Long Arm Maintenance

Sometimes, you have to disassemble a thing. What is this thing? Well, that is the tension assembly for my Innova long arm. 

It seems, after several years, the shell has been worn down enough by the spring that it just won't work properly any more. I had a spare on hand so I grabbed the manual and YouTube and got busy changing it out. I was done in no time and back to quilting. Don't be afraid to work on your own sewing machine. They are pretty simple machines.

Summer Sew Along: Quilting

After a rough start, I started quilting my 2024 Summer Sew Along quilt. This quilt top came out so much better than I thought it would. It was a free pattern by Karen Montgomery. Such a great teacher. Remember, finished is better than perfect!

My favorite tools and supplies (affiliate links):

Creative Grids 6.5" x 24.5" Rectangle Fiskars Rotary Cutter

Creative Grids 4.5" x 12.5" Rectangle Quilting Ruler

Fiskars Rotary Cutter replacement blades
Fiskars Self Healing Rotary Cutting Mat
BLACK+DECKER Classic Steam Iron
Fiskars 8-inch scissors

Juki TL-2010Q

Grabbit Magnetic Pin Cushion

Dritz Craft Pins, 1-3/4-Inch (250-Count)

Electric Quilt

Project box: IRIS 12" x 12" Portable Plastic Storage Cases with Built-in Handle, Clear (storage)

Letter Openers

Fiskars Rotating Cutting Mat 14 inch x 14 inch

Creative Grids Stripology XL Ruler

Threads from the Heartland: Quilted

I finally got this quilt kit quilt onto the long arm and quilted. 

I went with a Baptist fan design because it seemed like it would fit the style of the prints. The design is Kristin's Easy Baptist Fan from Urban Elementz. Their library of quilting designs is great when you have an idea of what you want. 

I need to find some binding and finish this one. 

Kit from Joann Fabrics (ages ago) called Threads from the Heartland.

My favorite tools and supplies (affiliate links):

Creative Grids 6.5" x 24.5" Rectangle Fiskars Rotary Cutter

Creative Grids 4.5" x 12.5" Rectangle Quilting Ruler

Fiskars Rotary Cutter replacement blades
Fiskars Self Healing Rotary Cutting Mat
BLACK+DECKER Classic Steam Iron
Fiskars 8-inch scissors

Juki TL-2010Q

Grabbit Magnetic Pin Cushion

Dritz Craft Pins, 1-3/4-Inch (250-Count)

Electric Quilt

Project box: IRIS 12" x 12" Portable Plastic Storage Cases with Built-in Handle, Clear (storage)

Letter Openers

Fiskars Rotating Cutting Mat 14 inch x 14 inch

Creative Grids Stripology XL Ruler

Odds and Ends

I don't have any charity quilts to share this week so we'll start off with some random things. I pieced this fun hat using the Harico pattern from Feerie Telle. Piece with some pretty small pieces from my giant bin of fleece scraps.

I created my November cover sheet for my diary. Colored pencils and ink.

I used my long arm to create some fun texture to create fabric for a costume for an upcoming gaming event. This project is still in the works.

I also pieced this basis for a fur mantle. 

I did some hand-finished binding on this piece. I cut this binding entirely too wide but it won't be visible so it will be fine. I still need to cut and piece the fur that will be attached to the base. Bias binding is worth it when you're working with curves. 

My favorite tools and supplies (affiliate links):

Creative Grids 6.5" x 24.5" Rectangle 

Fiskars Rotary Cutter

Fiskars Rotary Cutter replacement blades

Fiskars Self Healing Rotary Cutting Mat
BLACK+DECKER Classic Steam Iron
Fiskars 8-inch scissors

Juki TL-2010Q

Grabbit Magnetic Pin Cushion

Dritz Craft Pins, 1-3/4-Inch (250-Count)

Creative Grids Stripology XL Ruler

Butterfly Garden

I pieced this quilt way back in January (2023). I decided to get it off my to-quilt list. I loaded it up and got quilting. 

I picked a fun flower edge-to-edge design. This design came with my machine so I'm not sure who designed it. It is a great all-over design that makes a fun texture. I picked a blue thread that matches the backing fabric. 

It isn't easy to see in this photo, but the texture is great!

I've made my binding. Now, I just need to get it attached. 

Tools and supplies (affiliate links):

Creative Grids 6.5" x 24.5" Rectangle Fiskars Rotary Cutter

Fiskars Rotary Cutter replacement blades

Fiskars Self Healing Rotary Cutting Mat
BLACK+DECKER Classic Steam Iron
Fiskars 8-inch scissors

Juki TL-2010Q

Grabbit Magnetic Pin Cushion

Dritz Craft Pins, 1-3/4-Inch (250-Count)

Electric Quilt 8 quilt design software

Accuquilt Go! - This is the basic kit that I started with. The cutter, one die, and mat.

Accuquilt Ready. Set. Go! - New to Accuquilt and ready to jump into the Accuquilt Go! with both feet? This is the set for you. It includes the 8 Inch Qube and a strip cutter. 

8 Inch Qube - Already have an Accuquilt Go! and just want to add to your collection of dies?

Making the Most of Things

When I got to the end of a roll of batting I had a piece of batting that would work for two charity quilts but I would have to load them a little differently than usual. Usually I load charity quilts with the selvage edges along the rails (so the top rail and the bottom rail on the machine) and I load the quilt top so the sides of the quilt are along those same rails. So the top of the quilt is on my right side and the bottom is on the left. This batting was cutting it close, and I didn't have enough backing without piecing so I pieced a really long and narrow backing using a bunch of leftovers. 

I loaded one quilt and quilted it. Then, without cutting the backing. or batting, I just basted a straight line for the second top and basted the second top. I would say this saved me time, but that wouldn't be true. Piecing a backing is never faster than using a single piece of fabric. 

Now I just trim them and get them ready for binding. Do you like to piece quilt backings? 

Tools and supplies (affiliate links):

Retractable Badge Holder

Fiskars Micro-Tip Scissors, 5 Inch

Dritz Wooden Yardstick, Natural

Plastic Cord Locks

Paracord Planet Bungee Nylon Shock Cord 1/8"

Tool Tips

Today I'd like to talk about some of my favorite and must-have tools. First, a quality pair of snips. These are my favorite. I have two: one with my long arm, and one with my English Paper Piecing bag/kit. I keep mine on a retractable badge holder. That way I can slide the clip onto my shirt collar so my scissors are always handy. I can also slide the clip onto my keyboard tray on the frame. 

Next, the humble yard stick. You can pick these up at the home improvement warehouse of your choice, usually for just a couple dollars each. They don't have to be fancy, or accurate, for this. I use them to support the side clamps on my long arm machine when the backing is skimpy. They make sure the machine bed and handles don't get caught up on the clamps while the machine works. Just slide it under the elastic for the clamps and set on top of the two most level bars of the frame. This really depends on your machine frame set up. 

You can also see the elastic marker with cord locks. I use this to keep my quilt top straight and square while quilting. I float my quilt tops (particularly with charity quilts because they are so small) so this keeps me on track without pre-basting.

Tools and supplies (affiliate links):

Retractable Badge Holder

Fiskars Micro-Tip Scissors, 5 Inch

Dritz Wooden Yardstick, Natural

Plastic Cord Locks

Paracord Planet Bungee Nylon Shock Cord 1/8"

Blueberry Charm

I finally loaded up this simple quilt. Winter lighting is just terrible for photos. 

I chose a flower and leaf all-over design for the quilting. 

I think it was a great choice for this quilt. This was the first time I used Hobbs 80/20 Cotton Blend Batting and I'm so glad I gave it a try. The texture is great! Good thing, too, since I bought the whole roll. 

Trimmed and ready for binding. 

Tools and supplies (affiliate links):

Creative Grids 6.5" x 24.5" Rectangle Fiskars Rotary Cutter

Creative Grids 4.5" x 12.5" Rectangle Quilting Ruler

Fiskars Rotary Cutter replacement blades
Fiskars Self Healing Rotary Cutting Mat
BLACK+DECKER Classic Steam Iron
Fiskars 8-inch scissors

Juki TL-2010Q

Grabbit Magnetic Pin Cushion

Dritz Craft Pins, 1-3/4-Inch (250-Count)

Electric Quilt

Find the perfect Charm Pack for your next project.

Batting is Hobbs Heirloom Premium 80/20 Cotton Blend Batting

Charity Quilting

This great quilt was pieced by Mary for Annapolis Quilts for Kids. 

I love these little novelty prints!

Mary also pieced this great pinwheel quilt. 

If you want to contribute but don't have the time or skills, you can support the national Quilts for Kids by shopping through Amazon Smile. I don't earn anything from this link. This link lets your purchases support Quilts for Kids through Amazon. I don't add affiliate links to my charity quit posts on purpose. I donate my time, my machine, my thread, and my skill to the cause. 

My personal goal is to quilt at least one quilt per week throughout the year. To that end, check out the EpochConverter for 2022 to see how I'm stacking up.

2022 Charity Quilt Count: 80

Charity Quilting

This My Little Pony quilt is just delightful! Pieced by Mary for Annapolis Quilts for Kids. 

I chose an edge-to-edge quilting design with clouds and rainbows for this one. 

This fun little quilt was made using four-patch blocks I had left over from other projects. It's great to combine small, little leftovers into a quilt top. Quilted with a watery texture. 

If you want to contribute but don't have the time or skills, you can support the national Quilts for Kids by shopping through Amazon Smile. I don't earn anything from this link. This link lets your purchases support Quilts for Kids through Amazon. I don't add affiliate links to my charity quit posts on purpose. I donate my time, my machine, my thread, and my skill to the cause. 

My personal goal is to quilt at least one quilt per week throughout the year. To that end, check out the EpochConverter for 2022 to see how I'm stacking up.

2022 Charity Quilt Count: 78

Charity Quilting

I made the border on this one scrappy, too. 

Pieced by Janice for Annapolis Quilts for Kids. 

If you want to contribute but don't have the time or skills, you can support the national Quilts for Kids by shopping through Amazon Smile. I don't earn anything from this link. This link lets your purchases support Quilts for Kids through Amazon. I don't add affiliate links to my charity quit posts on purpose. I donate my time, my machine, my thread, and my skill to the cause. 

My personal goal is to quilt at least one quilt per week throughout the year. To that end, check out the EpochConverter for 2022 to see how I'm stacking up.

2022 Charity Quilt Count: 76

Charity Quilting

I love the water-themed quilts. Pieced by Mary for Annapolis Quilts for Kids. 

I quilted stars and moons for this little quilt pieced by Maureen. 

If you want to contribute but don't have the time or skills, you can support the national Quilts for Kids by shopping through Amazon Smile. I don't earn anything from this link. This link lets your purchases support Quilts for Kids through Amazon. I don't add affiliate links to my charity quit posts on purpose. I donate my time, my machine, my thread, and my skill to the cause. 

My personal goal is to quilt at least one quilt per week throughout the year. To that end, check out the EpochConverter for 2022 to see how I'm stacking up.

2022 Charity Quilt Count: 74

Charity Quilting

I have so many of these little bricks! Enough to make a couple more charity quilts. 

Quilted and ready for binding. I will drop these off at the next workshop for Annapolis Quilts for Kids. 

If you want to contribute but don't have the time or skills, you can support the national Quilts for Kids by shopping through Amazon Smile. I don't earn anything from this link. This link lets your purchases support Quilts for Kids through Amazon. I don't add affiliate links to my charity quit posts on purpose. I donate my time, my machine, my thread, and my skill to the cause. 

My personal goal is to quilt at least one quilt per week throughout the year. To that end, check out the EpochConverter for 2022 to see how I'm stacking up.

2022 Charity Quilt Count: 70

Quilt Leftovers

I pieced a couple tops for Annapolis Quilts for Kids. Both of these were made using the leftovers from other quilts, primarily trimmed from backing fabric after quilting. This one used most of a yard of donated fabric for the alternate blocks and the outer border. 

This one includes some string pieced quarter log-cabin blocks alternating with leftover 6.5" blocks. Scrappy with a bunch of movement. Once I get some backing fabric I'll get these quilted up and ready for binding. 

Charity Quilting

Isn't this a great scrappy quilt! Pieced by another member of Annapolis Quilts for Kids.  

This one was pieced by a member of the Annapolis Quilt Guild. If you've never been to their quilt show you should check it out. 

If you want to contribute but don't have the time or skills, you can support the national Quilts for Kids by shopping through Amazon Smile. I don't earn anything from this link. This link lets your purchases support Quilts for Kids through Amazon. I don't add affiliate links to my charity quit posts on purpose. I donate my time, my machine, my thread, and my skill to the cause. 

My personal goal is to quilt at least one quilt per week throughout the year. To that end, check out the EpochConverter for 2022 to see how I'm stacking up.

2022 Charity Quilt Count: 68

Charity Quilting

A couple more scrappy charity quilts. This one was pieced by Julie. 

This one was pieced by Janet for Annapolis Quilts for Kids.  

If you want to contribute but don't have the time or skills, you can support the national Quilts for Kids by shopping through Amazon Smile. I don't earn anything from this link. This link lets your purchases support Quilts for Kids through Amazon. I don't add affiliate links to my charity quit posts on purpose. I donate my time, my machine, my thread, and my skill to the cause. 

My personal goal is to quilt at least one quilt per week throughout the year. To that end, check out the EpochConverter for 2022 to see how I'm stacking up.

2022 Charity Quilt Count: 66

Charity Quilting

A fun little quilt made by another member of Annapolis Quilts for Kids. 

Wonky, scrappy nine-patch. This is such a fun little quilt. Pieced by another member of Annapolis Quilts for Kids. 

If you want to contribute but don't have the time or skills, you can support the national Quilts for Kids by shopping through Amazon Smile. I don't earn anything from this link. This link lets your purchases support Quilts for Kids through Amazon. I don't add affiliate links to my charity quit posts on purpose. I donate my time, my machine, my thread, and my skill to the cause. 

My personal goal is to quilt at least one quilt per week throughout the year. To that end, check out the EpochConverter for 2022 to see how I'm stacking up.

2022 Charity Quilt Count: 64

Charity Quilting

Another beautifully scrappy top pieced by Mary for Annapolis Quilts for Kids. 

Mary also pieced this fun soccer-themed top. I love that striped border!

I quilted it with the fun soccer edge-to-edge design. It's great when I have the perfect design to work with a quilt. That grass green thread is pretty great, too. 

If you want to contribute but don't have the time or skills, you can support the national Quilts for Kids by shopping through Amazon Smile. I don't earn anything from this link. This link lets your purchases support Quilts for Kids through Amazon. I don't add affiliate links to my charity quit posts on purpose. I donate my time, my machine, my thread, and my skill to the cause. 

My personal goal is to quilt at least one quilt per week throughout the year. To that end, check out the EpochConverter for 2022 to see how I'm stacking up.

2022 Charity Quilt Count: 62

Charity Quilting

This fun little quilt was pieced by Julie for Annapolis Quilts for Kids. 

This is one I pieced using the Creative Grids Scrap Crazy 6 Templates Quilt Ruler 4pc Set. You can learn about that in this blog post from July 2022. 

If you want to contribute but don't have the time or skills, you can support the national Quilts for Kids by shopping through Amazon Smile. I don't earn anything from this link. This link lets your purchases support Quilts for Kids through Amazon. I don't add affiliate links to my charity quit posts on purpose. I donate my time, my machine, my thread, and my skill to the cause. 

My personal goal is to quilt at least one quilt per week throughout the year. To that end, check out the EpochConverter for 2022 to see how I'm stacking up.

2022 Charity Quilt Count: 60

Charity Quilting

This is one of the tops I pieced using the Scrap Crazy Templates by Creative Grids. 

I quilted it with blue thread and this great koi fish pantograph. So much fun to pull an element from the fabrics into the quilting. 

This is the other Scrap Crazy Template quilt I pieced. This one is quilted with a star pantograph. 

If you want to contribute but don't have the time or skills, you can support the national Quilts for Kids by shopping through Amazon Smile. I don't earn anything from this link. This link lets your purchases support Quilts for Kids through Amazon. I don't add affiliate links to my charity quit posts on purpose. I donate my time, my machine, my thread, and my skill to the cause. 

My personal goal is to quilt at least one quilt per week throughout the year. To that end, check out the EpochConverter for 2022 to see how I'm stacking up.

2022 Charity Quilt Count: 58