Lessons
How many lessons am I destined to learn? I consider myself a life long learner. However, that can be exhausting. There are times when I just want to coast. Even my fallow periods seem peppered with lessons.
Bernina 990 Progress
So it goes with the Bernina 990. Everyday I use it, I learn something new. Sometimes this is something I purposefully set out to learn. Just as often it is a lesson thrust upon me because things don’t go as expected.
Autumn Table Runner
It all started out innocently enough. BTW, I like to make note of phrases and sentences that work as famous last lines. Don’t you think “it all started out innocently enough” makes a perfect last line? Anyway, the plan was to learn more about the embroidery side of the Bernina 990. I did that. Now what? Should I just chuck the experiments? In a time when reuse, repurpose and recycle rules, tossing those experiments in the trash just doesn’t make sense. Hence the table runner.
The reality is at first I wasn’t even thinking about making a table runner. My thought was to incorporate my experiments into blocks and perhaps mount them on 12″ x 12″ canvas squares. That would be too easy.
When I realized I had three compatible blocks I had a brain storm. Why not make a table runner? Easy, right? Yes, if it had been the original plan when I started experimenting. Not as easy when each new “genius” idea required another studio day or two execute.
The lesson learned, one that has been learned before numerous times, is if anyone can take a simple project and turn it into a time consuming and often mentally challenging project, it’s me. It still isn’t done. Maybe next week? I hope so, because I have others things I want to focus on getting done, too.
Rainbow Scrap Challenge
One of things I want to work on is my 2024 Rainbow Scrap Challenge quilt. There are a few places needing some TLC. Then I will square up the quilt, make and attach the binding and have a very long hand sewing job to attend to.
Question of the Week
What lesson did you learn this week?
I’m linking up to the following posts:
I have a question about your RSC blocks. How you plan each block in order to have the correct corner colors meet?
Thank you so much for this question, Lynne. I use EQ8 has a design tool. Not so much the detail, but to give me the structure or blue print of the quilt. I printed the block layout without color. Then I filled it in with colored pencil. When Angela announced a color, such as pink, I would stitch all the pink triangles. If you want to know more, I wrote extensively about the process when I made the quilt. If you start here and work you way backward a few weeks and than forward as much as you want, I believe it will answer your question fully.
You learned a lot with the new sewing and embroidery machine, and your three blocks are beautiful. I know how it feels to constantly thinking about another option to use blocks, and to try to find the best way to make them shine. I don’t often succeed, but I’m very confident that you will! The lesson I learned this week is not quilting related, but about my physical therapy sessions: hard work pays off!
Thank you for sharing and linking up, have a great week!
Your quilting is stunning with those pretty lace leaves.
Thank you, Daryl. I’m having fun figuring out the best way to handle FSL.
Beautiful table runner for the Fall! When I am learning a new technique or playing around with an idea, I often make a small project, a runner, wall hanging or baby quilt. The 2024 RSC quilt is gorgeous. Will you put it on your bed when it’s done? There’s always something new to learn.
That would be the way to do it, Gail. It helps to plan ahead, even when experimenting.
Yes, the 2024 RSC quilt was designed with our bed in mind. It will be the quilt I bring with us when we move to a senior housing in 3 – 5 years. Thought it would be nice to sleep under all the fabric I’ve used over the years.
It sounds like you had an adventure with your embroidery. I decided not to get that extra addition on my machine because it sounded like an entirely new hobby. The results are lovely though, well worth the time that it is taking to learn.
I understand. It was quite a plunge for me to get the dual machine, since I’ve never had an embroidery machine before. I have mixed feelings. However, since I host an open studio every November, it will be nice to have some lower price, impulse items to showcase. Fingers crossed my visitors will like those earrings enough to pic up a pair or two.
Of course, I’m not a full time worker with two homes like you. I have more time, even if it doesn’t always feel like it, to learn how to machine embroider.
Gwyned, I think your runner made from your learning blocks is going to be lovely! I really like those fall colors, and the interesting details provided by the embroidery. It’s often true that something we think will be a quick and easy project takes on a life of its own and requires more time than we originally planned. (You could put it in time out for awhile, if you wanted to move on to something else! 🙂 What did I learn this week? A little bit of progress every day adds up to big accomplishments eventually!
Diann, I could put that runner in time out. However, my way of working would likely lead to the runner being in permanent time out. Trying to avoid a bunch of WIPs, especially with plans on moving in 3 – 5 years.
Great lesson. One step at a time works for me. I may wish to make more progress, but I can tell I have moved forward and know what it took to get that far, even if it isn’t obvious to others.
Oh my gosh, Gwyned!! “if anyone can take a simple project and turn it into a time consuming and often mentally challenging project, it’s me.” Well, it’s ME, too! That’s probably why I love you so much. You make me feel normal. Hah! I have to say, the free motion quilting on your FSL leaf block is just breathtaking and I adore this finish. Onwards and upwards, my friend! Sadly I’m going to have to pack my 990 module right back into its carton without ever trying it out… Not super sadly, since the new studio in North Carolina is already underway, but gosh I never thought I’d let this much time go by without trying out any embroidery on the new machine at all! I will enjoy “learning my lessons” vicariously through your adventures and experimentation in the meantime!
Blowing kisses your way. Yes, we have a similar work ethic, I think. We are able to see the humor in our way of working. Also, the rewards from an engaged, challenged and creative mind, despite that mind leading us down some twisty, hair raising roads.
I’m sorry you needed to let the Bernina 990 go. I would have loved seeing what you did with it. You are already way ahead on the learning curve, since the problem solving of spacing, sizing etc. on a longarm are similar to that on the embroidery machine.
That table runner is going to be very pretty. The lesson I learned this week is that I don’t like to scrapbook and I have to acknowledge and purge those crafts that languish and take up space.
Thank you so much, Cathy. Always good to know when a hobby isn’t right for you. Might as well enjoy the one you love.
What a great way to use those “experiments!” I am impressed with all the lessons you are learning with your Bernina 990! As for me, I spent some of the week on a special project at work. It wasn’t a difficult project; but, it was a fiddly project. I was told by a co-worker she refused it and told them to assign it to me. She wanted to know how I could “stand” doing it. I replied that it wasn’t difficult, only fiddly. I said it was important that someone does the dishes and takes out the trash. I was just doing the dishes. I learned I’m a good dishwasher!
Love your attitude, Terry. There can be joy in fiddly work. First, there is the sense of accomplishment. Second, it requires concentration, often experience and just plain patience. Great lesson. I feel your pride.
Thanks for the kudos.
table runner is beautiful and your rsc project is really great
Thank you, Maggie.
What beautiful work on your table runner! I have also been known to take something simple and make it super complicated, usually because I haven’t yet learned what I don’t know about it. Every day brings another lesson, and I’m okay with that.
Thank you, Sylvia. That is precisely it. If you don’t know what you are doing or in my case have a plan for what you are doing, it is easy to bumble along and be forced to learn as you go. I have heard from others who share our predilection for starting simple and evolving into something complex.
I think the table runner, which is beautiful, is a wonderful way to showcase your art.
I admire how you and your hubby are planning ahead. I told my son (I’m a widow and live alone) that I can’t move to assisted living unless I have the whole floor to accommodate my “stuff”. See my blog this week to read about my misadventure.
Ah, Norma, I feel your pain. It is so hard to give up the space necessary to feed our soul.
Good to hear from you and thank you for the kind words.
The lace leaves are so beautiful and delicate. I had a few ideas – mostly naughty – for strategically placed lace leaves for a sexy nightdress 😀 A whole fashion show named – The Fig Leaf. I am laughing as I type. It all started VERY innocently. Indeed. Hope you have great week. Hugs.
Oh, Preeti, I love the idea of a fig leaf fashion show. A similar theme would be fantastic for art quilts as well. In fact that was the solution for one of my peers who had a male nude (think similar to Michelangelo’s David) when a prudish gallery refused to include it in a group exhibit. She add a fig leaf flap that could be hinged back to reveal what was underneath. It was the hit of the show. 🙂
The only downside to the leaves is that they are in a program that can’t be sized. I do love them, though. Glad you like them, too.
Hi Gwyned, it’s inevitable that new lessons will come our way – it’s called life 🙂 I’m sure that I’ve learned your runner lesson also – it would be so much easier if it had been planned! Thanks for sharing your progress on FM Mavericks. Take care
Yes, life gives us many lessons. Some are even on repeat. Sigh. Fortunately, the good news is I eventually ended up with a table runner. Also, I am improving my machine embroidery skills.
Always happy to sign on to FM Mavericks. Thank you for keeping it going.