RULERS

Linda sent me a Craftsy class last winter.  I did make the practice quilt for the class and had intended to quilt it on one of my domestic machines.  If you recall, I was without a Long Arm for many months.

I never did.  I don't like pushing a quilt (even though it was not very big, at all) around under the needle.  On Friday I put it on the frame.

I thought that I would just play around with some FMQ.  The class is called Dot to Dot and Angela Walters teaches you how to quilt from one point to another to make lovely geometric designs. She demonstrates on a sit down machine and mentioned that ,when doing these designs on the long arm, she uses a ruler.

I bought a few rulers even before the Nolting was delivered.  I knew I would need them eventually.

I put the ruler base on the machine

and checked out my ruler supply.  I thought that I had a longer one but the only one with a continuous straight edge was the small one from HandiQuilter.

 I figured that I may as well just try making a diagonal line with the small ruler.  One would be enough.

So I did . 

I am hooked.

I played around for several hours.  I managed to hit the Stitch in the Ditch ruler with the needle.  Now I know what that feels like.  I damaged the ruler a bit but the needle did not break.  I changed it, none the less. 

I use the standard foot that came on the machine.  It worked just fine. 

 My circles need work.  Remember, bum wrist.

 I used the stitch regulator mode for the ruler work.  I don't see how I could do it without that feature.  I prefer constant speed when I am FMQ, actually, but for ruler work it is very nice to have that consistent stitch length no matter how fast or slow the machine moves.

This was the first time I used the SR mode.   At first I thought it wasn't working because nothing happened when I pushed the go button.  A green light came on but there was no action.  Then there was a beep and the green light went off.  I was perplexed.  I got out the manual and looked for information about green lights and beeps. I was wondering if I was going to have to reset the whole machine.  I found nothing specific but  I found the instructions about the stitch regulated mode.  Aha.  I read: "The machine will not stitch until it is moved. "  Duh. and " If the machine is not moved for 4 seconds, it beeps and shuts off."

So, I am on my way with the rulers.  Holding the ruler properly is a bit tricky.  I am better in one direction that in others.  Going backward is difficult.  I had some wonky, wobbles but, for the most part, the lines are straight. 

Singer 201-2 Quilts !

Did I mention that I have five 201-2s?  Four of them are for sale.  I am trying to figure out which four.   I made an apron with the 1941 201-2 on Wednesday.  It is a lovely machine and is listed for sale now on the website.  http://www.sewingmachinemagic.com/machines.html

As you know, yesterday I sewed on the 301A .  It is NFS.  The one I used last weekend is listed.

Every time Betsy and I talk about selling machines, I have a little palpitation or two and feel some weird twinge somewhere near my heart.  Really, I do.  I think it is because I hate to let these machines go.  I love them all.  Truth is, they are machines and need to be used.  If I hang onto them, they will only need service again in 6 months and I do not want to be a slave to my hobby.  It is supposed to be fun.  Just the same......OUCH.

So today I decided to test out another 201-2. This is actually the one that I was having so much trouble getting to stitch decently.  Not so now.  I used it all day and made a very nice quilted tote bag.  I was amazed that I did not need a walking foot to quilt the sandwich layers of quilting cotton, batting and quilting cotton.

 As a matter of fact, I did not even consider getting the walking foot out.  I  just started quilting the sandwich.  My intention was to make a tote bag.  I cut out the three pieces 18 by 39 and quilted them together never thinking that the raw edges would show on the inside when I stitched it together.  And what about the straps?  I figured out the strap problem by adding some contrasting fabric to the top. Likewise, I wrapped the raw edges with some cotton before I sewed the whole thing together.  It was pretty labor intensive and I doubt I will ever make another.  I  am happy with the results. I feel pretty virtuous, though.  This machine used to give me fits.  Now it is sewing beautifully.  I can let it go.  Such is the nature of sewing machine obsession.  The flame only lasts so long.