making rebecca lynne

just a little bit of pixie dust...

noreply@blogger.com (Rebecca Lynne) — Tue, 14 May 2013 11:31:00 +0000

So pure...so innocent...so angelic...

Haha! As soon as Le Challenge theme was announced for May I knew what I had to be done...and damnit I just got the cojones to start sewing on knits so clearly it was meant to be!

I know this isn't an original idea (I've seen store bought shirts with little wings on them, shrug)...but hell who cares...it is too CUTE!

In typical MRL fashion it is the night before we leave on vacation and here I am making these wings and taking these photos. Honestly drawing, ironing, cutting, and sewing the wings took less time than it did to write this post! Hence the Instagram shots, let's face facts, using the phone is just easier than finding the camera amidst all the packing!

I promise I will take a photo of Miss O wearing her new shirt. I'm planning on putting it on her for her first plane ride, a flying angel. Ha!

I will do my best to link up via smartphone (or email Lucy or Nat to do so for me???)

Go check out all the wing inspired entries!

- rebecca lynne

Singer AF308467

noreply@blogger.com (Rebecca Lynne) — Tue, 14 May 2013 02:47:00 +0000

Look what was sitting in my basement...

Anyone know anything about this model of the Singer? I am going to contact the company with this manufacturing code (I think it was built in 1940) to find out more...

- rebecca lynne

Giveaway Day Winner!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Rebecca Lynne) — Sun, 12 May 2013 18:51:00 +0000

The winner of the 1 yard of Flannel Owl Friends is...

And then I did some serious laughing when I saw who won! Hahahahaa...

Annabella of Life's Rich Pattern is one of my all time fav bloggers and someone I consider a virtual friend. As she also participated in the giveaway I am glad she is getting her own surprise...although...what you will do with flannel in Morocco is beyond me... But knowing Annabella, it will find a good project to go in!

Happy Mother's Day to all my American Readers!!!

- rebecca lynne

Run Baby Run: A Paper Pieced Sneaker

noreply@blogger.com (Rebecca Lynne) — Fri, 10 May 2013 01:08:00 +0000

Some of my childhood was spent growing up in a suburb outside of Boston...I have always thought of the city fondly as the place with immense character and history, filled with brick, cobblestone, winding colonial streets, a harbor, chowder, lobster, where I visited with my father on a *date* to the Boston Symphony Orchestra when I was only 7 or 8 years old, to see the Ballet perform the Nutcracker, to a fancy seafood place where my brother insisted on ordering clams and then refusing to swallow them, the treat it was to go into the city and to eat breakfast with my mom at Au Bon Pain which to me with its awning and chocolate croissants was sooo fancy. Yes, I have fond memories.

As soon as my Guild agreed to joining the Vancouver Modern Quilt Guild's To Boston With Love project I jumped at the chance. Plus, I knew I wanted my flag to have a running theme.

Before having my three girls I was really into running...it was my zen time. I know, funny that my zen time consisted of totally pushing my body to its peak of exhaustion, but that pretty much sums up my personality! It was really the best way for me to unwind. For weeks now I have been trying to get myself up and out in the morning to start running again. After the bombing during the Boston Marathon I felt immense guilt for not taking advantage of my two working legs as much as possible.

What better way to epitomize running than a running shoe? I found this paper pieced tennis shoe for free on Paper Panache. (sidenote: Do you call it a tennis shoe or a sneaker? Or something else altogether? Trainers? I call them sneakers.) Having never really paper pieced before I was a tad intimidated so I flexed my paper piecing muscles on something else first, to be shown later as it is a pending gift.

MRL Paper Piecing Tip for Beginners: If you aren't paper piece savvy, use solid fabrics with no wrong or right side. Trust me, it will save you a lot of time seam ripping while you figure out what you are doing! Guess how I know???

If I do say so myself - I am really proud of how this sneaker turned out! I chose Boston colors with a bright pink tie of course...

Front

Back

For the back I did a simple blue with a yellow circle as a nod to the Boston City flag design. Totally modern and a small reward for myself after the intense concentration I spent creating the front. Those laces were killer!

The flags will be strung at the Boston Museum of Fine Art on Memorial Day Weekend. If any of you attend please tell me! For those of us, myself included, who won't be lucky enough to show our support for Boston in person, feel free to check out the Flickr page and see all the flags being sent to Boston on May 21.

Linking up...

Sewing Machine Adultery: Juki TL2010Q Review [Part 1]

noreply@blogger.com (Rebecca Lynne) — Wed, 08 May 2013 04:00:00 +0000

{click on image for previous SMA reviews}

I tried my mother-in-law's brand new, like literally out of the box Juki TL-2010Q. (Talk about mad trust right? I felt like I was cheating with the Juki on my mother-in-law by using it so extensively before her!) As happened to me with my review of the Janome Horizon Memory Craft 8900 I've been biting my lip and revising this post about a million times before posting. As I wrote before that review I will repeat again here...

After using the Juki I wrote down my impressions, and took a pause before finalizing this post because I really wanted to think about what I thought of the machine so I can give an honest impression. I am going to put my questions in pink, if you know the answer do tell!

Secondly, keep in mind that I sew on a 15 year old sewing machine. Now some of you may be thinking that in the scheme of things that really isn't that old. True. There are older machines. I've sewn on lots of older machines and I learned to sew on industrial machines as a textile major in college. However, when I bought my Bernina Activa 130 it was one of the few computerized machines available. It was unique, a pioneer if you will, into the world of computerized sewing. From my point of view I've always considered my machine to be cutting edge - until I recently realized that duh it isn't anymore! That was such a shock and you can read about my impressions on that here.

Third, and most importantly, I am looking for insight here. It is not my intention to offend. I'm used to my Bernina after 15 years of using it. So if you are a Juki lover and I mention something that I am on the fence about or am flat out negative towards please feel free to educate me! That is the whole purpose behind Sewing Machine Adultery. I encourage anyone reading this post later to peruse the comments and see what people add to my thoughts.

There she is...that beautiful bed, delicious space, simple simple simple display. And...
NO COMPUTER SCREEN.
In the photo below you can see the stitch length dial (straight stitch only of course), the needle up down button, the thread cutter, the speed control with the cute turtle to rabbit choices, the slightly enormous reverse stitch lever, and below that the switch to drop the feed dogs. Clearly these knobs are Basic, Huge, and I doubt too many people will need to fumble for their glasses to find them.
This is not a machine interested in hiding the ball!

Photo Below: closeup of the presser foot area. Definitely a hardcore all metal solid industrial set up going on here. One person wrote that it reminded them of "Duplo Legos" and "bulky" - I suppose that is one way of seeing it. To me it means that this puppy is as solid as they come for a home machine.

You can see the screw that secures the presser foot on. I read that having to screw this in and out can be an annoyance...but I switched feet at one point and the damn thing is so substantial for a screw that it isn't like other machines where you are in danger of losing it or fumbling around to place it back in its spot. The size of the screw is helpful when changing feet.

Lever to place the presser foot down is substantial and easy to find.
There is a manual thread cutter as well.
Feed dogs up/down switch. Can't miss it!

Here is some playing around that I did. When this fabric is flipped over you cannot tell which side is top or back.

With the extension table on, there is a little entryway to get inside and access the bobbin. Very convenient to not have to take the whole table off!

Bobbin. Metal. There it is.

Here is me using the Juki to straight stitch the Chevron baby quilt. It literally went so quickly I couldn't believe it! Using the thread cutter, the knee lifter, and the speed was awesome.

PROS

Speed glorious speed! I couldn't get over how fast fast fast this machine is...
9" throat space

No, not 11" but still a lot of space. Plus there is slightly more height on this throat than on many other larger throated machines.

Mechanical Straight Stitch machine

No fuss, no muss. This machine can weather anything you throw at it.
My mother in law has since sewn tougher materials for her sailboat with ease
I've read that other Juki industrial machine owners sew leather and various other tough materials quite easily with this machine
Fact/Myth? I've read on other sites that quilting on a computerized machine will eventually ruin the machine because they just aren't built as sturdily as an industrial machine. So, does that mean I'm just throwing away money if I buy a *fancy computerized machine* to quilt? No matter the brand etc. are all of us quilters just better off going with a mechanical straight stitch?

Thread cutter

Noisier than some of the others I have tried on other machines, but it works!
Also, you have the option of using the presser foot to cut threads as well.

Needle up/down - essential feature

My mother in law is using this also as a way to slow start the machine instead of a Start/Stop button which this machine doesn't have

Nice extension table

Ultimately I think having a machine in a table is the best solution if you are going to do serious FMQ but if that isn't an option for you then this table is very wide and useful

Metal Bobbin - again the debate between metal/plastic continues. I'm a metal girl...
Solid!

Just solid. Really very sturdy. Metal feeling not plastic.

Comes with a lot of feet

Decent amount of feet come standard with this machine. Given that it is a straight stitch machine you don't need too much variety in the way of feet although you can find multitudes of options online through the right dealers.

Needle Threader. Tip: use a size 14 or 16 needles. More on that below under Customer Service.
Digital and hardcopy manual.
Maintenance for Dummies

Meaning the manual gives you the whole mechanical breakdown of the machine.
To use a car analysis: This is like an Old Chevy ladies and gents, you can lift up the hood and take a gander without having to go and bring her into the dealer like you do with them new fandangled models...
For sewing machine owners this means you can find a local sewing machine maintenance person and not have to go to a Juki dealer for tuneups/cleaning.

Again - FAST FAST FAST.
Price!

At somewhere around $999 this machine for its throat size, thread cutter, capability to be put on a frame, useful thread cutting foot pedal (Janome 8900 has that ability but not the 8200 for instance), it is a machine that is tough to beat in price.
Anyone know any other machine with these features that rivals that price?

Easy, easy, easy to use.

Anyone who knows how to use a sewing machine can sit down at this machine and start sewing. Absolutely a no brainer! As I said previously, this machine is not interested in hiding the ball!

Excellent customer service. More on that below!

UNDECIDEDS/CONS?

Straight stitch only. Make sure you don't need the other fancy stitches, or at least have another machine on hand to do them.
Oil. Yes this baby needs its oil and in a number of places. (Top off my head I think 6?)
No storage mechanism built in to store your feet.

My Bernina has a tray to keep my feet in and I immediately noticed that lacking in the Juki when I went to change feet. I don't know why this struck me as annoying given I rarely have my feet in the damn tray anyway...they are usually strewn across a set of drawers I have next to my sewing machine for easy access anyway. Nevertheless, if that is something you like keep it in mind.

No computer fancy schmancy buttons, bells & whistles

This sewing machine is not going to satisfy your itch if you are looking for a bells & whistles type of toy. It is meant to work and is a total workhorse. Industrial - manufacturing - this machine is meant to make and get the job done. ;)

Changing Feet

Not to sound like a whining brat...but I just really like the way my Bernina's feet hook in and off. I made this same comment about the Janome snap on feet so clearly this is a Me Thing. ;) That said, these feet weren't hard to switch out, I'm just spoiled.

Buyers will find that Juki dealers are far and few between and will the debate over whether buying online is the right choice will ensue.

Online buying has never been an issue for me - I'm all for it. Plus, I have a Juki dealer relatively near me at 1.5 hrs away. However, for those of you interested I would do some research online regarding who is a trustworthy dealer. Also, read my anecdote below re: customer service...

Customer Service Anecdote: With a previous career in retail customer service is very very very important to me. In fact, this is one reason why certain brands have a leg up over others who sell essentially identical machines from identical manufacturing plants...CUSTOMER SERVICE! (Can anyone say Babylock versus Brother? Or so it is said anyway, I cannot profess to have any personal experience myself...) What happened with this very machine? Well my mother in law bought it from an online retailer who have been great, very helpful, very accessible via telephone and email, just wonderful wonderful couple who have been answering all her questions etc. But, one of the issues I was having when I tried the machine was the needle threader. It wouldn't work. It was kind of annoying but something I was willing to overlook because, whatever, I don't use one on my machine anyway so I don't care. However, this is a NEW machine so what the hell was wrong with the damn needle threader? My mother in law contacted...I think the dealer, maybe Juki, I don't really recall but ultimately Juki contacted her [btw, this was in a matter of a day, so serious turnaround here] and gave her a name/number of a local technician to call for assistance. She contacted him and learned that the size 11 needle she was using was the problem because the needle threader hooky thing (I know, real technical here) is about the size of a size 11 needle opening and so it wasn't always going through. But, by changing to a size 14 or larger it would work fine! She has and there has been no issue since. Bam. Done. Customer Service? CHECK THE BOX.

Prior to my mother in law's purchasing this machine she and I did extensive research. If you'd like to read other reviews or hear other perspectives on this machine here are some of the bloggers we found who use the Juki TL2010-Q or a similar version: Stitched in Color, Don't Call Me Betsy, That girl...that quilt, Pile O Fabric (this link is missing? But worth googling in case it comes back up), Candied Fabrics, Nancy Wick, Mommy's Nap Time, Better Off Thread, Plum and June, Kim's Big Quilting Adventure

I pretty much have the same questions I had after reviewing the Janome Horizon Memory Craft 8900...

For me these questions remain, and in this order:

Do I want a non-computerized machine? I like bells & whistles. Damn me. I'm such a gadget brat.
What do I NEED? i.e. What kind of sewing am I really going to do? (I know that is Sewing Machine 101 when you look for a sewing machine but my needs keep changing. I don't just quilt, I don't just make clothes, I don't just do home dec - I do a little of everything! So what, I need an everything machine?)
Am I going to be happy having to use 2 machines. Clearly I will still use my Bernina at times to do non-straight stitch sewing...is that going to drive me nuts? Would I be happier with an all-purpose machine?
Will I turn to this machine over my Bernina? I came home after my visit to sew on my Bernina and just fell in love all over again. I know, I have had her forever and know her so of course she feels comfy. But, shouldn't you just have that feeling right off the bat?

This review is Juki TL2010-Q Part 1 because I am going to give the Juki TL2010-Q another go when my mother in law visits this summer. I had my heart set on absolutely loving this machine and I am still on the fence about whether it is everything that I want. Don't get me wrong, it is awesome...I just didn't have a heart skipping a beat moment. (To be fair I spent the day before trying the Juki TL2010-Q in bed with a very exhausting stomach virus and fever so maybe I wasn't in the best frame of mind to fall in love with anything...even a sewing machine! But I was so determined to try it before I returned home that I woke up the next morning with sewing on the brain. Dedicated much?) I hope to play around with some piecing and FMQ. I'll definitely link that review back to this one so stay tuned.

If there are questions about the Juki TL2010-Q you'd like answered in Part 2 please leave me a comment below and I'll do my best to answer them in the next Juki post!

To check out all the Sewing Machine Adultery reviews click here!

- rebecca lynne

Popping the Swap in the Mailbox!

noreply@blogger.com (Rebecca Lynne) — Wed, 08 May 2013 02:24:00 +0000

These beautiful piles of fabric have been making their way out the door all week! Seriously, I have never had such an amazing group of Gorgeous Modern Fabric. To all participants of the swap - pat on the back - we compiled an amazing set of fabric! I am completely honored to have been Swap Mama for this round of Modern Low Volume Swap...I can only hope the swappers feel as awed as I do by this fabric.

My goal this round was to have everything done and mailed by April 19th. Unfortunately, multiple rounds of feverish children (first a random virus hit the house mid-April and then this week Miss O and Miss L have ear infections...it was a looong weekend full of sleepless nights and 102 temps) and a very busy travel schedule prevented me from reaching my deadline. I am grateful that the swappers are as understanding as they are and are patiently waiting for their packages.

United States swappers should expect their packages soon, some any day now.

International swappers are next!

What are you all working on?

- rebecca lynne

Giveaway Day: 1 Yard of Free Spirit Della Flannel Owl Friends

noreply@blogger.com (Rebecca Lynne) — Mon, 06 May 2013 13:00:00 +0000

If you've never visited MRL before Welcome! I'm in the midst of *slashing my stash* and what better way to do it than by giving some of it away?

What am I giving away: 1 Yard of Valori Well's Della Flannel Owl Friends

Winner can choose Warm (pink, yellow, orange) or Cool (blue, green) colorway...

Who can enter: Anyone! Domestic US or International!

How to enter: In my Sewing Machine Adultery series I try out different machines and write up a review of what I thought as well as ask others to leave comments about their advice/opinions on that model machine or brand. (FYI - next review is of the Juki TL-2010Q, it'll be a 2 Parter!)

Leave a comment telling me what sewing machine sewing machine I should try out and why?

Giveaway closes May 10th 5p.m. PST

Winner will be picked at random!

Be sure to stop into Sew Mama Sew and see all the other amazing giveaways going on this week!!!

Onesie Dress {TGIFF}

noreply@blogger.com (Rebecca Lynne) — Fri, 03 May 2013 02:44:00 +0000

With all the machine tryouts I have been doing as part of my Sewing Machine Adultery series I've decided to do some projects that will help me decide what features I need in a machine. With three little girls I have wanted to start experimenting with garment creation...and specifically clothes involving knit fabrics.

Using my Bernina Activa 130, this project required my Overlock Presser Foot, my Overlock Stitch, my free arm, and a needle for stretchy fabrics.

I am glad to report that it was stupidly simple to do. I am so thrilled with myself for rediscovering and using these features of my Bernina Activa 130 after all of these years!

Looks like someone enjoys the results at least! Seriously - why does she want to walk so badly? What is wrong with crawling???

Linking up!

- rebecca lynne

What have I been up to...

noreply@blogger.com (Rebecca Lynne) — Wed, 01 May 2013 02:05:00 +0000

Okay, honestly I have been doing so much but it largely consists of things I cannot devote 60 minutes to blogging about. Does that ever happen to you? You are just so busy DOING that you can't spend any spare time for SHARING?

However, the point of this blog is to document my Doings so I can't just abandon that altogether. So, here we go, a very short rundown. A bookmarker so to speak...

I am largely still spending the bulk of my free time sorting through the Modern Low Volume Swap piles and finishing up the last bits of cutting. While I am finding it very therapeutic and, this may sound weird, fun even, the Mr. is kind of getting sick of this as it is becoming a habit for me to retreat into my sewing room and cut, sort, cut, sort, cut, sort...

So he made me take time out on Sunday to do a bit of this:

And of course as you can see from the first photo above...Miss O adored the swings.

Plus, all the time spent in my sewing room cutting has allowed my mind to wander and caused me to really fuss over the palette for Peaches & Cream as you may have read in my last post. I was so frustrated that I pulled a whole separate set of soft pinky girly fabrics, tossed in some osnaburg, and threw this up on my design wall just to PROVE that I could commit to something soft and feminine. It was like some wicked itch I needed to Get Out of my system.

Thanks to everyone who gave me their feedback on my post about value. Overall, you each said in your own way Trust Your Heart! With that in mind my heart really sings when I look at the set of fabrics I finally settled on for Peaches & Cream.

Last, but not least, is this random project using Shelburne Falls by Denyse Schmidt. I am calling it Distraction as I tend to do a bit here and there as I need mental breaks from other things. It reminds me of what Mary Fons said during her QuiltCon Lecture (No, I wasn't there, I saw it via Craftsy for Free!) that creating blocks can be like eating little bits of candy? I'm totally not quoting her exactly as this isn't what she said verbatim, but if you saw the lecture I think you will remember the comment she made. Anyway...she's right, it is no pressure and has been really helpful to feel productive in between spurts of energy.

Back to cutting fabric and sorting piles.

What are you all up to?

- rebecca lynne

Value Advice Please!

noreply@blogger.com (Rebecca Lynne) — Sun, 28 Apr 2013 18:21:00 +0000

I always have a struggle with value. It just isn't something that comes naturally to me when I work with color. I have enough color theory at the forefront of my brain to intuitively know what colors *match* and what *complements* but even as far back as my studies in college my professor criticized the lack of value in my painting. He kept saying it looked flat. I thought it looked spot on and had no idea what he was talking about. To me - flat looked good. This is probably why I shied away from color altogether after that experience because it was just safer than defending my preferences for flat.

Option: Flat

When I chose this palette I wanted something soft and muted...but as it sat on my shelf and I worked on other projects around it I wondered if it was a bit flat. All the colors are largely in the medium range. I played around with a few layouts via computer and it still reads pretty medium all around. But, is that what I want? Does that give me the soft look I want? Do I have to stick with all mediums?

Option: Flat Different Layout

So I looked in my stash and thought about adding Kona Eggplant. It would add a dark and pick up some of the purples in the other prints.

Option: Eggplant & Beige & Peach

The purple really stands out and everything else fades. It just becomes Dark and Medium. Plus, it is no longer soft.

Option: Daisy & Beige & Peach

Then I cut the purple and added the Posy Bouquet in Daisy which reads closer to white. I left in a beigey print. Still soft, but I missed the depth, maybe warmth, that the purple added.

Option: Eggplant & Daisy & Peach

THEN...I cut out all the beige, left in the peaches because I really do love all of those ranges, kept in the Posy Bouquet in Daisy AND the Kona Eggplant.

This is where I am now. I'm leaning towards this last option because it is still sweet, but warm, and tender. I think I'd use the eggplant sparingly but enough to add depth. Maybe more cream and less peach?

Clearly I need to mull this over before I cut anything... I am thinking of adding at least a peak of yellow if not an all yellow binding to really make it that little sweet girly feel I am trying to get. I tried adding it within the layout and it really popped too much making it a much louder composition than I am going for.

[Miss O pretty much wears all pink with a yellow sweater/hat these days!]

Critique Please? What are your thoughts? Which Option and why...or is there something else I haven't considered?

- rebecca lynne

Modern Family Tree: An Echo Bella Quilt Top

noreply@blogger.com (Rebecca Lynne) — Sat, 27 Apr 2013 01:47:00 +0000

As some of you already know, I was working furiously on a very secret project in the beginning of March. In fact, if you follow me on Instagram then you may have seen this in the works.

I was doing so much sewing and I couldn't share it! It was killing me...

I can finally reveal this very special quilt top. Believe it or not, it is a Modern Family Tree!

For years I have wanted to make my mother-in-law a special quilt. She is always making quilts for other people and mentioned to me years ago that no one makes quilts for her. That was when I decided that we just had to make something special for her and I wanted it to relate to our family. This was in 2008 when I was pregnant with Miss E. The Mr. and I brainstormed for awhile...a block for each family member, a family tree, a combo, how do we do that, do we pick a fabric for each person, do we pick a style for each person...when finally the Mr. came up with a brilliant idea. Creating a *key* where each piece of fabric represents a number, then creating a block with each person's birthday worked out in fabric.

Well, the idea was great and I got to work immediately using some really stunning reproduction Civil War prints. But, I got pregnant again and we had to wait until we found out Miss V's birthday. Then I worked on it a little more until bam, I was pregnant again! And same problem...I had to wait to learn Miss O's birthday.

This year when my mother-in-law's milestone birthday was coming up I realized I had to abandon the first quilt top (maybe I'll finish it someday) and begin with new fabrics. I chose Lotta Jansdotter's Echo and Bella lines because I know my mother-in-law loves them!

Here is the breakdown...

The Mr., shown here in the 2nd row at the end with a blue squidgy star, is the youngest of three. I am the pink squidgy star...to be cute I decided to make my brother-in-law and I, the "out-laws" if you will, a little off center and in our own row to signify our being married into the family. And the last row are the five grandchildren in chronological order with the three little Misses at the end shown here with their purple squidgy stars! If you look closely you will see that Miss O (last block in 4th row) and her Aunt (left furthest block in 2nd row) share the same birthday...different years. Pretty cool right?

I am so proud of this top because it is really personal without being in your face about its meaning. Not only that, and clearly I am biased, but I also think it is a pretty gorgeous quilt top. I can't help but see a little bit of each family member's personality in their individual block. It was so awesome to collaborate with the Mr. on something so special. I hope it will give my mother-in-law a great story to tell to people who ask about it.

I will be using the Ikea Britten Nummer for backing.

(I love how the written out numbers in the backing fabric will secretly play on the design idea from the top where each fabric symbolizes a number!)

But, what shall I do for quilting. Any suggestions?

- rebecca lynne

Come meet me...

noreply@blogger.com (Rebecca Lynne) — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 00:46:00 +0000

{source}

...Western New York Modern Quilt Guild style...
Leave me a comment to let me know you stopped by.
You never know, maybe I'll be so touched by the visit that I'll pick someone to send a surprise... ;)

Read the interview here!

- rebecca lynne

Sewing Machine Adultery: Janome Horizon Memory Craft 8900 Review

noreply@blogger.com (Rebecca Lynne) — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 02:20:00 +0000

Alright. The time has come. I tried the Janome Horizon Memory Craft 8900 a few weekends ago. I immediately came home and wrote down my impressions, but took a pause before finalizing this post because I really wanted to think about what I thought of the machine so I can give an honest impression. I am going to put my questions in pink, if you know the answer do tell!

First, let's be real here, I am not paid to review machines nor do I have any affiliation with any sewing machine manufacturer or shop. There is a reason why the first piece of advice anyone gives you when machine shopping is go try them yourself. Because, no matter this is only my opinion, and please, what the hell do I know anyway?

Secondly, keep in mind that I sew on a 15 year old sewing machine. Now some of you may be thinking that in the scheme of things that really isn't that old. True. There are older machines. I've sewn on lots of older machines and I learned to sew on industrial machines as a textile major in college. However, when I bought my Bernina Activa 130 it was one of the few computerized machines available. It was unique, a pioneer if you will, into the world of computerized sewing. From my point of view I've always considered my machine to be cutting edge - until I recently realized that duh it isn't anymore! That was such a shock and you can read about my impressions on that here.

Third, and most importantly, I am looking for insight here. It is not my intention to offend. I'm used to my Bernina after 15 years of using it. So if you are a Janome lover and I mention something that I am on the fence about or am flat out negative towards please feel free to educate me! That is the whole purpose behind Sewing Machine Adultery. I encourage anyone reading this post later to peruse the comments and see what people add to my thoughts.

My husband and I drove out to Super-Stitch to peruse the Janomes. I have to say that this was a huge bonus as it was only 30 minutes away. Unlike most of the other places that sell machines in my area I could actually go there and take classes easily without feeling like I've spent a lot of time on travel. When you purchase a machine there they throw in all the awesome classes, maintenance, and what I like to think of as *tutoring* or a get to know your machine course too. The owners and staff were incredibly nice and, I shit you not, it was the first time that I walked into a local fabric shop where I didn't feel judged, sneered at, or the cold shoulder. Granted, I was there with husband and infant in tow so maybe they took me more seriously than if I were a youngish looking woman entering the store alone. Nevertheless, it made me feel so welcome and right off the bat that alone made me really really really love to buy a machine from these people. {Ann if you are reading this I completely mean that!}

I didn't fool around. As soon as I was approached I said exactly what I was looking for, the 8900. We discussed what I currently sew on, what type of sewing I do, I explained that I'd been a Bernina lover for 15 years and that I would be trying an industrial machine (Juki TL-2010Q) the following weekend. After asking where I'd like to begin (6600? 8200?) I said let's go right for the 8900 - go big or go home right?

Holy Crap! Let's be clear for those of you who do not know me. I am a gadget geek, I want the latest & greatest updated version of whatever thingamabob there is, the more buttons it has the better, the larger the manual is to figure out all the random "who would ever need that feature anyway" the happier I am. I am that kind of technology nerd. I learned DOS as a child, took word processing in high school, have almost every version of an MP3 that has existed, and until parenthood I have always been the owner of whatever new cellular phone/camera/computer currently in vogue. Believe me, if I had the budget, my technology itch would be scratched as much as financially feasible.

For me to say that at first I felt completely overwhelmed by all the STUFF, well damn, that is saying something. Keep in mind that this is also because I am catching up. I mean, my machine is b-a-s-i-c. A $100 sewing machine at Walmart has more features than my machine these days. At first I couldn't get my mind wrapped around pushing a button and sewing - my foot instinctually kept moving but it was completely useless. What??? Where am I Star Trek? (Yes, I am a Trekkie, shutup.) I had this really weird disconnected feeling. A bit uncomfortable but not so far as being discomfort. More of a, *I could definitely get used to this* kind of uncomfortable. Like driving my mom's BMW with its purring engine, fancy key fob, heated seats, and bluetooth phone system. The feeling that I know I really shouldn't like it too much, because bam, before I know it I would be in love! [When we last drove the BMW the Mr. translated the sounds of the car. For instance, the perfectly toned BMW "Ding" = "Life is good, you are driving a BMW."]

Pros

The throat space! The glorious 11" of space! I felt like I was driving a car it was so wide.
Number of stitches

Specifically, some cool quilting stitches I'd love to try
I'd love to utilize the handmade stitch
I'd love to use the serpentine stitch
I'd love to figure out uses for every quilting stitch just for the hell of it

Alphabets - 3 and yes I really want an alphabet feature!
Start/Stop Button

I loved that you could hold down the button a little longer to get a slow start/stop
Let's be real, I felt spoiled by the start/stop, how cool. Weird at first but fun.

Auto Thread Cutter!!!

Every time I used this I couldn't help but giggle! It worked well too - it was effortless and all I had to do was move the fabric once it was finished cutting. Delicious. Must have this.

Auto Thread Cutter by Foot Pedal.

As someone who is used to using her foot pedal for everything (Bernina Activa 130 has its up/down needle mechanism via foot pedal) I loved this because I like using my feet.

Knee lift - how have I lived without this for so long? And at 5'2" it was just right. No straining.
Straight stitch plate = straight stitch

Yup, so even if at 2am I am so out of it that I want to do a zig zag but forget to change the plate it doesn't matter, the machine won't let you do anything but a straight stitch with that plate on. Wow. Sleepless mothers everywhere rejoice!
Taking the plate on and off was so simple at just the press of a button. That doesn't read impressively but after using that feature to switch plates it really was totally easy and I loved it.

AcuFeed

This was my first experience with a built in dual feed system. I know Pfaff, Baby Lock and Bernina have their own variations on this but I've never tried them. What is the difference? AcuFeed is also detachable - I guess that wasn't always the case so that is a nice option.
I had no idea that the AcuFeed system worked with different kind of feet! I thought it was just like a walking foot and that was that. I mean, true, I have no idea when I would need the other types of AcuFeed feet but there must be a reason for them otherwise why else would that be a big deal?
As Ann pointed out, using the narrow AcuFeed foot is perfect for sewing quilted fabrics to zippers. And, having a quilted bag with a zipper that I had just recently sewn with me I knew exactly what she was talking about!

Ridiculous number of included feet

Bernina? Not so many feet included as a standard. I was shocked by how many feet I was being shown. I have no idea what I'd use them all for!
Free motion foot was adjustable so you could turn a screw and get a different height on the foot depending on the thickness of your fabric. No, not adjusting the presser foot pressure, I am talking about the height of the foot itself. Very cool.

Buttons, I know it sounds silly but I like all the gadgety buttons.
It really purred instead of sounding like a jet engine.

I can't say it was silent, but what machine is. It just sounded like a nice hum.

Threading was very straightforward, bobbin winding - straightforward

Beautiful sewing

The straight stitching was beautiful. Perfectly straight line. You couldn't tell top from bottom thread once you took the fabric and turned it over.
I tried some free motion quilting and loved the space for it, it just felt fun on this machine
Loved the serpentine quilt stitch

No awful vibrating. It felt very solid.
The speed control. Very cool.
Place for storage of feet.
Clear extension table included.
Needle threader

Liked how you pushed down and didn't have to hold it down like some other machines
It worked once I knew where to put the thread and how to work it!

Uh, did I mention the throat space? ;)

Undecideds/Cons?
I can't really call these cons so much as things I need to decide on a personal level whether I could live with them. A lot of this comes down to being a Bernina owner (not insinuating that Bernina = better just saying I have habits that come with a Bernina machine) and deciding what I need in a machine. Also, there is a lot of fact versus myth out there about machine features and some of these things are areas I need to research more. I'd love feedback if you have opinions/advice!

Computerized.

Fact/Myth?: There is the argument that a non-computerized machine lasts better and is less fussy.
Fact/Myth?: Straight stitch industrial machine is better for free motion quilting.
Fact/Myth?: 9mm stitch variable can be problematic for long-term straight stitch performance?

Plastic bobbin.

Fact/Myth?: Metal bobbins are better. Lots of machines have plastic though so I am not sure if that is true. I've also heard that metal against metal (like Bernina) is problematic and therefore plastic is better? Who decides these things anyway.

Exacting stop.

After spending the morning with the Janome I came home and sewed a whole quilt top with my Bernina, showing her that I really do love her dearly. I noticed that my 15 year old computerized machine just stops a whole lot faster by my heel pressing down on the foot pedal than reaching up to hit the start/stop on the Janome...is that just me knowing how to use her better? Maybe. Definitely something I need to do more research on. If you know the answer do tell!
At the shop I was told "you probably still use your hand wheel on your machine" and yes, I totally do. Especially when I want an exact spot for the needle to start. So I never thought about it until later - can I NOT use a hand wheel on this machine? Because, I like being able to do that.

Ankles & Feet.

I am not sure how to say this without pissing some people off - so again, I am not trying to piss you off I am trying to identify what I am unsure about when it comes to this very expensive, would be a life-long commitment, sewing machine. The feet on this machine seem...wobbly? That isn't the right word but I guess I mean less than solid. The feet attach to the ankles of the presser foot mechanism. In a way it is cool because you can pretty easily attach/detach them to whatever appropriate ankle you are using. For instance, if you are using the AcuFeed feature then there is an ankle for those feet. There is a separate ankle for non-AcuFeed feet. (At least this is how I understood it, again, so much of my time in front of the machine was me trying to keep from drooling on it after using the thread cutter! If I am mistaken please let me know! For those of you reading I will edit if this is incorrect.) While the snap on feet seems cool and easy the owners themselves even fumbled a little at placing them on the ankles. I know Janome is not the only manufacturer with this feature, and again, not criticizing just comparing...but my Bernina's feet are freaking solid. I mean, they would dent the wall if I threw them (uh, not that I know that from experience...clearing throat...). The Bernina's feet are a single ankle/foot piece. And they are so goddamn easy to put on! Yes, true, I am used to that after 15 years so maybe some of you Janome folk can tell me how you feel about your feet...am I just not used to this? Do you get used to it?

Price tag.

$4000 machine.
Whew that is a hell of a lot of diapers and groceries for a family with 3 little girls.

Bottom line? Do I love this machine. Yes. Absolutely. Without a doubt. Would I use all of the stitches? Hmmmm...knowing me I would find reasons to use them all just because they are pretty damn cool and I could get creative figuring out projects just to utilize the stitch options. But, do I need them to sew what I sew? No.

For me these questions remain, and in this order:

Do I want a computerized machine?
Are all the extras worth the time and money it will take to save $4000 for a sewing machine?
What do I NEED? i.e. What kind of sewing am I really going to do? (I know that is Sewing Machine 101 when you look for a sewing machine but my needs keep changing. I don't just quilt, I don't just make clothes, I don't just do home dec - I do a little of everything! So what, I need an everything machine?)
If I am going to spend $4000.00 on a sewing machine is this The One?
What other sewing machines should I try in that price range? (Baby Lock Crescendo, Bernina 7 Series, Viking, Pfaff???)

Whew this has been a long post, and given how awesome my Janome Horizon MC8900 experience was it should be. I was all bouncy and bubbly after trying the machine out - just ask the Mr. he can attest to that! Thanks again to Super Stitch - I spent a whole Saturday morning there and was offered an incredible deal on an 8900 that had just been traded in with all the bells & whistles. It was seriously too good to be true - and believe me I did a lot of long sighing in the car ride home - but I am still saving my pennies and in the meantime researching my options. Anyone in my area interested in a Janome should go visit Super Stitch. To learn more about the Janome Horizon MC8900 and its specs go to the Janome website and peruse YouTube there are some great videos out there...

The next installment of Sewing Machine Adultery will be my review of the Juki TL-2010Q.

- rebecca lynne

Unexpected Birthday Guest

noreply@blogger.com (Rebecca Lynne) — Sun, 21 Apr 2013 01:24:00 +0000

Everyone knows the feeling, you know, the feeling you have when you are unexpectedly a guest to a party involving gifts of some sort? Whether you were a last minute invite, you forgot to mark your calendar, you were just too busy to realize, whatever the reason for your lack of preparation --- you panic --- "oh crap I have to bring a gift, what am I going to bring, what kind of person is this, what will they like?" panic.

I call B.S. if you are sitting there thinking that you don't know what I am talking about. No one is that perfect.

Well imagine that panic and then couple it with the parental frustration you inevitably have when you come home Friday night from work to learn about a 4 year old birthday party your child has committed to attending The Next Day.

Really?

I live in the middle of cow country. If there isn't enough time to order it online then it is going to come from the local grocery store. In other words, not really the best place to find impromptu gifts for a little girl's 4 year old birthday party!

Crisis: No Gift for a Birthday Party

Solution: Handmade Hairclips

Haha - I totally nailed it. Birthday Guest Crisis Averted.

The only issue was the guilt I felt when I realized I probably should have been making my own daughters cute clips like this all along but the idea only took hold when I channeled MacGyver during our birthday gift crisis.

Ooops.

Oh well. At least now I know how to do it. So now I have no excuses.

How's your weekend unfolding?

- rebecca lynne

By the way - I really appreciated all the responses to my last post regarding child sex abuse. As I said to many of you via email, it is totally worth finding a local advocacy center who will probably be thrilled to receive donations for victims. If so, let me know and I'll help you in whatever way I can to provide you with a bear to fill and share! Let's make Project Fill a Bear widespread!

Project Fill A Bear - Educate yourself about Child Sex Abuse

noreply@blogger.com (Rebecca Lynne) — Fri, 19 Apr 2013 13:18:00 +0000

Does it seem like I've been missing in action lately? Yeah...well...I've been doing lots of this...

Cutting up gorgeous fabric into 10" squares. I swear no other charm size feels as substantial as a 10" square. It is just solid, like you are really getting a good sample of that fabric.

And as you can imagine all of this cutting results in a lot of trimmings. Lots and lots and lots of trimmings too small to be scrap. This, below, is from cutting 4 different fabrics into blocks. That is a substantial amount of waste.

What do I possibly do with this waste? Haha, you don't think I actually throw it away do you?

Me? The I can find a crafty use for everything chica?

For a few months now I have been working on Project Fill A Bear.

This guy's tummy and head are filled with all the trimmings from the last swap, every quilt I've worked on since December, every piece of clothing I've sewn, every bit of fabric waste has gone into his little belly. Now I'll be starting on his arms and legs.

The bears - I have 20 empty muslin shells - are intended for child sex abuse victims. Before the age of 18, 1 in 4 girls and 1 in 6 boys is a victim of sex abuse. Does that make you uncomfortable? Good. It should. If more people knew what was going on then we could stand up together and act to put an end to this life altering crime. The first step is to Educate yourself and Teach others the facts. Make smart choices for your children and your grandchildren - if you don't who will?

This morning was the first time I shared this project with my Guild (via Facebook) and everyone is being so supportive! Promising me scraps and to even make bears. I am so touched!

And when I need a break from ironing and then cutting each 2.5yds of fabric? I add to my piles. ;)

If you want to be involved in Project Fill A Bear in some way or learn more about child sex abuse feel free to let me know. Being afraid or ill-informed is not going to change anything.

- rebecca lynne

Disclosure: I am not affiliated with nor do I work for Darkness to Light. I am familiar with their work and support their efforts to empower people about the facts of child sex abuse.

Work it Baby. Advice on Binding Please!

noreply@blogger.com (Rebecca Lynne) — Wed, 17 Apr 2013 04:00:00 +0000

Last weekend I worked furiously on this "It Doesn't Get More Modern Than Gray & White Chevron" quilt for my newest nephew. I finished the top and was able to do a very very very basic echo of the zig zag to quilt it as well. The back is Echo.

Forgive the un-ironed-ness. I quilted it at my mother in-law's house with her brand new Juki TL 2010Q (review soon) and then drove 8 hours home with it stuffed in the back seat! Ha!

ADVICE! Thinking of doing Kona Charcoal for the binding - thoughts???

But mostly, I am spending every free freaking moment CUTTING CUTTING CUTTING FABRIC for this...

And I'm also working on the x2 quilts for my cousins impending twins between cutting fabric for the swap. You know, like a sanity break from all that pressing and cutting! I don't have progress photos yet because it is a surprise...

Also looking for sponsors for a new challenge I thought up inspired by this post. Hopefully more on that sooner than later!

What are you doing these days?

- rebecca lynne

Peaches & Cream

noreply@blogger.com (Rebecca Lynne) — Mon, 15 Apr 2013 04:00:00 +0000

Pouty rosebud mouth, peachy cheeks, salmon creases where your skin touched the mattress, rumpled hair, smooshy just woke up face, and flirty shy wake up smiles.

Outgrown are so many of the clothes your sisters wore before you. Outgrown quickly, too quickly. No other baby of mine will wear them.

Soon there will be no more crib, no more middle of the night bonding, no more quick baby breaths against my neck, no more open mouth kisses. You are my last baby and while you always be a baby to me I know I have to document these last bits...the hush hush of putting you down to sleep, or the shhhhh's to calm you, the way you curl your little body against mine, the glow of your peachy pink skin, the nuzzling, the coos, the toothless grins, the famished frenzied nursing after nap or the groggy silent feeding waltz in the middle of sleep.

My peaches and cream baby. Where has the time gone?

Top to Bottom: Moda Ruby Cotton Grey Dainty, Kona Salmon, Kona Peach, Deerfield Zig Zag Pink, 3 Sisters Etchings Floral Script, Aneela Hoey Posy Bouquet Honeysuckle, Kona Ivory

- rebecca lynne

Note to self: This overwhelming sadness all started because Miss O outgrew the awesome crocheted piggy hat, the pink and gray one with the sparkly faceted buttons for eyes. When I realized no one else was ever going to be small enough to wear that hat in our household it really hit me how much Phi had grown.

Simple Tooth Fairy Pillows TGIFF

noreply@blogger.com (Rebecca Lynne) — Fri, 12 Apr 2013 04:00:00 +0000

A quick finish! Two Tooth Fairy Pillows using this template for the tooth which I reduced to 85%.

I put my niece and nephew's initials on the back of each using FMQ.

Quick and simple! I hope the Tooth Fairy is generous...

Linking up

- rebecca lynne

2013 FAL Q2

noreply@blogger.com (Rebecca Lynne) — Thu, 11 Apr 2013 22:07:00 +0000

Alright, once more unto the breach, dear friends! This time I am going to be a bit more gutsy and add even MORE stuff onto my list. Who knows, maybe if there is more pressure I'll actually finish more stuff? (I know, highly unlikely.)

Whatever. :p Let's begin shall we?

Project 1: New Nephew Quilt

I began this quilt top months ago. I know, I'm awful. My nephew is already born. What did I expect, that these HSTs would magically put themselves together and become quilt and bound on their own? Wishful thinking!

Project 2(+): Twin Quilts

Technically this could be 2 projects because it is 2 quilts for a set of soon to be twins. But, in all fairness I cannot think of the quilts separately because they are clearly going to be a set! Again, another project where I bought fabric, drew a layout, began cutting and piecing, and whoop - No Fairies have come by and finished it all up for me??? I don't want to reveal too many photos here because it will ruin the surprise but the Mom to be has already seen the fabric so I will post the strips... Luckily the Twins aren't born yet, but it could be soon!

Project 3: Purple People Pleaser

I cut all the pieces, did the complete layout, and then put this away while in a Studio cleaning frenzy. And how does it go? Out of sight, out of mind! I better finish this while Miss V is still having a purple love affair...

Project 4: Joy, for the Queen

Who am I kidding, this is never going to happen...but what the hell I'll add it to the list anyway. I can dream can't I? Since this quilt is for moi I doubt I'll push it to the head of the line, but you never know.

You are linking up to the 2013 FAL Q2 as well aren't you? Don't leave me hanging!

- rebecca lynne

What a hard sewing machine case is really for.

noreply@blogger.com (Rebecca Lynne) — Thu, 11 Apr 2013 04:00:00 +0000

Miss O has determined that the best used of my sewing machine cover is as a walker.

Who can argue with that?

- rebecca lynne

Free Zipper Pouch Pattern: The Mega Sewing Pouch

noreply@blogger.com (Rebecca Lynne) — Wed, 10 Apr 2013 02:34:00 +0000

As promised, here is the free pattern for my Mega Sewing Pouch Pattern! To see more pictures of what this pattern creates pop over here to read this post which features more detailed photos of the bag. If you decide to make one please let me know - I'd love to add it to the MRL Flickr Group!

{If the instructions I've included below are vague, confusing, or just annoying in some way do leave a comment and I'll happily edit wherever possible.}

- rebecca lynne

Materials

Fabric

1) Front Exterior Fabric - a fat quarter should be just enough

To have a different *bottom* to frame the outside as in my example you will need 2 exterior fabrics
Get creative by patchworking, piecing, adding linen fussy cuts to make it interesting

2) Front Quilting Interior

I used whatever I had lying around, it won't get seen because of the bag's lining

3) Bag Lining - a fat quarter should just be enough

Batting (I prefer Warm & Natural; I also used bits I had lying around and pieced them together)
12" zipper

Step 1: Cut your fabric

Bag Exterior
2 pieces of 11.5" by 11"

2 pieces of 5" by 11"

Quilting Interior
2 pieces of 18" by 13"

Lining
2 pieces of 16" by 11"

Step 2: Prepare your Bag Exterior

Sew together the top of the bag exterior with the bottom to create a piece 16" x 11"

Step 3: Quilt your Bag Exterior

Sandwich the batting between your Bag Exterior and your Quilting Interior
Make sure your Bag Exterior's fabric is facing right side up!
Just like when you make a quilt sandwich for a regular quilt your batting and Quilting Interior fabric should be larger than your Bag Exterior Fabric so that you can trim after quilting

Pin
Quilt! I used a basic straight stitch design that would help give some structure to the bag. The closer you quilt the firmer your fabric sandwich
After quilting trim to 16" by 11"

Step 4: Zipper Pouch Basics. Um, Google it... ;)

Sew your Bag Exterior (which should be quilted after Step 3!) and your Lining to the pouch zipper.
Rather than reinvent the wheel you can learn about sewing an easy zipper pouch here, here, here and probably a million other places!

The 12" zipper will be longer than your sides, I prefer my zipper to completely cover the bag width so that it definitely opens completely w-i-d-e. This will mean that your zipper will be too long and after you sew you can trim the end. Or using Noodleheads tutorial you can choose to sew an open wide zipper bag. Be careful not to hit the zipper with your needle, it will snap! Guess how I learned that lesson...

sewn together it will look like...

I highly recommend top stitching your sides where the zipper attaches because it just looks polished!

MRL Tips:

Sew your pouch sides together per the tutorials you've read.
Remember - right sides of fabric together! And, of course, leave an opening in the lining side so that you can turn the bag inside out.

Don't forget to leave your zipper open so that you can pull the bag inside out! But don't pull it inside out yet...

Step 5: Give your pouch a "butt" (or more politely, Squaring Off Your Bottom)

This pouch has a 5" wide squared off bottom

I suggest you research squaring off your bottom online, as usual there are some great tutorials out there to give you some ideas

Your bag is still inside out after being sewn together!

Starting with the Exterior Bag side

(a) Pinch your seams together and align the seams as much as possible
(b) If you are making the border around the bottom of the bag as in my version you will also want to line up where the fabric piecing seams are as much as possible
(c) Using a ruler, measure so that your pinched together part where you will sew is approximately 5" wide. Pin.
Repeat steps (a) - (c) on the other end. Pin.
Compare your two ends. Check your seams. If you like your place draw a line to mark where to sew. If you are anal like me you might want to baste, turn inside out, check it, and then reinforce.

Once you have perfected your corner then you can trim your corners by cutting off the excess! But seriously, check first or else you will always look at your bag if it is even the little bit off...

Repeat these steps with the Lining but stress less...if the corners inside aren't perfect who cares? After all...it is inside! ;)

Step 6: Flip and Finish!

Flip your bag inside out...trim threads, trim zipper if you haven't already, close off your lining...
Stand back and admire!

Of course now you will want to make accessories too! Hahahahaa....

Add your Pouch to the Making Rebecca Lynne Projects Flickr Group!

Why do I bother? Everyday Artist.

noreply@blogger.com (Rebecca Lynne) — Sun, 07 Apr 2013 17:15:00 +0000

{source}

I've been thinking a lot lately, which, given my proclivity to worry, is not a good thing. Maybe thinking isn't the right word...more like mulling. Yes, that is it...I've been mulling things over. Recently while sewing I have found myself asking why? Why am I doing this? I spend the very little spare time I have and the non-existent extra income we earn to fund a pretty expensive and time consuming endeavor. Why? What am I getting out of it? Is it worth it for my family or am I just being selfish?

{source}

These are the little thoughts that are going on in my head late at night these days as I try to finish projects. As I try to focus on finishing, finishing, finishing. As I try not to look too closely as the stitches made by my machine because, lately, they are not looking as clean and beautiful as they once did. No amount of cleaning or oiling is changing the fact that my machine just isn't running quite the way it once did. So what am I to do? When I consider the money and time I have set aside to attend not one but two hands-on talks by two amazing Modern Quilters in the month of April. How much energy can I devote to this with three little girls and a government job that I could potentially lose at any time given the state of our economy?

{source}

I keep debating this over and over in my mind. Money is extremely tight, I would really love a new sewing machine, and I can barely keep myself from dreaming up new projects requiring new fabric, new fabric I really can't afford. I admit that I have to make some serious changes in my habits to keep this need of Making alive.

{source}

But, I also need to be fair to myself. As Annabella so rightly pointed out to me through a comment on my last post - you have to enjoy the process. This isn't just about the finish line it is about the journey.

I pulled all these finish photos above to seek justification in whatever time, energy, and money I spend to make things. It wasn't until the other day in the car that I began laughing at myself when I realized that everything I make these days does have meaning. Each item documents a given point in my life at that moment. Fifteen years ago I silently rebelled with an eye roll against my fiber arts Professor who pushed us to make art with meaning, something that made a statement. The prolific struggle between Art and Craft. While I, at 18 or so, kept pushing back with the thought that I just wanted to make beautiful cool stuff and have fun making it. Fifteen years later, and a lot more life experience, I now realize the joke is on me for failing to see the meaning in what I do.

Everything I make now, without even consciously doing it, is a statement about my life. I am documenting my children's lives with everything I make. A pillow to guard away night terrors, a laminate bag for swim class, a last baby quilt for the baby who is going to daycare because I can't afford to stay home from work. No it isn't a political statement. No it isn't likely to save lives. I am not claiming world changing creations here.

I am making for my family. More importantly, without intending to, I have been documenting our lives. I am making art about the everyday.

Hell, isn't that what textile artists have been doing for centuries? The everyday artisans reflecting their culture, their customs, their beliefs into each woven textile, each dye bath, each hand-blocked repeat pattern, every sewn quilt?

In the end I really need to give myself a break and a pat on the back too. I am going to take a stand here by acknowledging all of the work and effort that goes into documentation by Making. No, I didn't enter into the art world and I am not trying to make money by Making but I do love my life and each choice I made led me to today. I should enjoy the journey and celebrate it in my own way.

From now on I owe it to myself to acknowledge each Make I create. I am an Everyday Artist dammit! I am starting with Miss E's rainbow quilt and the unique label I made for her to remember the why, when, and the who of it all.

A little envelope label with the cutest little button that matches the binding and my daughter's personality perfectly.

And yes, even at age 4, she really does say "leave me alone so I can do what I want". See? If I don't document that no one will ever believe it!

Here is to all of us *everyday artists* Enjoy your process. Enjoy your big makes, your small makes, the I-never-even-realized-the-significance-of-that-until-later makes, and especially the I-finally-finished-it-10-years-after-starting-it makes. Take a stand for yourself. Document your work. Acknowledge its significance.
When you do I hope you will hear me applauding.

- rebecca lynne

End of the Rainbow! Score! Q1 2013 FAL

noreply@blogger.com (Rebecca Lynne) — Sat, 06 Apr 2013 01:09:00 +0000

The Rainbow Quilt is finally finished! I love it. I am just going to let the photos do the talking for this one... If you'd like to read more about how this quilt came about please go here. ;)

Miss E is away this week visiting her Grandparents...isn't she going to be SO EXCITED to come home to her quilt. I may just have to bring it with when I pick her up so that she can enjoy it during our epic (8+ hrs or so) car ride home!

Anyone who reads MRL regularly knows that I am the biggest project finishing procrastinator there is. Let's just say I tend to take a lot of detours. Which, I will have you know, statistically leads to bigger and more creative ideas than those people who work from start to finish on a single project - or so I heard recently on NPR and who am I to argue with that? Then again those start-to-finish folk get a whole hell of a lot more done than us crazy over thinkers... Anyway, I digress.

In my Q1 FAL Post I pledged to have 2 quilts finished for Q1 and well...I finished 1. For me that is a pretty good. 50%? I will Take It!

Seriously go check out all the finishes linked up...it is ridiculous!

And while I am here I am also going to link up to TGIFF. Because it is Friday...and I can. Wink!

- rebecca lynne

Sewing Machine Adultery: My Bernina Activa 130

noreply@blogger.com (Rebecca Lynne) — Thu, 04 Apr 2013 00:50:00 +0000

Welcome back to another installment of Sewing Machine Adultery!

My sewing machine, a Bernina Activa 130, was given to me as a gift from my parents while I was in college studying Fiber Arts. It was a very big gift that I was crazy for and very top of the line in its time. At the time I was obsessed with creating garments and fashion, this was the perfect machine in every way. I recall my Professor raising her eyebrows when she saw it for the first time. I also had a wedding dress designer ask to borrow it for awhile during my internship. It was quite the luxury sewing machine back in its day!

As I said in my previous post, until recently I didn't think I was missing anything in my sewing machine. Which, for a machine that has been owned for 12+ years, is really saying something! I am still not convinced that I necessarily need a new machine. As someone who emailed with me after my last post, we agreed that it can be hard to explain that while there isn't anything WRONG with my machine it is just that there are some things that I now know are MISSING...

Before I jump ahead to that let me just list some pros and cons of my Bernina Activa 130.

Pros:
- solid construction
- I've never had a problem with her that hasn't been resolved with a cleaning (knock on wood)
- metal bobbins
- computerized but not overly so
- basic stitches (straight stitch, zig zag, overlock, button hole, triple straight stitch, double overlock)
- I own most of the accessories (feet, plates, screwdriver, cover, etc.)
- she's simple and you don't get lost in the options
- option to have the free hand system (knee lift thingamabob)

In fact I recently uncovered her Instruction Manual and refreshed my memory on exactly how useful/versatile a machine my Activa 130 is!

Cons:

- approximate 7" throat space is no longer sufficient when it comes to quilting. for garments this was fine but for quilting it has begun to bother me

- no start/stop button

- loud like a jet engine while sewing!

- FHS was never installed because I didn't need it as a garment sewer

- no automatic thread cutting

- no automatic buttonholes let alone multiple kinds of buttonholes!

- no alphabet

- many of the things that are basics in most machines today are just not included in her repertoire because of her age

Bottom line?

There is nothing wrong with my machine, I just want more.

Which leads me to the the title of this whole series...Sewing Machine Adultery. I feel guilty for even thinking of betraying my sewing machine. She has been there for me, loyal, useful, a constant in my life, for over a decade. She hasn't done anything wrong but stayed the same while technology and new sewing machines armed with that technology developed around her.

Only other people who sew could understand the sentiment that exists between a sewer and their machine. I have successfully explained it to other people by making an analogy to their car.

The real question is...

How much more do I need?

Do I need a machine with 270 stitches most of which I probably won't use? 11 buttonholes - who in the hell knew there were 11 different kinds of buttonholes? The 3 alphabets which...admittedly I have ideas for so I probably would use? Do I really want to invest so much money in a top of the line computerized machine? Or, do I stay loyal to my Bernina Activa 130 and supplement her with something like a *non-computerized* straight stitch machine just for quilting?

Without a doubt, at a minimum, what I want is:

- more throat space for quilting

- a machine I can really cut my teeth on to improve my FMQ skills

- yes, I want the damn automatic thread cutting thingy

The debate continues! This weekend I am off to a sewing shop that sells Janome. I am dying to try out the Horizon MC8900. Not convinced I need a 4K sewing machine that could basically do it all and apparently fold my laundry too...but I won't know until I try it now will I?

All of last week's comments were so awesome! Nothing like a sewing machine chat amongst friends! Please do let me know if I am missing something crucial in my "minimum needs" and don't forget to tell me what kind of machine you use - I've been researching them all online with every new comment I receive!

- rebecca lynne

Getting ready to slice and dice...

noreply@blogger.com (Rebecca Lynne) — Wed, 03 Apr 2013 03:45:00 +0000

this pile right here!

Plus, I am debating whether to change up my blog header. Thinking something more modern and clean. Hmmm...any thoughts, suggestions, ideas?

My blog goals this week...
- My Rainbow Quilt is finished! Linking up to Leanne's 2013 FAL as soon as I take photo!
- The Sewing Machine Adultery continues. This week my review of my Bernina Activa 130.
- Plan on coming back on Friday to get the free pattern for my mega sewing pouch.

So much to do! How are all of your WIPs going?

- rebecca lynne