0 Replies to “Episode 56: The Bernina is Up and Running–Hooray!”

  1. Hi Francis, I love your Stormy Weather quilt…
    I listened to your recent podcast today and wanted to let you know that I have a blog you may want to check out http://quiltingbycelia.blogspot.com.
    I have a Giveaway at the moment and if you check the posting dated 9th July 2011, you can see my Dresden blocks (finished top). All the best and take care. Celia (Australia)

  2. Hi Frances! I think Nonnie’s suggestion for quilting miniatures is such a good idea. I made a small Dear Jane using 59 of her blocks (certainly not all of them) and then went on to make a bunch of Dear Hannahs. After months in that small, small land, I do feel my quilt skills improved. Making 12 inch blocks after completing 4 1/2 inch blocks seemed cake-like. I think the Farmer’s Wife Sampler blocks are 6 inch blocks – so there you go, a great way to make scrappy blocks, a fun way to try out colors and improve skills, too.

    I like the open toe darning foot #24 for my 1090 Bernina. It lets me see where I am going. Before I was able to get this (it wasn’t available when I first bought my machine) I used the larger of the closed darning feet.

    Lastly, I liked that your little dog barked on the Quilt Diaries. My three doggies decided that was just great and joined in a pack-like chorus. It was quite beautiful to their ears.

  3. Hi Frances,
    There is a Skillbuilder series going on over at Piecemeal quilts. You can find a link here: http://piecemealquilts.wordpress.com/2011/06/27/pmgc-quilts-skill-builder-series-part-11a-drafting/. You mentioned these ladies in one of your podcasts. I think they are very well done and provide a couple of different perspectives.

    My favorite way of skillbuilding is just to make blocks. I pick a book and just start making blocks. I like to make 6″ blocks, which aren’t as frustrating for me as miniatures. I do like Sally Collins books and classes. She is a bit more adamant about precision than I am and I don’t want you to be turned off.

  4. Hi Frances,
    Enjoyed your podcast, as usual. I was wondering if you were going to keep both of your sewing machines. I often wish I had a good second machine- so that I could use one for piecing and one for quilting. I hate to have to change feet and rethread when I’m in the middle of a project, but sometimes I just don’t feel like working on that project- lazy, I know.

    About precision piecing- I have found that Leah Days e-book and video series very informative and affordable. Here is the link:
    http://www.daystyledesigns.com/howtopieceperfectquilts.htm

    Good for you for getting Stormy Weather basted and ready for quilting! My son’s quilt is still languishing in Needs-to-be-baste Land. Maybe this weekend…

    Kristin

  5. Frances, you know I love your podcast! Why is it that I get the notice that you have posted a podcast, but I can’t listen to it until the next day. Am I the only one that has this problem. How frustrating knowing that some wonderful quiltie goodness is awaiting me & I can’t hear it!! I love the fact that you are posting the older ones, too. Thanks so much!! You really make me giggle when I listen to you!! I wish I could download ALL of your podcasts in one place so I could listen any time that I wanted to smile…..Thanks!
    Sandy V.

  6. dear frances,
    love your podcast. i listen at work while i am working on bindings and piecing quilts. i work in a quilt shop in chickasha,OK. the shop is located in a restored 5 story brick building. i think it used to be a bank, several other businesses in the building. people come and go all day with everything under the sun going on. best job ever, never a dull moment. keep on podcasting.

  7. My friends always laugh at me, they know I’m definitely NOT a blue person and my fabric collection proves it! But I have to tell you your latest top is gorgeous! Can’t wait to see how it will be quilted…

    Another thought on learning precision: Joining an active guild was my best aid. I had the benefit of experienced members who gracious sat with me and showed me how to do things. Plus, I had the benefit of several master teachers who were brought in each year to do a workshop or two after a lecture. Yes, many newer quilters do not want to navigate the “quilt police” mentality that they ridicule or fear. But it’s the keepers of the most traditional aspects who really give us the foundation that ultimately frees us to try our wings!
    I know this is not always possible depending upon personal circumstances and geographic location. Great that there are so many alternaatives on the web that did not exist several decades ago…

    Thanks for sharing…

  8. frances, did not listen to your podcast yet but already love the stormy weather quilt! wow!! i think i will sew up something like this, too, i just love the pattern and you did a great job ..
    Claudia

  9. Frances,
    I can so relate to your comments about photography. I can work the camera, but is there more…? Would love any feedback on the books you use.
    Jodi B.

  10. Joining a guild and/or small group with experienced quilters is a great way to get tips and helps for improving your quilting. I learn something every year when I join a group for a 2 night retreat. Someone always knows something I don’t or has a new way to do something old.

    On machine quilting with your Bernina. If your model has the 1/2 motor speed capability (its the button next to needle down on my 1260) that helps with keeping a consistent speed because you can’t increase suddenly. The speaker at our last guild meeting was demoing machine quilting on a Bernina 1080 and she said she always uses the round darning foot because the edge is always an equal distance from previous quilting. I haven’t tried it but it sounded logical.

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