Month: December 2015

Before we begin today..I want to add one more thing about yesterdays light boxes…I mainly use the light box for laying out my blocks…not just for tracing… I first lay my pattern on the lightbox and tape it in place, (I have placed my lightbox on the ironing board) I then add my background on top the lightbox…(you can through all fabrics but dark wools).  I then proceed to layout my shapes exactly on the background fabric while seeing the pattern through the fabric.  This makes everything  perfect just like the pattern..no more guessing…start with the vines or stems…then leaves and so on..when all is in place I slide it off the light box  and then press it in place with the steam iron. Here is another ready to stitch… 

DAY 1…JUKI SEWING MACHINE & APPRENTICE LONGARM, BY TINLIZZIE18

Every year so far people ask…Will you please do the Juki again this year?…. so here it is AGAIN!…..by popular demand…AND you could win yours free!!!  Also if you could never afford a longarm…read to the end you may now be able to!

Now I know we pretty much all have a sewing machine…or two or three or even more…But I just have to talk about the sewing machine I use 99% of the time…It is my #1 Needful thing…Most of you probably have never heard of Juki…so let me just say they are not new to the market…Juki is well known in the garment industry and are mostly industrial machines. I think I have had a Juki for about 10 years now…I also own 2 Berninas, 1060 and a 1530, and a couple of featherweights…one black and one white. I confess this to you so you also know what I am comparing to and you all know I teach all across the country and have stitched on many machines.

I bought the Juki with the intention to use it as a second machine to have set up for machine quilting my little quilts, and also so I didn’t have to change the walking foot from my regular foot on my Bernina…that would have been nice, right?…Juki has entered the quilt world with a semi-industrial machine for quilters. Here are a few of the features that the Juki machines have…all metal…no plastic bobbins, no plastic feet, comes with all sorts of feet including 2 free motion feet and a walking foot, a larger 9″ opening between the body and the arm, so machine quilting would be easier to handle. It has a nice extension table, this is nice for retreats, I have it embedded in my table usually. The machine ONLY stitches straight. Now this might be an issue for some, but I was only going to use this for machine quilting…The fact that it only stitches straight is actually a plus…nice tension all the time, single hole throat plate . It holds large cones as well as regular thread…It has an automatic thread cutter, automatic needle threader , knee lift and stitches 1500 stitches per minute or something like that, in other words it is FAST.  It comes with a walking foot and other feet for doing free motion quilting…I use the regular foot and stitch up against a bumper to get a scant quarter inch… Here are all the particulars from the manufacturer:

The NEW Juki TL-2010Q is a high-performance sewing and quilting machine. The TL-2010Q is a single needle, lock-stitch, portable machine, constructed of aluminum die-casting to ensure industrial-quality sewing.

With advanced features, such an industrial sub-tension system, variable speed control slider, and bright white LED lighting, this machine is built for precision sewing. With a large work area of up to 23 inches (with auxiliary table attached), the TL-2000Qi can handle large quilt, sewing or home decor project with ease.

 

Advanced Thread Trimming
The New TL-2010Q allows you to trim top and bobbin threads using the Exclusive foot controlled trimming system.

Just rock your heel back on the foot control, and thread is quickly and precisely cut.

 

 

 

Automatic Thread Trimmer
The machine is also equipped with an automatic thread button that simultaneously trims the needle and bobbin threads at the sewing end by lightly pressing the push-button.

Both the Trim Button and the Foot Controller engage the advanced Juki industrial style thread trimming mechanism.

 

 

 

No More Twists or Quivers
The Sub Tension Unit ensures thread feeding to the needle is smooth, even and twist free, no matter how thick your thread is.

It also keeps the thread from quivering when sewing at high speeds and provides accurate, fine tuned thread tension.

 

 

 

Thread Tension Scale
The machine also has the thread tension scale, which allows you to adjust the tension according to the thread and material to be used.
Maximum Speed Control
The new speed control lever gives you complete control over sewing speed.

Set the speed from 200 to 1500 stitches per minute, or any speed in between for free motion, and precision sewing.

heavy
Materials are sewn with Ease
The microcomputer controlled, speed control mechanism, allows the machine to sew materials at low speeds. This provides for accurate feed and perfect stitching when sewing heavy weight fabric, quilting and multiple layers of materials.

Presser Foot Pressure Adjustment
Presser foot pressure can be adjusted according to the fabric being sewn by turning a regulator located on the top of the machine.

 

 

 

 

Needle Up/Down Control
When you stop sewing, the machine will stop with the needle in the down position to allow for pivoting or more accurate free motion work.

To move the needle up or down as desired, simply press the needle up/down button.

 

 

 

Truly Illuminating
The new, bright-white LED lighting, provides an illuminated view of the sewing area and allows for more precise sewing.

 

 

 

 

Automatic Needle Threader
The push lever automatic needle threader easily threads the needle without eyestrain and allows you to start sewing quickly.

 

 

 

Easy Bobbin Replacement

A new bobbin case latch and an enlarged bobbin case area make it easier to remove and replace the bobbin.

 

 

 

 

 

Nothing Free Motion Quilts Better Than a Juki
Juki’s rich tradition in quilting continues with the TL-2010Q.

The feed dog can be raised and lowered simply by depressing a switch. When quilting, the drop feed allows you to sew curved stitches with precision and ease.

Juki 1/4 Inch and 1/5 Inch Quilting Feet
The quilting feet are designed for free motion quilting and free-hand embroidery. Just lower the feed dogs and stitch away.

 

Juki Even Feed Foot
With its reliable feed, the even feed foot ensures the machine’s ability to produce beautiful seams when sewing difficult-to-feed fabrics such as georgette and velvets, as well as heavy weight materials such as leather.

 

 

 

Knee Lifter Lever
The knee lifter level allows you to lift/lower the presser foot without using your hands. The presser foot can be raised as high as 12mm.

 

 

 

 

After stitching on this machine and using it. I did not want to stitch on anything else. It “pieces” beautifully…I didn’t have to hang on to my threads at the start, the feed dogs are nice and close together and fed my little pieces in nicely. Having the single hole meant my piecing wasn’t sucked down into that oblong hole… and again…I could stitch, cut my thread with my foot(or there is a button, but I like my hands free to hold on to my patches) knee lift my presser foot and be on to the next thing…I especially love piecing triangle paper on the Juki for all the reasons I just stated…Now I know being fast really should not be an issue, right? We want to be accurate! But let me tell you, if I am stitching strips, borders or you name it…fast is handy…I tried going back to my “regular” machine to piece on…it was almost painful!!! Just shoot me…I loan this machine at The Gathering, but it comes with a warning…if you stitch with it you WILL be going home with it! I think only one person didn’t buy one after she stitched on it for a weekend…lol…They also have updated the Juki recently…I have a TL98Q (old model at home) and the new modelTL2010 Q1 I have in the studio, they have updated to an LED light…they have added a Turtle and a Hare button, if you want to control how fast it can go…and they changed the foot pedal, a bit…I love both of them and even though they are slightly different I can stitch on both on them with no problem even though they have slightly different foot pedals and controls.

So if you are ever in the market for a machine, please check out the Juki’s and you can read all the technical words I should have used to explain it.  I sell only  the Juki 2010Q1 at my store in WI…I could sell other machines but remember what I said, I only sell what I use…therefore I sell the Juki’s. I am placing the Juki 2010Qi on sale now until the end of the year at a special of $899-(yes…not a typo $948.95 if you are in WI we have to add tax) which includes shipping too. This is a great deal. We will order more for this same price as long as you order before the end of the year. JUKI In 2016 they will go back to $999.00 still a great price when you think about what you all get with this machine! Please allow a few weeks for delivery…we will not charge your card until we are shipping it. Click HERE to order a machine. The sale price will adjust in the cart.

Last year we sold over 50 machines…and gave one away to Janet Glover…I think she was from GA.   If we make it over 50 this year…one of you who purchases will get theirs FREE too!!! Those odds are pretty good!!!

I will be posting the winners for the Last three days on NEW YEARS DAY as we need to sell more than 3 irons and so on for us to give one away…so If you have ordered one of these items and we have shipped it to you we will refund your $$ if you win!!

Tomorrow Santa will post the winners for the first 9 days and then then again the the last 3 NEW YEARS DAY!…but one more thing…

DID YOU KNOW WE SELL LONGARMS IN OUR CALIFORNIA LOCATION!!

My son Luke along with Corey are so exciting about this new machine that Tin Lizzie18 has just come out with so we had to include it in our 12 Needful Things…growing up with quilts Luke knows all bout piecing, quilting and about wanting or needing to quilt your own quilts…This machine will pay for itself in no time instead of bringing  your quilts to the longarmer…no more waiting for 6 months to get your quilts back…you can do it now…and the price is a-mazing!!  Here are the details.
The all new Apprentice by Tin Lizzie is an amazing long arm quilting machine designed for the quilters looking for an affordable machine without sacrificing features. The Apprentice is equipped with all the features you would expect on a high dollar machine; Stitch regulation for consistent stitch lengths, a new LED lighting system, easy to use LCD screen, robot compatible, built in bobbin winder, curved comfort grip handlebars with easy to reach controls and a professional 10 ft STEEL Phoenix frame. Did I mention it comes with a 10ft Phoenix frame??!! Tin Lizzie has truly outdone them selves by offering a machine that has the ability to do what any other machine can do at such a low price. Whether you want to take more ownership of the hard work you have already put into your quilt or want to hone your skills and start your own custom long arm quilting service, the Tin Lizzie Apprentice is the way to go. The Apprentice and Phoenix frame bundle is REG. $8099.00 NOW ONLY $4,999.00!! For those Quilters just looking for the machine head, we are offering the Apprentice head only for $3,299.00!!! In the interest of making a sweet deal even sweeter, shipping will be FREE for any customer in the continental US!!! APPRENTICE AD.  

After reading this myself..I just want you to know that robot compatible means you can upgrade this and get the computer and it will stitch edge to edge by itself!! or fill in a plain block with a feathered wreaths, endless possibilities.

We cannot give  giving away the longarm because with this deal you are all getting a gift if you treat yourself to this one…

ANY QUESTIONS  or to order a LONGARM   You will need to contact: neubauer.lr@gmail.com or cjsfd@hotmail.com or call (760-845-6262 Corey) (920-841-3272 Luke) Do not email me or leave a comment on the blog…

I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas and Holiday season.  I hope your name is on our Santa’s list tomorrow!!! Good Luck!

Lisa and the Staff of Primitive Gatherings

 

DAY 2…WAFER LIGHT BOXES

I love my light box that we featured in 2013…but you know just like our flat screen tv’s they have made them bigger, better, skinnier and cheaper in two years!!!  A light box is a must for wool appliqué on cotton/flannel… for getting exact placement of the blocks…These are 24″ blocks I am working on …it was nice to be able to do this with the large light box instead of moving around so much on the little one..(moda fabric & book coming out in MAY)

The Wafer Light Boxes 1 & 2 are only .3″ thick.  That’s a hair bigger than a 1/4″…They come in 2 sizes with tracing area measures is 12.5″x 9″ or  is 12.5″x 17″… It has a dimmable LEDs and provides an even spread of light from edge to edge.  It is powered by AC adapter and is very low heat. The cord is nice and long too!!

Now I love my 8×10 box from a couple of years ago…and will not replace that size…but did you see 12 x17!!! I love how big that is…It’s hard when doing large blocks like I am doing now…I was so giddy when I opened this!!! I do have to let you know that you need to hold in the power button so it gets brighter…I was like…that’s it???when I turned it on…. but then held the button in and it got brighter!!! It even has a ruler along one edge…I know I need this for when I need to measure my piece of fusible/wool to know what to write down for writing directions. These new skinny light boxes are only reg.$150 on sale for $125 and reg.$250 on sale for $200.  So essentially we are getting much skinner and twice a big for what the 2013 light box was…These items are so new…they are shipping in early January from our supplier…We will not process anything until we ship them…so we got a little time on this one!  WAFER LIGHT BOX

These last couple of items I know are more pricey than a lot of the previous ones…but keep in mind your friends and family are always looking for something to buy you! So If YOU cannot get them now, theres always birthdays, mothers day and so on…get the kids to pitch in!!!…But you have to give them ideas!  They will be happy that you actually had a list of things instead of saying… you don’t need anything…They want to see you smile…because giving is awesome! Right?

Again…I thank you for being such great customers…both with your hard earned dollars and with your constant compliments and moral support when I need it…you all are truly an amazing part of my life…and that is why I feel I can share my life with you…and you are all correct being a Grandma was perfect timing…God does know what he is doing…and I didn’t mean to give away the baby yesterday! That was funny…

Comment to win!!! Do you have a light box? Are you still using the window? LOL…

PS…Do you know I have to starting thinking about the Summer Block of the Week(s) already??? Crazy life!!! Today I am going to pick out stain for that beautiful beat up old floor in my new home…and I need to get my gifts wrapped and finished up…and I’m so happy, last night I stayed home and stitched my remaining blocks 72 for another quilt I am working on for the Christmas Gatherings book!!! Can you feel my excitement!!!