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Wednesday, April 29, 2009

It's a Top!


Look what I did today?! And that's about ALL I did today....believe me! It wasn't for lack of wanting to do more, it was just all I was able to do.

I have a confession to make. I started sewing the rows together on the Janome, and just was not liking how things were NOT lining up. I got back out my Bernina 1080 and things went FINE. There *IS* a difference in machines, and for me, that Bernina just can't be beat when it comes to joining blocks with thick intersections, matching seams without having to pin every 2" etc. I'm a Bernina girl through and through.


So what about the Janome? Well..it will have to be a backup machine. I've got it set into it's own table..if someone wants to come sew with me, I'm set up with two machines ready to go. I'll still use it for various things that the Bernina can't do. I'm not writing it off. The Janome can't be beat for that thread cutter when paper piecing...and I have it facing the TV so I can see myself mindlessly piecing pineapple blocks and getting my money's worth right there. I guess for me not one machine can do everything the way I want it...I don't feel like it was a waste of money, it just wasn't the end all beat all that I thought it would be.

Speaking of pineapple blocks....I've had so many people email me already saying they couldn't find the pineapple block pattern on my website after seeing my post with pics of them here on my blog. Well duh! *LOL* The quilt isn't done yet! I've barely done a pile of blocks. It's a work in progress.

There are lots of paper pieced patterns for pineapples out there. You just need to find one. Here is one in a 6" size. Go bigger if you want....you can get 7.5" on a single sheet of printer paper without having to tape anything (and that is where I draw the line..I'm not taping anything!)

I just want to keep this one thing to myself for a while :c) The ones I am doing are 5" finished. When the quilt is done (and it may be a LONG time from now)I may post it as a printable pattern on my website, but not until then, okay?

Burgers are on the grill....and I'm off to Jacksonville FL in the morning! Cathedral Stars workshop and Crumbs workshop coming up!

36 comments:

  1. That's ALL you did?!? Yowza...and knowing you that was start to finish in one day. It's BEAUTIFUL!!

    (me, I'd still be sewing the first 5 blocks!) :-)

    Safe travels!

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  2. This is such a beautiful quilt. Perfect purple and gold colours. So cosy and perfect for autumn (well, it's autumn here in West Oz).

    Have fun in Florida!

    Cheers!

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  3. Beautiful top I love the colors almost a little mardi gras!

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  4. Anonymous9:07 PM EDT

    Gorgeous! Hey....I posted same title a few days ago...you through me for a loop for a bit Bonnie girl!
    I'll be over to stitch on that set up Janome!

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  5. I have only used a Janome machine..... I like the comment about the thick seams.... hmmmmm. I just don't like the cost of parts for other machines I've read about... Janome parts costs seem to be reasonable, so I can own two of some things without breaking the bank - but the thick seams sometimes are hard to get through.

    I love the quilt!! And your pineapple blks are 5"!!!! Are you a glutton for punishment!!! lol!! You do like small blks, and you do such a beautiful job on them, I love seeing your work!!

    Have a great time while you are gone. Don't wear yourself out!! Looking forward to when you get home again and share your adventures!!!

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  6. Beautiful! Bonnie it is absolutely beautiful, I love it! I always love your color combinations. Hey so Florida and then Boise??? I have to say again, I am jealous! But have a great time and good luck with it all there. Thanks for your inspiration, dedication and sharing nature, you are an awesome lady!
    quilt hugs
    tricia

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  7. Boy, that is very pretty. What an excellent job you did.

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  8. Love the quilt....all in a days work, awesome!!! I have a Beernina and have a Janome for my back up...we must be kindred spirits.

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  9. Gorgeous!! have a safe and fun trip.

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  10. Hey Bonnie,
    It is a lovely top - gorgeous gold and purple colours. Shari is right - perfect for autumn!
    Hugs,
    Jasmine (also in Oz)
    xxxx

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  11. I love the colors and values. Beautiful as always.

    I lived in Jacksonville, FL for awhile and worked at the Olde Greencupboard there. Be sure to go by there and don't forget your camera. It's a very pretty store. Tell Heather, Gloria and Vickie that a girl named Michal said hi. LOL Heather is a close friend.

    I hope you have a good time while your there. Take care.

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  12. Wish that is "all I did", lol.
    That is one beautiful quilt.
    I am still trying to figure out a simple and fast project for my bed.

    Debbie

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  13. Bonnie... your new quilt is so beautiful! I love the colours you used too....

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  14. oh my gosh,what a beauty!!!

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  15. I love my Bernie to bits, and you know we have the same model. She's going to be a hard act to follow.
    The quilt top is adorable, you always make the most beautiful choices with colour.
    *hugs*
    Tazzie
    :-)

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  16. Bonnie another good top finished. I am with you a 100% Bernina girl. Have a safe trip!

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  17. It's gorgeous! I'm a purple girl, so I really love this one.

    I sewed on my little Kenmore for years, which is just a Janome with a Kenmore shell, and it's been a really good machine. I'm not ready to let it go.

    But I bought a second-hand Bernina 1130 last year and I absolutely love it! Guess I'm a Bernina girl, too.

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  18. Love,love,love the colors! And the pieced border...perfect! Have fun on the road (like I need to remind you of that!)

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  19. I was browsing the quilt magazines and found a nice review of your book and websites in the new Irish Quilt magazine. This is a new magazine and Bonnie, you are an editor's pick!
    http://irishcraftupdate.com/blog/?p=316

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  20. What a stunner!! This quilt is absolutely gorgeous.

    Nothing sews like a Bernina!!

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  21. I love those purples in the borders. It just frames it all so nicely.
    I have to say that my old Singer Quantum handled thick matching seams without bogging down as sometimes happens on my Janome6600p
    But with some adjustment on the foot pressure and SLOWING DOWN really made that problem a thing of the past.
    Have a safe trip and happy sewing.
    XOXOXOXO Subee

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  22. Your quilt top looks beautiful! You've been SO, SO busy!
    Cheers,
    Dionne

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  23. It's a Top! is a beautiful quilt. The pictures you took of it are lovely as well.

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  24. Looks wonderful, I love the colors, a controlled scrappy, my favorite kind.
    Sharon
    ad

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  25. Purple and green - my favorite colors. Beautiful.

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  26. Anonymous3:56 PM EDT

    Hi Bonnie,
    I've only been reading your blog for a month now. I love, love, love this top. I come home from a days 'work' day to find you've put a quilt top together! All I've done in the day is answer phones, take orders, pay the A/P, deposit the A/R, diffuse complaints and yada,yada,yada the life of a bookkeeper! My quilting time is 30 minutes in the morning before my shower and I'm lucky if I get half a block done. Lucky You! And I can't wait to see this one finished on your blog.
    Hugs

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  27. I'm Bernina loyal, through and through. Love that top, Bonnie! ~Safe travels~ again...

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  28. Fabulous quilt (as always)! I never would have thought of putting purple and green together but it REALLY works! Safe travelling.

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  29. Beautiful Quilt...yellows make it pop...Maine

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  30. Bonnie, that quilt actually SPARKLES! You have a GIFT girl for colours! It took my breath away, really. LOVE IT.

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  31. It's beautiful quilt!!!!

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  32. I'm so happy about my Bernina too:o)
    Your quilt is just so beautiful. I really love it, the colors, the blocks, everything! It's just perfect. To be honest, I think this is one of the most beautiful scrapquilt of yours :o)
    I love the fabrics you've used!
    Happy quilting, Bonnie.
    Laila

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  33. Welcome to Jacksonville! We ordered gorgeous weather for you this weekend, hope you enjoy it. Unfortunately, I won't be coming to the work shop because our mini camp starts today. Football season has begun.

    The quilt is beautiful.

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  34. Bonnie,

    What size are the blocks of the beautiful purple quilt? Gosh, that's a great one!

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  35. Oh Bonnie I bought the 6600 and I am not falling in love with it!
    I have a 1030 Bernina and of course she is fantastic. Will you tell your husband what you told us about the new machine?
    Is it because we are use to our old machines? Can't teach an old dog new tricks?

    Hope not! :0)
    Happy Sewing,
    Kim

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