In summer, I long for a chilly breeze; in winter I long for a fire.
At desert, I dream of the seven seas; at sea, it is the dry land I desire.
Since it is winter, I am naturally dreaming about Spring. Here is a little mini, I made - A trio of Tulips.
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| A Trio of Tulips |
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| Garden Blooms |
Blogland: It has been a while.
Me: This happens when one is on a honeymoon
Blogland: Honeymooning with Paul - You are such lovebirds.
Me: Not with Paul.
Blogland: Someone else? Does he know?
Me: Yes, he was the one who insisted on it.
The on/off switch on my very faithful Janome 4120 QDC fell off on Wednesday, February 7, 2018. Since then I struggled to make do with a basic (non-computerized) Kenmore machine, while I
1. researched how to fix my Janome (or find someone who can) and
2. searched frantically to find a suitable new machine.
After several less than pleasant experiences, disappointments and frustrating ordeals (including visits/calls to repair mechanics, sewing machine shops, and reaching out (sometimes unsuccessfully) to other sewists/quilters), I ended up in
Pocono Sew and Vac in Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania.
The fact that they had an answer to all my sewing machine questions, an excellent staff, prices to die for and plenty of yummy fabric to swoon over more than made up for the fact that they are four hours away.
I spent several hours in the store, test driving machines and asking questions. And while I was leaning towards the Janome Skyline S3 (affordable), Paul insisted that I get the bigger, better, fancier, more stylish Elna (more expensive, but still a steal since it was marked down).
Pocono Sew & Vac will also fix my Janome at a cost much more reasonable than quoted by others. (In fact, it is all done and ready to be picked up)
If I do not like my new Elna, I can return it for a full refund in 30 days. No questions asked.
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| My newest... |
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| She is big and beautiful |
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| Storage for feet - Love that attention to detail |
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| Protecting the spool from the cat - Terrific |
I cannot talk (too much) about my new Elna yet. We have just met and this relationship is too new to be discussed openly. But I can say without any doubt that Pocono Sew and Vac had the largest selection of machines (yes, you can try them all), the best customer service (they will answer questions but will not bug you while you are test driving), and their prices are the most reasonable. I highly recommend them for all your sewing machine needs.
Yes, I bought some fabric too.
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| Droolworthy |
From February 7 through February 25, I was starved. I am binge sewing now. I also completed these two doll quilts - Patrick and Patricia. Yes, they are twins.
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| Blue Doll Quilt - Patrick |
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| Owls on the Backing |
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| Pink Doll Quilt - Patricia |
Will be sending them soon to Amy for
A Doll Like Me.
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| Sweet Patricia |
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| Handsome Patrick |
I did not win the giveaway at
Needle & Foot. But that was hardly the point. I am sure these doll quilts (making and sending) will be an ongoing project for me.
I have a few other quilts in the works. Some secret - some not. Here is a sneak peek at one of them.
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| Coming soon |
I will be linking with all my favorite linky parties (see sidebar). As usual, I'd love to hear from you. What has been keeping you busy - fabric or gadget?
Your new machine looks like a Ferrari! Congratulations and enjoy the ride! =P
ReplyDeleteThat's a pretty fancy lookin machine there, girl. just wow. Congrats. and, you get to keep the Janome? score. I'm loving that purple/lime green fabric. Those doll quilts are just so sweet. mary in Az
ReplyDeleteI've been busy with a similar love affair with my new juki! It's a glorious feeling! Finally finished belated Christmas presents (whoops) and on to new adventures, including playing around with design ideas for something modern and improv with a 101 piece rainbow solids charm pack!
ReplyDeleteIt does take a while to form a relationship with a new machine. They have to learn all your quirks...and we know you are a quirky girl! Congrats on the new Elna though! You will be happy you got the bigger one with more bells and whistles! Happy sewing, happy honeymoon with it!
ReplyDeleteI really should make a tulip quilt and get into the spring mood. I love that you could test drive any and all sewing machines without someone bugging you (and that the one you chose was a good deal.) One day, I too will have to go machine shopping. I hope I find one as accommodating as your shop. Nice twin quilts too, BTW.
ReplyDeleteGlad the honeymoon is going well. My new sewing machine and I are friendly, but not lovers. I need to learn more about it! Cute baby quilts. I found your Thomas Fire quilt and took a photo with it. Savanna is gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteThat looks like an awesome machine. I've found the doll quilts to be addictive. I sent 4 in February and have 2 more to go in the mail today, I have to stop and do some other things, lol. Your quilts are adorable.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on the new machine--enjoy!
ReplyDeleteWell, I think your husband deserves a huge hug (at least) for urging you to get your new sewing love. I upgraded to a Janome Skyline S7 this year and love it, even though I'm still learning things about it. Great that the store can fix your Janome too. Your fabric picks were yummy, and those doll quilts are so nice! Definitely some sewing love on your honeymoon! Congrats!
ReplyDeleteCongrats on the new machine. Have fun playing with her.
ReplyDeleteWow, what a wonderful machine! (And husband for supporting your other love) I love the pretty projects you’ve been making while you get to know her. Don’t you wish you could move that store near you? Four hours is quite a hike—but worth it for the good service.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations Preeti!!! What a lovely machine and your work is even lovelier! :) Had been wondering at your absence in Blogland Now I know. Looking forward to many more beautiful posts :)
ReplyDeletePreeti, I love your doll quilts. I actually sent one just like your tulip quilt a few months ago. I hope you don't mind but I sent Amy a link to your blog post so she could see the doll quilts coming her way. She and I were talking about the naming of quilts. It's an interesting subject...how quilters, or artist in general, name our quilts.
ReplyDeleteHow exciting Preeti. It is a great feeling with a new machine, but scary too. Don't want to miss anything it can do, but there is so much you aren't sure you will see it all. Enjoy!
ReplyDeleteSo glad you were able to get a new machine, and I hope your relationship grows into a forever one:) I am sure you two will make many lovely quilts together.
ReplyDeleteAhh a new love! Have fun learning all about her and I completely understand the binge sewing.
ReplyDeleteI am getting ready to buy a new machine, worried I won't find the best one for me, so I will be test driving as many as possible! Lovely projects all.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on your new machine - that's so exciting! It looks like there is lots to learn. I love your tulip mini - all the fun scrappy colors - and the backing is perfect!
ReplyDeleteHi Preeti,
ReplyDeleteI have this exact machine! I purchased it in July 2017 - a quick decision on July 3rd afternoon. I ran into the nearest LQS (Sew 'n Save in Racine) and walked out with it. They offered some lessons which I attended and took notes and haven't looked back. I just LOVE it. I have been sewing without the presser foot until just last weekend when I decided it was time to attend to my FMQ improvement goal. Your doll quilts are sweet! I am making a few as well and plan to practice my FMQing on them. ~smile~ Roseanne
P.S. My machine's name is Ellie. ~smile~
DeleteI like that kind of honeymoon! and so sorry about your machinem, I am glad they were able to fix it for yoU!
ReplyDeleteGlad you are enjoying the new member of your house! Some fantastic sewing is being done and no doubt will continue. I live in a rural area, our closest store is 2 hours away in any direction. Luckily we have a small more local fabric store only 20 minutes away. Don't forget to buy more fabric when you go to pick up your repaired Janome! "haha"
ReplyDeleteIf these little projects are any indication, you two are going to get along just fine!
ReplyDeleteThe tulips are so spring inspiring- a sight for frozen eyes up in Buffalo. I must admit I am a vintage sewing machine user- my Singer 301s are as old as me and my 110 yr. old Singer Treadle always makes me smile. I am smitten with their straight stitching.
ReplyDeleteThought I had missed something there ! I wish you and Elna much happiness and many years together x
ReplyDeleteI have this same model Elna and like it very much. I’ve had it for three years now, replaced a smaller, 25-year-old machine, and the large throat space makes machine quilting easier than with my previous machine. Here’s wishing you a long and productive relationship with your new Elna!!
ReplyDeleteGreat post and it had a nice hook; honeymoon with a new sewing machine which is what I experienced last night with my new portable sewing machine for the upstairs so I can watch TV with the hubby. It's okay since he plays his guitar while watching and we definitely have close caption on. It's great you found a great shop although four hours away and they provide great service. I see you recovered from withdrawal very nicely and I am sure you are going to have a lot of happy sewing with your new Elna.
ReplyDeleteI love your mini quilt, so spring spirit!
ReplyDeleteAnd your new and beautiful and awsome and perfect sewing machine of course!!!
Pretty tulips, I am so looking forward to some warm, or even warmer weather, and sunshine, I have a desperate need for dry sunny days. So sad you were without a good machine for so long, but the new one looks as if she will make up for it, I love the storage. Being able to have the old one repaired is wonderful, now you will never have to resort to the oldest machine, surely you can't have two disasters at once? The shop looks wonderful, I have never been to a big shop only small local ones, in fact it wasn't until I started reading blogs nearly four years ago that I realised so much fabric in so many colours and styles was available. Enjoy your new love affair, and of course enjoy your honeymoon.
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you found a store willing to work with you. I hope that the relationship with Elna progresses smoothly, and I'm glad they have such reasonable return options (just in case) and that your Janome is fixed and ready for you as well!
ReplyDeleteThat is very exciting. A new machine is very special. And it look like you found the perfect place to purchase this one.
ReplyDeleteProjects with deadlines have been keeping me busy! LOVE the new girl in your life! The first machine I bought was an Elna. 1979 Air Electronic, and I still love her to this day; she is now my back-up machine. Eleanor Burns sews on Elna and I adore her. Glad your Janome is fixed though, ready to be a better back-up machine than the Kenmore, ;-) Love the doll quilts additions and the tulips mini!!! It's perfect; I want to go make one now but I must focus. Put the blinders back on... Now I"m off to Googlemap Stroudburg to see if it may be a possible halfway point between you and me... Love the fabric additions too btw
ReplyDeleteSo glad you were able to get a new machine, plus get the old one fixed. The doll quilts are very cute. Looking forward to seeing what you've got in the works.
ReplyDeleteLove your little tulips, and congrats on your new machine! Love the fabric you added to your stash too!
ReplyDeleteI sure hope you love your Elna. My mother-in-law had one for years. I am a Juki girl myself, but need to buy a machine with a blanket stitch since my Bernina is on its last leg. I know what it is like to be without a machine and let me tell you, it can really shut a quilter down! I had both of my machines in the shop last year and ended up buying a new one because I just can't be without one.
ReplyDeleteI am visiting from http://dreamworthyquilts.blogspot.com and am currently logged into a different Google account which would make me hard to find.
Your tulips are gorgeous by the way!
Looks like you got a great new machine. Love your little quilts.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on the new machine! Both doll quilts are adorable. I especially love the fun prints you chose for the backings. They're perfectly reversible quilts :)
ReplyDeleteYeah to both a new machine, and a shop that can hopefully repair your Janome. Looks like a great store to spend the day in - wish I live closer!
ReplyDeleteOK, that compartment for the feet is awesome! Congrats on your new machine! I stopped at that shop two summers ago during the Row by Row and walked away with a lighter wallet and a heavy shopping bag. I understand wanting to spend money in there!
ReplyDeleteCongrats on the new machine....looks like a keeper!
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful new machine. I'm glad it all worked out and hope you love her for many, many years! Aren't husbands who encourage our hobbies (and insist on the better machine) the best?
ReplyDeleteOh just too wonderful for words! All of it! Here’s to your new ventures!
ReplyDeletewonderful blog post. Happy ending to a traumatic event. I am intrigued by your teaser photo of grey and butter. Preeti has a mystery quilt! Sounds like a thriller book. hugs and congrats on such a supportive husb.
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