Kelli’s Disappearing Nine Patch

Check out Kelli’s disappearing nine patch baby quilt.  Isn’t it cute?  She had purchased some Hawkeye fabric when we went on our quilt run last week with the intention of making a baby quilt for her friend’s baby.  For a pattern she used Rachel’s tutorial at P.S. I Quilt.  Kelli did modify the pattern by only using three different fabrics, making sure the middle square was always the white fabric.  If you are thinking of teaching a young child to sew the pattern is perfect especially if you use charm squares.  I think it looks great.  I spent the afternoon teaching her how to use my Grand Quilter sewing machine.   In no time, she was a pro.

Needless to say Kelli has been bit by the sewing machine bug.  After sewing all weekend on my old White sewing machine, she is ready for a new machine.  I’ve been looking around to see what everyone recommends and found that SewMammaSew is gathering information from sewing machine owners in order to help anyone who might be purchasing a new machine.  I thought I’d join in on the poll.  Here are my answers….

What brand and model do you have?
I have a Bernina 165E.  I also have a Pfaff Grand Quilter that I use for machine quilting.

How long have you had it?
My Bernina-6 years  My Grand Quilter-1 year

How much does that machine cost (approximately)?
Bernina $3000  Grand Quilter $1200

What types of things do you sew (i.e. quilting, clothing, handbags, home dec projects, etc.)? 
I quilt and do other sewing projects.  I prefer not to sew clothes and I hate patching but do it.

How much do you sew? How much wear and tear does the machine get?
I sew as often as possible.  I try for a minimum of 15 minutes a day.

Do you like/love/hate your machine? Are you ambivalent? Passionate? Does she have a name?
I like both of my machines.  Neither have names.

What features does your machine have that work well for you?
I love the Grand Quilter and the frame.  It was worth every penny.  It has opened new doors for quilting for me.  I hated machine quilting on my Bernina.

Is there anything that drives you nuts about your machine?
My Bernina is picky about how it’s threaded.  If it’s not threaded with tension, it will bunch up.

Do you have a great story to share about your machine (i.e., Found it under the Christmas tree? Dropped it on the kitchen floor? Sewed your fingernail to your zipper?, Got it from your Great Grandma?, etc.!)? We want to hear it! 
Nothing Special

Would you recommend the machine to others? Why?
If I had to do it over, I would not have paid the extra money for the embroidery feature on my Bernina.  I don’t use it much at all.  It was fun for awhile but not worth the extra $2000.
My Grand Quilter and frame I would recommend in a heart beat!

What factors do you think are important to consider when looking for a new machine?
Service is important.  Features I would have trouble living without are needle down and some of feet like the 1/4″ foot and walking foot.  I love the 20% off I get on fabric from Quilter’s Window , the store where I purchased my machine from. 

Do you have a dream machine?
Strange but true…right now, I would love a perfectly working treadle machine.  I have one but it needs a little work.

Kelli and I will keep investigating and see if we can find something that suits her needs and her college student budget.  In the meantime, she sure did sew a cute baby quilt on the “old White”.