Well, one is already being advertised – Sewing Machine Maintenance class on Saturday, April 20th from 1:30-3:00 p.m. You can find sign up information here.
The other class is Orphan Blocks to Bench Pillow – date TBD, but probably in May. Wondering what to do with single or a small group of blocks left from a previous project? How about a bench pillow?
Here’s the completed pillow front with my 1 – 10″ finished and 4 – 5″ finished blocks. I’ll quilt it using a loopy meander and then do a modified envelope closure for the back.
These truly are from 2 different projects. The center block is week #3 from the 2024 Riley Blake Designs designer challenge. It has too much of a Mardi Gras vibe compared to the other blocks I’d made in that series, so I remade it. The four flower blocks are from Lori Holt’s Flea Market Flowers book and were part of a table runner project that was pushed aside.
Bench pillows come in assorted sizes. This one will finish at 14″ x 28″, which is perfect for the small glider bench on my back porch. Kimberbell and other designers use a 16″ x 38″ size for their bench pillow projects. Remember, you are the boss of your bench pillow! Make it whatever size you like.
Don’t need a bench pillow? How about a table runner or door hanger instead?
One of the quilting mags I read is hosting a log-cabin style QAL that started earlier this week. On a FB post, admin warned group members against posting pictures of the pattern, cut measurements or directions. Such posts would be immediately removed. Posters are to keep questions general or message the magazine staff directly. Readers are then directed to three ways to obtain a copy of the QAL pattern:
Buy a print copy of the magazine containing the pattern.
Buy a digital issue of the magazine via Zinio.
Buy a pdf pattern from the magazine’s website.
As a librarian, I can advise there might be an option not included in the above list. You’ll need a library card, which should be available for free from your local public library. Download the Libby reading app and check to see if that particular magazine is offered in a digital format through your public library. Here’s a screenshot of what’s currently on my Libby bookshelf. And yes, the quilting mag referenced in this post is there!
Unlike e-books, most digital magazines do not limit the number of simultaneous readers. This means you can check-out a magazine for the typical loan period (usually 2-3 weeks) and renew it as needed. No waiting like for a popular e-book title. The magazine will be returned automatically once the loan period expires. If templates are required, magazines will usually have instructions on how to download the templates from their website. Tip: Need a working copy of the cutting instructions so you can keep track of what pieces you’ve cut? No need to hand copy. Use the screenshot feature on your device. Import the image into an app like Goodnotes to make digital notes or print the page and write notes the old-fashioned way (with a pen).
Sewing Machine Maintenance – Saturday, April 20th 1:30-3:00 p.m. Cost: $35 + $5 supply fee Let’s do a little spring cleaning on our sewing machines! Just like your car, your sewing machine requires regular maintenance to keep it performing in top shape. Do you know what type of maintenance to do and how often to perform it? We’ll start with our machine manuals and work from there. We’ll also share resources for learning more about your vintage and modern machines, plus provide a list of area sewing machine repair shops.
I’m really excited about the sewing machine maintenance class. A basic machine service runs $125.00 – $140.00 in my area – more if you have a machine with an automatic thread cutter or an embroidery module. Most sewing machine companies recommend an annual service. If you have the super high end TOL computerized machine that costs as much as a new car, then yes, you should absolutely plan to take it in to the shop for service on an annual basis, in addition to the routine maintenance you perform yourself.
For other machines – if you keep it cleaned and oiled, use quality needles & thread, protect it with a dust cover and your machine is running fine, there’s really no need to take it into the shop for an “annual” service. (BTW, I service and maintain my vintage machines myself.) Save your money! Furthermore, you CAN learn how to replace the bits that tend to break – spool pins, needle threaders and thread cutters. Parts are available to DIY. This is how I keep my classroom machines running. I know I can always take it to the repair shop if it’s something I can’t fix. Today, I picked up the Baby Lock Jubilant from the repair shop because I couldn’t figure out how to replace the blasted needle threader. This is the first time it’s ever been in for service and I’ve had it four years. Cost: $160.00. Believe me, I’ll be learning how to work on Brother/Baby Lock machines as well as I do my Janome machines! Don’t want to DIY simple repairs? That’s fine. Even with basic maintenance, you can probably stretch the service interval to once every 2-3 years assuming your machine is running fine. You’ll still save $$.
When does it make sense to replace rather than repair? (1) Your sewing machine is the $99 special from the big box store and you can’t fix it yourself. To me, it makes more sense to replace it rather than repair it (unless the machine holds some sort of sentimental value for you). (2) You have a computerized machine that’s out of warranty and the cost of a new motherboard is half the cost of a used, similar machine. Put it this way, should my 8900 need a new motherboard, I’ll be getting a new machine.
Janome machine disassembled to replace broken plastic spool pins with metal ones.
