Wednesday, March 27, 2013

A Gift from Mama

I would like to show you an unexpected gift from my mama.

A new sewing/embroidery machine!! 

 
It's a Babylock Ellure Plus!  I think I'll call her Ellie.

It was after Christmas and before my birthday, so what was the occasion, you may ask?  My parents are both retired and enjoy spending their time traveling around, in their camper, to prime fishing locations.  Last summer, my mama had an idea that she would embroider garments and sell them while they were at different campsites.  A fun way to make a little extra cash.  So she purchased a new embroidery machine.

But life interrupted her plans.  Her uncle had died from a stroke and she was responsible for the care of his surviving wife.  Taking over all their responsibilities has taken a lot of her free time.  No time to learn how to operate a new machine. 

I appreciate the wonderful gift she gave to me.  I has been a learning process for me to stitch a straight line.  Since my regular sewing machine is old school, the needle-threader, needle up/down positioner, and the automatic thread cutter are new to me. 

 
The LCD screen is a brand new technology that I was very intimidated by, but I am slowing learning how to maneuver around in it.
 
 
And to my surprise, it's an embroidery machine very similar to the ones sold at the store that I work at. So eventually, I'll be very familiar with the machine for when I will be selling them in the future!

With my work schedule, I really haven't had time to play around with it.  This week is my boys' spring break from school, so I'm staying home with them which has given me some free time to play!!  I've made a few small items with them and I'll have to show them soon.

Jane

Thursday, March 7, 2013

Barn Quilt Trail

In the area where I reside, my county will be celebrating its 200th birthday with beautiful barn quilt blocks dotting the landscape.  They are calling it "The Bicentennial Barn Quilt Tour."

 
Although the barn quilt tour doesn't officially start until April, I've already spotted a few blocks.  And as the quiltgeek that I am, I'm wanting to participate, too!

I don't live in a barn, and I don't want my house to be a part of the tour, but I want to place a quilt block in front of my house as a devoted quilter.  How could I not resist!

Block design pencilled on wood

Using masking tape in the painting process

Finished!
 
If only fabric projects were finished this quickly - and this cheap!  The wood was only about $3.00!
 
Just another example of my quilty craze!
 
Jane 

Tuesday, March 5, 2013

The Big Reveal!

As you may already know, I've been very busy.  And I couldn't ask for a better reason to be busy - I work at a quilt shop!!

I am helping SewTech, a sewing machine dealer and quilt store, built their web-store. 


My current job is conquering the fabrics, but I'm not complaining!!  I love this fabric wall.






Other than fabrics, notions, and patterns (coming soon on the web-store),  SewTech is a Brother and Juki sewing machine dealer as well as Handiquilter long-arm quilting machines.  Honestly, I love my job!!

I'm hoping this quilting machine and I become the best of friends!!
 


 
As soon as I wrap-up getting all the fabrics on-line (I just hit 500 bolts), I will be trained on how the machines work, from embroidery to quilting .  That'll mean practice, practice, practice!  Did I say that I love my job!!
 
So please make a visit at our website at: http://sewtech-evv.com/ and like us on our Facebook page.
I'm planning on filling the web-store with all kinds of goodies, so I hope you visit often.
 
Thank you for my plug!!!
 
Jane