For the 4/13 Bingo prompt: I’m sharing part of my recent fabric/quilty purchases (some were free from guild free table and a friend. 3 yards of teal fabric she didn’t want?!) The book I bought from the speaker at my last guild meeting.
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I love fabrics that look like water colors! That green is gorgeous!
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Saw this and thought of this group:
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Today’s Bingo prompt is:
Complete 2 goals from this quarter’s Goals List
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My sewing machine is fixed! I’m so relieved. Now I can finally do March and April’s BOM. I don’t have too much fabric yet so I’m not sure how many more blocks I can do after these 2.
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So, I picked it up, and it’s not actually fixed at all. It stopped running completely, and it is running right now, but it’s clearly struggling, going very slow, making weird noises. I think it’s better not to use it again for now. This is my local shop and they’re pretty good at what they do, but they’re also pretty clear on that they’re not really interested in taking on ancient machines. They’d rather service newer machines. They actually literally recommended going elsewhere with it, which I will. They said it’s possibly the belt and according to google that’s something that can be fixed. I know several people who had this exact same issue with this shop and they were all able to get their machine fixed elsewhere.
Meanwhile, it has got me thinking about buying another machine. Even if the other shop manages to repair it, it’s still a 45 year old machine. It will die at some point. I tried some newer machines at the shop today. The mechanical machines that are still sold are all pretty basic. The more electronical machines are either very basic, or they’ve got entire tablets attached to them full of super fancy options that I know I won’t use.
So after a bit of Googling I’ve found a few straight stitch models that I’d be interested in. Strong motors, nice stiches, no unnecessary stuff. In the shop they told me straight stitch machines weren’t popular choices for quilters. But they actually seem ideal. Some, like the Bernette 08, even come with a special set of attachments for quilting. Does anyone here use a straight stitch machine instead of a regular domestic machine? (specifically for quilting, I know there are downsides for garment sewing).
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My machine is a Kenmore ($75 from a yard sale 30 yrs ago). And I have a singer sew mate ($25 off FB Marketplace 2 or 3 yrs ago). I don’t do the actual quilting with them but that’s because I’m afraid to screw things up. I make tops then set them aside till I’m braver.
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Those were great deals! On Monday, there’s a national holiday in my country where we have flea markets everywhere. I always keep my eyes open for sewing machines, but I never seem to find ones that meet my criteria. Only lots of antique machines. But I keep going every year, maybe this is the year 
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Today’s Bingo prompt is:
Use an unconventional fabric
So basically, something other than quilting cotton or linen or minky or anything that is typically intended for quilting
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Quick heads up to those who earned Quiltalong prizes - they have all been shipped out!
The following prizes are on their way to the following members:
2025 Q3 - Keeping It Together:
@AIMR, @gozer, @LittleCogs, @MistressJennie
2025 Q4 - Taking The Easy Way Out:
@AIMR, @gozer, @LittleCogs, @MistressJennie
2026 Q1: Taking The Easy Way Out With A Glass:
@AIMR, @MistressJennie
Two were shipped through UPS and two were shipped via USPS, so be on the lookout 
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Thank you so much!!!
Aw thank you so much! What a lovely message to receive. I’m sorry I’ve not been around much, my dad was sectioned at the end of January, which I think is the same as “involuntary commitment” in the States. His Lewy Body Dementia declined fast so I’ve been trying to stay afloat. He is in a secure mental health unit, and we’re working on a funding application for long term care - it is complex.
I haven’t had the brain space to sew, but I have done snarky collages and dabbled with jewellery making.
And here is a picture of my cat Bubbin, to apologise for bringing the mood down.
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I think it was actually a quilting group in FB where I saw the suggestion to use a cheap flannel backed table cloth as a design wall. The stand I bought at a yard sale for $5. The table cloth was Easter Clearance at Dollar Tree (had to look around because some are just plastic). The blocks stuck perfectly without pins (we uses paperclips to
I took this photo about an hour ago. I think I’m up to 40 blocks turned in by now … as I’m typing this 9 more blocks came in. So 49 blocks. At the evening meeting there will be a drawing for members to win blocks - might be 2 or 3 winners.
Update: 50 blocks were turned in. So 2 ppl won 25 12.5" blocks. Sharing if anybody was curious.
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I, Eclectic Dreamer, have completed one of my Quarter 2 goals: create a written pattern for the block exchange block to hand out at the 4/23 meeting
(Edit to add: written pattern = why we have the kits, original name, and basically “here’s a picture to follow”)
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I, EclecticDreamer, have completed a second item from my Quarter 2 goal list: make a sample block for the 4/23 quilt guild meeting.
Shabby Fabrics donated 100+ (177) leftover kits from Bonnie Sullivan’s “You Lucky Dog, block 11, Midnight Howl” to our Charity Central committee. Who didn’t know what to do with that many, so they gave them to me as Block Exchange chair to use. The only fabric not included was the background, and it came without instruction. So I added “Seasons” to the title as that’s my background fabric theme. Here are the two I made today.
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This is a tough time for you and your family. I hope you find some relief and joy in doing whatever distracts you. Good to see you. Hope you can join us again when things settle down for you. Your collages are wonderful!
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I use flannel back table cloths as a design wall too. It works great. I have ot strung up on a blank wall.
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Okay, I have to say, I am impressed by UPS. I sent out four prize packs on Tuesday (2 with UPS, 2 with the post office) and I got a notification that the first one had been received this morning…all the way over in the UK. Delivered in the UK before the US? That’s some quick shipping!
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I am so sorry to hear about your dad. It sounds like it’s been a rough year. Hugs all around!
I agree with Linda, it is good to see you and I’m glad you have your creative outlet. Your collages are well done and the sentiments made me chuckle. I also like your moon jewelry. If you find the time, you should definitely post to the main page so that everyone can enjoy your creations!
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