SLIGHT SETBACK ON THE NEW MACHINE

Well, I've come to the realization that the Tin Lizzie quilting machine that I had contracted to buy will not meet the rigorous requirements of full time quilting. The machine was great, I'm sure, but the frame needs to be sturdier than the one that the seller was offering. Also, the screen on the computerized quilting was kind of small for the custom quilting that I will be offering.

Needless to say, I'm very disappointed, and on the prowl again for a new machine. Due to the price, I will still be looking at Tin Lizzies, because I can get a quality machine, quality robotics and a quality frame for a lower price than a Gammill, which is a great machine, but probably the highest priced on the market.

My sincerest thanks to the kind lady that is selling the machine I almost got. I was so upset to tell her that I would not be able to purchase, and she was very gracious, although I am sure she is disappointed not the make a quick sale. At the price she is selling for, I'm confident that she will be able to find another buyer really soon. I'll be traveling up to Carpentersville for a class on using the Tin Lizzie this week. Their machines are too expensive for me, even the used ones, but I'm sure the class will be good, and I'm looking forward to seeing what the Lizzie can do!

MY NEW LONG ARM QUILTING MACHINE

I am so excited!  I made the decision today to buy a Tin Lizzie long arm quilting machine, so, very soon, I will be back in business!  Here is a photo of what my machine looks like:

 It comes with a 12' frame and some other goodies.  I found the ad online and Bill and I will be traveling soon to pick it up in Pennsylvania.  While we are there, we will be able to pay a short visit to my sister Diane's house to spend time with Diane and Jim.

BATIK BAG

"BATIK BAG"

18" wide x 14" deep

FOR SALE - $50

Batik Bag - Front View

Batik Bag - Back View

I bought the pattern for this bag years ago but had never made the bag.  Yesterday, I came across it, and used batik fabrics to put it together.  Nowhere in the pattern does it say the finished size of the bag, but in the picture, it looks purse-size.  As you can see from the photo on the left, it is more like an overnight bag or carryall.  It is huge inside!  The lining is a paisley fabric in purple and teal.  This bag is made with top quality fabrics, and the craftsmanship is, well, top quality, too, if I do say so myself!  It is very sturdy and will hold up to a lot of use. 

If you are interested in buying it, leave a comment below with your contact information (which only I can see) and we can work it out.  I am also able to make one with the colors of your choice.  Just let me know!

WELCOME TO THE WONDERFUL WORLD OF QUILTING!

Sunset on the Coral Sea

Quilt making has been growing in popularity over the past few decades, with more and more women - and men, too! - enjoying this fun and creative hobby.  If you have always wanted to learn to make beautiful quilts for yourself, your family and your friends, I am offering you an opportunity to learn this skill in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere, even in your own home!

I will teach you all you need to know to complete your first small project - a wall hanging, table runner or possibly a baby quilt - from buying quilting tools, supplies and fabrics to putting the binding on your quilt.  I can show you the quilts I have made to inspire you to move on to larger or more challenging quilts.  If you like, you can take time to browse through my collection of quilting magazines and books to get ideas for your future quilts.

Whether you are interested in private lessons or groups classes, call me today and we'll set something up.  I will schedule lessons and classes according to demand, with availability days, evenings and weekends.  Let me know your schedule and I will work around it if I can.

THE FUTURE OF THIS BLOG

As my newest teaching adventure grows, you will be able to visit this blog to see photos of your quilts, both in progress and completed and to see what new classes are being offered in the future.  I hope you will check in often and suggest this blog to your friends.  I'm sure they will be inspired when they see what you have accomplished and they will want to start quilting, too!

Click here to see my pricing schedule for lessons and classes.

Click here to see photos of my quilts.
Most of these quilts can be taught as private lessons or group classes.

Click here to find out about my professional quilting services.

Click here to find out about my professional quilt photography.

ANNELISE'S FIRST QUILT

I had some triangles left over from piecing a quilt, so I set up my 5-year-old granddaughter, Annelise, with a piece of paper, the fabric triangles and a glue stick.  She designed this "quilt" herself, although - technically - it is not quilted.  It is more a work of art.