Well yeah. That's not good!
Not good at all!
I thought I had the day by the horns - ready to show it who was boss.
The quilting machine had other ideas evidently -
Because no sooner had I "mostly" loaded the backing and top of the wonky log cabin quilt on to the rollers and was in the process of basting the batting down to the backing fabric that the machine went haywire and I smelled smoke.
After removing the back cover of the machine and taking a look at where said smoke was coming from - Houston, we have a problem!
The whole back view with covers removed.
Dead in the water.
The upside - this has nothing to do with my CompuQuilter side of things. (The computer that automates the quilting) it has to do with the machine itself - and APQS is really good with their customer service.
I sent an email, they got back to me - and I responded with more photos and hope to hear that they have a replacement part that will be rather plug & play and I can get back to doing what I need to do.
In the mean time - there she sits with a piece of carpet runner pokey-side-up to keep Lola from turning the whole fiasco into a cat hammock.
The upside? I have heard from so many long-arming friends with offers for me to come use their machines, or offers to quilt for me and I certainly appreciate it. I'll make that decision when I know more.
At any rate - the mystery reveal isn't until January so we have some time.
And the GOOD part of the bad? I wasn't quilting on the mystery when this happened.
As I have oft stated over the past 3 years ' "You never know what worse luck your bad luck has saved you from." True Dat!
Before loading the top in the machine -
I spent some more time getting to know the new Juki by basting close to the edge of the log cabin top to secure all of those seams, keep them from popping open and to minimize stretch during the quilting process.
I'm still at half-speed because this machine is way too zippy for me to safely sew at high speed! LOL!
Home fires are burning!
It's been in the 20s the past couple of nights - we want things to be cozy for Pam's Scrappy Sisters this weekend!
This will warm up the Hen Den.
And this will cook you out of the Quilting Quarters if left on for long!
Still, it's nice to have things warm inside when it is so chilly outside.
Meanwhile - in front of the inn:
This was going on just as I was waiting for Pam and her group to arrive. Paving. 4pm. Seriously?
Click to Play:
Nothing says WELCOME! Like the smell of paving.
LOL!
I was out getting photos of the paving in front of the Inn when they opened up the lane closest to me and the truck pulling the pine boughs drove by!
'Tis the season! Only 10 Saturdays left until Christmas!
These branches are the lower branches on the trees that will be cut down later in the season. Nothing gets wasted.
My hope is they will finish that paving today and be done with the whole mess.
Today:
Santa Fe String Star workshop!
Last October I also had this quilt hanging in the hall and Pam asked if I could teach it as a workshop for their next retreat. Of course! Pattern found in my book String Fling.
We'll start today with string piecing the center diamonds - the goal is to piece enough during the retreat that we can sew two big diamonds together and learn to inset those big background triangles and corners. There will be some time with the Essential Triangle Tool to piece some border geese as well.
It's not likely anyone will finish the quilt, but they'll have the practice to learn the skills they need to complete it at home.
Have you started in on this quilt? Maybe it's time to pull it back out and sew along with us this weekend!
Bristol is a hit! And I have so many of you to thank for that!
Gift-Away entries are over 3,500! That's such a good indicator that I'm not the only one in love with star quilts, or plaids or plaid star quilts!
Thank you!
If you haven't gotten your entry in, please visit the Gift-Away Page and do so! We will draw for our two winners on Saturday 10/29/22.
I will be drawing for 2 lucky winners that will each receive a Bristol PDF pattern from me and a Checks & Plaids Color Roll from Cotton to Quilts!
Quilt Details:
Plaid Paradise!
For the star quilt lovers everywhere - Whether you sew with shirt plaids or scrap stash, Bristol is bound to be a favorite!
Easy to follow instructions, optional construction methods, full color photos and graphics to guide you from beginning to binding!
Quilt Size: 75'' X 75''
Optional but helpful: Bonnie K. Hunter's Essential Triangle Tool and either the Simple folded Corners ruler, or the Simple Folded Corners Mini.
Traditional rotary cutting methods are given for those who don't have access to these rulers.
Introductory Special: I have placed the PDF pattern for Bristol at 25% off in both the Quiltville Store and the Quiltville Etsy Pattern Shop. No coupon needed! Sale price good through 10/31/22. Hurry now and save!
I've also placed the PDF pattern for Spider & The Fly at 25% off in both the Quiltville Store and Quiltville Etsy Pattern Shop - no coupon needed!
The price is good through 10/31/22 and will revert back to full price on 11/1/22.
Quiltville Quote of the Day -
Ironically, the people you meet by accident are often the ones who become an important part of your life.
Cultivate these friendships!
Have a terrific Thursday, folks!
3 comments:
Hope the part is readily available your APQS. Lucky they are made in USA, huh? Fingers crossed! You have sewing friends who are willing to get a sneak peek too. If I was closer... I love the Shirts in Bristol. Hope to Win this time. Have fun with the Workshop of Santa Fe Star.
Oh good. I'm so glad APQS got back to you. Hopefully it's not too much of a wait for the part.
My Spider and the Fly quilt is done and ready to mount on my longarm. It will be my 1st quilt to quilt on it.
Cold day here and also in the 20's last night. Yikes ..good thing we are quilters!!
Have a great day
The quilter is happy that the machine parts came in and is looking forward to quilting her first quilt on the longarm.
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