Noob ventures out again, gets machine out of hawk...etc
 

Disclaimer: Don't mind the excited newbie...there are days when I might appear to have a bi-polar thing going on, but it's just "me." Oh, and I don't know how much "show and tell" goes on at this group regarding 'acquisitions,' but I hope it's ok to post them...

So today I ventured out again, less than 18 hours after my disappointing evening last night.

First stop: get my Kenmore out of hawk. It got a tuneup, and new little felt pads on top (that will DEFINITELY make it run better, right? In much the same way that washing my car makes it run better...) Found out that my 385 doesn't allow for FMQ- boo. Guess that means I need to start thinking about a new machine- LOL.

Next stop: Joann's just to "see" what I might need (yes, this is all a need, right?) Not too much of sale going on, so I dropped "Ben" and "Andy" at the checkout counter, but I came away with this fine material by uh...Susan Winget? I forget...I don't know fabric designers yet, but I'm sure at some point I'll find some favorites.

The pattern I plan on using was found in a book there- Easy Weekend something-or-other, and is by Sara Diepersloot called Pineapple Paradise. Does anyone know if I can find the pattern in some "generic" form online?

[ATTACH=CONFIG]387707[/ATTACH]
Pattern:
[ATTACH=CONFIG]387709[/ATTACH]
http://www.softexpressions.com/Merch.../4K1958-39.jpg

Is that Coats & Clark thread? If it is, what type is it. I only ask because it looks like the spools are yellow and I don't think I have ever seen yellow spools! I mainly use Coats & Clark Dual Duty XP which is a poly covered poly.

As for your pattern question, I'm going to be of no help to you! Someone will come along soon enough with some fantastic information for you I'm sure!!!!

I love your fabric!!! So pretty. Sorry no help with your question, though.

Yes, Coats & Clarke All Purpose #7360. Sorry 'bout the copyright link...thought if it was a direct link to the source it would be ok...

Thanks! I guess I will have to check out the other C&C thread spools next time I purchase thread!

Coats & Clark was all I used, and I have a fairly good supply of it. Took my Babylock in to have it tuned up and found out that Babylock's don't like C&C. I didn't think I was having any problems, but the lady said that it sheds a lot and there is probably a regular "nest" inside my machine. Oh, boy. Maybe that is why it was starting to sound funny.

I love your fabric choices!

Dina

I have a Babylock Jane and lots and lots of C&C threads and use it alot. My machine has no problems with it, a good thing because I plan to keep using it. I do clean my machines on a regular basis.

Your fabric choices are delightful! It's going to be a fun project.

Really pretty fabric, great choices!!!

great fabric you got the 'eye' for mixing --i am not so good at choosing colour so love show and tell+++++

I use whatever thread is on sale and have never had any problems and I use them on many different machines. As the others have said, your fabric choices are great and hope you will share with us whatever you make with them. Welcome to the board.

In the "old days" we used to be able to cover our throat plate with another throat plate designed to "cover" (actually rise to the level of the top of) the feed dogs so that you could "darn" or FMQ. Could this be an option for your machine; ask your repair person. Maybe he is not all that familiar with quilters and their need to FMQ.

Jan in VA

I had a look on google and if you scroll through this link (book not available though) it shows the quilt that I think you are talking about? http://www.softexpressions.com/softw...oks/4K1958.php If you spend some time looking through fabric sites or quilterscache.com you may find a block similar that you could use.

I think show & tell of acquisitions is part of the fun. Great fabric.

Beautiful fabric. I hope you have fun with it!...

Really LOVE your fabrics! Am partial to roosters/chickens and you did a beautiful job of picking coordinates for it! That will be a lovely, sunny quilt! Am wondering about your Kenmore 385.....is it a 158.385 or what is the complete model name? Jan's suggestion for covering the feed dogs would prob work if you can't drop the feed dogs. But some have said they FMQ without dropping the FD's, just turning stitch length down to 0.

Amazon has the book for $13.39 + shipping

Hi T-Bug,
Yes, that's the book, but I didn't feel right taking down much information about the pattern structure; that's just not kosher. My husband is actually out in the garage right now with a giant piece of brown paper trying to make it work. I gave him what I found online, and the overall measurements of the quilt. I guess we'll have to wing it on the true measurements.

Polly- Model is 385 1254180

I love the fact that you are excited about quilting! And I love those fabrics ... continue to share your progress!!

Ok, we caved. Went to Joann's and bought the book. Bonus- it was $10 off! Ok, I'm good with that :) DH decided "he" needed a cutting mat, too. Now, I REALLY need to get to doing my homework...(international business and GDP is SO not as interesting as quilting!) UGH....Boo. Hiss.

385 in the model number of a Kenmore refers to machines made for Sears by Janome. Many Janome parts are interchangeable.

My older Kenmore (made by Janome) has a feed dog cover that allows me to FMQ.

If your machine "sews" and you have a darning foot, you machine WILL allow for FMQ. Don't believe the naysayers. Even if you don't drop the feed dogs, you can still FMQ. The darning foot IS essential though. Good luck and Have Fun. As for finding that special pattern, don't worry, don't fret - just find a similar pattern. (Happens to me all the time.) Main thing is HAVE FUN !!

Nice fabric choices! I can't wait to see what you make!

Please post when done. Fabric is neat

The fabric choices are phenomenal!! I can't do that (pick fabrics), so you have a great start. You'll be happy you bought the book. Maybe you'll find other quilts you "have" to make in it!! :-)

You can free motion with about any machine - all you have to do is cover the feed dogs with an old credit card or something, tape it down and away you go. I do this with my old touch'&'sew.

OOPS. forgot to say to punch a hole for your needle. I just used a small hole paper punch and some effort.

Did you get the chicken fabric at Joann's?? Just love it.

I agree! Love your fabric choices! They should make up beautifully in the pattern you linked to.

By the way...chicken, green and plaid were all from Susan Winget's line at Joann's. Admittedly, only the yellow and brown were "my own" coordinating additions. Wish I could take credit.

Quilters Cache has a tremendous number of quilts that include instructions and they are all no charge. Here is the link. They are alphabetical so you can check the area you would like. http://www.quilterscache.com/QuiltBlocksGalore.html Good luck!

Pretty cute collection of fabrics! I hope you find the pattern you are looking for.

Nice choice of fabrics! They work together so nicely!

Pretty fabric ...

I am going to Joann's next time I go to town. I NEED that fabirc for some kitchen things, like placemats, toaster cover, etc. My wallpaper has chickens on it with yellow background. It was here when I moved in and I love it plus I have some chickens and love them. I cannot help you with a pattern either, sorry. Take care.

Looking forward to seeing what you do with that beautiful fabric so sunny and happy!

Fabric choices
 

I wish I could stop at JoAnn's and "see" what I might need. Just spent the gift card the kids gave me for Christmas plus the money from a Bow Tucks bag I sold, but (my often time comment) "Honey, it was on sale". Anyway, I digress - I wanted to applaud you for your fabric choices, so bright and cheerful - just what we all need in Jan. Keep us posted. Sorry, but I don't know where you could find the pattern.

Love your fabric choices, keep us posted on outcome.

I googled it and there is a picture of one called pineapple paradise on this board.