Are you Millie?

It has come to my attention that not everyone knows who Millie is.

I have been asked if I made this name up, if it is the name of one of our pups, if it is a family member… I’m surprised no one has been brave enough to ask if I have an imaginary friend.

For those of you who missed the introduction of Millie, let’s play a game: Who is Millie?

Along the way I’ll even introduce you to a few key players.  Let’s get started.

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Are you Millie?

No, this is NalaJane.  Nala joined our family about a year ago and has fit right in.  She is one smart cookie and passed puppy class with flying colors, though you have to be careful, she is part kangaroo.  We got Nala as a puppy and I think (*knock on wood*) we are finally reaching the end of all the puppy-ness.

 

 

Are you Millie?

Nope.  This is KylieBelle.  Kylie was rescued over 6 years ago. She is such a good pup and loves to model quilts even when she isn’t asked.

If you haven’t noticed, our puppies are our kiddos.  They are spoiled, loved, and think our life circles around them (it actually might).

If these two aren’t Millie, then who is?

 

Are you Millie?

Not quite.  This is the latest picture I had in my phone of my husband, Dalton, and myself.  We were on the amazing Toy Story Ride at Walt Disney World.  Dalton and I have been together since High School and got married in September of 2014.  We are both avid Disney fans and he is calm and collected while I’m a little scatter-brained and chaotic.  Most of the time he avoids the sewing room, but occasionally you will see him make an appearance.  Often he is called My Love on the blog and in real life.

Are either of you Millie?

Well, no.  This is my mom and my mother-in-law.  Also, my dad is there in the background.  I was blessed in the momma department and gained an amazing lady as a second mom too.  All the iffy stories out there about crazy mother-in-laws do not apply to me at all.  We are all able to do things together and enjoy one another.  It sure makes family get togethers and holidays fun!

 

If none of these people are Millie, and I can’t take a picture of my imaginary friend, then who on earth is this Millie person/thing I reference in almost all of my blogs?

Are you Millie?

YES! This is Millie! If you look closely under the red bow you can see her name.  Millie is one of the APQS Longarm sewing machines.  Her full name is Millennium.  APQS creatively names each of their models: Lucey, George, Lenni, Larry,  and Millennium (Millie) are just a few examples of their different machines.

If you remember, although our machine is Millennium, my brother-in-law renamed her to Millennium Falcon.  I will almost always call her Millie, except in his presence.  🙂

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Now you know.  I wonder how many were clueless in the past posts.  Looking back and reading the blog posts without knowing who Millie was sure makes them sound strange.  I had quite the giggle as I was looking over the blogs.  As least we were able to clear this up a bit.  Feel free to look over past posts including when we opened Millie for the first time!

 

Don’t forget we are making our first public appearance at Gift’s Marketplace TOMORROW at Tri County Technology Center in Bartlesville, OK.  Doors open at 5:30.

 

 

See you at the machine,

•Care

Standing at the Start Line

Everyone has to have a starting point. This is mine.

 

Not that long ago I wrote a blog post about us opening some very special boxes. Once we assembled our Millie, I spend almost every waking moment wanting to sew with her.

This weekend, I was able to take a two day class on quilt path, Millie’s brain/computer quilting system. There was so much information and I am very tired, but I have 20 pages of notes to hopefully pull me through and remember everything that was said.

It was an incredible class that was both informational and fun. It also left my mind wandering to new quilt ideas and more projects (because we all need more of those, right?). Saturday’s class started at 9am and we dove right in. When class ended around 5pm I just wanted to jump behind the machine and apply many of the skills we had learned in simulation mode during class.

After class I drove straight to my parents house, loaded my first actual quilt, not just pieces of fabric sandwiched together, and got to work. Nerves were high as I leaned in to push the SEW button, but everything functioned fairly well.

There was a bobbin change, a thread break, safe zone areas to set, patterns to resize, repeat, and nest, and so much more.  I think I might need a checklist to remember the common steps for the next few quilts.

Quilt pieced by Nance Allen

My weakest area is either setting the numbers for pattern sizes and thinking through that aspect of the loading process, or the last partial row at the bottom of a quilt. This row was causing a few challenges last night while quilting.

I thought I just had a problem with my pattern or a setting. I wasn’t sure, so after finishing my first quilt I loaded a second– determined to figure out what was happening.

I should clarify that the problem I was having was manually working through the jumps and a system error between the computer and the machine. There may have also been a few errors with the users brain. It happens. It was still sewing fine, occasionally there would be a thread break sensor go off when the thread was fine or it would start tracing a pattern when it was supposed to be sewing.  With each issue I was able to back it up and restart at the stitch the problem started on without changing the end result of the quilt.

With the second quilt loaded, a pattern imported, and settings seemingly happy I dove in. Unfortunately I had the same issues on the second quilt as I had with the first.

Quilt pieced by Nance Allen

Thankfully, when I returned to class today I was able to ask a handful of questions and come up with a game plan on trouble shooting to find an answer. No matter what, she still sews beautifully and I can work around this hiccup manually instead of automatically for now.

I am just so thrilled with how each quilt turned out. I love watching Millie sew and thinking through how to enhance different quilts with different quilting designs and concepts. It opens an entire new element to quilting.

Sew you at the machine,

•Care

Millie Hums

We went on vacation this last week and I completely checked out on technology. It was wonderful, but I am happy to be back!

I missed WIP Week for this month, but I did spend some time working on an unfinished project. I hope you did too! See my last post for more about my WIP Project. It was an English Paper Pieced quilt designed by Mickey Depre (Her patterns are fabulous!).

We flew back home late Friday night and yesterday (Saturday) I spent on a date with Millie. If you remember, we had a few boxes delivered the week before I left town. Those boxes turned into an amazing, APQS longarm machine. I AM IN LOVE! Sorry My Love, you might have a little competition.

Back to Millie- Her full name has turned into Millennium Falcon thanks to one of my awesome Brother-in-Law’s suggestions. For short, we will still call her Millie. The week before we left I was able to get her all assembled, we plugged her in, saw lights turn on, then I had to leave and drive back to my house. This was so tough! It was just before midnight when we saw her lights turn on, so we were not able to actually hear her hum.

The week was crazy and I wasn’t able to get back to her before leaving town. Thankfully, I had a great distraction-Disney World. Though I would be lying if I said I didn’t think about sewing with her every day.

Back to yesterday. Yesterday I finally got to not only turn her on and hear her hum!

At first, I loaded on a couple fat quarters to check tension and play with settings on QuiltPath, the computer program she is able to work with and we have conveniently named “Millie’s Brain”. Here is what we came up with.

After this was finished, I decided to work with a larger area and loaded a little over a yard top and a backing then played more. This time I didn’t have a plan and just wanted to try different things.

I wasn’t looking up tutorials or spending too much time fighting through settings because I am taking a two-day class next weekend. This was just a time to get my hands dirty.

The first row I was hoping to alternate a teddy bear and crosshatching. Everything went well for the teddy bear, then it moved to do the crosshatching, but instead of making a jump, it sewed the transition line. “It is just a test piece,” I reminded myself, though I was already looking for a seam ripper to mend this mistake. On the next jump from crosshatch to teddy bear I thought I could trick it and stop her right after finishing the crosshatch then move it to the start of teddy bear and search for closest stitch. In theory it sounded like a fabulous idea, but in action it just didn’t work. I moved along to a new row.

Another issue I came across was that sometimes after starting a block, setting the safe areas and where the block should sew, Millie would move through the pattern, but wasn’t stitching. I was able to jump in the middle of it and get her to start stitching again, but I couldn’t figure out how to back up and get her to fix what she missed.   I’m hoping to clear this up with a YouTube video or in class next weekend.

I’m very happy with how everything is going so far even with this learning curve. I’m glad I was able to start playing and come across these issues ahead of time.

After coming across a few issues I decided to take a stab at freehand quilting. I turned QuiltPath off and unlatched her from the belts to give me full control. Once ready, my mind went blank and I had no idea what to quilt. I started with a simple “hello!” and I forgot halfway through how to write cursive- brain fart!

Next up I played with writing “Quilter’s Hideaway.” Remember that surprise I hinted at a few posts back? Here is another part of it. I’m going to let you slowly put pieces together as I share hints and clues.

With that, I moved on to some meandering, straight lines, and a box. I also tried pebbles in a smaller box, but my goodness, this will need some work.

I hope you enjoy this journey with Millie. I cannot wait to continue learning and sharing along the way.  I already realize I will need to come up with a better option for getting pictures of the quilting.  Often it was hard to get the stitches to show up.

 

See you at the machine,

•Care

Welcome To The Family!

Well, if you have seen Instagram, we received a few boxes the other day and I asked what you thought they held. 

If you guessed a longarm you are correct!

This feels like a dream come true, but even better than that because I never knew I could have this dream. 

I was one of those crazies that could walk around a quilt show and then spend hours staring at the longarms, trying each one, looking for my favorite. It wasn’t long until I had my favorite- APQS, Millie, to be more specific.

If you have ever wondered the journey of a newbie longarmer, you are in the right place. I will, of course, continue sewing, sharing, and designing quilts, I will just add in this ginormous tidbit.

I thought I should share a little back story for you.

Several months ago I started sewing at a fabulous quilt shop in Barnsdall, OK (Red Barn Quilting) who is an APQS dealer. Brenda is the owner and such a fabulous person. I started renting from her to learn more, still never in my wildest dreams thinking one would come home in the future. I love learning new things and diving head first.

After spending more time around the APQS machines, watching hours upon hours of videos, and reading hundreds of blogs I was convinced and in love. 

My mom is the actual owner, I’m just like the big sister. Monday evening Millie found her way to my parents’ house which is only about 45 minutes from where I live and work. By Tuesday, I was antsy and trying to find any way to get my hands on Miss. Millie. Tuesday after work, my car was pointed north and I was on the way to Millie (Errr I mean my parents).

My mom and I picked up dinner then headed to the house to begin assembling Millie. There were many freak out moments, lots of laughter, and maybe even a few squeals. Once we finished dinner, we gathered the tools listed for assembly. 

A quick trip to the neighbor’s house for something we couldn’t find (or really didn’t want to waste any time looking for) and we were ready to go!

The first thing we opened was THE box. The one where lights shoot out, angels sing, and everyone squeals. That box would be the one. It even has notes around the box warning of such things.

A red bow adorned the machine and I was smitten. Even the bow was perfect, not scrunched or flattened—amazing!

Now with the manual and fabulous step by step instructions and pictures we were armed and dangerous. At one point I did compare the process to assembling IKEA furniture but with MUCH BETTER instructions. There are literally pictures of each step, what to do, what each part looks like, close ups, and so much more. 

Although there were quite a few pieces (it could have been much, much worse), APQS makes it so user friendly and simple to assemble. 

On with the show!

It took us about 4 hours, but if we were trying to, it could probably be assembled a little quicker. We had chatty moments and needed to clean more to make room for Millie.

The finished product was well worth the wait.

Follow along with our journey towards getting to know Millie now that she is a part of the family.

See you at the machine,

•Care

Wacky WIP Week Wednesday, Right?

{WIP = Work in Progress}

Wacky WIP Week Wednesday, Right? 
You guessed it, I might have just piled four words that started with a W together. However, it does make some sense (if you close one eye, stand on your head, and spin in circles all at the same time). I mean, it is WIP Week, it’s Wednesday, and most days are a little wacky, am I right? 

It’s WIP Week. How are your projects going? 

I finally got to sneak into the sewing room last night and work on a few block borders to size up the smaller blocks. I’m hoping to get this little gem finished, but I’m wanting to play around with borders.  As long as I can get the middle piece finished, I’d be happy with this WIP Week. 

I would love to see what you’re working on! Share with hashtag #WIPWeek on Instagram or tag us on Facebook. 

On a totally different topic, does anyone else run out of fabric when they are working on a quilt? The last couple quilts I’ve attempted, I’ve definitely ran out of fabric. Thankfully all the blocks were finished on this one first, but I was still hoping to do a fun border. I think I might be able to find some fabric that will work;  it’s just a bummer and causes more of a headache.

And, while we are talking about borders, I still have not attempted the borders on my Merry, Merry Snowmen quilt. I better get on that one.

Well, I hope you have an awesome, wacky Wednesday. We’re halfway through with week, that means half way to go. You can do this!

See you at the machine,

•Care

I have exciting news to share soon, but I’m going to wait until it’s a little closer. Stay tuned towards the end of the month though, you won’t want to miss it! Feel free to guess along in the comments. 

An Applique Journey

You know the A word?  The one quilters either have a love or hate relationship with but not often anywhere in between.

You guessed it– Appliqué.

Let’s just get this out in the open.  I did not know how to applique before taking a class recently. I have only heard nightmare stories, and I based my opinions on what I had heard.  Some days my opinion is the same, other days I actually enjoy appliqué (…did I just say that?).

I should have started with something simple, but instead I decided to jump into the deep end with a straight jacket on.  Okay, I’m being a little (or a lot) dramatic.  This quilt was a challenge though.

Bunny Hill Designs- Merry, Merry Snowmen

I can’t even remember when we started it, but I have had this quilt by Bunny Hill Designs on and off my design wall too many weeks months to count.  It is time to finish it up seeing as how we only have 99 days until Christmas (!!).  Let’s strap on a jet pack and finish a few things!

Back to the A word… I now know how to applique.  Not only do I know how, I have used the techniques I learned in the class to make THE J QUILT.

For the next few days I am going to work block-by-block to finish this quilt.  Stick around, we might learn something together.

I’ll start with my least finished block.  I am pulling fabric and making decisions on how to construct this one. I was taught how to appliqué using freezer paper and spray adhesive.  I know now that there are other ways which include fusible interfacing.  I will be venturing that direction next time.

I find using the spray adhesive makes my entire sewing room like one of those fly trap sticky ribbons.  Everything sticks to me, I stick to everything, and nothing actually sticks to my block where is it supposed to go—not cool.

However, I have already traced every single piece onto freezer paper and I do not want to spend even longer trying to retrace everything.  I have one block left to place and I will be using spray adhesive.  Wish me luck.

Now that everything is stuck down onto the block (a miracle) I use a satin stitch setting on my machine to sew around the edges.  Nothing too complicated; however, you do want to go slow and pay attention. I also tried different stitch widths and lengths until I reached something I thought looked proportionate for the pieces I was working with.

After gluing everything down, changing threads is probably the most tedious part.  I wanted my thread to match what it was stitching down so there were quite a few color changes happening.

See you at the machine,

•Care

{If you like this pattern and would like to make it yourself you can purchase it here.}

WIP Week Wrap Up

{WIP= Work In Progress}

How was your work in progress week? Did you get anything wrapped up? I would love to see pictures on Instagram or Facebook of what you accomplished. 
Here is the quilt I was able to finish up this week. It is made using half square triangles and half of an orange layer cake. It took me a little while to settle on the layout, but I am really enjoying the finished product. 

I definitely recommend playing with half square triangles anytime you’re needing a little inspiration. 

On to the next quilt! (Of course, first I must finish this binding) 
See you at the machine, 

•Care

WIP Week Update-Time Keeps Spinning Away

{WIP = Work in Progress}
It is Thursday, but it feels like Tuesday or maybe even Monday… Does anyone else feel this way? 

I was hoping to finally get this quilt knocked out; however, it is looking like it might take me all week just to sit down at the machine and start sewing.

I have finally decided on a layout I’m happy with. I’m also still hoping to get it finished by Sunday. Stick around to see what happens!

I’m curious- how often do you make it to your sewing place? Once a day, all day (oh.. how I wish), weekly, or are you lucky to find your machine every month. 
I go in phases. I have several projects going on right now and have been trying to get in their every couple days to work on a block or two. I’m falling short this week, but I hope it is not a new pattern- someone redirect me if I get too distracted 😉 . 

See you at the machine, (hopefully sooner than later)
•Care

 

Poppies & Pinwheels

I’m working on a few projects going on around the house, but I finished the binding on this little jewel, Poppies & Pinwheels, and thought I would share.

It might have been sprinkling when I had the chance to run down the street and snap these pictures, but there’s no harm in getting a little wet 😉 .  Ever since I started this quilt I imagined this picture and I just could not wait!

 

And lastly, my favorite picture I took while finishing the binding on a road trip..

 

See you at the machine,

•Care

The Magic Ruler Strikes Again

Hello! Hello! How was your weekend?

We have been working through different blocks a ruler I was shown recently can make. I decided to use a charm pack and make a quilt using these blocks.

 

 

As you can see, this ruler really is magic.  Cindy Casciato is the master mind behind it and you can purchase it here in her shop.

I just love how this block comes together.  The squares always have a great point and making it with a stripe pattern really show it off.

 

To see the other blocks we have been creating, you can visit them here and here.

We almost have an entire quilt pieced.  Tomorrow I will share the last block and then how I put them together.  Check back soon to see a fun quilt using a charm pack and this magic ruler. It is pretty cute if I do say so myself. 🙂

 

See you at the machine,

•Care