A Machine and Friends

This week has started with a couple fun activities. First, after much research that mostly involved talking with helpful quilting friends, I decided to purchase this three-year old Pfaff Grand Quilter machine through Craigslist. The seller was offering it along with a stitch regulator and Inspira quilt frame, neither of which I wanted, so I was very please to learn I could purchase the machine separately.

Though the needle threader is missing (I never use one anyway) and the telescoping thread holder is damaged, I think both are easily repairable and in no way impact the mechanical aspects of this machine. Since oiling it, putting in a new needle, and making tension adjustments, it's running like a champ. I couldn't be more pleased with my bargain purchase.

Of course, being anxious to free-motion quilt on my new machine, I had to whip up a quilt top! After seeing this one on Rene's blog, I wanted to make it too. The original design is a pattern called "Red Centre" from Material Obsessions. After doing some math, I made my 44" X 56" quilt from 4" (finished) blocks.You can see that I made it with bright, kid-friendly prints, and my all-time favorite "bullseye" white-on-white print from Timeless Treasures. In the past year I've used nearly 7 yards of bullseye in quilts! Sadly, I have only 1/3 yard left.The second fun thing this week was to visit several Iowa quilt shops with my friends. Susan, Michelle, Kim and I went to the Quilting Connection in Ames, Block Party Studios in Nevada, and Quilter's Cupboard in Ankeny.

Being the practical sort, my purchases were needed fabric for quilt backings and binding, machine needles, and a big hunk of Hobbs wool. The latter is for my next new adventure in free-motion quilting with that Pfaff.

None of us went overboard adding to our stashes, but still had a great time together. Chatter was pretty much non-stop, except when our mouths were occupied with lunch or a treat from Dairy Queen. What a blessing it is to have friends with whom you can share your life and be yourself. Thank you, Buds!

Like I said, "Fun!"