Sometimes…

…you just have to drop everything and start a new project.  And sometime you have to know when it is time to walk away for awhile.  I subscribe to the Temecula Quilt Company’s “Monthly Mini” program.  This month was a “drop everything I’ve got to make this right now” kind of design.  That’s exactly what I did.  I got it Saturday and finished the top on Sunday.  It’s so simple and cute I’m even going to do the hand quilting myself.

The flip side of this is the “time to walk away” situation.  Not every monthly mini blows me completely away.  My initial reaction to the one below was “meh.”  At first.  But I also have Temecula’s super adorable 2016 calendar which is basically 12 postcards with the month and a quilt picture on one side and the cutting and sewing directions for the quilt on the other side.

Well…January 2016 was the quilt below.  Let’s just say, it really grew on me and one day I decided I had to make it.  It had been quite awhile since I’d sewn and I was rusty.  And in too much of a hurry.  I went home from work (the calendar is on my desk or I’d snap a photo to show you now), cut out the whole thing and started sewing.  I got the pieced strips together in no time – easy peasy I was saying to myself.  Then I proceeded to stitch every single strip together backwards.  Let’s just say there was a four letter word used and it wasn’t “oops.”  No problem, just chalk it up to a learning experience and rip it all out.  I couldn’t find the seam ripper.  So, I used my only alternative, my large Gingher dressmaker shears.  Now, I can honestly say that was a stupid decision.  Fortunately, I reached that conclusion fairly quickly which minimized the damage.  Then, I got up and went to bed.

After I cheerfully finished my little log cabin quilt yesterday I restarted Miss January and got her put together, too.

Before I wrap up this monologue, I want to mention something about sewing machines.  See those two little holes on the sewing bed of my machine?  I think they are pretty common (Bernie had them) and I know they are for screwing in some accessory.  But I have never actually screwed it in and am not even sure which accessory it is for.  All they seem to do for me is swallow my pins.

With this new machine I’ve tried to be very, very careful and not drop any pins down the holes.  But it happened yesterday.  Now, when I take the machine in for its yearly service I’ll get “the talk” from the sewing machine guy.  You know what I mean…the machine is returned with the sewing test sample under the presser foot and another piece of fabric with some straight pins stuck in it.  The mechanic will come out from his workshop and tell me “these were inside your machine.”  Sometimes they throw in a big ball of lint for good measure.  It’s said with the same tone the dental hygienist asks, “have you been flossing?” when they already know the answer but are just waiting for you to lie about it.  It’s shame I can live without.  So, maybe we could make those holes optional.  If anyone actually knows what gets screwed into them they can request the machine with the holes.  The rest of us can use the bed for keeping their pins within handy reach.

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15 Comments

  1. LOL! So funny about the repair guy. I always get the shaming treatment too so I can relate. "I'm paying for the repairs/maintenance, NOT the lecture. Thank you, sir!" I don't know what the holes are for either. 🙂

  2. Like the little quilts – and love your post!
    As a proficient "ripper" I use my rotary cutter to rip but one has to be careful. I became proficient in 2005 when I machine quilted my first beautiful hand quilted quilt!!!! It took 3 days and hubby helping and we used the seam ripper until he suggested that we use the rotary cutters. It work and worked well. Michell Watts came out with using a hair clipper (one of the small ones). They are OK, but I have cut some of the fabric using that one. So I understand how frustrating it can be. I think those 2 holes are for some sort of attachment.

  3. I had to go look for sure, but sure enough, my machine does not have those holes. Doesn't surprise me. I always buy very basic models and it probably doesn't accommodate fancy attachments.
    I am in log cabin love!

  4. Love your cute log cabin blocks…..heart string pullers! I have never heard of loosing your pins down those holes? I guess a bit of tape would stop that. Happy sewing!

  5. When Temecula first offered their monthly mini quilt kits, I signed up. I forget how many….maybe 6 of them. I can't remember making any of them. Too busy on other projects. I think some are still in the closet. One, I think I added the fabric to stash.

  6. ha, ha, yep guilty (until I brought a magnetic pin holder) because when you are madly chain piecing in the five minutes you have, of course the pin is going to fall in that hole! Buying a Clover magnetic pin cushion really helped, because I can semi throw (eg keep looking at my sewing rather then the hand with the pin in it) the pins and they still stick to the cushion…..all except the applique pins, those little darlings have a mind of their own and are the perfect size for that hole! I am with you, either make the holes optional or GIVE us a plate to cover the hole until we buy another accessory/dressmaking foot we quilters will never use!

  7. The log cabin quilt is very nice. I like your color choices. Such a sweet combination. My grandkids are attracted to those hole for some reason. I can't tell you how many times I've caught one of them feeding the holes with pins. Thank goodness most of my pins have to big of a head to fit through. But, that doesn't stop them trying.

  8. Oh I love those little log cabin blocks. Scrumptious colors! And all this time I thought those little holes were air holes for the little guys who work the mechanisms in my machine. Peddle faster Floyd!

  9. The holes are for attaching seam guides, button hole makers, etc. Very useful, if you need any of that stuff. I've never dropped anything down those holes. My pin heads are way too big to fit in those holes. Try using pins with larger heads.

  10. Really great choice of fabrics on your little quilts. I use the holes in my Bernina to plug in the darning tool when I darn sheets and towels. However, perhaps you could cover yours with tape that would not leave any residue. Second option would be to open up the bottom of your machine and remove pins before taking it in for service. Happy sewing.

  11. Your little log cabin is adorable in the "streak of lightening setting. and nice little size for hand quilting. Have fun!! hugs, Julierose

  12. I love the little quilts, Temecula Quilt Company is marvelous! I haven't had a problem with the little holes on my Pfaff, but my suggestion would be to put a little piece of tape over them, maybe with a folded edge on the tape so it can easily be removed when you figure out what to screw into them. Or not! Now, when my tech sees the mountains of lint in my machine, I'm sure he just shakes his head…

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