Unsecure chicken perches

[Snowy]

I was sent a link to this - sounds very good, and looks like good value. I can't quite bring myself to buy anything else for myself at the moment though, otherwise I would have snapped it up! (I still might yet )

***Stupendous Stitching***

[Plum]

Very tempting I must say

[Snowy]

I know. Got until January 1st to decide. How much is $29.99 n ££s? Probably only about £20.

[Plum]

How does it work then? I know I'll go back and read it properly

[Plum]

I watched the 4 video tasters from the first 4 sessions, now I really want to have a go. I'm going to just have a go in the new year from what I've learnt looking at that and go from there. I think mounting it on a block looks superb. It can't be that hard can it?

 

Go on Snowy do the course but it's $59.99 so I won't be buying it.

[Snowy]

I watched the 4 video tasters from the first 4 sessions, now I really want to have a go. I'm going to just have a go in the new year from what I've learnt looking at that and go from there. I think mounting it on a block looks superb. It can't be that hard can it?

 

Go on Snowy do the course but it's $59.99 so I won't be buying it.

 

Thats just it - it's not $59.99, it's half prrice - $29.99. Which works out at £19.35! Bargain!

And it would be nice to have some inspiration to use all those squillions of fancy stitches on my machine

[Snowy]

Well I looked at the short clips - looked very interesting so I went for it. £19.94 and you can pay through Paypal. Plus once you've paid it sends you a list of other on line courses for $25 I daren't look at those as well

[Plum]

and some of those beautiful threads. I keep seeing the lovely packs of threads for couching at shows.

 

I could start making a stitch bible and by the time I've got through all 78 I'd be good enough to make a cover for it .

 

Shall be interested to hear how you get on with it and see your work of course

[Plum]

Hello Snowy, how's it going have you started the course yet?

[Snowy]

Hm, funnily enough I got my machine out today to do some fancy stitching and the bloomin' thing is playing up again. It sews beautifully, but whenever I try the fancy stitches (or even just a zig zag) it seems to struggle and skip stitches and break the top thread. I've tried all the normal things - new needle, cleaning between tension plates etc. but it keeps happening. Very disappointing :0(

I've watched the first episode though - looks very good!

[Snowy]

Plum you have a Bernina don't you? What model is it and would you recommend it?

[Plum]

Frustrating when that happens, have you cleaned under the plate, got the right foot, rethreaded, kicked it?

 

I did have a Bernina and it was wonderful. I gave it away after it kept loosing it's tension even though I took it for repair a number of times. I don't know if the recipient had any more luck.

 

Ive got a pfaff now which is good but the Bernina was a far better machine for about the same money. I it 10 years or more and worked it very hard, I don't know what there normal life expectancy is. Given the chance I would get another Bernina.

 

Was having a look at the excerpts again. Just finished a quilt so need another project so might just have a go.

[Snowy]

I need to get it out and give it a good clean out again, maybe that will help. Shame about your Bernie - thought they were pretty much perfect.

[Plum]

Well I've started my piece and had a lot of trouble with fancy stitches, I'm just not used to doing them. Trouble was the tension like you. I've found that threading the bobbin thread through the little hook on the bobbin holder and lowering the top tension right down so the top thread appears on the bottom of the fabric works. Have a go.

[Snowy]

Thanks Plum. I spoke to the course tutor and that is what she suggested - says she does all hers with the top tension on zero! Sounds like that may sort it so will give it a try.

[Plum]

Found it in my machine book looking what feet to use.

 

You'll probably get it on the course but have a look at this video she's done on rattail binding. It looks straightforward and gives a good edge

 

When I get a minute I'll watch the cording one.

[Plum]

I finished my piece and am quite pleased though just satin stitched the edges.

 

I'm now going to purchase the course , it's made me realise there is so much more to it and I really want to learn about colour and stitches etc from her.

[Snowy]

Yay! I've not watched anymore of it yet, but I did post about my machine and got a helpful message back from Carol, the tutor.

[Plum]

Wow Snowy no wonder we had trouble with fancy stitches. Get watching it. I'm on the stitch bible bit and you iron interfacing on your fabric and use the right needle. Won't give anything else away.

[Snowy]

Will get watching!

[Snowy]

Ooh, looks good!

OK, so haven't started anything yet, but now know what I am going to make.

Was discussing decor in the lounge with OH and was saying it is pretty much how I want it, but one wall needs something such as a wall hanging. He suggested I make one and it suddenly struck me - 4 fat quarters, fancy stitched, would make a nice wall panel.

 

Soooo - have been onto the cotton patch website and spent a small fortune on batik, fusible interfacing and variegated threads

[Plum]

Sounds great What batiks and colours are you going to use?

 

I have got to invest in some threads and although I have lots of batik it is either one colour or patterned, may have to indulge.

 

I'm still doing the stitch bible, here's the front

 

and some bunchy stitches, need a bit more practice

I found I didn't need to reduce the top tension at all with Gutterman polyester (after sewing three rows and turning it over to find a feast of loops )

[Snowy]

Cover looks great Plum!

I haven't even got my machine out yet!

Going to use 4 panels of this, threads in lots of vivid reds, bright green, purple etc. I've already got hundreds of reels of normal cotton, but have ordered some variegated and a metallic in Jade green

[Plum]

Wow hot, that's a great fabric. You've had me searching now, I was thinking of this one

 

but won't be starting for a while so shall try and get a trip to the shop soon.

[Egluntyne]

Oh my! I see that online crochet classes are available too!