Friday, October 9, 2015

3 LITTLE FINISHES

After 11 years of sewing on a little Kenmore with a 6" opening, I got a new machine.  I didn't want one that had a multitude of stitches that I will never use, but it HAD to have a large throat.  I decided on an Elna eXcellence 730.  Wow.  I'm still figuring things out, but I'm super happy with it so far.
The other day I decided to do some quilting with it, so I gathered three little quilt tops that needed finishing and got to work.


This first one is from Erin's book Sweet Tweets.  I used the squiggly stitch and my walking foot.  I specifically asked if the machine had this stitch and was told 'yes'.  Sold!
I really like the look of this quilting and it's fast : )


Next up is a foundation paper pieced quilt from back in the day.  This is a free pattern on Badskirt's blog. I just did a simple outline for this one, and now it's done and ready to be sent off to a swap partner


When I made these foundation paper pieced horseshoes, I had in mind to do pebble quilting in the background right from the start. I do like the way it turned out. Love love love the texture : )


So there you have it. Three finishes. Three mini quilts.  Three things off the sewing table.


Three new starts ?

linking up with Crazy Mom Quilts 
My Quilt Infatuation

28 comments:

Live a Colorful Life said...

I have he same machine and it's a great one! I should spend more time experimenting with different stitches. Your finishes are each beautiful.

Debbie said...

Nice! I do love me an Elna! You will enjoy that serpentine stitch alot! How bid is your machine's throat?

Lorna McMahon said...

Those little finishes are all big on style! Love the quilting, Carla!

Quilts and Such said...

Love your mini quilts. They are awesome!

quiltmania said...

They are all adorable. Glad to see you put the horseshoe pattern to good use.

Vera said...

Oh those birdies! So cute! And the other one is really funny :) Well done!

Judy @ Sew Some Sunshine said...

Love all of them. Congrats on the Elna, it's great to have a new machine.

OPQuilt said...

Soooo cute! (Sew cute?)

I like the demonstration of how the different quilting techniques can yield such different results. I was looking at that very thing yesterday when I went to the quilt show (I find myself really honing in on the quilting in the shows--something I used to just skip over). I also looked at new machines--wowsers but there are a lot of choices out there! Good for you for choosing just the one you want.

Elizabeth

Ariane said...

These are all wonderful. I love them all!!

Cut&Alter said...

Congratulations on your new machine! Such lovely finished you have done. Whilst I like them all I love the horseshoes - the texture the quilting has added is just perfect.

Jen said...

Love your fun finishes! I have an older Bernina with a very small throat space.... maybe due for an upgrade. Is your machine quiet? At what point did you upgrade your machine? For larger quilts? Or have you sent large quilts out for quilting in the past?

Leanne Parsons said...

Congratulations on the new machine! I have a Kenmore and I love it, though it does have a rather small throat space and no serpentine stitch (I actually checked that just this afternoon!). Both will be on my list of wants whenever I upgrade my machine, but that probably won't be until this one dies. All three of your finishes are beautiful, but my favourite is the Sweet Tweets one. I think I need to get that book.

Julie Cefalu said...

I love your little projects and what a great way to practice on your new machine! It seems like an upgrade was long overdue. I'm so happy for you!

Susan said...

Congratulations on your new machine! Already the investment is paying off! Love the pedal to the metal mini! It would make a great featured on a sewing machine cover...

Cath said...

I love the mini's and your new machine helped you do a fantastic job with the quilting. My favourite mini is the birds in the hexi tree...I like the tree trunk on that one. I also like the pebbles in the horseshoes background.

GranthamLynn said...

Congrats on the new machine. Love your quilts very cute. Love the horseshoes and the barn. I'll be back.

Kim said...

Me thinks three more (and more and more) starts....most definitely!! Love your minis especially the sweet li'l birdies in the hexie tree! I can't wait to see what magic you stitch with your lovely new machine, Carla. There's no stopping you now. =)

Lisa in Port Hope said...

They look great! I am trying to finish more things than i start, but it's hard. Enjoy your new machine!

Lisa in Port Hope said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Dawn Hughes said...

Yeah...a new machine. Looks like you have figured it out already. All 3 of your little quilts look fabulous, especially the little birdies.

Jayne said...

Such amazing finishes! I love them all, but the hexie tree...just plain adorable! Congrats on the new machine! I cannot imagine buying a new one, I'm sure it would be too overwhelming with so many to choose from!

BillieBee (billiemick) said...

Looks like you are definitely enjoying your new machine. What cute finishes.

Julie said...

congrats on the new sewing machine, looks like it's been a great new purchase, your mini quilts look wonderful!

Janine @ Rainbow Hare said...

They are all beautiful :)

Cheryl's Teapots2Quilting said...

Have fun with your new Elna, but, I hope you kept the Kenmore. Kenmore's are great machines.

Granny Maud's Girl said...

I took my machine in for a service today and drooled over the new ones with enormous throat spaces in the shop. I hope you are enjoying your new machine. It looks like it is working for you with all these cute finishes. Yes, this definitely justifies starting three new things.

Carla said...

too cute!!

Christine @ 12,450miles said...

Fabulous finishes! I really like all the different quilting styles you used.