Tag: crafts

It’s travel season for quilters!

June 22, 2026

A common question appearing in many of the different quilting groups I follow is, “What sort of sewing machine should I take on my trip/to my retreat?” The litany of responses that follows usually includes mentions of Featherweights, machines from big box stores, and smaller computerized machines found at various sewing machine dealers. My thinking? Take the machine that does everything you need it to do at the retreat and preferably one you can transport (lift, unpack, set-up) unassisted.

Martha Pullen, the heirloom sewing guru, often said that all you really need is a sewing machine with a straight stitch and a fully adjustable zigzag stitch to make beautiful things. (I’d also add an automatic needle threader and top loading bobbin to those criteria!) Mechanical or computerized? It’s your choice.

Here’s the thing: you do not need a super fancy sewing machine at classes and retreats. A Featherweight is a great little machine for piecing blocks. I love my Featherweight, but from a practical standpoint, you’ll be happier with one that does a few other stitches in addition to a straight stitch. Circled in red are the stitches I’ve used in classes and at sew days over the past two months.

Elna 450 showing stitches actually used during recent classes and sew days.

A $200 budget and a trip to your local big box store can net you a decent travel machine. I found three viable options in-stock at my local Wal-Mart store: Janome Signature Charm, Singer M3220 and Janome C30 in blue. To me, the Singer offers the better value of the two mechanical options. My money is on the computerized C30, though. Same stitches as the Elna 450 shown above (and Elnita EC30 and Janome TM30), but this model does not have a speed control slider.

Need more options? Scout your local thrift shops and FB Marketplace for a vintage machine.

Revisiting cross-stitch after a L-O-N-G hiatus

June 8, 2026

Cross-stitch was really popular when hubs and I got married many moons ago. Eventually, the quilting bug bit and I set my cross-stitch supplies aside. However, there’s this one unfinished project that’s left me frustrated every time I pull it out to work on it.

I took the unfinished project to my Friday sewing group at the library. Their recommendations: (1) stitch using a really bright task lamp and a pair of slightly stronger reading glasses. 2) DO NOT RIP OUT any existing stitching. Merely blend the four colors (which are one shade apart) in that section as best I can and keep on going. Wise advice. I’ve made noticeable progress.

At the JK Quilts 2025 spring retreat, one of the daily projects featured a tulip cross-stitch design with Sulky 12 wt thread over 14 ct Aida fabric. I didn’t actually start the project until after I returned home, but I’ve actually enjoyed cross-stitching again! I like the sheen and feel of the Sulky thread and not having to manage 6 strands of traditional DMC floss. (A single thread of 12 wt thread equals 2 strands of traditional DMC floss). The 14 ct white/off white Aida cloth was much easier for me to see with standard reading glasses and overhead lightling.

If you like to stitch for a good cause, the Haven 2026 Charity Quilt & Stitch Along with Fat Quarter Shop has a new start date – Friday, July 3rd! Find all of the updated details here. This means you still have time to order a quilt kit or pull from your stash (and your friends’ stashes)!

This morning, I pulled supplies from my stash to make the cross-stitch version of Haven. I need a small, portable handwork project for upcoming travel and shortened summer sew days at the library. I’ll actually stitch it using Sulky 12 wt thread over 14 ct Aida cloth. Other than white, there are no exact DMC to Sulky matches for this project on the color conversion chart.

Here are the color substitutions I made using Sulky 12 wt thread already on hand:

Navy: Color 1199 – Admiral Navy Blue
Dark Blue: Color 1095 – Turquoise. (the stitched sample has more of a teal look to me than blue)
Light Blue: Color 1205 – Medium Jade (same reason as above)
Green: Color 1156 – Light Army Green
White: Color 1001 – White

Sulky – DMC conversion chart (free download) from Sulky website.
Sulky 12 wt petites color chart (free download) from Sulky website.

Serious x-stitchers may be interested in the Sulky 12 wt petites color card (with actual thread samples) that is available for $25.00 from the Sulky website.

Practice makes you better

May 25, 2026
Not perfect, but better.

After several practice quilt sandwiches, it was time to do FMQ swirls on a *real* project. I unearthed a Moda placemat panel that had been part of the swag bag at last year’s JK Quilts spring retreat. I prepped the quilt sandwiches at sew day on Wednesday. Quilted them on Friday. Four placemats are now ready to bind.

Learning to FMQ with on my Elna 782 with the ASR requires a different set of skills – not good, not bad – just different. The payoff has been a more consistent stitch length when doing FMQ. I still get occasional long stitches (usually from moving my hands too fast when changing directions), but that’s okay. It’s part of the learning process. I actually prefer to FMQ using the start/stop button rather than the foot pedal. Still haven’t decided which particular foot I prefer to use for everyday FMQ. My next FMQ will be on a project made using the fusible grid interfacing. I’m going to try the “bowl” or clear view attachment to see if this works any better with all of the seamlines.

Back to Front Binding Tips:

Start with 2-1/2″ wide strips, adding 20% extra to the total length needed (just in case).
Do a mock binding layout to preview where any binding seams may fall – preferably no seams at the corners. Adjust as needed.
Sew using a 3/16″ seam allowance, joining ends using your favorite method.
Press sewn binding away from the back side.
Roll binding to the front side and glue baste in place, leaving corners for last.
Set corners and clip in place.
Let sit for 1/2 hour or overnight so glue can dry.
Stitch using a straight stitch with tie-off option and Janome Bi-level Left presser foot. (Note: the foot is advertised for 5-7mm machines, but I think it offers more flexibility with the 7mm widith machines. That said, my Elna 450 is a 5mm width machine. I set SW = 0 and SL= 3.0. Sew slowly with the needle down function engaged. )