A new totable machine

[Sewdreamy]

Ok, I know I'm nutso, but I went out today to show my Hoffman Challenge and my perspectives quilt to my Bernina dealer and the follks at the fabric store. They were very complementary, and it helped my ego.

Renata and I are going this September to the Pennsylvania Festival of Quilts (Mancuso show in Philly), and we have gotten into Gloria Laughman's class which requires we bring a machine. I usually avoid classes that require a machine because I have an old 1230 that weighs almost as much as my Bernina 830 (Gibbs). Gibbs is not going to travel. I love my old machine, named "Betsy" but she is semi-retired and heavy and slow. I needed something light enough my mid-sixty bones and muscles could manage on my own that still would do all the things I need for classes...drop the feed dogs, have the right utility stitches, light enough to carry, sews smoothly, and so on...and my Bernina dealer told me I could have it for 30 percent off and was honest to tell me that the 350 would be as good for me as the 380 since I didn't need all the additional decorative stitches that one uses. I tried it and it sews like a dream and I bought it on the spot. :shock: It came with the multi-sole-plated walking foot and that will also work on my 830. So wow! I can also use it for piecing and teaching my grandson to sew and..... :lol: :lol: :lol:

Anyway, while I was there they asked if I would put together a proposal package on teaching a class there at the store on how to make wall art quilts and told me what I need to do that with. They also asked me to be a guest lecturer at one of their groups. So maybe there is a way to support my sewing/quilting habit...or at least offset some of it. LOL

What should I name it...definately a girl...it's a little thing?

[kathyst2]

Minerva- nickname Mini??? (I just read a book with a character named Minerva- the name popped right into my head!)


Congratulations on your new little machine, and also on being asked to teach these classes. Such a nice validation of your achievements in art quilting!

kathy

[Sewdreamy]

Ooh, Kathy, I love the name. :lol: Thanks. I will probably be asking for ideas and help as I work out the perspective on the class.

[Renata]

BJ and I met up at the fabric store today so I had the chance to see AND touch (which BJ let me, I asked first!) her Hoffman Challenge and perspectives quilt. They are even more beautiful than in the picture!!! :P :P :P I expect to see them both on exhibit at a show! 8)

We were so lucky to get into Gloria Loughman's Luminescent Landscapes class in Philadelphia--before the end of the FIRST registration day, hers was the only class completely SOLD OUT! We also got into Pepper Cory's sashiko class which I know will be a lot of fun. I wonder if I'm going to have to take apart some of the yukata I bought when living in Japan, to make the quilt Pepper Cory is going to teach to? :roll: :lol:

[Sewdreamy]

Renata, that's a nice idea. I have a kimono or two hanging around...hmmm

[Lorchen]

Congratulations, Betty Jo! My Bernina 220 goes by the name of 'Baby', because she is the smallest and lightest machine I have and I definitely 'don't put Baby in a corner'.

You will loooove the workshop with Gloria! I was very lucky a few years ago and did a one-day workshop with here here in the UK. It was a brilliant day. I learned lots, but it was also a very relaxing day.

[Margo]

Congratulations, Betty Jo! My Bernina 220 goes by the name of 'Baby', because she is the smallest and lightest machine I have and I definitely 'don't put Baby in a corner'.

Lorchen, you are TOO funny!! :lol: :lol: :lol:

Congratulations, BJ! Lots of exciting things happening for you!

[Sewdreamy]

Thanks my friends! I am amazed at all the good things going on for me right now. I think I will name my little baby Minerva. It's a wonderfully appropriate name. :lol: :lol: I just set her up and tried her out. She sews like a dream.

[rehak]

Congratulations, BJ, on your new machine! I know she'll be a loved member of your family!

And congratulations to both you and Renata on getting into your classes! Some teachers are very popular, so I always jump on my class registrations as soon as the classes open up. For our Long Beach trip, a couple of us got into David Taylor's class, but another friend waited a couple of days and the class was filled. It pays to be an early bird! I want to hear all about it when the time comes!!

Nancy

[Sewdreamy]

Congratulations, BJ, on your new machine! I know she'll be a loved member of your family!

And congratulations to both you and Renata on getting into your classes! Some teachers are very popular, so I always jump on my class registrations as soon as the classes open up. For our Long Beach trip, a couple of us got into David Taylor's class, but another friend waited a couple of days and the class was filled. It pays to be an early bird! I want to hear all about it when the time comes!!

Nancy

Thank you. We're both excited about our classes. Now we just have to wait until September, but time flies very quickly I find. :shock:

[loise98]

Congratulations BJ! That's great news that you have a traveling machine. Can't wait to see that quilt and learn about your teaching adventures. What fun you will have!

[kathyst2]

Betty Jo, I hope that Gibbs and Betsy aren't jealous of Minerva when you take her traveling. She'll be able to tell them all about your Gloria Loughman class. After I saw her show, and read through her second book, I e mailed her about a question I had, and she sent me a reply right back. She was very nice. This class is bound to be wonderful. I hope it fills you up with more new good ideas! Can't wait to hear about it. I know, it's not for a couple more months....

Kathy

[Franceslovesfabric]

Betty Jo,
I also have the 350 and love it. I can take it to quilt bee, to retreat, set it up to sew in the living room if I want to sew while DH and I watch tv. Enjoy it!

Frances

[Sewdreamy]

Kathy, that's good to hear--can hardly wait. Francis, the 350 IS such a nice little thing isn't it? I'm excited with the new opportunities this opens up for me. It seems the perfect machine for a new sewer too if someone is looking for one to start someone with.

[littleflower]

Wow! What a great deal! The 350 is a great machine and will be amazing to travel with. Maybe we can meet in Philly!