My New Machine

My old Bernina sewing machine is probably older than me and still going strong, but it's not big enough for me to do my quilting on so I do all my quilting on Mum's Bernina 820. This gives me problems with being able to complete quilts quickly as I can only do this on the weekend when Mum isn't at work.

Last week Mum had to go to Perth for work. I asked her to get me a price on a new machine if she was going to Burnells. This is our nearest Bernina dealer and where she purchased her 820 from. I had spoken to a few girls via the Quilt Club Australia group on Facebook who have the Bernina 440QE and they had nothing but good things to say about it. This is what I had in mind for a new machine. 

So I was surprised when Mum phoned me and said that they had the 550QE on sale and they would give her a further discount, she would pay the deposit as an early Christmas present and then I could pay it off over 12 months. Sounded great to me! 

I went from just wanting some prices to having a brand new machine two days later! 

Last night I decided to test it out on a quilt. I grabbed out the little top I had made for one of my Blankets of Love. I quilted it, finished it, and it turned out perfectly. 

My favorite things about my machine so far are the extension table and the seam guide sole on the walking foot. It made my machine binding an absolute breeze and lovely and straight on the back. 

I can't wait to start practicing and learn how to free motion quilt!

Sunday Stash # 7

This week I received these gorgeous 2D Zoo Mini prints by Alexander Henry from Kate of Kwilts By Kate. I swapped her these for a charm pack that I no longer needed. Thanks Kate!

I also made another purchase from the 'SEW - you're destashing' Facebook group. It's Beatrice Clover by Michael Miller Fabrics. It will go nicely with the Beatrice Bloom print that I already have.

As always, linking up with Finding Fifth's Sunday Stash.

138 Charm Squares

After finishing my scrappy log cabin quilt top earlier this week I realised that I have a lot of scrap fabric. So I went through and pulled out all the pieces that I could get a 5" square or more out of, starting with girly fabrics. I ended up with 138 5" charm squares and it doesn't seem to have even made a dent in the scrap bins.

A Colourful Sneak Peek

Quilt top finished tonight.

Sunday Stash # 6

Is it Sunday again already? This week has just flown. Probably because I lost a few days being sick. But a few bargains from the 'SEW you're destashing' group always makes you feel better! This is my purchase this week.

Charm pack of Summerville. I just love the little houses and cars.

1 yard of purple Kaffe Fasset fabric.

4 fat quarters of Kaffe Fasset fabric.

I got all of this for $30 including postage. That is such a fantastic bargain for these designer fabrics. 

Linking up with Finding Fifth's Sunday Stash.

Woodland Friends Quilt

This week I finally finished my little Woodland Friends quilt. I quilted this one and put the binding on the front weeks ago and it has been hanging on the back of my sewing chair ever since. I finally got sick of looking at it sitting there unfinished and attached the binding to the back with my machine and put it up for sale on my Facebook page.

I'm so glad I did because a lovely lady contacted me yesterday about purchasing it and wanted to come and see it. She is expecting a baby in three weeks and it turns out that she had made a canvas for the baby's room using the middle panel fabic (cute!). So this quilt will match perfectly! 

So off it went to it's new home. Waiting for a new precious baby to enjoy it. This is what making quilts is all about for me :)

 

Linking up with Beth at Plum and June for TGIFF.

QCA Bee - July Blocks

This month Anorina from Samelia's Mum asked for any modern star block, 12.5" inches, in black, white, grey and orange. 

I chose a Sawtooth Star. The tutorial I used is here.

Block # 1

Block # 2

July Blocks Together

For the first block I fussy cut a flower from some Amy Butler fabric. This one is Apricot Wallflower from her Lotus range. For the second block I fussy cut my centre block from some Wrenly fabric.

I haven't been doing much sewing lately as I have been renovating my bedroom and it's been a bit chaotic around here, but I have had a few orders for wipes containers. This print has been popular and I have done quite a few in this fabric.

I have another one of these to finish today so I better get to it.