Friday, February 24, 2012

Janome 4 Piece Quilting Set and Craftsy Class...



Beginning with the lovely four piece Janome low shank quilting set, and getting on to Craftsy, this has been a fun few weeks on the quilting scene. Not that I have done anything constructive except practice, but I am now set up to quilt on three different systems, and must never be bereft of a machine short of the opening of an abyss, arguably a dim probability. This foot seems expensive until you realize it has three different attachments that act as three different feet. Plus a needle plate cover, and the most solid looking shank adapter ever on which the three "feet" mount. They mount tightly so that they work seamlessly as though each were a separate free motion foot entirely. No wobbling, no sense of having "just an attachment."  My machine I am currently using this set on hasn't the ability to take the needle plate cover, but doesn't need it. Lots of Janome machines have the two small holes - one on each side of the needle plate, that accommodate this piece. The Janome 8050 does not. I observe that several Janomes do not have these holes. The Janome 115110 (Kenmore 19110) does have them. I love the open toe version, and haven't tried the large plastic piece yet.  That brings me to Craftsy. I signed up for the Machine Quilting Class there, and I highly recommend the video method. Craftsy has done a great job on this site, making class functionality excellent. There are Notes and Chat portions, which are optional, and to me the Notes section is the best. It really works well. Once you sign up you "own" the class as long as Craftsy is online. You can go back and review and watch over and over. The instructor is personable and fun to watch and listen to - a woman who knows her stuff, Wendy Butler Berns. I look forward to watching the rest of the videos and practicing some of the things I learn. Coupled with my DVD from Sue Nickels, I have more than enough to occupy my learning time.

3 comments:

BeaJay said...

That sample looks great. I am not a quilter - barely even a sewer - but I am in awe of people who can be artistic and put together beautiful quilts. Can't wait to see one done with your new attachements.

catspec said...

So far I can't claim any actual whole quilts, so I better get busy! I cannot tell you how fun just the FMQing is though....just get some "practice sandwichs" put together and try....you will love it. :) Couple pieces of cotton with batting in between and play. Don't use cheap muslin though...the stuff isn't woven densely enough.

catspec said...

Meant to add....use broadcloth - it's inexpensive and woven much better. :)