Month: December 2016

Wow…I want to THANK all of you who made the 2016 Needful Things a huge success…I want to tell you that we are just 2 machine sales away from our goal of selling 50!!! So one lucky Quilter will be getting theirs FREE this year again even if we don’t make the 50 its close enough for me!!! I’m so blessed that you all love what we do and Primitive Gatherings and that you spend your hard earned dollars at our store…Please know that I am very Thankful for this and very pleased at your response to our Primitive Christmas Event and the 12 Days of Needful Things…It’s truly Amazing!!! So again…Thank You, Thank You…Thank you ALL!

I also want to give you a gentle reminder that today and tomorrow are the last days to purchase these great NEEDFUL Things…I don’t want you to miss out if you were busy…busy…busy…Had to laugh at my little reminder I got today…from the shop…always thinking ahead…12 DAYS OF NEEDFULTHINGS…

Speaking of busy…I forgot to show some of our Christmas decorating!!!

From the front entry door…

 Close-up of antique quilts in cabinet….looks like there’s still some spots open??

Also..never got to fill those buckets….hmmm

Kitchen…just a few poinsettias….

and some wool gingerbread men

Stitch & B*tch night at Anchor Point…

Christmas Punch from Pinterest…a success…no fail on this one..

The living room… and some close ups of the shelves…

The little living room tree…

The hall behind the kitchen..

 Two of my guys…always wrestling on the bed….all for now…we are having our “old” neighbors over tonight…gotta run!!!

DAY 1…JUKI SEWING MACHINE TL2010Q  &  THE NEW SCANT 1/4″ FOOT!!!

So for those of you who have a JUKI already..here’s what we have all been waiting for!!!!  I have to admit…I was skeptical…but…I was happily surprised…I stitched this new mini…and it was amazing…I tried to derail it by trying to run over a dog ear…no wouldn’t do it!!! I first put my foot on and it was perfectly lined up with my usual tape bumper…so off came the tape…I happily stitched this whole mini and was very pleased!  The only thing…you have the put the other regular foot on when doing triangle paper…I managed to do TP with it on, but it was very difficulty to see…and I will not do it again…So here is the new foot if you need to order it!!!  NEW 1/4″FOOT– we have them on sale for $   We also have a few other things for you JUKI owners…oil with a spout…remember to oil those machines…and extra bobbins!!! 

Now for those of you who do not own a JUKI…Please read…

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!!!

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 TrimmingJuki_TL-2010Q_FootController
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 Juki_TL-2010Q_ThreadTrimmer
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 QuiversJuki_TL-2010Q_SubTensionUnit
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 ScaleJuki_TL-2010Q_ThreadTension
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 ControlJuki_TL-2010Q_SpeedControl
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.

PresseJuki_TL-2010Q_PressureFootr 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 ControlJuki_TL-2010Q_StopPositionWhen 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 IlluminatingThe new, bright-white LJuki_TL-2010Q_LEDLightED lighting, provides an illuminated view of the sewing area and allows for more precise sewing.

Automatic Needle ThreaderJuki_TL-

 

 

2010Q_AutoNeedleThreader
The push lever automatic needle threader easily threads the needle without eyestrain and allows you to start sewing quickly.

 

 

Easy Bobbin ReplacementJuki_TL-2010Q_BobbinReplacement

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  Juki quilting feet
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 Juki_TL-2010Q_FeedFoot
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 Juki_TL-2010Q_KneeLifter
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…Click HERE to order.  Your card will be charged as soon as you place your order with out new compliant cc processing. If you are the winner we will be crediting your card back.

Last year we sold over 50 machines…and gave one away to  ALBERTA BAILEY… 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 winner for the machine on NEW YEARS DAY …

The 5 winners of the pin bowls are:

Cindy siefferlen
cjsieffer1@gmail.com
70.208.224.20
I just saw your blog on how i spend or wish to spend Christmas. I spend Christmas on call for my hospital emergency surgery dept. I have done this job for45 years. Since i have no more small children in the group i have chosen to take call so others can spend the day with their small children. This may seem like a thankless gesture but the day after to hear all their family stories and the smiles on my co workers faces. It was worth it. Thank you for your inspiring thoughts. MERRY CHRISTMAS! CINDY

Jakey
chrisjacobs1@gmail.com
174.209.8.75
Hi Lisa, That picture of you and Lance is just lovely. I agree with you, 100 is too short too, my Grandma was 102 and full of the Irish. Traditions…I love watching all the Christmas movies, and my crude sense of humor cracks up watching “Mr Hankey’s Christmas Special” with my son. Hidee Ho! Jakey

Janet O.
December 23, 2016 at 10:50 am
Our Christmas is so steeped in tradition I don’t even know which one to choose, but they evolve as the family dynamics change. I don’t continue to do what doesn’t work anymore just because “it’s tradition”.
I guess my favorite was as we were raising our family. Every year for over 20 years we would get a hotel room in Salt Lake City across from Temple Square, which is a magical fairyland of lights during the holidays. We would visit the Square, go shopping in the nearby malls, visit the candy window displays of a local department store, eat out (which we rarely did when our kids were little), and enjoy a new experience each year–from a trolley ride, to a carriage ride, a planetarium display or a children’s museum. Always something different. It wasn’t always easy to come up with the funds for these excursions, but what memories we made!
This was a touching post, Lisa, and I loved what you said about choosing to be happy. A friend whose beloved Grandma passed on Christmas years ago has never loved Christmas since. But her grandma loved Christmas, and I think she would be sad to see her granddaughter mope through this special season because of her passing.

Ellen R
December 23, 2016 at 11:20 am
We still wait for Santa on Christmas Eve..seriously Santa lands on the roof. As he gets older we help him out with a ladder.

My grandfather and uncle started the tradition and hearing boots on the roof takes me right back to being a kid.

Merry Christmas to all!

Kathleen Brown
December 24, 2016 at 7:06 am
We pretty much stay at home, call the kids & g-kids, and watch football. Close to being done with many weeks of chemo so resting and looking forward to 2017. Merry Christmas once again. Still trying to win goodies.

I loved reading your traditions and Thank you for taking the time to write them…I know its a busy time…There is no need to comment today…Be Happy…and Enjoy the moments with your family and friends these next couple of days while you celebrate.

DAY 3-RULER BOXES-MADE FROM PRIMITIVE GATHERINGS YARD STICKS!

I love yardsticks…and have been collecting old carpenters wood tapes for awhile too..I love anything that measures…. I did a yardstick wall in my new home sewing room…It turned out awesome…except one thing…I didn’t catch when they were building the house…the placement of the thermostat in my room..but I talked to the HVAC guys and they are going to come back and move it!!!  Then I can finish my wall of “little quits”.

I  wanted to be able to move my “little quilts” on and off the wall easily…so I hung them using metal hooks and where the yards sticks meet I added a 1 1/2″ square off cut up yard stick behind them…this creates a rod to hang the hooks…Here is a close-up of what I am trying to explain…

 

So with this in mind we finally ordered Primitive Gatherings Yard sticks.   Al-f in his workshop is creating NEEDFUL things with them…These ruler boxes are beautiful as well as needful…we can show you…see the following pics…You can order them empty or full…many many choices…

 

We have 4 sizes of ruler boxes…

1 3/4″x 3 7/8″….Bobbin Holder/3 Valdani Thread holder

1 3/4″x 8″ 6 Valdani Thread Holder

3 1/2″ x 8″ 12 Valdani Thread Holder

10″x 11 3/4″ Project Holder

Of course they can be used for other “things” as well but we had to name them something…

These boxes are hand made by our special Alf in his workshop…so please…we have a bunch made…but we do not know how many you ALL are going to order..so please allow us extra time to make our boxes if we get swamped…The boxes are prices $5, $10, $18 and $34… and  a special price of $60 if you order the set of 4. These are not going out until after Christmas…so keep that in mind.

 

We then have made some gift sets for you…

(pricing is valid for a limited time only)

Tweezers, White Clove Chalk Pen, 2 sets of PG needles in box $35

#5,#8 or #12 wt. Valdanis in $70- your choice of weights.

36 Valdani in Project Box- $189

10 Juki Bobbins and 3 bobbin buddies-$16

Light or Dark Version 5- #12 Valdani Threads –$35

Box with 3 Auriful 5o wt. thread-$36.50

Box with Small travel scissors, small seam ripper and 10 Juki bobbins-$20

to order the ruler boxes click HERE

The winner of the PG cutting mat is….

Dede
December 21, 2016 at 5:13 pm
What do I want from Santa? Primitive gatherings gift cards of course, and a boyfriend who cooks and has a truck with a plow…

Dede Please email Amy to claim your prize!  ahoefler @new.rr.com you have until 12/22/16.

Please do not email Amy your comments to win todays prize…that has to be on the blog under comments…scroll to the end and leave your comment.  She is the prize coordinator!

Now we only have a few days left…but we still have some cool things to tell you about!!! So…hang in there with me…I wish I could send you all your Christmas wishes!

If you want to win a ruler box with some goodies in it…please comment…I will pick 4 winners one for each size!

If you spend Christmas Day with anyone you could…who would it be?…

DAY 4- HEAVY DUTY-DOUBLE SIDED- SELF HEALING CUTTING MAT

Luke surprised us and had these mats made for our warehouse and shops and a few to sell…so we saved them for this event…we go through a lot of cutting mats…so this is our answer…a durable…double sided mat…If you are cutting dark fabrics you can cut on the yellow side.   You can turn it over and cut on the grey if you are cutting lights…I have no problem cutting both on either side…The mats are super thick…the mats are 24″ x36″ edge to edge.  The grid starts 1/2″ in and measure to 35″.  We also love that they have our logo on them!!!  If you are looking for a great mat…these are nice deal.  We only have 60 of them.  So when they are gone  they are gone…I don’t know if we will redo them as we would have to order like 1000 to make it worth it.
I have had mine since summer in my home studio and I just love them… CUTTING MATS

Since we have limited supply of these mats we are only going to give away one to one lucky quilter!!!  Tell me what you want from Santa…

Yesterdays winner the set of MODA TINS is:

Tina W from Oregon
December 20, 2016 at 4:30 pm
Love these tins! Purchased some for gifts but didn’t keep any for me! So far this year, I’ve made two kinds of cookies. Next is almond rocca! It’s SSOOOO good!  Tina…we all want to know what almond Rocca is?  and we want the recipe if its that good! Please email Amy with your name and address….ahoefler@new.rr.com.   Amy has only about 5 winners unclaimed which is pretty good!  So check back on the post to see if you won!!!