Sudoku Quilt Top

 

This was my quilt project for the week.  My Janome 12000 is in for it's yearly servicing and I used my Janome 11000 to complete this quilt top.  I had purchased the Sudoku squares from Moda a few years ago.  The fabric is Lovely by Sandy Gervais.  When organizing my studio last week, I pulled out some easy-to-make projects and this was one of them.

 

The kit only included the Sudoku squares.  The green sashing was from my stash.  I had originally planned to use a bright blue border but when the center of the quilt was finished, I didn't like the blue border.  I searched my stash and found this green that was perfect for the border.  I finished the top yesterday.  I have a bright blue floral for the back and may use blue for the binding.  I won't be quilting until my "baby" is back from servicing next week.  This quilt is to be a graduation gift for a special young lady.

It's time to show some new projects

I recently completed this thread catcher for a dear friend.  She too does machine embroidery.  The thread catcher is perfect for all those little threads that you clip during machine embroidery.  The top is a pin cushion.  I have one and keep it by my machine at all times.  It's like my personal "trash bin"!

 

 

The embroidery design is from Anita Goodesigns (my fav machine embroidery company).  The pack is called "Sew Fun" and contains many wonderful sewing related embroidery designs. 

 

AcuFil Works

AcuFil quilting

The AcuFil program for my Janome 12000 worked perfectly to quilt the two large squares on the table runner from my previous post.  I did have a couple of issues but once I figured out the center feature on the program, the design fit perfectly in the space.  I'm anxious to use the program with other quilts.  Very easy once I learned the basics.

I have really enjoyed my Janome 12000 and all its features.  I especially like the large hoops and being able to embroider large designs.  I also used the built in dual feed feature yesterday to sew the patchwork pieces together and do the "in -the-ditch" quilting.  I'm gradually learning many of the machine's features.  There is so much to learn but I'm lov'in it!

Snowman Pillow

I've been away from blogland for a few days.  We've been busy with things here at the house.  washing windows, trimming shrubs, finishing some decorating projects, and planting a new shade tree.  I was however able to get into the studio yesterday afternoon.  This is the pillow I made for my brother-in-law's family.  I used Anita's Goodesigns SNOW PEOPLE Collection and Horizon Link for my Janome 12000 to design the pillow front.  .  There were a number of snowmen to choose from and I decided the king and queen would be perfect dressed in their holiday red and green.  Once the center panel was completed, I auditioned a number of fabrics and decided on this Christmas print.  I had the pillow form in the closet. 

Another present finished.  I'm making progress on the Christmas list.  Would like to be finished the middle of November.  We have a cruise in December.

From Halloween to Christmas

 

Yesterday I worked on a Halloween project.  Today I'm on to a Christmas project.  This little framed machine embroidery (11" x 14") is for a friend that collects snowmen.  I loved the design from Anita Goodesign's most recent design pack, Christmas Trio.  I was able to use fabric from my stash and the frame was in the garage.  I try to pick up a few frames at yard sales and thrift stores to use for craft projects.

 

I love this little snowman and may have to make one for myself.  Next time I think I will use fusible web behind lighter blue background.  It did wrinkle a little during embroidery.  But I still love it and know my friend will too.

 

Happy Hour Apron

 I finished the Happy Hour apron this morning.  I bought the apron at WalMart and added the embroidery design from Anita Goodesign's Happy Hour collection.  I added the lettering with my Janome 12000.  It is so nice to have a large hoop that allows all this in one hooping.  The smaller hoops require multiple hoopings and often things didn't align correctly.  I'm lov'n my new machine.

Below you can see the apron with the bar towel tucked in the pocket.

 

Another Christmas present completed.  You may wonder why I'm working so hard on Christmas in September.  It is because I have a two week trip with old (no still young!) college friends later in September.  And if DH's health allows, we will spend October and November in KY.  We have a family cruise to Mexico scheduled for a week in  December.  You can see that my calendar is full and I really need to get Christmas organized as soon as possible.  

 

Have a wonderful Holiday Weekend. 

Halloween Quilt and a new Janome 12000

After much thought and research, I am now the owner of a new Janome 12000.  It is a wonderful machine with many upgrades from my Janome 11000.  I still love my Janome 11000 but the hoop size limited me in the designs I was able to embroider.  My new machine has huge hoops that will allow me to embroider any design on the market today.  I really debated this purchase.  It is lots of money to invest in a sewing machine but I finally convenienced myself that it was an investment in my "mental well being".  My sewing studio and my fabric art have been a blessing throughout my life and its challenges.  So I went to Mulqueen's Sewing Center and made the big purchase.  I LOVE IT. 

Here are my first two Halloween quilt squares using my new machine.  These blocks are 8" blocks (something my Janome 11000 can't do).  I did keep my Janome 11000 and it will go to our vacation home in Kentucky.  So I'll be able to do machine embroidery both places.  So exciting!!!!