Here it is sitting innocently beside the sewing machine. I thought it would be an easy walking foot job but I've been struggling with skipped threads, followed by tension issues after I changed needles. I suspect the problem is the backing fabric which is a densely woven African batik. I'm hoping to figure out the issues because this fabric is perfect for the back of this quilt and it is absolutely gorgeous to boot!
I'll take any advice you have to offer, kind folks.
If things had been going along as expected with the quilting I would be working on it right now but I've decided to give it a short rest. Deep breath in, I'm starting to feel better already. Quilting Postcards was going to be my goal for September but I'm chucking that goal out the window. I may still get it done but I don't want the pressure. Instead I will focus on trimming, binding and labelling my Quilters Planner Quilt, along with adding a hanging sleeve. This one I know will be joining Rory's Quilt in the show. Here's a sneak peak, which will give you a preview of Mary's amazing quilting.
Postcard might be hanging around at home with Mango Smoothie. There will be other shows in the future and maybe they can get to shine there. I do tend to set robust goals for myself but I am also able to let go. Good thing that. I am also learning to say no, even to things that sound fun and interesting.
The best quilty thing I did over the summer was work on the Curated Quilts challenge for August. I don't say this because I think the result was awesome or anything like that. I say this because by working on the challenge I gave myself time to play and create and for this quilter that's what I'd like the journey to be about. So I think I will spend some time this week working on the challenge for the Modern Guild. I've got me some experimenting to do. Linking up with Elm Street Quilts September Goal link up.
18 comments:
When I am really struggling with tension or skipped stitches, I wind a new bobbin or even try a different thread all together. Have you looked inside your bobbin case for lint under the spring inside the bobbin case? That has been an issue for me in the past. General lint cleaning out can be a big help for the better, too. I hope you have a good month and I could hear the stress getting better as your post went on.
Hi Lisa <3 It is so good to see you back here in this space. I also took the summer off from quilting. September seems to be the month when everything comes back in all full swing. It is great that you can let go. My recommendation would be thread as well. I didn't think about cleaning out the lint, but it is usually the first thing I do also. Mostly I clean the machine out to find out what is going wrong and by the time it is clean the machine works again. lol. good lucks <3
Like you, I decided to chuck my original goal and choose something that won't stress me out. I hope you discover a way to make quilting your Postcard quilt go more smoothly. I absolutely love that quilt!
Yes, unstressful goals are best. As for your quilting, besides what's been suggested: take the thread out and totally rethread, bobbin also, Microtex needle, maybe a size 90 would work better.
Sometimes I think the best stress reliever is just to lay all the stressors aside and play. I know your Curated quilt did that for you. I wouldn't worry about getting Postcards finished. You'll get the stitching issue figured out and then it'll all come together in the right time. I enjoy hearing what you are working on. Keep breathing in and out. You got this!
It does look like you have a lot on you plate. Busy, busy. I think we quilters get so excited about creating things we over do it! Looking forward to seeing Postcards quilted.
Give a try to cleaning out you bobbin case and making a new bobbin to try on your postcard quilt. You got this!!
Yes, put it aside and don't stress. I always try a new needle when I'm having troubles. Good luck with the quilt show.
Next time you try to work on Postcards, you might consider a completely different thread. Some threads that work fine with my FMQ foot will skip with my walking foot. I have no idea why! But setting Postcards aside for a little timeout while you relax and adjust your goals sounds like the right thing for you this month :)
Very nice! Thanks for linking up with Elm Street Quilts One Monthly Goal and good luck with your project.
I'm glad your putting it aside and letting go of the stress. When having problems my plan of action is new needle, quilting #90 then thread as some threads don't always play nice.
Gorgeous! You have such a way with color. Hope you are able to get the quilting issues worked out.
With skipped stitches I usually change to a different thread (although I rarely have this problem since I've been using only Aurifil) and put in a new needle.... size 90/14 topstitch needle is my favourite for machine quilting. Good luck!
I hope you have solved your quilting issues by now, but absolutely agree with the decision to put it aside for a while. After all, quilting is supposed to be what we do for fun.
Beautiful sneak peek of the sampler, I can't wait to see the whole thing. When I start to get skipped stitches, I take the machine apart, clean and oil it, and put in a new needle. That usually helps things for me.
I'm so sorry Postcard ADDED to the stress... I was reading along hoping that it would be,' and then I started quilting Postcard and felt much better.' I cannot wait to see this backing! Can you make a small square, like 10-12" sandwich and muck around on it? I agree with Cheryl, definitely changing the needle, which you did, and I also mess around a lot with the tension too, backing off the top a lot if necessary. Sounds like a puzzle, and I hope you get it solved.
Can't help with any advice, but I can say postcards have been about for a long time , your postcards can wait s bit longer
That's too bad about the postcards quilt but I admire that you're taking a time out from it. And you're making progress on lots of other projects, so hang in there!
Use a different needle to deal with the batik. Not sure what that should be, but I've heard that before. Something tiny and really sharp I think.
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