My design wall has the final two Santa Pillows that I need to piece. I should have completed them when I did the other ones because like many of you I had another project calling and I started working on it today instead.
On Saturday, I took my Janome Memory Craft 5700 to the shop to get its annual cleaning and the bobbin winder fixed. While there I purchased a walking foot for my Janome 1600DP and a stitch in the ditch foot (I didn't know there was such a thing.) I can't wait to try it out on my next quilt.
Generally, when I piece I use my regular foot and use a piece of tape to mark my 1/4 inch line.
I really thought I was pretty accurate. Saturday I also purchased a 1/4 inch foot and tried it out tonight.
Oh my gosh. I can't believe I have quilted for the past year or so using a regular foot when a 1/4 inch foot is so much more accurate. I've looked for one at my sewing machine shop a couple of times and couldn't find one. They had one this time and it was only $9.95.
On my way to Fort Smith, I called my husband and told him I looked at my receipt for my Janome 5700 (why I keep it in my vehicle, I don't know) and it was a 2002 model (actually that is when I purchased it) and that is was time for a trade in. He chuckled and said, "Is that right!"
The young man that cleans the machines was at the store and actually volunteered to clean it that day so I wouldn't have to make another hour trip during the week. When I stopped back by to pick it up later in the day, the saleslady said, "You really need to trade this machine in while it is still in such good shape."
She suggested the Janome Memory Craft 9700. Are any of you out there Janome 9700 users? If so, would you please email me. I would love to know how you feel about it and if they are offering me a good deal.
Be sure to stop by Judy L's for Design Wall Monday posts.
Happy snipping, stitching, and quilting!
Isn't it amazing what a difference can be in just using a different foot! I have several feet to my machines that I never have taken the time to use.
ReplyDeletei am a Babylock machine lover. I had a Janome (sewing only) before I bought my Ellageo (sewing/embroidery) machine. Two yrs ago, I bought the Babylock Espire. It is designed for the quilter...which I can't call myself yet. I went in with a specific machine in mind, but made the mistake of trying the Espire...oh, I was hooked. It is top of the line, sewing only and I LOVE IT! It has so many wonderful features that quickly had me spoiled. If you have a dealer in your area, I would give it a test drive/sew, before you make your final decision.
Beckie
The thing that made the biggest difference in my quilting was getting a single hole plate for my Janome. My quilting stitches turned out so much more even and when piecing, small parts do not get sucked in. I have since purchased a Juki which only does striaght stitch and I love that machine but my Janome is still my traveling machine.
ReplyDeleteHi Vivian, I'm Cindy from "Sew Cindy" and wanted to thank you for stopping by my blog. I had to come over for a visit and am so glad I did. I LOVE your blog! I instantly became a follower and read through some past posts of yours. I am loving the Christmas pillows you have shared. They are just adorable. May I ask what copy of Fons and Porter they are in? I may not have that issue because I stopped my subscription but I'll check.
ReplyDeleteA foot for a machine for $10 is GREAT. I just had to switch out my clear #34D foot for my Bernina 830. They traded it out because it was cracked. BUT if I had to buy it - the price marked on the package was $50.95. Can you believe it? Phew- I'm glad it was a trade-out.
She got the 9700 today.
ReplyDeleteVivian,
ReplyDeleteI am happy to meet a fellow Arkansas quilter! :) Thank you for visiting me and leaving the kind comment!
You asked about my setup - mine is simple, a LARGE table. I have a sewing table that my husband had modified from a 36" x 60" desk.
I love these prairie points. The picture on your header is LOVELY!
Please visit me again. You are always welcome at Ivory Spring.