Several people told me that they could not download episode 54 or that only the first half downloaded.  So here it is again, at least just the part about Why I will NEVER buy another Janome.

Today, I tell you the ugly truth about my high-end sewing machine; Janome Memory Craft 11,000 Special Edition (MC11000 aka MC11000SE)

• In the shop 7 times within a year; needs to go back again.
• Bobbin case keeps turning and the needle goes through it. Dealer broke two bobbin cases trying to fix it then told me I threaded it wrong.
• Machine tells me the bobbin is empty when it’s not
• Machine rattles when I machine quilt; dealer says I have to use the blue dot case when Janome says it is not mandatory to use it.
• Dealer fixes on the spot and says there is nothing wrong with it.
• I had to argue, yell and fight with the dealer to get them to take it in and actually examine it thoroughly.
• Dealer will not listen to me when I bring it in, makes excuses for everything I say. Such as “I am using cheap thread” or “I shouldn’t have used the darning foot for machine quilting”.
• Dealer says all my problems are user error, but I say 7 times in the shop proves it is not user error.
• Dealer says Janome will not exchange it for another machine or another model of machine.
• Janome says the purchase of my machine is between me and dealer – they refuse to get involved or exchange.
• Janome says I can have my dealer ship it to them, but I will have to pay for all shipping and repair charges.
• I believe they sold me a refurbished machine without telling me.
• On an internet search I found page after page of complaints for this model; most of them include bobbin and bobbin case problems.

Here are some of the projects I completed recently.

Tooth Fairy Pillow:  Fairly embroidery pattern from www.emblibrary.com

“Tonight when its time to lay down in your bed, Put your tooth under your pillow where you rest your sweet head. may the Tooth Fairy bring you lots of money and your toothless days be bright and sunny.” – Not sure where I found this, on the internet somewhere.

Hardanger Coaster – 3 down, 1 to go!

Disappearing 9-patch wall hanging – quilting has begun!

This week marks the 1 year anniversary of the Sew Stitch Create Podcast.  Today I discussed the origins of the podcast, where I plan to go with it, as well as the projects I completed over this past year.  In the next few days I will create a page showing you how to start your own podcast.

There are currently two contests going on.

1. Send me a picture of you making continuous bias tape to be entered to win a bias tape maker.  The deadline is 6pm EST March 1st.
2. Leave a comment, leave a voicemail, or send me a picture to highlight to be entered to win a tool holder.  The deadline is March 8th.

I thought this quilt was appropriate to share this week, since so many of you are knee deep in snow.  Emily made this quilt as a gift for her daughter.  It is the only quilt she has ever sent out to be quilted and she did it to surprise her daughter.  I think it is adorable.  It is machine appliqued.  Thank you for sharing Emily.

Today we talked about how to start a quilt guild.

Thank you to everyone who left comments this week. I really appreciate it. I had an email mishap this week with my new phone and accidently deleted a bunch of emails. Sorry, if I didn’t reply to yours.

I picked up two magazines this week – I would recommend them. They are not solely about quilting, but sewing in general. I am really enjoying them.

We got a new puppy! Meet “Reesee”. She looks just like a peanut butter cup. She is a 10 week only Chihuahua. She is miniature and probably won’t grow much bigger than 5lbs.

Question of the Week results:

• What do you consider yourself?
• 56% – Quilter
• 19% – Crafter

I finished another block in my Frolic quilt – only 11 more to go!!!

Here are some great links on how to start a quilt guild.

• CanadianQuilter.com
• QuiltGuilds.com

Today we talked about whether or not you should pre-wash your fabric.

I haven’t posted for the last three weeks because I had a terrible cold that had me in bed for five days.  Ever since then, I just hadn’t felt well.  Plus, I was overloaded with work that was keeping me very busy.

I did manage to finish two blocks of my frolic applique quilt and one more hardanger coaster.  I have two coasters left to go!

The weekly poll results

• Do you crochet
• 39 responses
• 67% say Yes

Listen to this week’s podcast to decide if pre-washing your fabric is right for you.

Send me pictures of what you are working on or have finished and I will highlight it in the next podcast!

This week I did not have a planned topic, so we discussed a variety of things.

Thank you to everyone who left comments this week.  Be sure to read the comments from last week’s episode on fabric stashes.  Very interesting to see how everyone else is handling thier stash.

Special thanks to everyone who left reviews on iTunes – we are up to 7 reviews.

Tami sent us a great email with PICTURES!!!  Tami used Moda’s American Jane fabric to make “paperdolls” with fabric.  She suggests quiltshoppe.net or keepsakequilting.com to purchase paperdoll fabric.  (#9304 & #9306 from keepsakequilting is the doll and clothes fabrics).

Tami fused the dolls to Timtex using heavy duty fusable.  She used a lightweight fusable on the clothes and toys- they stick right to the doll.

She also made a matching quilt with pockets in the back to hold the cutout dolls and clothes.  Great Idea.  Leave a comment and let Tami know what you think.

What did I do this week?

Finished two sets of booties – they were a hit at the baby shower.

Started another applique block for my Frolic quilt.  Found a paper piecing pattern from Carol Doak for my Florida Gator quilt.

Purchased a couple “magic wallets” from the daughter of a co-worker.  Easy to make and she sold them for $5 each.  Great way to make extra money with your craft.

Question of the week?

• What color thread do you piece with
• 25 votes
• 36% Grey
• 32% Tan
• 20% matches the blocks

Topic this week – Fabric Cuts and Book Review

• We discussed what the different cuts were; Fat Quarters, Jelly Rolls, Layer Cakes, and Charm Squares.
• Book Review of “Quilts for Men: From Crib to Dorm to Den”

Links from last post are now fixed and working – thank you to everyone who sent me a message.

Today we talking about keeping and organizing a Fabric Stash.

Thank you to everyone who left reviews on iTunes and comments this week.  Kelley from Pioneer Quilter, Corrine, Claire, and Shelly Beth from Fibermoon.com

What did I do this week:

Completed my first paperpieced block.

Picked up stuff to make baby booties for an upcoming baby shower.

Completed one bootie

Joined a quilt block swap on Facebook

Joined Ravelry, but I am still waiting on my invitation – Come on, Ravelry, it has been three days!

Care package from Kelley at the Pioneer Quilter.

Question of the Week Results

• When buying for your stash, how much do you buy
• 25 votes
• 48% buy one yard
• 28% buy 1/2 yard
• 12% buy 2-5 yards
• Corrine says “if you like it, buy a yard; if you REALLY like it buy 2 yards; if you can’t live without it, buy as much as your budget will allow”

Topic this week:  Fabric Stash

• Benefits of a stash
• Tips for taking care of your stash
• Ways to organize your stash
• Folding the fabric in your stash
• How to know what you have
• Is it possible to have too much stash? 

Check out these links for more tips:

• The Domestic Diva
• Feathered Fibers
• The Happy Zombie
• Cut Out and Keep

Buy Comic Book Boards here.

Call to Action

• Answer this week’s poll
• Leave a comment and share how you manage your stash

I will post an article this week on all my research – no lunch breaks this week to get to it.