Sunday, February 08, 2009
"Too Late Smart"
All the time I pieced those Lemoyne Stars, I used my Janome's quarter inch seam foot, but was unhappy with it. The flange makes it difficult to stitch close enough to a marking pin and the foot doesn't ride easily over bulky seam intersections. Finally, as I tried to do the last few stars for the outer border, I decided I'd had it. First I tried the regular foot (moving the needle), but although it went over seams easily, it has an unfortunately placed bar that makes it hard to stitch a Y seam accurately. Then I tried one if the applique feet, moving the needle position to 5.5. Perfect! I can see, I can stitch right to the pin, and I can go over bumps. So much better. If only I'd known that fifty stars ago! I don't know why I didn't. I used the applique foot on the Viking for piecing, but somehow, I thought I should be impressed with the fancy quarter inch foot on this machine. It's good for some things maybe, but not for this kind of block. Live and learn.
I just ran into your blog tonight and I really like the red & white star quilt. Also thanks for the tip of using a different foot on the Janome, I've never thought of making that change. I also have been looking for a way to make a ribon border on a wall hanging and the example you showed on the red & white quilt unlocked the way to do it thanks. I love your work!
ReplyDeleteI hate getting stuck like that but love when the solution presents itself. I especially like using a product or tool for something other than what it was intended for.
ReplyDeleteGood post-thanks.
I love that little foot for lots of straight seams. It allows me to chew bubblegum and sew at the same time! *wink*
ReplyDeleteKay - don't you just love it when you discover something great like that? Now you're ready for the next quilt!!
ReplyDeleteCheers!
Sometimes those "Duh!" moments cause us chagrin...but we are still glad to have them! ;-) And we'll never forget the lesson learned either, which is saying something for women our age
ReplyDeleteWow!! what a fabulous star quilt! I am impressed that you experimented to figure out what worked for your project - it is sometimes a balance between getting a technique down well, and using different tools to ease the work. Trying different things is not the first (or second or third) thing most people think of.
ReplyDelete