Wednesday, October 10, 2012

WIP Wednesday {10.10.12}

Ahhh it feels so good to be back.  I really want to commit to posting WIP Wednesday updates every week again, even when there's not much sewing going on, its like the one constant that keeps all the crazy out of control WIPs in check.  Kind of like stitchy inventory of sorts!

WIP Wednesday at Freshly Pieced

This week I've had a few quilty set backs, Bertha (my large and in charge sewing machine) and I almost came to blows on Saturday afternoon.   You see I was quilting away, happy as a clam, and all of a sudden, she decided that she wanted to break my needles!  I tried everything.  Threading my machine.  Rethreading my machine.  Changing the bobbin.  Rethreading the bobbin.  Changing needle size.  Changing machine settings.  Changing free motion feet. I even busted out my mini vaccuum attachment setting and cleaned out the bobbin case (helloooo lint.)  Alas, this was all to no avail.  That bitch my trusted stitchy side kick continued to break a needle about every 5 minutes.  Not only that, but she decided she didn't like the automatic needle threader, and that pulled stitches would be fun.  This was where I just. had. to. walk. away.  Bertha is now at the sewing machine doctor, so hopefully they can get her all straightened out and back to her quilty awesome-ness, and soon.  I'm missing her.  Terribly.

DSC_0516

I've resorted to pulling out my back up machine to try and finish the quilting, but I realize I've been spoiled.  I sat behind my now seemingly mini machine, and it has absolutely no "get up and go."  How did I sew on this thing for so long??  Anyways, I'm not sure how much quilting I'll be able to finish on this quilt, as its pretty large (a generous twin size).  It feels a little bit like David and Goliath.  We'll see how it goes, I'm pulling for you David!!

In other news, the newest round of the 4x5 bee has officially kicked off.  I'm super excited, this bee always draws such awesome quilty peeps, amazing blocks are guaranteed!  In the midst of all the sewing machine drama  this weekend, I decided I'd work up a test block for my hive, that my little mini machine can handle.

Hive 3 test block

I used Six White Horses Sharp Chevrons tutorial and I'm in love.  This block is paper pieced, I love the tiny detail and precision that paper piecing lends to quilt blocks.  So sharp crisp and clean.  I'll be pulling fabrics for the rest of my hive mates in case the quilting on mr. {mini} machine doesn't work out, I think he can at least handle a little paper piecing :-)

What have you been up to this week??  I'm hoping to keep myself nice and busy for the next few days to distract myself from the fact that I'm missing out on Sewing Summit this year.  Rest assured I'll be stalking/vicariously living through those attending via twitter and instragram!  Be sure to head over to Freshly Pieced and add your WIPs!


24 comments:

  1. oh what a bummer with your machine!! Good luck with that!! Very nice 4x5 block though!

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  2. I had a similar incident this weekend! But it was my own fault... Put the bobbin case back in a little wonky, put the needle through it, then the resulting bump on the bobbin case cause everything to go haywire! Luckily bobbin cases aren't too expensive. Machine problems are so frustrating!!

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  3. I also love paper piecing and have made three of that block so far with more to come from my growing scrap pile of late. You can see mine over at www.munchkinquilts.blogspot.com

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  4. Bummer on your machine, but hopefully you're able to get her fixed up quickly. Your block is fantastic! I'm really loving the colors & the little white strips between the colors.

    I'm right there with you on Sewing Summit. Part of me is so jealous that I don't want to hear about it, but at the same time I don't want to miss anything! ...sigh...maybe next year!

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  5. Ugh, I hate machine issues!! But those blocks are great!

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  6. Why can't sewing machines work perfectly all the time?! Don't they know we need them :) Love your block!!

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  7. Sorry about bitchy Bertha! Hopefully it is an easy fix. At least your quilt and blocks are looking fabulous so far!

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  8. That quilt looks great! Hope Bertha gets fixed soon. Can wait to see the finished quilt.

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  9. Hope your machine is fixed quickly! I love your block though, the white separating the colors really adds another dimension.

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  10. Love that chevron block! Hope your machine is fixed quickly and she's not too bad! Good thing you have a back-up ;-)

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  11. Oh dear, sewing machine troubles sure suck. Hoping you get Bertha back soon. What kind of machine is she?? Your bee block looks great! That's one that I've had pinned for a while.

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  12. How terrible about your machine - there is nothing worse!!!
    Love that Chevron block! I'm missing the Summit too - I like your idea of sewing as distraction! :-)

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  13. Argh! I hate sewing machine issues that are not easily solved. I hope that your repair person is able to diagnose and fix the problem so you can get back into action soon!

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  14. Hope Bertha gets home safe and sound....love the quilt though

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  15. I hope your machine gets all fixed up soon! I upgraded to my Juki less than a year ago and when I have to use my other machine I am always surprised at how much slower/smaller/weaker it is! My poor backup machine! lol. That chevron block is amazing! I'm heading over to check out the tutorial now!

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  16. OHHHH...That is truly the absolute WORST. I had that happen one day and magically...all was well the next day. Who knew....

    Your chevron block looks so crisp and perfect. I love paper-piecing!

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  17. Oh dear, I hope a stay in time out and the doctor's tender ministrations bring Bertha back to health and good behaviour again!

    Love the block :o)

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  18. I commiserate with you over your sewing machine issues - your recount really made me laugh so it seams you are keeping a sense of humor about it!! I love the paper pieced block - great colors :)

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  19. Whew! I'm glad you're setting your machine straight! That sounds stressful. Love your bee block!

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  20. Machine issues are so frustrating! Glad you had your back-up! The Chevron looks awesome! Love those colors! Visiting from WIP Wednesday!

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  21. Oooh I love that chevron pattern!
    My machine should really go in for a checkup but I'm terrified because I don't have a backup machine! :O Why do they have to hold onto the machines for SO LONG??

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  22. I hope she comes back better than ever and more than ever willing to cooperate!

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  23. what a wonderful block. It looks sooo nice!
    I have a little Mr. Mini Machine, too. ;) That's all I know but I didn't quilt a quilt as large as your's except with a walking foot. A lot of turning and pulling fabric. If I ever buy a new machine I will buy one with a larger "throat". :) Hope your big one returns healty soon.

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  24. Ahh, sorry about Bertha. But how adorable is that quilt you were quilting! I love it.

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