Old Red Barn Quilt Along - Week 4

Finished Quilt Top

The top to the Old Red Barn Quilt Along is finally done! I love it, but I am VERY scared to quilt it. I have no scraps left over to make a small quilt and practise on, so I am going to make a few doll quilts from other fabric that I have. I am already 2 weeks (or is it 3) behind, so I'm sure this is going to set me back some more. Oh well... I took pictures of the quilt on a queen size bed, but the quilt is too small for the bed. I'm sure it would look great on a twin, but we don't have any twin size beds in our house.

I copied Crazy Mom Quilts idea and added a row of fabric to the top and bottom of the quilt, just to make it a little bigger. I think it looks great.

I had 39 squares and 13 small pieces. I made the quilt 6 squares wide by 6 squares long, using 36 squares. I am cutting down the last 3 squares to make a small row on the back, like Leisel did in this quilt (isn't she talented!). I used 12 of the 13 small pieces to make the extra row on the top and bottom of the quilt.

I think I might buy some extra fabric to make a couple pillowcases too....

Oh, Cherry, Oh!

10 Charm Packs!!

I just love this quilt by Quiltin' Like Crazy. I decided I wanted to copy her, so I bought these Charm packs on eBay. I just love this line!! I also found a light yellow sheet at Goodwill for $2.49 that I am hoping will match the yellows that are in this line.

This is only the 10th quilt that is on my "to do" list, so I'm not sure when it will get done! Luckly there is NO cutting on this one :)

Old Red Barn Quilt Along - Week 3

12.25" Squares

I'm done with Week 3 of the Old Red Barn Quilt Along. My squares turned out to be 12.25" in size, instead of Dana's 11.5" size. This made my extra pieces 5" x 12.5" long. I have 39 squares and 13 extra pieces. Now to sew them together...

Old Red Barn Quilt Along - Week 2

My 2.5" Strips

Here's all my strips for Week 2 of Old Red Barn's Quilt Along. I'm supposed to be on week 5, but I'm just a little behind. I'm hoping to finish Week 3 tomorrow! I cut out all my 12 fabrics into 2.5" strips. I was able to get 7 strips out of all of them except for one! I cut it into a 2" strip instead and hopefully I can use it in a project sometime in the future.

Here's my lone 2" strip. It's too bad, this was my 2nd favorite fabric!!

This 2" strip is by Timeless Treasures

Foot #57

Patchwork Foot

Since I am going to be doing a lot of quilting, I decided to purchase the Patchwork Foot #57. this foot has a little guard on the edge so you can sew 1/4" seams perfectly! I will be using this foot a lot this week since the boys will be at Scout Camp and Hannah will be at Day Camp! I am hoping to get caught up on the Sew, Mama, Sew! Quilt Along during this time. (I'm only 4 weeks behind!)

The Patchwork Skirt

(Did you notice the shoes?)

I finally finished "The Patchwork Skirt" by Pink Fig. I love her patterns and love the fabric her aunt (Lila Tueller) designs. All the fabric is Woodland Bloom by Lila Tueller. The pattern was very easy to put together and Hannah loves the skirt. The shirt is from Gymboree and I'm not sure if I want to embellish it or not.

Sewing Machine Meme

June is Sewing Machine Month at Sew, Mama, Sew! I thought it would be fun to participate. It's still June, so I figure I'm not late yet :)

What brand and model do you have?

I have a Bernina 1530 Inspiration

How long have you had it?

My machine was bought on August 14, 1992. I've had the machine for almost 17 years!

How much does that machine cost (approximately)?

The machine cost me $2800.00 + $165.96 tax for a grand total of $3014.96. Yes, I still have the original receipt :)

What types of things do you sew (i.e. quilting, clothing, handbags, home dec projects, etc.)?

When I first bought the machine I did lots of paid sewing. I paid for my machine that way. Then when my boys were little I made clothes for them. Now I make some clothes for my little girl and am just getting started quilting. It's so much fun.

How much do you sew? How much wear and tear does the machine get?

I used to sew every day. As my boys got older, I used my machine less and less. I even thought of selling my machine at one point because I hadn't used it in a few years. Now that I have a little girl it gets used a few times a week. I am hoping to be using it every day, especially when my daughter goes to school.

Do you like/love/hate your machine? Are you ambivalent? Passionate? Does she have a name?

I love my machine! It works so well and I have never had a problem with it. She should have name, but she doesn't.... any suggestions?

What features does your machine have that work well for you?

I love the knee lift that lifts the pressure foot. I think that's my favorite feature. I also love the large backstitch button & the option to finish a stitch with the needle in the down position.

Is there anything that drives you nuts about your machine?

Nothing!

Do you have a great story to share about your machine (i.e., Found it under the Christmas tree? Dropped it on the kitchen floor? Sewed your fingernail to your zipper?, Got it from your Great Grandma?, etc.!)? We want to hear it!

When my son was about 1 (he's now almost 15) he climbed onto my sewing table and climbed behind my machine. Both wouldn't fit, so the machine crashed to the floor. Luckily it was carpeted and the only thing that was damaged was the 2nd metal thread holder on the top of the machine.

Would you recommend the machine to others? Why?

I would definitely recommend this machine. Bernina doesn't make this model anymore, but you can only buy it second hand (on ebay), but any Bernina would be a great choice. They are so user friendly and are great workhorses.

What factors do you think are important to consider when looking for a new machine?

Ease of use, Quality, User friendly & Features.

Do you have a dream machine?
Yes! It would be the Bernina 820 or 830.