dramaqueenB

SHE'S DONE IT AGAIN!! Why doesn't this happen when we're practicing a new design on muslin, or doing a personal quilt, or not on a deadline??? Sunday afternoon, while quilting a deadline customer quilt, I broke thread and moved to a new spot...and an inch in, bad sound, needle down, needle break, lost power. After manually removing quilt from danger, collecting the shattered needle pieces and tracing power, I realized I was in trouble. I called my awesome retailer and left a message, and then after reading loads of comments on the forum about getting real time help from APQS, I called their service and they assured me someone would call back asap. Dawn called shortly later, and using FaceTime, was able to quickly diagnose the problem, talk me through changing the fuse and regaining power, diagnose a jammed thread cutter, talk me through trying to remove the bent blade...when that didn't co-operate, talked me through disabling the thread cutter and re positioning the ruined blade out of harms way...then retesting power. We then determined the needle break had tweaked timing and the position of the bobbin assembly. Dawn patiently, kindly, and cheerfully sat through inadequate tool search, iPhone death and charger fetching, trial and error on my end, work arounds, and adjusting my bobbin assembly, sanding and truing it's post, timing adjustment, restoring front and side panels, test stitching and VICTORY. While the new bobbin cutter is on its way, I am back on the air, finished the customer quilt on time, and had it in the mail on my way to work at 3:30 am. As you can see, I continue to be a big fan of Dawn's, and am amazed at the remarkable teacher and tech she is, and how reasonable she was when I was pretty much falling apart when tool after tool failed and I felt pretty helpless. It was another APQS AMAZING EXPERIENCE, and I am so grateful for the help. What a Sunday miracle. Thanks a million, Dawn!!!! Beth Maitland, Quilting Again In Nipomo!!

Dell, this is so awesome!!! I know it will be so much fun to have new toys...congratulations, and have a blast!!! ox

Dell, This is the panto you sent me when I was doing my custom DOTD quilt. It's awesome. Turned out just great, and I know Jenna will treasure this. You are so generous and supportive. Jewels in your crown. xo Beth

This is a really interesting stream. How differently we all feel about this situation. Great advice, opinions offered by all, and then like so many things in life, it all comes down to listening to your heart and doing what you feel is best for the family and for you. After consideration, really doing what you feel is best will be the right outcome. All the best to you in your decision.

Just Fantastic. Quilters are so generous and invested. Good for you!!!!

I LOVE this quilt!!! Well deserved for excellence and imagination too. love the sashing patterns and the border especially. Great job!!!

Just fantastic!!! So glad to see it done. Spectacular. Good luck at the shows.

Magnificent. Meets all your goals, kicks it up a notch, and then quilting takes off like a rocket. Fantastic!!!!

Beautiful job and beautiful sentiment. What a special momento.

LOVE your creativity and finding unusual uses for your Millie!! It's a fantastic piece of art. I'm sure she'll just LOVE IT!!

Vicki, not only is your work and design planning excellent, but your heart was in it then and now. What a blessing for your friend. well done.

jump right in and get quilting. You'll love it!!! Good for you!!

Wow!! Dell, fantastic quilting. LOVE the borders, and sashing too. love everything, in fact. lol. great job. special quilt!

What Corey said. I know they all will treasure these quilts. One of the reasons quilts and quilters are so special...they have that way of reaching out at just the right moment to keep each other warm. Nice, Dell!!

Quilting Regina, The inexpensive cotton I get on sale at JoAnn's is usually Warm and Natural brand. They have white and unbleached (natural) for the same price per yard, and various widths for your needs. I often buy a whole bolt, when they have the 60% off coupons. And like someone above said, it's also great to save large scrap pieces and then zigzag them together.