Saturday, the staff of Midwest Sewing & Vacuum was kind enough to invite me to visit

with their customers and answer questions about fabric and pattern design.

I would like to thank Jean & Judy for their hard work in setting up a

lovely refreshment area with a beautiful linen table cloth, crochet doily and pretty

floral china plates for guests to enjoy!   All very nice and well done!! 

They have so generously placed my display models made from my patterns and books in

Benartex fabrics right in the front window for several weeks now!

My sister, Tamara Gonzales came and took some pictures for me to share with you.

Jeff Gordon was on hand answering all the important, technical questions about the machines! 

I demonstrated on the Bernina machines with the ruffler attachment,  and also the BSR;

 Bernina Stich Regulator (the machine stitches when you move your quilt under the needle!) 

I wish everyone could have it on their machines when quilting.

I also showed decorative stitches & threads that I like to use on pockets and hems.

I want to thank everyone for all their help and kindness, and to the

guests who visited with  me about their sewing hobby.

I hope you had a happy weekend!

You have no idea.  No idea.  There really is no explaining how hard this was, and at the same time, how exhilarating, liberating and exciting.  I have treasured and protected this piece of fabric like a small infant child.  All the while hoping to be able to use it and happily let it serve it’s purpose.  It’s fabric.  I love it.  It is now something I can use daily…

I am using the Junk Bag pattern to make my tote for Quilt Market.

I couldn’t wait to free-motion quilt on this fabric!  The stabilizer used in this pattern acts like a thin batting, so quilting just seems so right!  I had some problems with my machine and just couldn’t wait.. The owner of Midwest Sewing where I am teaching some classes said I could use one of his machines while mine is repaired.  I was so excited to try the 820 Bernina BSR .  The stitch regulator is awesome!  As you move the piece that you are quilting, the sensor sees how fast you are moving the fabric and adjusts the speed of the machine automatically, no need to press on the foot control!  I have never had the chance to use it!  The picture above is a close up of the free motion quilting I did on the machine – awesome, fast, perfect!

While I was at it, I took some pictures of some of the steps used in the bag directions.  I love these binder clips.  They hold everything in the right spot, I don’t worry about holes in my fabric or whether I can get the pin through all the layers.

Also use the clips to hold the lining in place.  I used plenty!  It helps align the fabric and keep it from wrinkling in the wrong spot down the road as you sew.

When stitching lining to bag around top edge, use quarter inch presser foot with guide.  Stitch on lining side of bag (Refer to step 10 on pattern).

Working on the Bernina really spoiled me.  I get asked often by quilters and sewers what machine I use or if I would recommend one.  I really recommend that you visit a shop that specializes in machines and visit with the salesperson about what your needs are.  My experience is really limited to what few machines I have been exposed to and there are so many special features on each machine, I couldn’t possibly keep up to speed like a shop owner can.  I learned quite a bit visiting an open house at Midwest Sewing, here in Wichita and had some time to try a few of the Bernina machines while there.  I have had one in the past and really loved it.

Ta-Da.  I’m exhausted.  Sewing really is a demanding, contact sport for some of us.  But it’s a labor of love.

Bag back, quilted.

Bag inside pockets.

Now I get to add my fabric hang tag and bejewel and bling it up!  It’s what I’ve been waiting for. 

Happy Sewing, ladies!