Ricky Tims - and a robin for Christmas!

Was given this little knitted robin for Christmas - didn't know what to say . . . overwhelmed!

Also given a wonderful "Grand Finale" DVD by Ricky Tims. I suggest you buy it. He is a brilliant teacher - gives clear instructions and is a mine of information. As I have lots of unquilted tops waiting . . . . . . . waiting . . . . . will certainly use some of his techniques - especially the way he binds his quilts. Beautiful.

This is the best Christmas present ever and I have sat and watched it 3 times already.

Relaxing with cups of tea and warm mince pies. Bliss!

Off to my brother's house to celebrate the New Year, but I shall drive back afterwards. I never was one for alcohol but stopped drinking completely after seeing how it affected Stephen.

Feel all the better for it.

Happy New Year to you all!!

Jan . . woke me up ..with a reminder of past glories!

Generous Jan (Jans Musing) has finally finished her beautiful version of Pop Patchwork magazine Singing Garden quilt and given me a mention as original designer, for which I thank her.

The finished quilt has not previously been seen on-line - only in it's bare state to meet the magazine deadline. No quilting or binding. So here it is - complete and finally on a bed.

I do like Jan's lovely version and her use of a restricted colour palette.

I was given a brief (and fabrics) to present a different and colourful block each month for a year.

Made Autumn and Winter versions too - which I prefer - but they are waiting to be quilted . .

alongside another 6 waiting in the wings . . . . !!

Happy Christmas to you All!

SIGNING OFF FOR A WHILE . .

Sorry ladies, but have not been feeling good today. Back has been giving me lots of pain. Shuffling about - unable to sit at sewing machine or computer for any length of time. Posting the Juki info took ages and didn't help. Just hope you gals found the content useful.

Not for the faint-hearted - JUKI 98P

This is not a machine for the faint-hearted! One has to persevere. It is quite different to using a bog standard sewing machine. Read on . . .

First attempt . . and helpers (see blog list)

Was ready to chuck the machine out of the window . . . could not prevent the pedal running away with me. OK for a tippy toed - light footed fairy, but pedal too responsive to my size 6 (UK) foot. Tensions all wrong.

Didn't have this problem with my old Bernina.

BUT - the Juki has a large 'harp' which makes it a doddle to work on a bed-size quilt.

Offered the machine up for sale.

Only Angie Whiston from Staffs (www.angiequilts.blogspot.com) - and Maureen Lamb (www.quiltworks.co.uk) from Cumbria - saved the machine by encouraging me to persevere and offered some very helpful tips.

Left the machine for a few days before trying again.

Another useful source:

Leah Day (www.freemotionquilting.blogspot.com)

Not forgetting the amazing Patsy Thompson (www.patsythompsondesigns.com)

Second attempt . .

Foot pedal adjustment

Found this a bit tricky - ended up using 2 telephone directories to ease pressure off foot.

This is one speedy machine and can run away with you. Using the directories enabled me to slow the machine down.

There is a thread cutter on the pedal (red bit) which I disconnected. Idea sounds wonderful but I found it easer to use the scissor button on the body of the machine - less liable to to cut threads by hitting the red button by mistake. Fine for a very experienced professional machinist - which I am not.

Brilliant - cuts top and bottom thread - saves a lot of messing . .

Upper tension knob

Adjusted Presser foot tension

Adjusted top tension

Adjusted tension in bobbin . .

Ready steady . . .OFF . .

Schmetz needles seem to work best . .

Sharon Scharmer adapted foot . .

Sharon Scharmer v Juki foot.. .

Sent for Sharon's adapted foot from the States. Expensive - and was shocked at cost of shipping. $2.95 on envelope - charged $14.95 by Sharon.

Having said that - the foot is very good and I prefer it to the original Juki foot.

Getting better

Aiming for a proper feather - see Patsy Thompson site.

Stitches OK on reverse side of work . .

Not there yet - but trying . . .

Playing . . .

First Patsy Thompson feather - long way to go . . .

First real feather - tho a bit wobbly. Used Invisafil #100 thread - not the best (in my opinion) for this particular work.

Re-played every DVD I own of Patsy Thompson's. She is the Queen of Feathers! Do look at her site. Her instructions are so clear and easy. Wonderful! Can see her on utube.

Using different threads on Juki TL98P

I used the following with varying degrees of success:

Presencia (as recommended by Angie). Good.

Sylko mercerised cotton 50wt.

Aurifil 50/2 thread. Good.

Madeira Polyneon #40 thread. Very nice result.

Invisafil #100 was quite good.

Madeira machine embroidery thread was OK.

Bottom Line #60 wt was OK.

Better control with hoop . .