to see if there was any small pieces of metal laying around on the floor and when I changed the needle, it did still sew with the same nice sound--so I was okay from that point---but I gotta tell you, my pantograph quilting did not look like Judy's, Bonnie's or Mary's. In fact, I haven't seen anyone's that looked like mine.

I tried and tried to the point where I was now sweating (and I don't sweat), my headache had gotten worst, and I was nauseated. I decided to shut down and go upstairs to research on the internet (what I always do when I have run out of options). I went to You Tube and searched "how to line up a pantograph" and Low and behold, there is a video by "Penney" that was perfect. She told me exactly what to do. I tripped down the stairs and following her directions----lined up my pantograph (tada). It still doesn't look like Judy's, Bonnie's or Mary's, but you can see the pattern and it is lined up perfectly.

I have put together a charity quilt kit that I got at Guild Meeting and tomorrow I will quilt my first real quilt!!!!!!!! Pictures will follow (one way or the other).

Hugs and wish me luck!

Patricia

"Harriet" is in the House

Today "she" came!!! I was too excited and actually stood at the door looking up the street--how "uncool" is that. Anyway, the Dealer and her husband arrived and the machine was together in no time. Then my first lessons began. I did pretty good, I know how to thread the machine; wind a bobbin (both on the machine and using the stand alone winder); tie off threads and of course load a quilt. I started using a pantograph (a little harder than I thought). After she left I breathe a sigh and then just looked at the machine. I am now a bit nervous. I am going to read the book and then get up early in the morning and quilt away.

I am posting some pictures of the machine and the "stuff" I have to move back into my room. All is well with the world.


Hugs!


Patricia

Pictures

I am taking you "experienced" bloggers advice and posting some pictures. They are of my "clean" sewing room. It's funny, when I decided to take over my dining room and move from a very small bedroom, it seemed like I had loads of space. Then I immediately outgrew that space and was wandering through the house looking from more. After all, your house is suppose to meet your needs--right. I am not a "traditional" sort---so was wondering, do I really need a living room? my husband had taken over my old sewing area for his "hobby"-TV room. Does he really need that?!?

Needless to say, I was forced to try to organize more--then I purchased Harriet with a 12 foot table no less. I am posting pictures of my clean sewing room, BUT the living room has bins I have got to get in after delivery and set up. Hopefully I can put them below the table. There was a lot of discussion on one web group about the state of our sewing rooms, so thought I would post my "neat" pictures first.-----plus I am testing out and seeing if I can do this.

Hope it works!

Hugs and have a good night!

Patricia

My First Post

I have really gotten into reading the daily post of quilters and decided---why not? I don't know whether anyone will even read what I have to say, but I have always liked the idea of a journal---why not have one about what I really like to do --- which is quilting!

I plan to try to post at least every other day---a realistic goal I think! and include a few personal things, but mostly quilting things.

If I find this isn't going to be something I can do---then all I have to do is click a button right!

I guess I should introduce myself---

I have been quilting seriously for about 10 years or so (I really don't know), but I really started when I found out I was going to be a Grandmother for the first time---14 years ago. I am a L/D nurse who also teaches nursing part-time. I have five adult children (all of whom I really like and her are successfully doing their "own thing") and 4 grandchildren. I have been married for a long time----soon to be 33 years to a man who supports my quilting hobby to the max. I currently live in TN although my husband and I grew up in Oklahoma--moved to Chicago---and then Jacksonville, FL before settling here to be near 3 of my Grandchildren.

I am anxiously awaiting the delivery of a Gammill Premier that I plan to put to good use. My current worry is whether it will fit into my sewing space, formerly my formal dining room. I plan to post pictures later this afternoon.

I hope this will be fun for me and fun to those of you who will read it.

More later!

Patricia