Finally caught a break
 

I have been working on the kit that I got from Connecting Threads. Had a real hard time understanding the pattern, it is suppose to be an "easy" one. Took the pattern to a quilt class I was taking and the instructor was able to decipher the "Chart" that was given instead of instructions. I started to piece the 63 strips together last night and actually caught a break, I ran out of bobbin while chain piecing and only stitched 1 inch when I realized the bobbin was empty. Last time my bobbin ran out I must of been chaining for a good 15 minutes before I noticed it. I am a happy camper last night.

Oh my! It's good that you were paying attention to the thread. I have a tendency to watch where I'm going rather than watching the thread, and I can identify with you when you say that you had stitched a very long way before noticing that the bobbin had run out. We anticipate seeing your new quilt top.

it's the little things that make us happy ;-)

At least you caught it quickly.

I usually wind 3-6 bobbins at once for any larger project. Luckily my machine has a bobbin sensor or I would probably do the same thing. Love my Pfaff!

Been there, done that. Do you have pictures of the quilt?

You must be living right!

I wish I'd of had your luck yesterday when I ran about 15 inches before I figured out the bobbin had run out. Lol.

Most of the time I can hear a difference when my bobbin runs empty...MOST of the time....

I had a sewing machine repairman give me a hint that I try to follow when chain stitching. He told me to get in the habit of flipping about every 5th patch to check the bobbin thread. I try to do this as I pile up the finished patches in an according fold stack.

Hate it when the bobbin runs out and you don't notice! How many times have I done that. I, too, can hear a difference in my machine when the bobbin starts running low but most times I'm listening to something else and not paying attention to the machine.

Yes, I was taught that many years ago. You should be able to hear a difference in the sound unless your DSM runs on silent mode.

Love the machines that tell you when you're running low! Or I'd be doing the same thing.

I sew more in spurts so don't go long time with no bobbin thread. Time for me can be measured in inches or feet, never minutes or yards. I can't imagine chain piecing 15 minutes with no bobbin thread. I actually can't imagine chain piecing 15 minutes period. The quilts I make don't have a lot of chain piecing. When I do it is for just a few pieces and then those are assembled into a block and I repeat the process. I can't keep the orientation of pieces correct if I get too far ahead of myself plus I like variety. I cut a little, piece a little, press, put on my design wall, question my placement and color choice, rearrange, assemble in block, repeat...

My bobbin loads from the top, so there is a clear plastic "window" which allows me to see the bobbin. I've made myself check the bobbin occasionally just to be sure there is thread on it. I still sometimes run out, but at least I can try to predict whether or not I can make a particular seam before "sewing air."

I have an older machine...it doesn't have a bobbin out sensor, nor can I see the bobbin. I'm not likely to notice a change in sound when it's getting low, although sometimes I do.

A trick that I read on here is to use a wound bobbin in place of a spool of thread. When the 'thread spool' bobbin runs out, so has the lower bobbin. :)

Been there, done that, although I try to put in a new, full bobbin when I begin a project, it doesn't always happen, but I try. I'm looking forward to your finished quilt.

I let that happen once. Lol. I was chain-piecing my rag quilt squares and got thru about 5 of them before I realized it was out. Ha ha ha. Smack myself in the forehead moment for sure!

welcome Knitwitrosie

I finally (HOORAY) got a walking foot for my little Janome Gem Silver Limited Edition. there is no way I can hear the difference in the sewing now. The foot makes a rattling sound when it's on. But there is no way I'd trade it for love now money as the saying goes. I am in love with this $50 walking foot!

If you start out with a full bobbin in the bobbin case and a full bobbin on the spindle in place of a spool of thread they will not run out at the same time because the top one will use more thread as it loops around the bobbin thread. It certainly gives you a closer approximation than just using a spool of thread but there is a difference. I often use a bobbin in place of a spool of thread if I want to use it up. When I'm piecing I'm not really fussy as to what color I use since it won't show anyway. The more money I save by being thrifty with thread the more I have to spend on fabric!!

Way to Go!!!! Feels good, doesn't it?:)

I know that feeling. I usually run out about 10 inches from the end of a seam. Now I piece with all the same color and wind several bobbins at a time. A lot less frustrating. I also bought a Side Winder and use it all the time. I hate having to rethread my machine. Solved several problems all at once. Love, love my new Janome, but takes a lot of time to get used to it. Many things are the same as on my old Janome, though.
Sue

We are a community of like souls! We have all done this one time or another or a hundred and one times or another. Best to check frequently we all know but still get carefree in our stitching. Oh well, all is well that ends well. Keep sewing and be flexible.