Tag: Quilting

When one retreat door closes, another one opens

December 3, 2023

In my previous post, I wrote about the Mackinac Island Quilting Arts Retreat and mentioned how excited I was to possibly go take a class with a particular teacher. The next day, the event organizer posted that said teacher had withdrawn from the event. I was truly disappointed, because things had seemed to fall into place so that I could attend this particular retreat.

Well…I opened an email today from JK Quilts regarding their 2024 Spring Retreat. This was the same shop that co-sponsored the Featherweight Retreat I attended back in 2019. I wasn’t able to attend this year’s spring retreat back in April, but the 2024 dates were certainly possible. Long story short – I’m registered for the retreat and our plane tickets have already been purchased. Hubby’s never been to Boise and has a former coworker who lives in the area, so he wanted to tag along to go hiking. Airline tickets were purchased a little early because we’d discovered a long-forgotten sizable Delta e-credit that expires today. Win-win!

And Jane will probably be the lucky machine that goes with me:

does quilting factor into your choice of laundry equipment?

July 2, 2021

Sure did for me with my recent purchase.

“It’ll be $677.00 to repair the washer, ma’am and that’s if I can get parts,” stated the appliance repairman. “I’d just buy a new one.” With that, my top load GE impeller washing machine had been pronounced dead after only 8 years. He also advised that, based on his experience, Whirlpool and Speed Queen brands seemed to have the fewest repair calls.

The hunt for a new washing machine was on with some very specific and important quilter’s criteria:

(1) genuine soak cycle

(2) stainless steel completely smooth basket (and preferably large enough to hold a king size quilt).

The quilter’s criteria were non-negotiable. I spray baste my quilts and prefer to soak them for 20 minutes to remove any glue before washing. The basket also needs to be smooth so it won’t harm your fabric. Some stainless steel baskets resemble cheese graters on the inside. Run your hand back and forth over it to make sure the surface is smooth.

I found TWO Whirlpool/Maytag models at Home Depot/Lowes that would work. ($750-$1000 for washer)

I found ONE Speed Queen model at a local appliance store that would work. ($1000 for washer)

It all came down to quietness v. load capacity with availability (thanks COVID!) being the deciding factor.

After a two week wait, my Speed Queen TR5 washer & dryer arrived yesterday.

And yes, the washing machine is as quiet as advertised. My parents have had their Speed Queen laundry pair for nearly 15 years now. Hope mine lasts as long!

Speed Queen TR5 washer & dryer in my laundry room

Shopportunity

October 9, 2016

 

Come Stitch With Me, LLC is expanding its retail offerings!

Soon, you will see specialty sewing items for sale in my Etsy sho20160406_172242p.

Only those items that I absolutely, positively use and love will be offered for sale (and very few of said items are available at the big box stores!).

Calling all stitchers! It’s time to get those Christmas wish lists started!

Competitive prices, speedy shipping and you’ll be helping a child R.E.A.D. with Boomer!