Artquiltmaker Blog – Commentary about works in progress, design & creativity

Sewing Machine Shopping

After finishing the Pandora Charisma and thinking about what I want to do next time, I decided to go sewing machine shopping. Kind of an extreme reaction, I know, but my machine has been bugging me. The stitch length has a problem that seems to only be a problem for me. Making the Pandora Charisma made the problem worse.

I have been out twice and have looked at 3 different machines, the Elna 792 Pro, the Janome Memory Craft 9480 QC and the Janome 6700, which is the newer model of the machine I have now.

The Janome 6700 is similar to the machine I have now. I looked at this machine on my first outing. It doesn’t have Accufeed capability, so I would basically be buying better stitches. I probably won’t buy this machine.

Yesterday, I went back to the same shop and looked at the Elna 792 Pro again and the Janome Memory Craft 9480 QC for the first time. Laura came with me to provide moral support. I am assured that the Elna 792 Pro is the exact same machine as the Janome M8, which I went in to look at. The differences are white vs. grey color of machine and the AccuSpark app. The Elna does not use the AccuSpark app. I probably wouldn’t think to use it anyway.

The Elna has 13.5 inches of throat space and is a flat bed machine. My current machine has 10 inches and is also a flat bed machine. I can tell the difference. It feels very spacious under the throat.A flat bed machine means that there is more space under the needle for the engineering/motor/mechanical bits. I learned that today, which I thought was interesting.

There is a separate bobbin winder, which I enjoy now on my Janome MC 6600. The added bonus is there is a thread cutter that is part of the bobbin winder. I didn’t bring my own materials to sew. I meant to, but never got around to it. A, the person helping me, brought out some pleather and I was able to sew on it. The machine doesn’t come with a Teflon foot, but I can buy a Teflon foot and throat plate combination pack. It means that when sewing vinyl or pleather, both top and bottom will be slippery. We really put the machine through its paces with the pleather. It sewed a really nice stitch even with about 5 layers of pleather. The key is to keep the foot level. Someone told me that I should not be sewing fabric thicknesses that force the foot not to be level and I should never use a hump jumper**. ‘A’ said that that was why the machine came with a hump jumper. That made me feel better since I use my hump jumper all the time.

The machine comes with a lot of feet, though not all that I think I would want. It also comes with 3 stitch plates, which are SOOOO easy to change. What a difference between trying to unscrew the plate I have now. The stitch plates on the Elna automatically lift up when the button is pressed. The machine is very smart. It has a plate sensor so you can’t move the needle into a position that is incompatible with the stitch plate.

I tried a hand stitch ‘look’ stitch and that was amazing! It really looked good and I can see using as a top stitching.

‘A’ said that this Elna (or the Janome M8) is the strongest home sewing machine they sell without getting into industrial machines. I do not want an industrial machine. I think I can rent one at a local sewing store if I need one.

The Janome Memory Craft 9480 QC was the second machine I looked at yesterday. The motor isn’t as powerful as the Elna 792 Pro and there is an extra charge for the stitch regulator. It has 11 inches of throat space and I could tell the difference when compared with the Elna.

A bonus is that this machine has a pull out light that provides even more light than what is given in the throat space. There is no separate bobbin winder on this machine so I would have to un-thread, wind the bobbin and re-thread. Not earth shattering, but not ideal either.

The stitch plate is not electric, but pops off easier than the machine I have now. No screws required. This machine has the same accessories. It only has a horizontal thread stand, though a vertical option is available at an extra price.

Neither machine uses the AccuSpark app. I probably wouldn’t use it though you never know.

I have a lot to think about! What machine do you have? What is the best feature?

**Obviously, you should shop at local quilt shops and small businesses. However, if you are too busy or can’t find what you need there, I use Amazon affiliate links and may be paid for your purchase of an item when you click on an item’s link in my post. There is no additional cost to you for clicking or purchasing items I recommend. I appreciate your clicks and purchases as it helps support this website.

1-2-3 Mosaic Workshop

I spent Saturday with the guild and with Lorraine Woodruff-Long. The guild arranged for her to teach her 1-2-3 Mosaic workshop. I have to admit that I wasn’t excited, but I am pleased to report that I loved it. I created a lot of little jewels, which makes me very happy.

The photo, left, shows the blocks I made during the workshop.

After the workshop you end up with enough blocks (or almost) to make a 20 inch or 24 inch cushion cover. DDH has warned me off anymore throw pillows for our living room, but he has not said anything about table runners. As a result, I went into the workshop with the idea of making a spring/start of summer table runner for my buffet. Our buffet is probably our nicest piece of furniture and the top is still pristine. Anyway, I started out with the idea of making a tablerunner, which I will actually use.

As an aside, I am going to have to do a table runner inventory and see what I ‘need’. Thanksgiving and Christmas are well covered, but I could go for all the holidays and have an easy way to change the decor.

Lorraine did a nice job teaching.

She has clearly thought through the process and was clear about how to do it. I was super excited about the organization of the pieces to make the blocks. It is a game changer for chain piecing, no question. You really need to take this class!

Lorraine said there were no mistakes, because the blocks could always be enlarged. I found a way to have to use a seam ripper. LOL!

I actually just cut the fabric after I sewed the correct piece on the correct side. I didn’t use a seam ripper all day, though I could have.

I sewed a third batch of blocks at the very end of the day, but didn’t press them until I got home.

This is about the width I will use for the table runner, but I have to make it about three times as long.

I might sew blocks I like together into chunks so I can move them around more easily. We’ll see.

MaryC brought a huge pile of ‘scraps’ (some were half yards!!) to share. I pulled some blues and pinks from that pile, so right now the piece is made up mostly of solids and tone-on-tones. I have a couple of fussy cut motifs in the center of blocks, but I think I need to break up the solids and tone-on-tones with some prints on the outside of a few of the blocks.

Above are a few of the blocks other people created as well as the first blocks that I made. Lorraine made an awesome video of all of us in her workshop. Check it and see how fun the guild is. You should join us. 😉

Copyright is only claimed on the photos. Permission is NOT granted to take any photos from this page and use them without permission. Designs of quilts and blocks are copyrighted by the creator.

Finished: EPP Ball #11

I finished another EPP Ball a week or so ago. This one is heading off to a Farmer’s market for my friend to sell. It’s a new adventure for me and we will see how it goes.

I have never wanted to sell my creations, because I love making things and want to continue to use it as a method of expressing my creativity as well a way to reduce stress.

This foray has a fairly low commitment. I am sending her two items to sell. I priced them on the high side, so we will see. I don’t want to encourage orders or people telling me what colors to use.

This one does not have any Beanie Baby pellets inside it. I had a reason for not including them, but I don’t remember what it is. I am working on another one and will add the pellets.

Working on this project has made me want to get back to La Passacaglia, which is languishing.

I really enjoy EPP.

My Enigma Rivets

Bone Enigma side panels - pre-assembly — Bone Enigma side panels – pre-assembly

When I sewed the Bone Enigma I followed the directions exactly with regard to rivets. The directions say to add rivets before assembly. The rivets can go anywhere, but I wanted to put them on the ends of the handle, just to reinforce it. It is at the stage of assembly shown in the photo where the directions say to add rivets.

Peony Enigma with rivets - full — Peony Enigma with rivets – full

This is great except for Enigma bags already completed. I decided I wanted rivets on my Enigma bag. The bag is already complete, so I consulted with Mary and we decided it could be done. We had to squish the top a little, but the overall procedure worked and my bag now has rivets on the handle.

Peony Enigma with rivets - detail — Peony Enigma with rivets – detail

I wanted silver, but Mary thought a gunmetal finish would look better. I am pleased not to worry about ripping out the handle.

Finally: Pet Bed

I have had the fleece for a Pet Bed sitting around for a long time. I finally sewed it together last week in order to bring it to Sew Day.

One of the things that spurred me on was the bits of batting I had laying around from the various quilts that I have mostly finished recently. The guild is not using schnibbles for pet beds any more as they don’t make for soft and comfy beds. Also, they are hard to wash. This is sad as I still have a lot of schnibbles. We are working out a plan for their use in another way.

This wasn’t my fabric so I don’t get any credit on my Fabric Used spreadsheet.

Finished: Megan’s Bone Enigma

Megan's Bone Enigma-front — Megan’s Bone Enigma-front

Megan’s Bone Enigma has been on my list for awhile. It doesn’t show up on any of my 26 Projects lists, because I hadn’t started cutting or sewing. It only shows up on my UFO Challenge list, because I have been wanting to make it for awhile and hadn’t quite gotten to it.

I could have waited to write the “All the Enigmas” post, but I will have to write another one as I am already cutting others out.

Megan's Bone Enigma-interior — Megan’s Bone Enigma-interior

This bag goes with Megan’s Hand Bone Hackney. She said she liked this fabric and I hope that is true. I bought it for another purpose for which the fabric will not be used. I did make several projects from it, but still have at least 1.5 yards left.

One thing I did on the bottom, which are pieces that need to be quilted, was fuse the fabric, both lining and exterior, to the foam using MistyFuse**. I had forgotten to cut the lining and exterior larger before quilting and wanted to try and mitigate shrinkage. I think I could have left the bottom unquilted, because the MistyFuse really adhered well to the fabric. I was kind of surprised since the MistyFuse has been laying around my workroom for years.

I am pleased with how the center looks. I just feel like it came out really well. The fabric, a Birch Organic, looks really great.

Megan's Bone Enigma-bottom — Megan’s Bone Enigma-bottom

I tried really hard to line up the fabric so that the motifs were oriented in the right way.

In the photo of the bottom you can see how the motifs are oriented towards the top. See the handle? When the bag is closed the part of the bottom with the skull forms the back of the bag and that skull as well as the other motifs are right side up.

Megan's Bone Enigma-bottom-> back - closed — Megan’s Bone Enigma-bottom-> back – closed

Cool, huh? Sadly, I did not match up the motifs on the top piece with the back piece. I was pretty proud of myself for doing this much, though I don’t think anyone will notice. *I* notice and that is what is important!

Megan's Bone Enigma-top closed — Megan’s Bone Enigma-top closed

I am on the fence about the striped handle and pull tabs. I didn’t have any solid black at the time I cut those. The design works pretty well, but I think a solid black would have been better. Or maybe a black and grey stripe? Not sure, but I’ll have to think about it. I did use this same strip on the handle of Hand Bone Hackney, so that is something.

An unintended effect looking at the top is that the handle is enclosed by two hand bone motifs! It looks kind of cool.

I also used MaryC’s rivet press at Sew Day to put rivets on the handle. I am super excited about that!!

Megan's Bone Enigma -side — Megan’s Bone Enigma -side

I still love the diagonal zipper. I thought the zipper tape I chose would be too large, but it worked out ok.

Well, even though that number hasn’t been picked in the UFO Challenge, I have finished it. I am giving it to Megan today, so needs must.

Gerre’s Tadpole

I finished the Tadpole I made for Gerre’s International Women’s Day celebration. This is another Sew Sweetness pattern I bought and hadn’t yet made. I made this one at the same time I made Carrie’s.

Gerres' Scissor Sheath — Gerres’ Scissor Sheath

The fabric I used was the same used for another of Gerre’s bags, the Enigma Pouch. I am not a huge fan of this fabric as it looks a little too creepy for me. However, first, I am almost out, and second Gerre said she really likes it. I decided to use it up and then I can get back to the Alexander Henry Dia de los Muertos fabric I also use for her gifts. Yes, I have used a few different fabrics for her gifts. She was the first one, I think, for whom I started making sets of bags. It took me awhile to settle into the process.

This fabric does provide some good fussy cutting opportunities. Since I don’t have much of it left, I am using all the bits.

Gerre's Tadpole other front — Gerre’s Tadpole other front

This pouch is more 2 sided than Carries, because of the fussy cutting opportunities. It is interesting how different the two sides are. However, all the figures are skeleton mermaids or mermen. I mostly cut off the tail of them. I suppose I could have turned the fabric 90 degrees and included the tail. Considering the design of the pouch, that might be a better way to orient the fabric. I guess I’ll have to make another one to see. 😉

Gerre's Tadpole interior — Gerre’s Tadpole interior

As mentioned, I followed the pattern exactly, which I might not do if I make this again.

I also put an interior zipper pocket on one side of the pouch. I think this pocket could be used for extra rotary cutter blades. They might not be obvious, but a reminder could be using this same side for a rotary cutter.

I am paying closer attention to making sure the linings are not saggy baggy. I am pleased with the way the pockets came out.

Two Tadpoles - front — Two Tadpoles – front

Two Tadpoles - other front — Two Tadpoles – other front

Both Tadpoles look good, I think. I need some practice to make them better, but this is a useful pouch.

Carrie’s Tadpole

The Tadpole is a pouch that I bought as part of a 4-pack with the Cosquilla pattern last June. I am glad to say that this isn’t the first time I have made a bag from this 4-pack.

The Tadpole (weird name, I know) is a useful pouch with two pockets that can secure scissors, rotary cutters and other similar types of tools.

One pocket is on the top and the other is on the bottom so you have to kind of flip it around to get at both zippers.

One of the pockets includes a small internal zipper pocket. This pocket could be added to both of the larger zipper pockets. I am not sure what I would put in that interior zipper pocket, but I do think that, generally, the more pockets the better. In this case, that might not be true if I were to put something in there and then lose it or forget about it. I look forward to seeing what Carrie says.

The pattern includes a scissor sheath. I bought Carrie a nice pair of scissors to go with the pouch and the sheath can be customized to fit the scissors. I wanted to do that, but I didn’t want to open a new pair of scissors. I am not 100% sure the sheath is very useful with sharp scissors. It is definitely cool to have a matching scissor adornment, but I am concerned that sharp scissors will cut through quilting cotton. I might make the scissor sheath out of cork or pleather scraps in the future. It wouldn’t match, but it might be useful.

I made this first one in the fabric I use for Carrie, the Carrie Bloomston Color Theory fabric. I was able to use some smaller pieces, which was nice.

Ends n.23 Start and Finish

I wanted to make a second donation top for the year and going through a stack of fabric helped. I found the neutral background and that cemented my resolve.

I used the edges that Colleen cut off of Gelato #2 to start this donation quilt. That back was quite large, so I had long pieces from which to choose.

I shoot for about 40×40 for these quilts so a yard of fabric total works. The neutral I found was a half yard.

Except for the back, I didn’t need to dig into my bins of fabric. I chose some light oranges for the back, then dutifully measured and put together some batting scraps for the batting.

JayeL on 1-2-3 Mosaic WorkshopTuesday, March 17, 2026
It was a great workshop! Take it if you can. She offers it frequently.
Eleanor Jackson on 1-2-3 Mosaic WorkshopTuesday, March 17, 2026
Thank you for sharing the information and the video. I was so delighted by the colors and creativity everyone used.…
JayeL on Finished: Megan’s Bone EnigmaThursday, March 12, 2026
It's a gift with a due date. My gamble at hoping it wold be chosen, like most gambling, did not…
JayeL on Lupine Top and Back FinishedThursday, March 12, 2026
Thank you!
JayeL on Playing with the BAM BOMThursday, March 12, 2026
They were all new to me as well. I really didn't see that diagonal until my sister showed me.

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