Week in Review 2025 – 04/04

27 comments

1. Don’t fear the computer machines, my Janome has been going strong for 7 years and no upgrade needed.

   1. Good to know, Chris. Thank you. Janome M8 is on my shortlist of machines to purchase. Just wish they had one with a bigger throat.

2. That swan photo would make a beautiful thread painted quilt by you, Gwyned! If I could only have one machine it would be my old faithful Bernina. BTW, I worked on teal this week, also. You might want to check Angela’s blog post on April 1st.

   1. OK, I just checked the April 1 post. Darn – April is red. So, apparently I will be creating my red blocks whenever one else is working on teal or other green/blue color. The good news is I am 15 blocks ahead.

      There are so many fabulous photos on Unsplash to thread paint. I am tempted by that swan.

      I have had my Bernina 1260 since 1996. I still remember spending the day test driving it and then purchasing it. Unfortunately, it only has an 8″ throat. Impossible to FMQ anything much bigger than 30″ with ease. Now if Bernina would only merge the features of a sewing machine with their long arm machine, I would be a happy camper.

      1. I also have a Bernina 1260 that I purchased in 1997, but in 2003 I traded in my dust-collecting serger on a Brother 1500 which I absolutely love! It’s a straight stitch only machine, high speed, with a large throat. I piece and quilt all my quilts on it and I would never trade that machine for anything! It’s similar to the Juki machines. On the rare occasion I need to use a zigzag stitch, I have a little Janome Jem that I pull out. Obviously I have too many machines, but I hate to give any up until the day comes that I have to downsize. By the way, we’re the same age …birthday next month! At least you have lots of time to work out all the details.

         1. I get it, Candy, when a machine(s) work for you it is hard to give them up. My APQS George does what your Brother 1500 does. It is a work horse of a quilting machine. Not even a straight stitch. Just up down needle with me doing all the FMQ. No computer. No frame. But I won’t have room for it and Bernina. So a sewing machine hunting I must go.

3. Wow. This is a topic no one ever wants to discuss and I am impressed that you are able to set emotions aside well enough to plan your “swan song studio” carefully — and because you’re doing that now, I know whatever you settle on will be wonderful for you. My mom’s lung cancer has started growing again, no longer responding to the targeted therapy drug that had been holding it at bay for 4 years since her diagnosis, and I am seeing noticeable decline. We’re planning to move her from Charlotte, NC (where she has no family but doctors and activities that she enjoys) to Austin, TX (where my sister lives and can give her the local family support she will be needing more of). So your point about needing to be “in good physical and mental health when you move” is right in sync with my current anxieties, hoping Mom doesn’t decline too steeply in the next 4 weeks and wishing we’d moved her sooner. Never mind that we would have had to drag her off kicking and screaming against her will because she wasn’t ready to go before…

   Can I ask how old you are, Gwyned? Thinking about your concern that if you invested in a computerized machine it might become unsupported and unusable. If you are at an age where you plan to move into a continuing care facility in the next 5-7 years, you probably don’t need to worry about getting stuck with old technology as long as you are investing in a newish model computerized machine (versus a computerized machine that has been out for 5-7 years already and may be discontinued model soon). So, if looking at Berninas (the brand I’m most familiar with), the newest technology is on the B 990 flagship model and I expect that to be supported the longest as the new features gradually trickle down to lower priced models. The previous TOL Bernina was the 880 that was introduced in 2013. There was an “880 Plus” update/upgrade available for that machine at one point to add additional, newer features, that model is still available for sale 11 years later, and in the past Bernina has supported discontinued models for as long as parts are available. I would expect the B990 to be a current model for at least the next 7-10 years and supported for at least 15 years or so. The most crucial protection for any computerized sewing machine is to have it plugged into a UPS (uninterrupted power supply, not the same as an ordinary surge protector) because imperceptible fluctuations in power coming into your house or apartment cause those computer boards inside the machine to fail prematurely. It’s when obsolete computer boards fail inside an older computerized machines that you’re really out of luck. FWIW, the Bernina Aurora 440 came out in 2004 and I know from the user forums that there are still a lot of quilters using and loving those machines 20+ years later.

   I did pop over to Janome’s web site and saw that their Continental M17 looks comparable to Bernina’s B990 in that it has that huge throat space and stitch regulation for free motion work. I wish these machines were available without the embroidery module so they could be sold at lower price points to buyers who aren’t interested in embroidery.

   One other point to consider: Regardless of which brand/model machine you decide on, a multifunctional computerized machine is going to be something new for you to learn and get comfortable using. Human nature is to project our current abilities onto our future selves, but some of us find that it’s more difficult to learn new technology as they get older, especially if any memory issues should develop. When my MIL was about 80, right before she started showing any signs of dementia, my FIL bought her a new sewing machine and had her kitchen remodeled with new appliances that were a lot more high tech than she was used to. She got so frustrated with them that she just stopped cooking altogether and would get out her old manual machine from the 1970s when she needed to sew something instead of using the new machine. I do feel that the newest computerized machines are more intuitive and easier to learn than their predecessors of even a few years ago, but I still would suggest not waiting too long to get that new machine and start that learning process, especially if you’re switching brands from what you’re familiar with and starting from scratch. It’s easier to learn a new machine when 80% of how it operates is just like your last machine, with 20% new feature and bells and whistles to explore. I will be looking forward to following your thought process and seeing which way you end up going. Your work is so amazing; I’m glad you’re making the necessary plans and arrangements to ensure that you’ll still have that outlet for your creativity even after downsizing to a much smaller studio space.

   1. I turn 72 next month. The SEDOSO turns 74 this year. So far, I am capable of learning new things. You may recall I learned sufficient Japanese to exchange pleasantries while visiting Japan. I’ve been working on Mandarin and Spanish. Tech wise, I am ahead of the curve “for my age”. That being said, my hope is to get whatever machine I settle on within the next couple of years so I can make friends with it before we move. I’m with you on happily giving up the embroidery on the Bernina 990 and bring the price down.

      Perhaps one of the reasons why we are determined and comfortable moving to a CCRC in the near future is because we have been there with the seniors in our family. I was the primary care taker (from a distance) for my mother on the east coast and her sister in Tucson for a combined total of 25 years. We also were involved with the SEDOSO’s parents. Everyone had to move out of their home and enter senior living. Some chose to do it early, while they could make the decision. Others had it thrust upon them. The latter weren’t as happy. Experiencing CCRC living as the caretaker demystified and reassured me that I would much rather live out my days there than at home. This is especially true if/when I am widowed.

      I’m sorry to hear about your mother. No doubt she will adapt. Some of the best times with my mother and aunt were when they were no longer able to look after themselves. They let their guard down and were more vulnerable.

      Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts and knowledge about current machines.

4. I’m with you about the computerized machines. I have a Juki TL98E for piecing/quilting and an old Bernina 1080 for also piecing and quilting. Since I don’t do FM quilting, these two machines serve me perfectly well. The 1080 has a computer board in it but it’s not a computerized machine, I was told. Because of that, I have an old Bernina 830 as a backup when the 1080 decides to kick the bucket before I do.
   I admire you for your taking an action now to plan for the future. I live in a small but very comfortable 2-bedroom house in a quiet neighborhood. One of the bedroom became my studio. I hope to be able to live here until the Lord decides to call me back home. I hope to be able to continue to create and to use these two machines for a very long time.
   CCRC sounds like a wonderful place to be. I’m not sure we have anything comparable to what you have here in Los Angeles. It makes me want to move to MA but I don’t know if I can handle the snow. I’m looking forward to hearing more about where you and your husband will be and what machine you’ll be using. XOXO

   1. FMQ is something I love – make that LOVE, so I do want a machine with a big enough throat to allow for ease of movement. Even straight line quilting can be tough on a big quilt if there isn’t sufficient space between the needle and the motor. Hence why I purchased The George by APQS back in 2010. It has an 18″ throat. You sound like you have a good set up for your needs.

      I was the primary caretaker for a combined total of 25 years for my mother and her sister, as well as helping at times with my father and in-laws. This gave me a clear window into end of life concerns. Fortunately, 3 of the 5 were able to decide, for the most part where they would live and they chose CCRCs. My parents here in MA, and my aunt in Tucson, AZ. No doubt there are CCRCs in Los Angeles. They aren’t for everyone and like most things, they aren’t equal in what is provided.

      As for the snow in MA that has basically ended with global warming. We used to get an average of 60 – 70 inches each season. Now we are lucky to get 6″. We miss it.

      Thank you for sharing your thoughts.

   2. I LOVE my Juki TL-98Q!!! and will use it until I have to move to a smaller place. Then I plan to downsize (from 5 machines) to my trusty old Singer 301 in a small cabinet.

      1. Sounds like you have found the perfect machine(s) for you. Yes, 5 machines probably won’t work when it comes time to downsize.

5. I’m probably not in the best position to recommend one machine over another, since I’ve only got one! My Pfaff Ambition is perfect for what I want to do. I have a small room almost entirely dedicated to sewing, which means I have to optimize each shelf and rethink the best position between the machine, the cutting table and the ironing board. The most important thing is probably a large design wall.
   Love the photo of the swan, if you choose to thread paint it, it’s going to be another wonderful quilt. Thank you for sharing!

   1. I have given some thought to the design wall. Figure I will hang one/two on the closet doors. That will require the SEDOSO’s expertise.

      I’m glad you like the swan photo. Ideas are percolating.

6. Wow, such a timely post! We are having this discussion with my FIL now who does not want to move out of his home but really needs someone around 24/7. I commend you for planning ahead. Small space quilting just needs one to be organized, I think. The teal broken hearts are lovely.

   1. Very few people, in my experience, want to move out of the home they have lived in for years, to go to a senior residence, even one where they can start out living independently. My absolute favorite book on the topic is by Roz Chast, “Can’t we talk about something more pleasant?”. It is a graphic novel from the perspective of the with an aging parent who clearly needs more help than the child is capable of giving.

      Yes, I agree. Being organized, fortunately my strong suit, is crucial.

7. Your posts are always interesting, Gwyned! I’ve been enjoying reading the comments this week as well. You and your hubby are smart to plan for this eventual change in your life. Like you, I’ve gone through it as caretaker for my mom and it was challenging to finally have to make her move at age 89. But it has helped me see that I could make the decision to move to senior living much earlier and enjoy it. What type of sewing machine to take with you is a whole different question! I don’t do FMQ, so my current Pfaff would work just fine. For me, the question will be, what kind of working space and storage space will there be in the new place? Good luck with your planning!

8. After retiring from teaching 25 years ago, I took up quilting, mostly for charity. I’m well past 250 quilts now, mostly made in the first 20 years. Age does take its toll. Almost all of my quilting is done on my trusty Singer Featherweight. The remainder (mostly mending) is done with a Janome Memory Craft 4800 that I bought second-hand from a guild member who was upgrading.

   Thoughts for you:

   1. A quilt that will be auctioned off to raise money for charity need not be large. 30 x 30 is fine. Quality and imagination matter. There’s nothing to stop you from making, say, one piece/year now, but save it to donate in the future. Or, consider it a prototype with simpler variations to be explored later.

   2. Have you ever considered making quilts for children? The greatest need, by far, is for quilts for high-school boys. Why? Cost. They require more time, energy, and $$$ + infinitely more thought and research for quilters who mostly are female. The older boys are apt to end up with quilts more appropriate for girls and younger boys. Pinterest has great pictures for readers interested in this topic.

   3. If you are inclined to make quilts that are larger than you can handle now or in the future, consider visiting quilt guilds in your area to get a feel for the group focus. If your charity of choice aligns with the charity focus of the group, you may find a talented and experienced machine quilter who is also a member of that guild. The right person will be thrilled to work with an artist of your caliber. Insist upon making a financial contribution to her “charity thread account”. You supply the quilt top and backing. Maybe the batting too if the guild doesn’t finance that. Some guilds do. Remember that machine quilters need to have frequent practice to keep their skills up, so you are helping them. Form a partnership of sorts.

   4. As you know, the colorfastness of your stash will prove important to the kind of charity quilt you anticipate making. A quilt that will hang as an art object on a wall is very different from one that will be in and out of the laundry 3 times a week.

   Best wishes as you approach this new chapter of your life.

   1. Ellen, it sounds like you have found your niche. In fact not only did I make charity quilts for approximately 25 years, I started a charity by combining the social action arm of my church and the charity focus and talent of my guild. It is still running strong. Power of the Quilt (the charity’s name) provide quilts to local chemo treatment centers and Project Linus. So, I am well aware of how males, especially teen males get overlooked when it comes to donations.

      One of my joys is doing my own quilting. So far, I can’t resist working on pieces that exceed 40″ on at least one side if not both, so a large space to right of the needle is a must. I’m keeping my eye open for a gentle used Janome M17 or the Bernina equivalent. I figure in a few more years used ones will be available. I have 5 years to purchase a machine, but would like to do it sooner than later.

9. I’m a year behind you, age-wise, and all the “swan song” issues you mentioned for yourself are decisions we (me and DH, now age 78) made last year. We moved from a large home and garden to a one-level condominium in March of ‘24, my studio reduced to a 10×11’ spare bedroom. My machine is a Bernina 570 that I got in December of 2022. My old Bernina that I replaced wasn’t because of any computer issues (have never had any) but replaced because it had over 19 million stitches on it and a smaller throat. They said it was too old to resell, but they would “part it out”.

   My primary focus these days is to sew charity quilts. Naturally, I still squeeze in personal quilt sewing, like the one I will begin in the next few months for a grandson who is getting married next year. I quilt everything myself on my Bernina, which is easy to do with charity-sized quilts. If I make the occasional quilt with a 90+-inch size, I am not above taking it to be professionally long-armed.

   The biggest challenge for me was finding room for “everything” in a small space. I utilized the closet for storage drawers and things I rarely get into. I still have one wall of the main room lined with shelving. The four large work tables became two in the new digs, but three persons working simultaneously – as I do every week with my friends – is fine. The standard ironing board is set up only when needed, otherwise we just use a wool mat for pressing. I do my quilt basting on my HUGE kitchen island at counter height. Best set-up I’ve ever had for that!

   1. I remember your move. 🙂 The Bernina 570 looks like the modern version of my Bernina 1260. Best purchase I ever made, but not enough space to the right of the needle for my current and anticipated needs. Wish it was. It is good to know that you haven’t had computer problems. I would hate to sink thousands of dollars into a machine only to have the computer in it become obsolete within a few years and no way to upgrade it.

      Taking advantage of closet space for storage is something I plan on doing. My future studio will probably be similar to yours, maybe an extra foot or two in length width. The room will be laid out for bedroom with a double sliding door. Love to see how you set up your closet. Perhaps a post with pictures?

10. I have three machines. One is a serger that I use when I make clothing. I’ve made my swimwear for the last 44 years! I use that machine standing up. I set it on my cutting station when I’m ready to use it. My second machine is a 1947 Singer feather weight. I piece primarily on that machine. It is also the machine that I pack with me for in person sew days because it is small and light. I free motion quilt on a Bernina 790 which is a computerized machine. Rebecca is right on about how long you can expect the technology to be supported. I know that when this current machine is worn out, I will be purchasing an updated model. It has a wider harp space and an embroidery module so I can play with a variety of features. You are a wise women to plan ahead. I could use some of your organizational skills!

    1. Terry, seems like you and I are on the same wavelength. I want my “sole” machine to have a wide harp. I’m beginning to think having the embroidery hoop could be an asset for my thread painting so…

11. I wish I could help you in your search for a machine, but I do all my work on a lowly Kenmore Sewing machine from the 1990s. I am looking to update so that I have a larger throat also for some machine quilting. I work in my basement on a small sewing table. I hope to have a more dedicated space when we eventually downsize. I like your broken heart block.

    1. My first studio was my dining room table. 🙂 Since we ate in the kitchen except for formal occasions I could keep my sewing machine on the table most of the time. If we want to quilt we will find a way to do it. Of course, nothing wrong with fantasizing about future possibilities.

12. Hi Gwyned, what a fantastic post and I so enjoyed reading all the comments it generated. First off, that swan photo is beautiful and definitely inspiring. I don’t use any embroidery functions on my small Juki machine though it has it. I could do without it all in favour of a better built machine overall.
    Tony and I are definitely trying to find our next living space while we are both able to do so and somewhere I can envision myself living for a while on my own if necessary. Housing is very expensive in our area outside Ottawa, another reason why I think of going home to Newfoundland where it is so much cheaper. But lots to explore and we are trying to keep it upbeat and exciting even to be moving. You two sound like excellent planners!

    1. Thank you, Jocelyn. I’m so glad you enjoyed the post. Yes, housing, especially for seniors is expensive and significantly more expensive in some regions than others. Quality, availability and requirements all enter the picture. We actually looked at CCRCs in Wisconsin, when we lived there and I read about one in Portland, Oregon that had promise. My aunt was in one Tucson, AZ and my parents in another, just a mile from where I grew up in Lexington, Massachusetts. I feel like Dorothy in the Wizard of OZ, mirroring your thoughts, too “there is no place like home. Massachusetts is home. Now we just have to choose between two places and get ourselves on the waiting list.

       I wish you and Tony all the best in your own journey.

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