Introducing My New Studio Partner

I'd like to introduce you to my new quilting partner, a Juki TL-2010Q.  This little but mighty machine was an early Christmas gift to myself.

My New Quilting Partner

I've come to the realization that 98% of my quilting involves straight stitching:  piecing, walking foot quilting and free-motion quilting.  And since I put a lot of mileage on my machine, I needed a real workhorse.  After considerable research and several test drives, I fell in love with the Juki TL-2010Q straight stitch machine.  Don't be fooled by its basic appearance.  This machine is fast (1600 stitches/minutes) and strong (as the Crafty Gemini demonstrated by sewing through 12 layers of denim without any signs of difficulty in her video review!!)  While it may not have as many bells and whistles available in some of the high end computerized machines, it has all of my essentials:  knee lift bar, needle up/down control, automatic thread trimmer (by button or using the heel of your foot on the foot pedal) and an extended table (which will come in handy for classes/retreats).  

Several different feet were included:  1/4" piecing foot with side guide, walking foot, 2 different free motion/darning feet, a standard pressing foot and a hemming foot.  I opted to purchase an open toe embroidery foot and a 1/4" piecing foot without a side guide.  I am impressed with the heavy duty construction of these feet.  The other accessory I purchased was an LED sewing machine lighting kit to enhance the lighting within the sewing area.  These kits are easily adjusted to your sewing machine's throat space, easy to install and project great light where it's needed most!

And of course, Doug put his handy skills to work as he converted a new IKEA table into a sewing table.  He cuts open a hole and builds a shelf for the sewing machine to set into the table, creating a smooth, flush surface that is perfect for quilting larger projects!  This project required the help of a few adorable assistants:  Susie Q and Panda.  Both kept watch to ensure total quality control on this project, while also making sure the contractor took a few breaks for belly rubs and pooch smooches.

Quality Control Inspectors:  Susie Q (top) and Panda (bottom)

Oh and to celebrate this new partnership, I broke in a new pair of Machingers gloves (compliments of Santa).  As you can see--the old pair was getting rather dirty and even had a small hole or two.  

Jazz Hands to Celebrate!

This new partnership is off to a strong start, as I've already completed 4 small quilts with the Juki:  Cre8 & Medit8, Luminous Lily, Citrus Twist and a new Walking Foot WOW! workshop sample to send out to quilt guilds/shops.  This mini wholecloth quilt provided me with the perfect opportunity opportunity to explore and adapt to using a new walking foot!

New Walking Foot WOW! Workshop Sample

Speaking of Walking Foot WOW!  I have a class coming up on February 19th at Scruffy Quilts quilt shop.  This is a fun class that is perfect for learning 16+ modern motifs that can be achieved using your walking foot!  There are still a few spaces open, so be sure to call and reserve your spot!