It's Logo Time

Just a quick post to show you what my amazingly talented friend, Juli Ann, created for me.  Yes, that's right...a logo just for me...Eeeee!

Juli Ann created our STLMQG logo, as seen here. 

I knew when I started writing my quilt pattern, I would eventually need a logo that I could put not only on the pattern itself; but something for my "business" cards, a site button, etc. 

I asked Juli Ann if she would be willing to help and within a few short weeks, she provided me with nearly a dozen options.  It took me a while to narrow it down as they were all lovely.  Yet, in the end I decided to go with a combination of two designs; as I knew that there would be instances where something more horizontal or vertical would be preferred. 

With the help of her husband, Shawn, they finalized the details and just a few short hours ago...I was the proud owner of these.

Not only is Juli Ann an extraordinary quilter, as seen by her work here, here and here.  Both her and her husband are talented artists and I was thrilled that they would take the time to work on this project.

Thank You! Thank You! Thank You!  



Sneaky! Sneaky!

I got to work this morning, a routine Wednesday, nothing special...when in walks my friend, Jenny.  The first words out of her mouth were something about being Sneaky.  I didn't know what she was referring to until she pulled this out of her bag...

She didn't have to say anymore, I knew what it was for....QuiltCon.   

Seriously, when's the last time you counted down to something using the paper chain method, Kindergarten? 3rd grade?  I highly encourage you to make a paper chain to celebrate something you are excited about...or better yet, make one for a friend, relative, or even a neighbor.

Thanks Jenny!!!!!

Pouch Swap

Today was another fun-filled STLMQG meeting and guess what...we swapped pouches.  You might remember the Pouch Addiction that I wrote about earlier.  Well, clearly I wasn't alone.  I took a poll following the swap and it turns out that several of our members not only made practice pouches, as I did; but once they got started they found it hard to stop...making them for family members and friends.

This is the pouch that I made for my partner, Marilyn.

And this is the most wonderful pouch that I received from Jessica...of course I had to photograph it in the grass...it's a bunny afterall.  Don't be deceived by the photo, this pouch measures 9"x13".



There was such variety amongst all of the pouches and even when people made similiar shapes, they were so very different from one another.  If you would like to get in on the pouch craze, check out this Pouch Swap that is starting up on Flickr soon...or check out these links to some great tutorials to create your very own.

Call me a Snob if you must...

If you read my previous post, you'll remember that my much loved sewing machine died earlier in the week.  I tried to put on a brave face; but I was actually dreading having to shop for another machine...I know how dare I.  Yet, one doesn't realize how much the industry has changed not only in 5 years; but 15.  It's overwhelming.

My old machine didn't have luxuries like needle up/down, an extention table, etc. so realizing that some of these things are standard now, made me very happy.  I spent much of Wednesday night researching brands, reading reviews and mapping out local dealers that carried a variety of brands and styles.

I spent most of Thursday checking out the competition, test-driving other machines and in the end I just couldn't do it...I couldn't walk away from Bernina.  If that makes me a Snob, then fine; I'm a Snob.

In my research, I just found that some of the other machines which to me seemed like they should have cost less, actually cost hundreds more then the machine I had my eye on.  After all was said and done, what really sealed the deal was three things.  First, I learned about a promotion where I could knock off $100 from the SRP putting it within my price range.  Two, that I could actually finance the machine instead of having to cough up all that money at once.  Three, that all of my presser feet (including the Walking Foot that I had purchased only a year and a half prior) would still work on my new machine. 

We are all comfortable with certain things and gravitate towards them...Ford vs. Chevrolet, Taco Bell Tacos vs. Jack in the Box Tacos, Pizza Hut vs. Domino's, Target vs. Walmart. 

When it comes to sewing machines, I'm a Bernina-Girl.

RIP Bernina

After working lots of long hours the last few weeks, I was finally able to take a few days of vacation.  I plugged my Bernina Activa 130 in last night, sewed about an 8" seam when the LCD screen flickered and went black. 

My immediate reaction because of the crazy winds we have been having, was that it must have been a power-flicker.  I shut my Bernina down, unplugged, waited 5 min and started her up again.  I sewed about an inch and a half, before she gave out completely. 

I panicked as any Quilter or Sewist would. 

I woke up this morning and headed to a local Bernina dealer/fabric shop, where they promised me they would call later with an estimate on the repairs.  A few hours later, I received that dreaded call.  The repairs will cost hundreds $$$$$

So, I bid you farewell Bernina Activa 130...may you RIP.

• I fondly remember buying you back in 1997, as a highschool graduation gift to myself.  I suprisingly still have the receipt after all these years. 
• I remember all the clothing we sewed together while I studied Fashion Design at Wash U.
• I remember the couple of years you sat quiet while I pursued other adventures, only to realize Quilting is what I really wanted to do.
• I remember this quilt, this quilt, and most recently this quilt that you helped me finish.

I remember so many things and yet it is time to put those memories in a lovely little box and file them away.  In the interim, I'm borrowing my Mom's Bernina Sport 801; which has been a workhorse for the last 30 years.

I don't know what the future holds and I hate the thought that I have to start a search now for my a new machine; but I know that I'll always have a little spot in my heart for my Bernina Activa 130.

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Please note that I bought my machine in January of 1997, over 15 years ago and only once have I ever had to take it in for a minor repair (tension).  Hence, my sadness over loosing this gem.

Thrifting pays off

The day started as usual, no big plans, just a few errands to run.  The Sister and I decided to visit St. Vincent's Thrift Store off of S. Kingshighway.  It's an enormous store that is filled with clothing, accessories, furniture, books, electronics, home decor and interesting people.  The RiverFront Times actually named it the best thrift store in St. Louis.

I always check out the furniture because you just never know.  Usually, it's tacky TV entertainment centers from the 1980s, a random mix of table and chairs or if you are lucky you might find an antique sewing cabinet with machine still included.

Before I could make it halfway down the first aisle; I went into OMG! OMG! OMG! is that what I think it is mode.  Standing in front of me was an antique armoire that was A-Mazing!  We are talking turn of the century, knock-down cabinet with tons of unique details.  This is the type of piece that I see in Antique Malls all the time and know that I can never have because of the enormous pricetag.  Yet, the one in front of me was in my price-range and I couldn't believe it.  One glance and you could see that it needed some work; but let's be honest, I live in a 125yr old Fixer-Upper, I'm used to a little wear and tear. 

About 30 min. later...this was in my Dad's truck, on it's way back to his garage, so he can work his magic and make it like new (well, new-old; but you get the point).

I know it's hard to tell from the photo what it really is, and if I was smart I would have taken a photo of it intact while in the store; but I was too in the zone to think clearly.  All I can say is...

"Yes, RiverFront Times...St. Vincent's IS the best thrift store in St. Louis"