Yep, you guessed it, the machine is fixed, the string quilt is done, and I'm one happy camper (I love that fabric by the way, LOL!)
And just for fun, would you look at my cat??? He carries his rubber duck around like a dog with a ball. I caught him yesterday laying here (in the sink???) eyeing the duck. He cracks me up!!
So yeah. The shop owner was right. It was the thread I was using!! It was coats and clark trilobal poly embroidery thread (sorry coats, but you won't be gracing my machine again!, at least not the trilobal poly). It was pulling super hard through the upper tension discs for some reason, causing my needle to bend and hit the stitch plate and eventually the needle would break, then my machine would get out of time when the needle hit repeatedly. It was amazing the difference between the way Isacord pulls through the discs compared to the coats and clark. Anyway, she found some Isacord in her shop that matched the coats perfectly, and then GAVE it to me after she had spent 2 1/2 hours looking at and tweeking my machine at no charge. BUT THEN, she pulled a fast one on me. She set the Bernina 830 up with the bsr foot and had me sit down for a spell. Ahhhh, heaven!! I texted L-man right then and there and told him my 730 was fixed. There was just one problem. That I NEED an 830. He texted me back (IMMEDIATELY), this: "LOL"!! I think that meant I was supposed to walk AWAAAAAY from the 830. Which I did. But man does that machine rock!!
Here's a sneeky peek of the string quilt, washed and crinkly. I'm going to do a special post about it later though, there's so much to tell about this quilt!
Now, for those of you who stuck around and read all that, here's a bonus. I'm having a "horay! my machine is fixed" giveaway!
just leave a comment telling me which you'd prefer:
the die cut pile:
which includes some die cuts of fabric flowers and the eiffel tower, and die cuts of some handmade paper I made a few years back besides the shown adapters and cutting pads for the sidekick and original sizzix machine
OR:
the fabric pile
which includes a fq of wee play, monkey'n around, and a few small swatches of heather ross pink dream bikes, lobsters and coke travelers
Please remember to tell me which you'd prefer in your comment and I'll leave the comments open till Wednesday evening, good luck!
~Penny
p.s. International entries are welcomed!
Am I the first one to reply???....this is not good. Number one NEVER gets picked....oh well the story of my life...
I would definitely go with the fabric!! I have a monkey quilt pattern all picked out I just need the fabric so with it....so....yes the fabric! Thanks for the chance to win....even though I am first....alas...
Have a fantastic day!
AND LOVE the new quilt...can't wait till you blog about it!
Paulette
Posted by: Paulette Doyle | 25 October 2009 at 09:59 AM
I'm a new quilter, and building my stash; I'd prefer the fabric. Thanks for the give away.
Posted by: Jan | 25 October 2009 at 10:00 AM
I'm loving the cat and duck by the way. My cat likes sinks and baths, but not rubber ducks. I'd love the fabric pile, however I understand if you don't want an entry from the UK, if you aren't UK based, as I couldn't find easily where your from, and I've only been reading you a little while.
Posted by: CraftyCripple | 25 October 2009 at 10:01 AM
My Pfaff did not like any coats and clark but my Janome is ok with the cotton sewing thread and the machine quilting thread. Glad your machine is back and running smoothly. As for the piles--fabric for me. :o)
Posted by: Stephanie | 25 October 2009 at 10:03 AM
Congrats on having your machine back. Life is just better with a sewing machine, isn't it? Please count me in for the fabric pile!
Posted by: Barb | 25 October 2009 at 10:03 AM
How lucky to find it was just the thread causing the problem - such an easy fix, although it doesn't seem that way, I'm sure, with all the time invested in tracking down the problem. I'm going to throw my hat in the "fabric pile" ring, but I have a "never win" force field that shields me from being the lucky number in these things. P.S. REally looking forward to reading about the strong quilt!
Posted by: Lesly | 25 October 2009 at 10:05 AM
I have never had a cat who sat in the sink -- yours is a hoot!
I also never realized that the wrong thread could do so much harm.
I would like to put dibs on the fabric pile, please.
Vicky F
Posted by: Vicky F | 25 October 2009 at 10:09 AM
I'm so glad the machine fix was so easy. Whew!
As far as the posting, fabric if I win.
Posted by: Marcia | 25 October 2009 at 10:26 AM
oh the fabric pile for me...i just can not get enough fabric...and little snatches of fabric are so much fun! thanks for the chance. glad your machine is in working order.
Posted by: Jenny | 25 October 2009 at 10:27 AM
That's a great looking pile of fabric! If I win (and I never do) I hope you ship to the Netherlands!
Posted by: Hutsefluts | 25 October 2009 at 10:56 AM
Glad your machine is fixed!
Your kitty is adorable!
I prefer the fabric! Thanks for the giveaway!
Posted by: Marilyn | 25 October 2009 at 11:14 AM
Your cat is too cute! Glad your machine is fixed! I love your string quilt...must do one soon!
I would love to give that fabric a new home! : )
Posted by: Robin | 25 October 2009 at 11:31 AM
Oooh! The fabric pile! Love Heather Ross' bikes!
Can't wait to see more of your string quilt. Loved the tutorial you posted. Very clear instructions. Have added it to my To Do list.
Best,
Karen (Toronto, Canada)
Posted by: Karen | 25 October 2009 at 11:35 AM
p.s.
That's a very clever sales woman! I love my Pfaf, don't get me wrong... but my LQS has a lot of Berninas and it's torture everytime I go there to sew. I ALWAYS come home with a major case of machine envy. :)
Posted by: Karen | 25 October 2009 at 11:36 AM
your kitty is so cute, and i'm looking forward to seeing your finished string quilt. and I'd love to be entered in your giveaway. happy sunday friend!
xo, ang
Posted by: Angela M. | 25 October 2009 at 11:40 AM
The picture of my cat cracks me up! He must be a character! If I was picked, I would prefer the fabric :)
Posted by: Kelli | 25 October 2009 at 11:43 AM
That picture of your cat and his duck is hilarious! I would be happy to win either one of your giveaway offerings!
Posted by: Anne | 25 October 2009 at 11:57 AM
Oh, that wee play has me in the fabric pile group....
So glad the machine is fixed. My Bernina 440 has the BSR and wasn't as expensive...
Posted by: Nancy | 25 October 2009 at 12:13 PM
So glad you got your machine fixed and figured out! Interesting that it was the thread that was messing everything up. Makes me want to try different threads to see if my machine runs even better. I use Coats and Clark and it is very linty. That die-cut pile looks like loads of fun waiting to happen so I guess that's my pick. Oh, and your cat is very cute and funny. (that says a lot coming from me since I am NOT a cat person...allergic)
Posted by: Trisha | 25 October 2009 at 12:15 PM
Die cut set for sure. I'm kinda spooked by sock monkeys.
Some machines are drool-worthy!
Posted by: kern | 25 October 2009 at 12:15 PM
Congrats on the fixed machine! Thankfully it was such a simple to fix problem.
I would like to enter the contest for the fabric pack. Thanks so much.
Posted by: Bea | 25 October 2009 at 12:16 PM
I'm not a cat person, but that picture is ADORABLE! :)
I'd love to win the fabric, I'm collecting Heather Ross prints for a scrap quilt!
Posted by: Nikki | 25 October 2009 at 12:17 PM
I just realized recently too how much of a difference the thread can make in machine quilting. Count me in for the fabric pile!
Posted by: mjb | 25 October 2009 at 12:26 PM
I have to say, I am glad I am not the only one with a kooky cat :) And I love the fabric pile, I need to get some sock monkey fabric, stat!
Posted by: Gretchen Ree | 25 October 2009 at 12:40 PM
That cat really funny looking. Hehe ;-) I'd love to be counted in for the die cut pile... Have a great day.
Posted by: Little Miss S. | 25 October 2009 at 12:48 PM
I'm glad your sewing machine is fixed, but an 830 (drool) sounds wonderful. Your cat is funny. lol. I also have a Bernina, but it is an 801. No bell or whistles, but it sews very well. Please count me in for the fabric. I would not know what to to with the die cuts.
Posted by: Susette | 25 October 2009 at 01:17 PM
Fabric please..new grandbaby coming and father just loves monkeys and that would be great...praying I win.
Posted by: Maria | 25 October 2009 at 01:17 PM
Our kitties sit in the sink too. Not sure why. lol I have to say, I have a Bernina 440 with BSR - and I don't use the BSR. I have tried, but it definitely has a learning curve, and I've quilted for so long without a BSR that I'm not willing to take the time to learn to use the BSR. I just (finally) got my new insert for my sewing machine cabinet and new Bernina (the 440), and man - what a difference. My free motion quilting is so much better.
Anyway - that's my two cents. lol However, that's not to say that I'm not dying to look at the 830. I'm pretty sure that I'm not going to be able to sell my DH on getter another new one so soon, but I'd still just like to look.
Posted by: MichelleB | 25 October 2009 at 01:29 PM
Congrats of getting tha machine fixed and good luck on the quest for the 830! I have the 1080 which is great for me, in fact I am regressing in that I just got a nechhi (1950) yesterday that I am iching to try in all its straigh/zig-zag glory! Would love the monkey fabric to be its initiation!
Posted by: Diane | 25 October 2009 at 01:29 PM
Loving your cat!! I had a cat that loved to sleep in the sink. Thanks for the cute pic!
Oh, if I win, I would for sure pick the fabric pile! Love, love fabric!!!!
Glad you figured out what was wrong with your machine.
Hugs,
Gina
www.gigglekidsboutique.com
Posted by: gina snyder | 25 October 2009 at 01:37 PM
Glad to hear your back to sewing without snags. I'm excited to see more about this string quilt. Especially since I think I see words...
And count me in for the fabric giveaway. Looks adorable. :)
Posted by: Liesl | 25 October 2009 at 01:45 PM
Way to be strong, oh how I'd love a new machine. The FABRIC! yup! Thank You for a giveaway!
Posted by: D Spack | 25 October 2009 at 02:19 PM
Funny kitty! The only thing my cat carries around is dead animals. :(
I'd love to win some fabric scraps. Thanks!
Posted by: DebbieKL | 25 October 2009 at 02:22 PM
oooh, i would love even the smallest scrap of heather ross! so happy your machine is fixed, that is so frustrating!
Posted by: giselle | 25 October 2009 at 02:26 PM
Man I WISH I had a Bernina!! Seriously!
I can't wait to see the whole quilt, love love love the quilting that I can see!
Great job on your "scraps to treasure!"
I have my project ready to quilt, once I make the sandwhich....
Posted by: jenn | 25 October 2009 at 02:31 PM
Hey, I'm so glad your machine is back to health! I know when my needle would hit the plate, bam...bad news. Awesome about the shop owner...she's a jewel!
Sorry you walked away from a new toy...but, maybe for Christmas/birthday/anniversary/Sweetest Day/Christmas...LOL
I love the fabric pile. I'm a fabric fanatic!
Thanks for the good news and the giveaway!
Posted by: Dee | 25 October 2009 at 02:34 PM
I'm glad your machine is up and running again! I won't be using that thread! lol Thanks for the chance to enter your giveaway. The fabric pile would be my choice if I were to win!
Posted by: Kate/Massachusetts | 25 October 2009 at 02:47 PM
Oh, hands down the fabric! I like paper, but I LOVE fabric! And I can't wait to see your post on the string quilt; I have been in love with that quilt since your first post about it!
Posted by: Kirsten Nelson | 25 October 2009 at 03:14 PM
So glad there was nothing "wrong" with your machine, and what a nice lady to work with you for so long and then give you free thread!
oh I'd like the fabric pile please, if I win your giveaway
Posted by: Norma | 25 October 2009 at 03:34 PM
Yay! Thank goodness your machine's all 'fixed'... silly thread! My cats sometimes walk around with their little balls... they play fetch, which is rather odd for cats lol
Definitely loving the fabric pile :)
Posted by: Audrie | 25 October 2009 at 03:59 PM
I had a machine break down and took it in only to have the person gasp at the thread I was using. Now I buck up and buy the next step up thread and haven't had too many problems. Holy moly, I do love that crinkly quilt!!!! Crinkles are the best.
That fabric pile makes me swoony!
Posted by: jessica | 25 October 2009 at 03:59 PM
That is to funny...glad your problemo is solved!
I would love.....the die cuts! I'll switch it up a bit! :)
Posted by: stacey | 25 October 2009 at 04:05 PM
Fabric pile all the way . .love your new (is it new and I just haven't noticed?) banner by the way - love love hexes and have yet to try to make
Posted by: Donna | 25 October 2009 at 04:12 PM
Definitely the fabric pile. Animals are so strange aren't they?
Posted by: Jane | 25 October 2009 at 04:35 PM
The fabric pile please. I love the way the shop owner got you to play with the 830. Way out of my price range, but a gir; can dream.
Posted by: penny g | 25 October 2009 at 04:40 PM
i would love your cat!!
Posted by: jen | 25 October 2009 at 04:45 PM
I'll throw in for the die cuts.
Glad your machine is OK. My sneaky dealer talked me into a new Pfaff last year when I took mine in for service--gotta watch those guys!
Posted by: Kathi D | 25 October 2009 at 05:12 PM
Penny, ok, you got me on the fabric pile :-)
Anyhow! I've always been scared to use anything but Coats & Clark COTTON thread or Gutterman 100% Polyester thread for quilting.... I won't be using embroidery thread anytime soon thanks to you!! So you have a Bernina??? I have a (1yr old) Janome Magnolia 7330 which is pretty low end, but good for me since I've only been quilting for a year... I feel like I haven't EARNED the right to have a phat machine yet :-) I've heard great things about Bernina... and Pfaff too. Maybe some day! Thanks for sharing all that good stuff with us, including your goofy cat! Too cute =)
Posted by: Cristin | 25 October 2009 at 05:42 PM
Your cat is so funny! I love seeing cats in sinks. :)
um. I must have the fat quarters! As if I need more fabric in my stash. But still! Sock monkeys!
Posted by: Elizabeth | 25 October 2009 at 05:48 PM
Hi, Penny... glad you got your machine fixed! I would love the fabric - I'm actually working on a sock monkey quilt right now, and it would be perfect!! Thanks!
Marybeth
Posted by: Marybeth | 25 October 2009 at 06:19 PM