I’ve finally started quilting the quilt for which I made this backing. Originally I had planned some simple lines, spaced quite far apart. I changed my mind though after buying a new sewing machine! Several weeks ago, I brought my sewing machine in for a repair job and since I was already in the shop I took the opportunity to test some fancy sewing machines as well. I decided to buy the Janome Horizon Memory Craft 9400. It offers a lot more harp space, 28 versus 16.5 cm on my Janome 3160. It also has the walking foot option included and this works soooooo much better than the walking foot on the 3160. The stitches are much more even, things move much smoother (possibly also because of the extra harp space). Anyway, this much more enjoyable walking foot quilting experience made me decide to try a much denser quilting pattern for a change. The lines so far are only ½ and 1 inch apart.
I do wonder whether it would have been better to use a more neutral thread for this denser quilting pattern. I picked the thread when I still had a lot less lines planned and perhaps I should have reconsidered this choice as well because it does stand out quite a bit.
How lovely! I do wish they’d make a cheaper machine with a bigger harp space, though, as one of these is just not something I can justify; my old Janome is working fine still!
It is a bit of an indulgence but I was increasingly finding that my other machine (which still works fine so I kept it as well since it is much more portable) was limiting my quilting creativity. I also tried a Bernina because I was curious about their stitch regulator for FMQ. I didn’t like it that much and the price tag even less…
Good to know.