Tag: sewing

Updating CraftLAB sewing machines

April 20, 2026

The upcoming school year will be one of change as my private students will be heading off to college or new private schools. CraftLAB sessions will continue with new faces already joining in on the fun. I am also assisting guild members with teen sewing programs at area libraries.

All three current CraftLAB sewing machines have been recently serviced and are in good working order. Two were made by Brand A and one was made by Brand B. The kids gravitate toward the Brand A machines, even though the Brand B machine is “prettier” and does a lot more fancy stitches. They tell me the Brand A machines “work a lot better”. Translation? Brand A doesn’t jam and chew fabric like Brand B does.

It will certainly be easier for everyone (including me) if the Brand B machine were re-homed and replaced with another Brand A machine. The existing machine they all like the best has two additional color options available. Students were happy to provide feedback and chose the red & white version. If it’s not available, they would prefer another one like the one we currently have.

I spotted a used Brand A machine at a local sewing machine shop a few weeks ago. Ken’s Sewing Center in Alabama has the Brand A variation that the kids liked now in stock. I’ll give both dealers a call tomorrow. Regardless, I’ve already ordered the wide extension table from another online retailer! Those little tables are hard to come by and are about 1/3 the cost of a custom acrylic Sew Steady table. Monies received for selling the Brand B machine will cover the purchase of our new CraftLAB machine.

Is it critical that I replace the Brand B sewing machine? Absolutely not! Updating the CraftLAB machines to a common manufacturer keeps things simple for me. That’s the real reason I’m considering buying a new machine.

Edited to add: I shopped the two local Janome dealers to look at the red TravelMate 30 (TM30). Floor model price at one dealer – $349.00 and sealed box price at the other dealer – $449.00. Honestly, I really wanted the red & white Elna 450 because I knew it would fit inside my wheeled underseat travel bag. I called Ken’s Sewing Center to ask some questions about the Elna 450 and the salesperson offered to throw in the 1/4″ foot with guide at no extra charge. I placed an order!

FWIW – Sewing Parts Online is also advertising Elna 450 sewing machines for the same price as Ken’s Sewing Center. If you live in the Nashville area, it might be worth a short drive to pick up as their lead time was 7-10 business days for an online order delivery. My new machine from Ken’s Sewing Center should be here on Friday afternoon (2-3 days).

Spring & Summer Stitching Possibilities

April 7, 2026

Planning for a staycation quilty summer? Me, too! Let’s make the best of it.

Just for fun:
(1) Visit Shop Hop, Inc. to see if there’s a shop hop for your region or state. Buy a copy of the magazine and join the fun. You can visit participating shops virtually to make a list of the ones you’d really like to visit. Plan a daytrip or a weekend away to knock out your list and collect your shop hop stamps and free gifts.

(2) Paint a Barn Quilt Block for your sewing space. Search YouTube and online for a tutorial or order a ready-made kit from Covert Creations. Check with local craft/paint studios to see if an in-person class is scheduled near you.

(3) Search for summer quilt shows within a 2-3 hour drive. Research nearby quilt shops that you can visit as part of your trip.

Virtual QAL possibilties:
(1) American Quilter’s Society is kicking off a FREE, 7 week QAL that starts this Wednesday, April 8th. The quilt design features triangle in a square units to make spiky stars. Get all the details here. I really like the quilt design. The materials list specifically mentions the V block ruler from Studio 180 Designs. There are tools avalable from Bloc-Loc and Creative Grids that will also allow you to make these same units. I tried a set of Tri-Recs rulers found in my ruler stash. Tri-Recs rulers will work, but you have to be exact with your cutting, sewing and pressing. I opted to purchase the V block ruler because the ruler is way easier for me to hold in position while cutting versus using the Tri-Recs rulers. I’m also a member of team oversize and cut down. I have three other Studio 180 Designs rulers that I frequently use.

(2) 4th & Main Designs is offering a FREE, 12 week QAL that starts May 25th. Get all the details here. It’s a monthly sampler quilt where the blocks could easily become a door hanger, pillow cover, table runner or other seasonal decor in your home.

(3) Looking for something to celebrate our country’s 250th birthday? Check out the offerings from Fat Quarter Shop and Riley Blake Designs, especially the Firecracker Quilt, if you’re looking for a free patriotic quilt pattern.

(4) Need other options? Be sure to visit Moda Fabrics or visit your favorite designer’s blog to create your own QAL from a previous project that catches your eye.

Set up for sewing at the kitchen table while I stream my fave Sewlebrities on YouTube.

Finally – a finished quilt!

March 31, 2026

One of my CraftLAB students gifted me the candle at Christmas. I waited until I completed my first quilt in 2026 to light it. Totally worth the wait. It has a lavender and spicy vanilla scent. Smells REALLY good.

The pattern is Clippings from Thimbles and Needles out of Australia. It’s the first project quilted on my new Elna 782 using the stitch regulator. I’m still learning how to tweak the settings to best fit my hand movements. I’ll try a spiral variation on my next quilt.

Life is happening. My instincts told me not to plan any major travel for 2026. I’m glad I listened. I’ve had my medical drama for this year. Sadie currently has an indolent eye ulcer and we have a visit with the specialist tomorrow. My father-in-law recently lost his battle with Alzheimer’s and I’m helping with some of the more complicated estate stuff. My husband has his big appointment at MD Anderson at the end of April. Surgery is a very real possibility. His last surgery meant two weeks in Houston followed by a 2-3 month recovery period. We *might* be able to go somewhere in the fall. I have several itineraries on standby.

Meanwhile, I didn’t enter a quilt in the June show and I’m okay with that. However, my CraftLAB students have completed their blocks for the show. That’s even better! I’ll be working at the kid’s exhibit booth during the quilt show, plus I get to spend one day working the jurying side of things before the show. Looking forward to it.

The next two months will be spent winding down the school year with regard to therapy dog visits, gearing up for the quilt show and doing what we need to do to make sure all three of us (Sadie, hubby and me) are healthy and engaged in doing what we like to do best.