Timing Is Everything

Timing IS everything, even for a sewing machine, and my machine's timing seems to have bit the dust. I had this problem a month or two ago, took it in to be serviced (which it needed anyway) and it was working quite well until today when it went "thunk" and reverted to doing what it was doing back then (mainly skipping stitches and not picking up the bobbin thread in any consistent matter). Well ... this machine is about 15 years old, and has been a workhorse. It is a basic machine which I bought when all I really wanted to do was straight stitch and zigzag. I have coaxed it into doing far more than that. I think it is time to say goodbye. So I am searching for a new machine.

Of course, this means I can't sew anything - so much for my grand plans to get some things done this week! But I should be able to catch up on the two online classes I am taking through Quilt University - Quilter's Palette (dyeing) and Fabric Painting, both with Marjie McWilliams (who is an amazing teacher and artist, I might add).

Quilter's Palette is geared towards making fabrics to be used in landscapes and portraits. I've completed about half the lessons and the above photo are the fabrics I now have. Aren't they amazing? Obviously I've been working on the landscape fabric portion - I've yet to do hair and skin tones. I'm looking forward to doing them! The painting photos will have to wait, since that class is more recent and I haven't started the lessons yet.

Wish me luck on my hunt for the perfect (perfectly affordable??!!) machine!