Sunday, July 19, 2009

It's a Blob!

My progress in the crafting arena is just eeking along. Here is the progress on my Dragon Melody Shawl. It's in Blob Stage, can you tell? It's looking much smaller than the sample I saw at Charlotte Yarn in April. I'm getting gauge so I'll just trust the process.
I spent a bit today working on the pieces of the block that has been giving me so much trouble that I've posted about previously. They're getting a bit easier though very slow going. I do need to get more precise about the pencil markings. Hopefully they'll easily wash out. I must admit that I hope that the whole Y Seam thing is not a technique that quilters use frequently or that will keep me away from some fabulous quilting patterns.
I had intended to do more, then my brother called and we chatted about his meeting with the tax assessor in his area tomorrow. He purchased his home at the peak of the housing market (2006). The county actually increased his assessed value this year to the point where it's assessed for more than he paid for it. He jokingly said that if he goes before committee he's going to schedule it for when I'm there in a couple weeks (I'm employed in a related field). I made some suggestions and hopefully all will be settled before then. I just didn't get back to my sewing machine after all that.

I'm thinking about starting my research on sewing machines. I don't intend on buying another machine for a while, but I'm a research kind of girl. I want to make an informed decision. Somehow, though, the idea of sitting down at one and testing it seems a bit dangerous! Any ideas on that?

8 comments:

Unknown said...

I like the "blob" and the blocks.

Julia said...

I'm anxious to see the finished product. Thanks for your well wishes.

Barb said...

Love the blocks...y seams are not too bad.

As for sewing machine.....I loved my Janome, had it for 14 years, it was just a simple one....then the Bernina has given me fits since I purchased it...I have just now brought a Pfaff, don't have it yet but hope that it will serve me better...so good luck with your search.

Jean said...

I wish I could knit. I am trying to teach myself right now how to do socks. Not going well right now. Your work looks wonderful

Irene said...

I've been quilting for about 6 years and I've only done one quilt with Y seams. I've decided I'd rather do simple well than complicated poorly, after all, this is supposed to be fun. As for sewing machines I do think you have to try them - almost like test driving a car to find the one that you like best. These days, they all offer pretty much the same thing, so it really comes down to personal preference. Good luck and I think your 'blob' is looking great!

Anonymous said...

Hi Jackie, love the colors in your blob! It will be fun to see when it is blocked into a shawl. Your Y seams look great from here. Sorry you are still frustrated by them. I am looking at sewing machines too. I was told by a friend, a Viking dealer, that sewing machines go on sale right before Thanksgiving, other major household appliances from Thanksgiving to Christmas. So now is a great tine to start testing. Tell the dealer that you will be buying then, that way they will show the machines, and may promise you a deal, but not pressure you as much right now. I plan on gong to a major quilt show on Saturday. All the major brands are going to be there. I think I will spend the day trying machines, though it will be hard to stay focused with so many things to look at. It is so cool that we both are machine shopping right now; we will be able to compare notes.

Candace said...

Your Y seams are looking really professional, Jackie! My input on machines - Husqvarna Viking (had one, loved it) or Bernina - have 3 - would never sew on anything else again!
Interesting on your brothers situation! We just found out a new law got passed here that says you have to have 2 comps within a mile of your home before it can close - our realtor is in a tizzy - she can't close on any of her properties now! We have no idea how this will effect our sale whenever we can find a buyer!
Cheers!

Micki said...

I can't wait to see the finished projects. They look lovely. I have had a few machines over the years, but I never had a machine as good as the Pfaff 4.0 Expression. It is their latest Expression model and it is out of this world.
Micki