Latest Happenings

Much has been happening here lately. I bought a Handi Quilter 2 frame for my Janome 7700 machine and it seems to be working pretty well. I had the machine on it for a while and was playing around doing some free motion quilting. There is definately a learning curve to this, but it shouldn't take too long. I have used the Millenium Longarm at the quilt shop so this is not to foreign to me. I am going to put a charity quilt on it now and see what I can do. Because the only way to get good at something is to do it!

Also, I think I may have finally found an applique method I can use!! After much trial and error, I am really liking the Piece O' Cake Designs way of doing things. You can see their videos here: 

http://www.pieceocake.com/Lessons/LessonsFromPOC-AppliqueTechniques.html    
                 
I have tried the method where you glue the fabric edges around the freezer paper templates, and I had glue every where. Then I tried the method of ironing the edges with painted on starch. That just made a mess of my iron and my ironing board.  I also tried a method called Upside Down Applique. Too much to do. Then I tried a method of back basted needle turn. This is a little closer, but there are still alot of steps involved and it still was not easy for me.

I watched a ton of videos on this on Youtube and found Becky Goldsmith's way. I really like this. My appliques are coming out better. I still have a lot to learn. I would like my curves a little smoother and my points a little pointier. But I am getting there. And I am enjoying it too. Which I never really thought I would.

So with my method of applique picked out, I need to start drawing and coming up with my own designs and quilts. I am also taking some classes on the EQ7 program. Which will help me draw some of these designs.

I am still excited about this and have not lost hope yet that I can do this. I am getting all my ducks collected before I put them in a row. Still scared to talk about it too much as people tend to try and talk me out of things. So I will keep it here for now.

Lisa