So this morning I decided to make an effort, and prepare a practice piece for Quilt Along #18 - Go Loopy With Loopy Line
With regards to my previous post, and the problems I had with the bobbin washers, it became clear after testing different ways of using the bobbin washers, that my machine does NOT agree with this little piece of plastic. As mentioned before I had numerous needle breaks using it on its own. So I tried using it after replacing the spring washer back in the bobbin casing, and at 1st I thought everything went okay, but I had the same amount of thread breaks as without it.
I think my machine just does NOT like to go from right to left, especially in straight lines. I tried it again with circuit board, and because of the problem I'm having I would not be too eager to use the design in a real quilt. Normally while stippling I have very little thread breaks. I suppose it has to do with the wiggly- flowing motion, but with straight lines its a completely different story. So I guess in future, I will use my machine as is, without the washers, I really hoped it would have made a difference..
So coming back to loopy line, here is my practice block. I enjoyed this design, I suppose its because of the free motion and swirly motion. I prefer working in rounded shapes rather than straight lines. After doing the practice lines I quilted loopy line, and tried to incorporate larger and small loops, but as my personal preference, I like them all to be one size.
Happy quilting.
It's too bad the bobbin washers don't work for your machine, they do seem really nifty. You definitely don't seem to need them to achieve very smooth and even stitching though!
ReplyDeleteThat is so frustrating! I like your practice samplers. I'll be checking out Leah Day's website.
ReplyDeleteYour loopy line looks great!
ReplyDeleteSorry it didn't work out for you. And I don't blame you for liking the more curvy design. No one can enjoy stitching a design that gives you fits. My old machine was giving me fits all the way around while FMQing. It worked fine for regular sewing, just not FMQ. Thread breaks can make you steaming mad after a while, so I took the punge and bought a new machine. I got a great deal from a local dealer on a gently used Janome 1600 P-QC. It only straight stitches, not even a zig-zag stitch, but let me tell you, it is the most perfect straight stitch you ever did see, and I have only broken one needle with it. I LOVE IT! Of course, I would have loved to get the Janome Horizon, but it wasn't anywhere near my budget. But I do love my new one, and even if I could buy a new Horizon, I don't think I would get rid of my 1600. So all I'm saying is, if you love to FMQ(and I think you do) consider investing in a new machine. It will make your life so much easier. Just do your homework first, and find the right one. And don't feel bad about such a purchase. It's worth it. I spent $800 on my new machine(a stretch for me), and I don't regret one penny of it.
ReplyDeleteThis looks really nice. I keep having tension problems. I dread the loopy lines, I still have to do them. The loop is the problem on my machine, especially the ones to the left. Well I can't afford a new machine yet, I'm saving up for one. I definately put a new machine through a Loopy line test!
ReplyDeleteLove seeing your FMQ progress and your stitches looks perfect on the practice piece!
ReplyDelete