encoder!

Finally got back to the TL today to try and figure out what was going on - it's the rear encoder which controls the left to right stitches.  It was causing the 'drag' because it's just not working.  Guess I'll be ordering new encoders from TL on Monday!  But on a positive note, I did manage to quilt two small quilts using 'manual' mode.  I used to quilt using my domestic machine so just needed to get the speed of the machine coordinated with MY speed :-)  I wasn't able to do any feathers like I'd wanted, but it's okay, what I did do worked just as well.  I've still got to get the binding on the quilts, then I'll post some pictures.
Yesterday was an outside day for me.  I love my ATV!  Seriously, if someone told me I had to give up either my ATV or my sewing machine, I'd have to really think long and hard.  It was a bit cool but not cold, and the sun was gorgeous. 

Where I live, it's almost always this clear. 

You simply couldn't give me city life - I love where I live. 

Now I'm off to the sewing room to get the binding on the two quilts I quilted this morning.  Then I think I'll play in my scrap basket and make up some string blocks - just do some 'doodle' sewing :-)

Katie

Plugging away

I used to only sew garments and the occasional toy/doll.  Then I discovered quilting - YeeHA!  So now I rarely sew garments and the last couple of weeks inforces why that is! Why do the pattern companies give you a 5/8" seam allowance then tell you to trim to 1/4"?  What a waste IMO.  I've made jammies and nightgowns and working on the sly to make camo outfits for my men.  It's the sewing on the sly that is getting to me more than anything.  I like to sit down and work at it until it's done or at the very least be able to leave it sitting there until I can get back to it!  Nope, have to put it all away and when I think DH is going to be gone for a while, take it out and work at it.  Then so I don't get 'caught', put it away about when I think he'll be coming back - sheesh, I'll be glad when the camo is done!!!  Only a bit more to do - hummm wonder when he's going to be out and about again........
I'm wanting to join in on RRCB mystery over on Quiltville.  I've never done a mystery before and this one sounds interesting.  I've downloaded and saved all the clues but I knew I couldn't start until I got all my Christmas sewing done.  I may cheat myself a bit and do a few of the clues just to have them ready when Bonnie releases the setting for the clues.  It's the string block and how it will fit into the scheme of things that has me intrigued.
Need to get to my sewing room - still have more Christmas sewing to do.  Of course, if I quit adding to my list of 'want to get done' it wouldn't be so bad :-)  I tend to make more work for myself.  I see something and think " oh (so & so) would like that".  Maybe I just need to stay off the blogs until after Christmas :-)

Katie

Get up n Go - Got up and Went!!

Great day spent with friends yesterday doing some shop hopping.  Bought a 'few' pieces of fabric and just knew I'd be anxious to get it washed and start a new quilt.  Got up this morning and have zero energy.  I have walked into the sewing room several times, looked around and walked out.  I have browsed through quilt patterns and quilt blogs trying to find something to spark my interest and get me going.  Now it's not that I don't have anything to do - I do!  I just can't muster up the excitement to get going on it (actually 4 of them).  Maybe I should pull out my knitting...... I have a pair of socks that I started a year ago and only have a bit more to finish up the second sock.....
Hopefully tomorrow will be better! 

Katie

Putting scraps away

Put my scraps basket away!  I have at least 3 quilts that I should be working on that are not associated with scraps, so get the scraps out of site and I will get going on what I should be working on!  I get so easily sidetracked :-)
Took some preprinted panels (11" square) and framed them out to make them 'placemat' size.  I will put a piece of backing on the Tin Lizzy and will quilt them all at one time.  I'd thought about free motion quilting them with the regular sewing machine, but I've also wanted to see how doing something like this on the longarm would work out - guess I'll find out!
Will be visiting a couple quilt shops tomorrow that I've never been it - always a fun time!  Not looking for something particular, but bet I come out with something :-)
I'm feeling bad for the people of Haiti.  First the devasting earthquake and then the colera outbreak and now the flooding from Hurrican Tomas.  Please remember this devasted country in your prayers.

Katie