Star of the Sea

Martha piecing the 'Star of the Sea' on the JUKI Exceed 600

Our friends had a new baby and invited us to the Baptism. So Emily and I decided to make a watery quilt to suit the occasion. We chose the fabrics together. This simple half-square triangle star top came together quickly.  I did the piecing and Emily did the quilting.

Auditioning threads from various Superior Threads ranges

Once the top was pieced and on the frame we needed to choose the threads. We narrowed it down to a variegated Rainbows and some of the silks from the Kimono Silk range of Superior Threads. In the end we chose the turquoise silk #343 Okinawa. It looked nice against all the fabrics in the top. The fine silk created a subtle texture but it was strong enough to machine quilt at high speeds. 

on the 6 foot Art Quilter frame

 The 6 foot Art Quilter frame gives 55 inches of quilting space and is a perfect size for baby quilts. This quilt top measured about 50 inches square.

Emily's free-motion feathers

 Ever since our April retreat, Emily's been wanting to try feathers. So she decided to quilt feathers in the central star shape and a waterery wavey pattern on the background.

free-motion quilting detail

 We think that the different styles of free-motion quilting created a good contrast.

machine quilting detail

Notice how the feather quilting stands out on the blue crab fabric and disappears on the Amy Butler paisley.

a good view of the JUKI TL98P

 Here's a good view of the JUKI TL98P straight stitch sewing machine. The extra length and height of the arm make it perfect for free-motion quilting on a frame.

a view of the quilt back

We used #633 Light Turquoise Bottom Line pre-wounds in the bobbin. The Bottom Line range from Superior Threads is designed especially for the bobbin and the fine weight is a good match for the Kimono Silk on top. We liked how the Turquoise thread showed up against the white of the backing fabric. Emily was so happy with how the back looked that she wants to do a similar pattern in a whole-cloth quilt. I do love the way that one quilt leads to another ; )

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off the frame ane ready for binding

Here it is all finished and thrown across the frame. The quilting just took 4 hours spread over 2 days. It's going to make a lovely present.

Workshop for Two

Mike, Liz and little Rosie

Michael and Liz came to visit for a workshop today. They bought an 8 foot NEQ2 frame and the JUKI TL98P and Nifty Grips to go with it last summer at the Festival of Quilts. Michael and Liz came for a free demo when they collected their order. It was a good option as they saved on the shipping cost and got a free tutorial. Now they were ready for a bit more tuition so we arranged a workshop. 

Mike and Liz are a husband & wife quilting team. Liz likes to do the piecing.  Michael is keen on the quilting and likes using pantographs.We had a good session which focused on the 'Mussell Shell' over-all pattern and then we added scallops. We worked the designs on paper and then on the frame. Liz enjoyed the quilting too! It was good to see both of them grow in confidence.  Michael is a keen photographer so I look forward to seeing photos of their next projects.

Rosie, enjoyed playing in the garden

We had a lovely day and while Liz and Michael were buy quilting, Rosie enjoyed playing in the garden.

Multi-tasker - the JUKI EXCEED 600

Meet Judi Walker seamstress and golfer. As a dressmaker, Judi designs, sews and sometimes even free-motion-embroiders her own clothes. She makes clothing and does alterations for other people too. And then there's curtains, cushions and quilts!! 

Judi making a stylish straight skirt for Hiroko in 20 minutes!

As a multi-talented person Judi needed a sewing machine just as versatile as she is. After considering  all the options, Judi chose a sewing machine from Juki's new HZL Exceed series. The Juki HZL Exceed 600 has all the features Judi needs conveniently rolled up into one easy to use sewing machine.

The Juki Exceed is easy to thread with a thread path diagram directly on the machine

The Juki Exceed 600 can multi-task just as well as Judi. The industrial style box feeding system creates straight seams that lie flat - so important to achieving the right fit when sewing clothes and soft furnishing projects. Straight seams with no puckering are essential for piecing, appliqué, quilting and crafting too.  

the Box Feed is larger and has a firmer grip for an even line of stitching

There are plenty of stitches for any project, be it blind hemming or piping for cushions. The buttonhole attachment is brilliant and gives a professional finish to all sorts of projects. Whether Judi's stitching silks or hemming jeans, JUKI's industrial style box feeding system creates a beautiful, flat line of stitching with no puckering. It sews through multiple layers easily too. 

a unique sensor measures the button and makes a button hole to match

Judi was delighted with her choice. It was love at first stitch! Together Judi and her JUKI Exceed make a great team. Two years and hundreds of projects later they're still going strong.

easy to make professional button holes

One machine that does all things well!

The Juki Exceed 600.

All the features you need 

rolled up into one easy to use machine.

Judi sewing a cushion cover with the JUKI Exceed 600