Best Sewing or Quilting Machine for the Money- Brother CS6000I

A good quilting friend of mine wanted to buy a so called “cheap machine” to tote around on her quilting retreats and to quilt classes and ordered this one. When she told me it cost $180.00 with free shipping I could not believe it!

I just came from her house and have to say this machine is anything but cheap! It has over 60 stitches and the machine is computerized-which is definitely a must have for me! It is wonderful machine. Wish I had some extra money this month to pick one up. I give this machine a thumbs up!

Here is some info I found about the machine online:

Brother CS6000i Computerized Sewing Machine US $159.99 Auction Ends: Tuesday Feb-07-2012 15:44:27 PST   | Watch this Item

NEW BROTHER COMPUTERIZED SEWING MACHINE MODEL CS 6000 I US $173.79 Auction Ends: Tuesday Feb-07-2012 16:04:41 PST   | Watch this Item

Brother Sewing Machine CS 6000i US $149.99 (0 Bid) Auction Ends: Thursday Feb-09-2012 7:43:12 PST   | Watch this Item

Equipped with an LCD display for easy stitch selection, this computerized free-arm sewing machine features 60 built-in stitches including utility stitches for mending and garment construction, decorative stitches, heirloom stitches, and quilting stitches, as well as seven styles of one-step auto-sizing buttonholes. Programmable 7mm stitch width and length, as well as an adjustable dial control for thread tension, deliver enhanced sewing flexibility. Operate the machine with the foot control or without, using the built-in one-touch start/stop and reverse functions. Its automatic needle threader, built-in thread cutter, and quick-set drop-in bobbin system offer added convenience. Accessories are included for zipper insertion, darning, twin-needle stitching, and quilting, plus the unit features quick-change snap-on presser feet that include a buttonhole foot, zipper foot, button-fitting foot, blind-stitch foot, over-casting foot, monogramming foot, zigzag foot, walking foot, and a quilt guide. The walking foot ensures accurate stitching of slippery fabrics or multiple layers, and the quilt guide delivers precise, evenly spaced quilt lines. A drop feed allows for creating free-form or traditional quilt patterns. Other highlights include preset presser-foot height adjustment and pressure, electronic speed adjustment, variable needle positions, built-in storage space, and a hard cover to protect the machine when not in use. Lightweight and portable, the sewing machine measures 9-3/5 by 9-3/4 by 12-1/2 inches and carries a 25-year limited warranty.

Product Description
The CS6000i from Brother is a 60 stitch computerized free arm sewing machine with multiple stitch functions. The machine features an LCD display for computerized stitch selection. The built in stitches include utility stithces for mending and garment construction, decorative stitches, heirloom stitches and quilting stitches. This machine has a one step automatic buttonholer with 7 styles of auto-size buttonholes built-in. The machine also has built-in super-wide 7mm zigzag and decorative stitches. The CS6000i is easy to thread with the automatic needle threader and our one-step quick set drop-in bobbin. Included with this machine are accessories for zipper insertion, darning, twin needle stitching, quilting, as well as an oversized accessory table to increase your sewing area for large projects and quilting. The quilting feet include a walking foot for accurate stitching of slippery fabrics or multiple layers as well as a quilt guide for precise evenly spaced quilt lines. The CS6000i also has a drop feed so you can create free-form or traditional quilt patterns. The machine can be operated without a foot control using the built-in one-touch start/stop and reverse features. You can also choose your most comfortable sewing speed with the electronic speed control. Accessories are included for quilting, zipper insertion, darning, twin needle stitching, buttonholes and button sewing. The machine is lightweight and protable and includes a hard cover to protect your machine when it is not in use. Instructions are bilingual in English and Spanish

Moda 3 Sisters Glace is Gorgeous!

I have always loved 3 Sisters designs but boy did they do it again. Glace is a holiday collection with beautiful tones of  Burgandy, Cream, Sage Green, Brown  and Soft Blue backgrounds.

I think the collection really captures an old fashion Christmas style with these beautiful soft colors and 3 Sisters throwing in their Shabby twist.

The minute I saw this I immediately thought of the turning twenty quilt patterns. They are of course offering the jelly rolls, charm packs,  turnovers, and pre-cut goods with this line. Therefore the possibilities are endless.

As of yet Moda has not added a free pattern to their website but when they do l will  be sure to come back and update this post.

Happy Quilting, Jen

Moda Fabric - Glace by 3 Sisters - Tonal Green Forest US $7.70 Auction Ends: Wednesday Feb-15-2012 9:52:44 PST   | Watch this Item

"Glace" Paisley Print rust blue & tan on cream Fabric by 3 Sisters for Moda US $8.05 Auction Ends: Wednesday Feb-29-2012 11:34:08 PST   | Watch this Item

Moda Fabric - Glace by 3 Sisters - Verglas Green Forest US $7.70 Auction Ends: Sunday Mar-04-2012 13:34:53 PST   | Watch this Item

Moda Fabric - Glace - 3 Sisters - Crystal White Paisley US $7.70 Auction Ends: Tuesday Mar-06-2012 11:08:39 PST   | Watch this Item

How to Open a Quilt Shop

I have had a few people email and ask me how I opened my quilt shop and where do I start, what is it like…ect? I personally used Chuck Smiths guide to open our shop and highly recomend it. Chuck Smiths guide to opening a quilt shop it is the best money you can spend in learning how to operate a quilting business. I still refrence it to this day!

What is it like?

Well, plan on putting many hours in. When my husband and I first started we were easily putting in over 12 hour days for the first 6 months. Not an easy task when you have small children!

Should I do Internet?

Most definately, internet became over 60 percent of our sales. It is very time consuming at first but once you get the hang of it, it is well worth it!

Is now a good time to open a shop?

Well let me say that the recession has hurt our sales by about 15%  and I am sure other shops are suffering too- but all in all fabric is a strong business!

Chuck Smiths guide to opening a quilt shop can be ordered here

Some of the best Quilting Quotes

Thought I would share some of my favorite quilting quotes with everyone:

I am a quilter and my house is in pieces.

Quilters affect eternity; they can never tell where their influence stops.

I am a material girl. Wanna see my fabric collection?

Before Prozac, there was quilting.

Blankets wrap you in warmth, quilts wrap you in love.

Ask not what your fabric can do for you, but what you can do for your fabric.

Good friends are like Quilts. They age with you, yet never lose their warmth.

Quilting is cheap therapy.

Happy Quilting,
Jen

Half Moon Modern - Moda Charm Pack 42 5 inch Quilt Fabric Square Blocks US $9.49 Auction Ends: Tuesday Feb-07-2012 5:18:40 PST   | Watch this Item

Moda Prairie Paisley II - 4 Charm Packs - 168 5" Cotton Quilt Fabric Squares Kit US $29.95 (1 Bid) Auction Ends: Tuesday Feb-07-2012 7:01:02 PST   | Watch this Item

Marble Warm Charm Pack Moda Quilt Fabric 42 5" squares US $3.98 (8 Bids) Auction Ends: Tuesday Feb-07-2012 7:08:25 PST   | Watch this Item

Moda A Walk in the Woods - 4 Charm Packs - 168 5" Cotton Quilt Quilting Squares US $29.95 (0 Bid) Auction Ends: Tuesday Feb-07-2012 7:40:13 PST   | Watch this Item

4 Moda Cape Ann Charm Packs - 168 5" PreCut Cotton Quilt Quilting Squares Kit US $29.95 (0 Bid) Auction Ends: Tuesday Feb-07-2012 8:19:28 PST   | Watch this Item

Me and My Sister Designs Clementine Collection

While browsing my favorite website to shop for fabric, I came across the new Clementine collection by Me and My Sister Designs(Moda) It is so fun and whimsical…I have ordered some and anxiously await the arrival. While browsing I found the free quilt pattern on their website HERE I always love their collections but something about this one just is so fun and I love the fact that Moda makes all of the kits with this(Charm packs, Jelly Rolls…ect.) This would be perfect for any girly girl. Sweet enough for a 3 year old but fun enough for a 13 year old.
Happy Quilting,
Jen

BRAEMORE 2" Tassel Fabric Trim BRV2006 CLEMENTINE (822) US $13.95 Auction Ends: Tuesday Feb-07-2012 15:55:24 PST   | Watch this Item

Michael Miller Clementine Orange Polka Dumb Dot Fabric US $10.00 Auction Ends: Saturday Feb-11-2012 11:30:32 PST   | Watch this Item

JANE SHELTON HAND PRINT COTTON Fabric CLEMENTINE SWEET! blues/reds on white! US $59.00 Auction Ends: Saturday Feb-11-2012 13:10:07 PST   | Watch this Item

Nicey Jane Dream Dots in Clementine fabric quilt Free Spirit US $6.99 Auction Ends: Saturday Feb-11-2012 15:43:40 PST   | Watch this Item

Clarke & Clarke Clementine Berry Designer Curtain Fabric Roll 12 Metres US $197.50 Auction Ends: Sunday Feb-12-2012 4:14:13 PST   | Watch this Item

THE 2 HOUR REVERSIBLE APRON

While browsing around for a fun pattern and trying to find something to do with my growing collection of charm packs, I came across this Two-Hour Reversible Apron pattern by Susan Loland. It is so adorable and easy.  Actually Took me 3 hours but I recommend ordering this pattern. Great little idea for quick and easy gifts.

Happy Quilting,

Jen

2-Pc. Cocktail Hour Apron Sets (NEW) US $6.95 Auction Ends: Sunday Feb-12-2012 9:50:14 PST   | Watch this Item

Simplicity it's Sew Easy Create Your Own 2 Hour Apron US $4.99 Auction Ends: Tuesday Feb-14-2012 4:25:19 PST   | Watch this Item

3-Pc Cocktail Hour Apron Set w/Towels 1 Martini, 2 Martini, 3 Martini Floor Host US $24.95 Auction Ends: Wednesday Feb-15-2012 7:49:27 PST   | Watch this Item

3-PC COCKTAIL HOUR COOKING APRON & 2 KITCHEN TOWEL SET - I WINE CONSTANTLY US $15.95 Auction Ends: Friday Mar-02-2012 17:18:57 PST   | Watch this Item

3-PC COCKTAIL HOUR COOKING APRON & 2 KITCHEN TOWEL SET - ONE MARTINI... US $15.95 Auction Ends: Friday Mar-02-2012 17:18:58 PST   | Watch this Item

Charm Packs, What are they?

Charm Packs are great pre-cut 5″ squares that usually come in packs by collection. They are just so fun and so many different things can be done with them. You really can have a fast quilt top in a day. Although I recommend buying more then 1 pack. I usually get at least three of them and that will get a pretty decent size quilt with adding borders. Possibly the best thing about charm packs are they are cut so precisely that you rarely have to worry about your seams matching up.
Here are some links to some really great Free charm Pack Patterns:
Charm Quilt
Table Runner I love this one!!
Tote Bag

Happy Quilting,

Jen

Summer Breeze II by Sentimental Studios Charm Pack Fabric 42 5" squares US $6.01 (4 Bids) Auction Ends: Monday Feb-06-2012 22:31:24 PST   | Watch this Item

Beads Charm Pack by Free Spirit Fabrics US $9.31 Auction Ends: Tuesday Feb-07-2012 1:53:51 PST   | Watch this Item

Hometown Charm Pack Fabric 42 5" squares US $8.25 Auction Ends: Tuesday Feb-07-2012 3:39:34 PST   | Watch this Item

PINK Pinks Quilt Fabric Quilting Squares Charm Pack US $5.99 (0 Bid) Auction Ends: Tuesday Feb-07-2012 4:20:51 PST   | Watch this Item

Half Moon Modern - Moda Charm Pack 42 5 inch Quilt Fabric Square Blocks US $9.49 Auction Ends: Tuesday Feb-07-2012 5:18:40 PST   | Watch this Item

What are Jelly Rolls?

I figured I would discuss Jelly Rolls today. Jelly Rolls are a bundled of fabric(usually from the same line or collection)cut in 2.5″ strips by 44″. They are also a quick and easy way to assemble a quilt in no time flat. Moda manufactures the best Jelly Rolls on the market in my opinion. They like Charm Packs over time can become very addicting. Here are some free patterns I have found online that are super easy and fun to do with those Jelly Rolls.

Hugs and Kisses

Boxy Stars

Happy Quilting,

Jen

GRANDMAS TRADITIONAL POOH EEYORE 100% COTTON 4 JELLY ROLLS PRINT QUILTING FABRIC US $1.97 Auction Ends: Tuesday Feb-07-2012 8:40:04 PST   | Watch this Item

QUILT FABRIC SAMPLES penny auction SWATCHES from my jelly rolls fat quarters US $1.25 (4 Bids) Auction Ends: Tuesday Feb-07-2012 10:35:13 PST   | Watch this Item

Moda Fabrics with WILD FLOWERS V Jellyrolls 40 2.5 inch strips US $33.00 Auction Ends: Tuesday Feb-07-2012 15:58:27 PST   | Watch this Item

QUILT FABRIC SAMPLES penny auction SWATCHES from my jelly rolls fat quarters US $2.00 (7 Bids) Auction Ends: Wednesday Feb-08-2012 13:45:16 PST   | Watch this Item

GRANNYS BRIGHT GREEN BUNCHES 100% COTTON 4 JELLY ROLLS PRINT QUILTING FABRIC US $1.97 Auction Ends: Thursday Feb-09-2012 12:43:44 PST   | Watch this Item

Envelope Pillows and Valances

My Rag Quilt and matching Pillows

Since the previous article was on the Rag Quilt I wanted to show you what can be done after the quilt is finished. I had originally made the rag quilt for our great room couch and had tons of left over fabric. So I decided to make some envelope pillows to match. I love envelope pillows because they can be removed and washed very easily. I was going to go through all of the instructions but this is the particular pattern I use. It is so easy and well instructed I am just going to post the link for you.

Envelope Pillow Pattern

Now she uses just one fabric, but with a little math you can use as many fabrics as you like. Just pick your fabrics and put them together in the length and width you need.

VALANCES

Well of course after doing pillows and the quilt….I decided the walls needed color, so we painted the entire room and ceiling. After doing that the next logical thing to do was make some valances.

Valances are so easy to make and a great way to add a designer look to any room. Especially if they match pillows and a quilt.

How to make a valance:

1. First pick your fabrics or fabric. I think two fabrics are better and give a more tailored look.

2. Then decide how far down you would like them to hang. Mine in the picture are 16″ x 40″(for wider windows or more of a ruffled look you will have to join the fabric at the selvage)

3. I suggest cutting on a quilting cutting board with a rotary cutter for the best result.

If you are using a fabric with a horizontal design make sure you are cutting the pattern straight!! With horizontal designs scissors may be the best option.

First I cut my main print and a lining at 14″ length by the width you need (remember to always allow an extra 1″ in width and length for your seam allowance). For lining I love to use muslin. Putting right sides together I sew (using 1/2″ seam allowance) down one side; then the bottom of the valance and up the other side. After that turn the valance right side out and press.

Then cut your stripe print(or second fabric of choice) 6.5″ by whatever length you need. Fold each end in 1/2″ then press and sew each end. Then you will fold the 6.5 inch (should be 3.25″ after folding) piece in 1/2 and press again.

Now comes the easy part. Lay the stripe on top of the main print and muslin; then pin them. Next you will sew them together, and viola you have a valance. Press your seam down and sew it for a more decorative look. Add curtain 2″ rod through the stripe and you are all done.

As you can see making one quilt can turn into a whole room makeover! It really does get addicting. Of course after I finished all of the valances I had to custom paint all of the end tables to match the quilt!I also wanted to share another great link with you for making curtains. They have some great ideas if you want to do more then a valance. Check it out here.

3 Yards Quilt Cotton Fabric-Halloween Ghosts Camoflauge US $13.99 Auction Ends: Monday Feb-06-2012 20:57:57 PST   | Watch this Item

~BELLA ROSA SM PURPLE ROSEBUDS~ Cotton Quilt Fabric US $8.50 Auction Ends: Monday Feb-06-2012 20:58:09 PST   | Watch this Item

Nice Log cabin Snow Over the River and Through the Woods fabric 1yd quilting sew US $7.99 Auction Ends: Monday Feb-06-2012 21:00:01 PST   | Watch this Item

Vintage Japanese Crane Hawk Birds Woven Obi Sash Fabric 32" Patchwork Quilt US $9.99 (0 Bid) Auction Ends: Monday Feb-06-2012 21:00:22 PST   | Watch this Item

3 Yards Quilt Cotton Fabric- Autumn Countryside Trees US $14.99 Auction Ends: Monday Feb-06-2012 21:02:19 PST   | Watch this Item

Economic Fabric Shopping

I love to fabric shop but in todays economy paying $9 dollars and higher per yard can really become expensive, and you will find you can easily spend hundreds of dollars to make a quilt.
I find myself buying more and more fabric on Ebay. Ebay really seems to be where I am finding the best deals when I need to purchase fabrics. Here is a link to our personal store: Funtastic Fabrics You will find other products from other sellers I enjoy throughout our web page.

Another great way to save is to sign up for your favorite websites newsletter. When they get desperate for money the newsletters fly. I just picked up a queen size quilt kit from my favorite website for $32.00 using all Moda Fabrics.

Tip # 3 is to just ask your local quilt shop if they offer discounts. Most shops will give a 10%-15% discount to quilt guild members. Not a member? Ask your shop if there is a local guild and join. Being a guild member is not only fun but it can save on the cost of your fabric.

Happy Quilting,
Jen

1" squares 200 pcs, mixed color-cotton fabric US $2.50 (0 Bid) Auction Ends: Monday Feb-06-2012 21:13:43 PST   | Watch this Item

100 blue quilting squares 5" x 5" handcut new fabric US $10.00 (0 Bid) Auction Ends: Monday Feb-06-2012 21:18:32 PST   | Watch this Item

FABRIC PANEL TUXEDO JUNCTION PILLOW PALS. 12" SQUARE AND 12X16" US $8.49 Auction Ends: Monday Feb-06-2012 21:19:57 PST   | Watch this Item

3x3 square40 pcs- mixed color-cotton fabric US $1.50 (0 Bid) Auction Ends: Monday Feb-06-2012 21:20:36 PST   | Watch this Item

Stuart Weitzman Black Fabric Wedge Heel Square Toe Pump Shoes Shoe Size 9 B US $24.99 (0 Bid) Auction Ends: Monday Feb-06-2012 21:42:11 PST   | Watch this Item