It's A Cynch!

The "quilt as you go" technique is the best thing I was taught since learning how to quilt!  It makes putting together a large quilt more doable.  Basically,  you sew all of the blocks,  quilt each block layer and then piece the layer together. The final quilt ends up with sashing between each block.  So the quilter can have fun with colors.  The navy blue strip is the sashing.  You first zigzag the two blocks together then use the strip to cover up the zigzag connection on the topside and bottom side.   The finished piece is shown below. I usually try to strategize when I sew the blocks together so that I end up with two halves. It makes handling a large quilt easier. 

Remember how the upper thread kept breaking?  I rethreaded and still...snap! I rethreaded again....snap! I was really frustrated!  I thought this expensive machine better work! So...I watched a few Youtube videos, and read some blogs for advice or suggestions.  And I finally saw one that said to use a blue jean needle.  Worth a shot,  right???? Well...it worked like a charm!  It is sewing great! I am so happy again! The larger needle sewed through the jersey material layer easily! I hope after I wash it that it will lay nicely. Now I can finish quilting the rest of the blocks. 

Ok. So it took me about an hour to unbox the machine and go over the parts list to make sure everything came.  I decided I'd only learn the sewing part first.  I put the free motion foot on and read all of the directions.  It worked great until I got to the onesie that was thicker and made of jersey material.  The upper thread kept breaking! GRRRRR!!!! I looked through Youtube videos and read a bunch of blogs.  They suggested switching needles to a larger one. I rethreaded the machine several times,  but still kept having the upper thread break!  So....I'm working through this problem. If anyone has any suggestions,  it would be appreciated! 

I was pretty frustrated with my quilting machine! I have had an Elna Quilter's Pro 7200 for almost 10 years now.  It has been a great machine and we have created many beautiful quilts with it.  But,  the time had come for a new machine. After looking through reviews and watching YouTube videos and playing with machines at the sewing center,  I bought a floor model Husqvarna Topaz 30. I was so excited.  It could embroider,  it could quilt....I went home feeling good because I got a good deal on it.  But my excitement was short lived.  The first time I tried to embroider on it,  the bobbin decided to eat thread!  What did I do wrong?! So I emailed my sales lady,  and she gave me pointers.  I got it to embroider a few things,  but I kept fighting that hungry bobbin!  It kept eating thread. I took it back a few times,  but still no luck.  My wonderful,  understanding husband suggested I trade it in on a ...