Sunday, June 9, 2013

Studio Makeover

Initially I had my heart set on a Bernina 550QE but after waiting over four weeks for delivery, we decided to cancel the order. 

When I received my clean bill of health a short while ago, Mr. Painted Quilt made the executive decision that we needed to celebrate and now this BIG gal...the 750QE...has taken up residence in my studio.  It goes without saying that I'm thrilled beyond words.



When my new "best friend" arrived a few days ago, some things just had to change.  

I still wanted to keep my 1080 as a back up so I had some major rearranging to do in my studio.

Before...



And after.  And here's BIG Bernie!



We moved the Hoosier into another room which freed up a lot of space.







And here's the rest of the room with my 1080 corner and cutting table.





Did you notice my new steamer/presser?  This is another new and wonderful addition to my studio.  

I use it to give the final press to my pieced blocks and the difference is amazing.  After pressing, the seams become as flat as a pancake and the size of the block remains unchanged.



And a few other shots from around the room...




The top to my nautical quilt is almost complete.  I still need to add two additional borders...another small red one and the outermost one which will be more detailed.

When finished, it will measure approximately 90" x 82".



I am hoping to release the pattern for Safe Harbor in the next month or so. 

Thank you all for your input in selecting the name and as soon as the pattern packet is available, I'll be announcing the winners of my giveaways.  Safe Harbor was the overwhelming choice for the title.


Happy stitching!

83 comments:

Hannele said...

Well deserved reward - congratulations and many happy moments with your new friend!

textilefiend said...

Safe Harbor - the best title. I love it, and will definitely be ordering the pattern.

Miriam said...

Congratulations on a wonderful machine Kaaren!
Wishing you many happy and creative hours together.

Darlene D said...

Your studio looks great! As does Big Bernie!! Love it! Enjoy!

Melanie said...

Your craft room looks fabulous. Love the new machine and the quilt is amazing. xxx

Janet said...

How very very exciting, there's nothing like playing on a new machine and you will love that even feed! Your room is even better with the new additions.

Janet said...

How remiss, I got so excited I forgot to say how wonderful your nautical quilt is looking.

Lesley said...

Safe Harbor is fabulous! It is everything I anticipated and so much more. Love your fabric selection and by coincidence, just yesterday I saw a video on how to make that type of flying geese...love how they show such movement on the borders. It is really an exquisite quilt. Yay you! As for your new best friend, you have chosen a winner! Can't wait to see how she moves!

Abby and Stephanie said...

Have fun with your new toys. You may never leave your studio! Happy Sales with your pattern. I think the name is perfect.

Mairi said...

I love the border... don't think I've ever seen flying geese done that way... studio looks great! Congrats on the new machine and better health! Beautiful pattern too!

Mrs. Goodneedle said...

Safe harbor is stunning, best wishes with your pattern... I can't wait until it's available. Your sewing room is cozy and inviting, you'll have many happy days in there with your new best friend! I have toyed with the idea of a steam/press, thanks for your endorsment.

Betsy said...

Kaaren congratulations. You will love love this machine. I just got the 780 for Mother's Day and it is so worth the investment. I had mine signed by the bernina owner since he was in Florida during Mother's Day. The quilt shop had a whole event and I was able to meet him. Very exciting
Enjoy your machine

barcord said...

Safe Harbor is looking great. I have used the spelling from your neck of the woods. We put a u in, but it still remains the same word and meaning. Your sewing room looks good with the changes to accommodate the new machine. Health to enjoy it for many years to come xx

Sheila said...

Congratulations, what a magnificent machine !!Absolutely love the quilt and Safe Harbor is a perfect name !!

Diane said...

Wishing you years of happy stitching on your beautiful new Bernie! Safe Harbor is just wonderful, it's really lovely.

Ronda said...

Congratulations Kaaren !!! a beautiful machine for a beautiful lady. He spoils you and that is wonderful. I know you must take awesome care of him. Love your new space!

Janet said...

What a lovely studio! And congratulations on your new best friend!

Jackie's Stitches said...

Congratulations Kaaren! You'll love it! I got a 780 for Christmas (I need to blog about it still). One tip - the machines are shipped pretty dry - first thing is to load up the oil. I put 14 drops in mine and it still wasn't quite full. There is a yahoo group for the 7series and many have noticed and suggested this!

I've never heard of anyone using a steam presser for blocks but must admit I am VERY intrigued! I love a flat crisp block!

Karen said...

I don't think you will be touching your back up machine with that new one sitting there. I love your Hossier cabinet and am sorry you had to move it out of the sewing room. You have a wonderful sewing room. An inspiring place to work in.

WoolenSails said...

A new machine is always fun and they can do so much more than the old ones. Love your nautical quilt, really looks beautiful all pieced together.

Debbie

Claddaughquilting said...

Oh my! The quilt is lovely and the name suits it perfectly! Love the borders! Love your sewing space and Big Bernie! How do you manage to keep it all looking so clean and tidy! I spend as much time cleaning up my sewing room and I so sewing!! Congratulations and have a great sewing day!!

Carol Swift said...

Lucky you to have that great machine...I love my Bernina, but after seeing yours I may have to do some shopping for a new one PLUS a pressing machine. LOL Beautiful quilt...wow!

moosecraft said...

Oh my... best executive decision EVER!!! lol! Big Bernie! Gotta Love it! Wishing you many happy stitches! Hugs ~Sharon

Pat said...

Safe Harbour fits your new quilt design so well. It would be happy in our Door County & Lake Superior area which features many lighthouses. The news of your good health report is fabulous and no wonder you celebrated with a new studio redo! I have the exact twin to your Hoosier love it as much as the day we found it.

Bernina's Rule - no matter which model - know you will take great joy in playing with your new friend!!

Maryjo said...

I am so glad that life is going so good for you! You deserved the new sewing machine! It is always a treat to "visit" your sewing room. Love all that you do!

sunny said...

Welcome home Big Bernie! I LOVE the border on your quilt!

MoeWest said...

What a wonderful way to celebrate! Your studio looks like a very inspiring place to sew. I thought it was not recommended to use steam on quilt blocks because they would shrink? I have only been using steam on my uncut fabric.

Kathryn said...

I just got the 750 QE also. I'm in the middle of making a quilt for my sister, and decided not to change machines in mid-quilt, so the new guy/girl is sitting on the dining room table waiting for its move upstairs to the sewing room. I can't wait to get started!! My husband is like yours - he encourages me to get what I need to enjoy my hobby to the fullest.
Best wishes, Kathie L in Allentown

Flo @ Butterfly Quilting said...

Great way to celebrate! Have fun with your new machine!

Bev said...

Wow, what's the scoop on that machine? What all does it do? Is the area from the needle over bigger to accommodate a bigger roll when you are quilting? Love your studio. Mine's such a mess that I can't even do a pic of it. I'm so glad you are all healthy and feeling good! I did a mention of you on my blog yesterday. You are a wonderful designer!

Cheery wave from
Bev

Louise said...

Your reorganization of your sewing room has inspired me. I need to do the same! Your Safe Harbor turned out really nice. Love the border you used on it. Congrats on your new
addition, I am sure you will have many happy hours creating.

Loris said...

Mr.Painted Quilt sure had the right idea! The sewing room re-do looks wonderful and welcoming for hours of our favorite pastime.
Safe Harbor is beautiful!

Markirhen said...

Hello Kaaren. Congratulation.
Excellent purchase ,this is an outstanding machine.
Enjoy it and Get the most of it.

Martha

Darlene said...

Oh, Kaaren, I love Mr PDQ for making that executive decision. He's definitely a man after my own heart. :-)

Your new "toy" looks wonderful in your studio. The makeover is terrific. Enjoy!

Susannah said...

Well, if anybody deserves that beautiful new machine...you do! And it is not like it won't get used...LOL!!!!!!!!! I love Safe Harbor!! Your work is so beautiful, Kaaren.

Susannah

gracie said...

Love the studio and the new machine. I'll be right over to learn to quilt!!!!

Vroomans' Quilts said...

What an inviting room! Enjoy your new toy(s) - you so deserve them.

Kindred Quilts said...

Such excitement in your sewing world!!! Congrats on Big Bernie... she looks very comfortable in her newly arranged sewing room! Love the steamer too! Have fun with all your new toys!

Candace said...

Oh gosh - I've drooled over that machine, Kaaren! I hope you two have many happy hours together - you deserve it! Love that presser, too! I noticed it right away! Who makes it? Happy Sewing!
Cheers!

celkalee said...

What an amazing gift, should be great fun. I am also rearranging the studio. Too much stuff, I may need to do some editing.............

Safe Harbor is the perfect name. God Bless!

Daffodil said...

Hurray,for the switch to the 750! They are amazing machines and are so very quiet. I am waiting for my 780 to arrive. Patience?!! My husband is a Bernina tech and loves the 700 series. I am so happy that your doctor reports were so good. I remember seeing the Primitive Garden quilt on your blog years ago and have finally finished mine-just need to hand stitch down the border. I just retired and my UFO's are finally reaching completion one by one! Happy stitching on your amazing machine. pln

tink's mom said...

She is a very pretty, very big girl. Congratulations on all fronts. I will admit that as I viewed the various points of interest in your room I did stick to the steamer presser. Didn't notice anything else in the photo. Nice.

Cindy said...

Oh, oh, oh Kaaren, I'm sew happy for you Dear Lady. You deserve this special present from your hubby. He must be an amazing man - married to an amazing woman who I truly admire.

Your room is so warm and welcoming - ready to sit, sew and be a piece.

God bless you, Kaaren. May you continue to be blessed with His gifts.

Hugs.

Kigwit said...

Enjoy your new machine. I think your Safe Harbors quilt is great-I am loving the geese in the border. I'm looking forward to making it.

Jane said...

Studio, quilt and new machines look fantastic!!!!!!! Your studio looks very cozy!!!!!!! Can't wait to hear what you will whip up first on the Big Bernie!!!! Enjoy and hugs from Allberta!!!!!!!!!
PS: what a WONDERFUL way to celebrate a clean bill of health!!!!!!!!!

Teresa F. said...

Congratulations! Your new sewing machine is awesome. I'm a bit jealous actually ( I can never have such a beauty). Nevertheless you deserve it and I'm sure you will make some wonderful stuff with it.
Hugs,
Teresa

Adrienne Cleave said...

Thank you for the tour and congratulations on your new Bernina...enjoy! I can hardly wait to see what you produce on this baby.
Adrienne

ShirleyC said...

Congrats on your new and BIG machine! Your room looks great! I've also made a milestone - 5 years cancer free!

Marie said...

A new Bernina...Life does not get much better!

I have never seen a pressing machine like that, I need to check into that little gem.

Your Nautical quilt is beautiful (my DH agrees :D). I am impressed with your designer skills, great job.

Nancy in IN said...

Love the border on the quilt. Congrats on health report and the new machine.

Sass said...

Wow, what a great best friend, now you have to name her too!!!

Love your sewing room too!!

A lot to celebrate in life....makes on thankful of so many blessings!!!

tpott said...

Good for you! I can't think of a better reason to celebrate and what a lovely machine that BIG BERTHA is. Very BIG boned. ;-> Enjoy, you deserve it! You went from holding your breath, to breathing a little easier. I think Mr. Painted Quilt made the right executive decision. Have fun. ;-> Toni Anne

Jocelyn said...

So happy to see your new addition to the sewing studio!! I know you will have many happy hours sewing away on your new Bernie :-)

Merilyn said...

What a great addition to your sewing room, I'm sure you'll have lots of fun getting to know all it's functions!! What a wonderful gifty from Mr PQ!!! Safe Harbour is looking fabulous too, it has such a fresh look, all the blocks beautifully arranged!!! How nice to have a re-arrange of the sewing room as well, must feel like Spring LOL!!! Take care.....

Karen said...

So happy for you - your studio looks fabulous!!

Anonymous said...

LOVE that border! Congratulations on your new baby. I guess it had a much shorter waiting period. =) The studio looks great.

KatieQ said...

Thanks for the tour of your studio. Your new machine looks fabulous. The steamer sounds like a great idea.

The Mayo Family said...

Beautiful,
news for your health, your hubby & sweet lil-family ;) a true answer to prayer!
A beautiful machine, a lovely room and as always your home is so warm & cozy!
Congratulations on everything!
Smile & enjoy life!
Blessings~
Lori

Noela said...

Congratulations on your new machine. I love your quilt, it is beautiful. Hugs......

colleen said...

You know what I just realized ... It is so much easier for anyone else to clean/move/rearrange their studio or sewing space than it is for me. And here is why who ever does this rearranging shows the before then does all the "work" ( moving dusting cleaning finding lost treasures sweating and dare I say possibly bad words smashed fingers broken what ever )
Then calmly presents the after photos like voila " I snapped my fingers and here it is"
I love love love your studio and I really do know it is a whole lot of real work to do what you did
Colleen
Benicia California
6:15 PM
61 degrees and windy

Judymc said...

Love the way you've arranged your studio--and congratulations on the beautiful new Bernina! And on your continuing good health--the most important thing--so happy for you! The finished top of Safe Harbor is really pretty!

Needled Mom said...

Congratulations on the new Bernina! She is a beauty.

Your Safe Harbor is gorgeous.

Janet O. said...

What a fun reason to have a studio makeover! Looks like a lovely place to create--well equipped to make your ideas come to life!

Janet said...

Safe Harbor looks like a great quilt project. Your new machine looks huge. Never thought of using a steam/press. Your whole studio looks in great order. You are going to get even more projects done. Wow, more eye candy for for the viewer. Take care and enjoy your new machine.

sue bennett said...

Mr. PDQ rules.. Your room looks amazing. Hope you have many enjoyable hours in there.. The quilt is wonderful also. Love that outside border..

JudyCinNC said...

Congratulations, Kaaren on the 750!!! Of course the QE surely must be for Queen Elizabeth - I would be tempted to call her that and of course it is a female machine. LoL Enjoy all she has to offer. Judy C in NC

beaquilter said...

looks awesome, are you all inspired now and want to lock yourself in the room for days and CREATE??

Meredith said...

I have had my 750QE since November and just love her!!! Good luck with yours and your studio is so nice!

Polly said...

Lovely sewing room and brand new toy!! Enjoy both, dear friend! And give your DH a bg hug and kiss for the new toy!!

Nanette Merrill said...

I must say I'm jealous of your set up. It looks good to have 2 machines out all the time. I'd like that but don't really have the room. I do have a presser I haven't used in years. (Do I still have it? hmm) Maybe I should get it out. I didn't even think about using it for quilt blocks. That sounds dumb but it is so big I don't know if I have room in the sewing room for it either. I would have to do some major moving around, which i'm thinking about. LOVE the new girl in the room. She's a beauty. So incredibly lovely. sigh

Janet said...

Gosh, I wish my sewing room looked that good! I really need to organize more and donate some fabric. Congrats on the new machine and great steamer. As always thanks for sharing your home and space!

Somerset Stitchery said...

Your machine is beautiful. Love your workroom. Hopefully mine will be like that one day. Am looking forward to retirement, hopefully soon

suz said...

Your room looks wonderful and inviting. Safe Harbor is beautiful!

Denise in PA said...

Ooooh, Kaaren, how fantastic! I DREAM about that machine! I sewed on one of those at my LQS a couple of months ago and it was devine. Please give us a review after you've used it for awhile!

Bonny said...

Congrats on Bernie! I just purchased a 710 Bernina and I named her Betty! What a cool machine!

Pam in IL said...

Thanks for such a wonderful tour of your studio. It looks great! I wish I had the time to at least straighten up mine, lol. Safe Harbor is lovely too!

Diane said...

Congratulations on your clean bill of health and your new sewing machine! I am the proud new owner of a Janome Horizon 8900 as a Happy Retirement gift to me! Enjoy!

Sandra said...

Safe Harbor is beautiful. Congrat's on your new baby; I too got a long-awaited, much anticipated new machine at Christmas. Went to the store for a Janome7700, came home with an 8900 instead. Yippee. Now if I could only find the time.....
School's out next week, so that means I have more time to myself (maybe). Perhaps I should tidy my sewing room. I do have space for a Hoosier cabinet....... Enjoy!!

Kim Brackett said...

Congratulations! I look forward to hearing more about your new Bernina. I have a 440QE, and have been thinking about an upgrade. Love your Safe Harbor quilt -- it's amazing!

Anonymous said...

What a great new machine and love your studio! Congrats on the clean bill of health.

Safe Harbor is now on my must-buy list! I want to make it for my dad who tended lighthouses while serving in the US Coast Guard.

Karen said...

What a thrill for you - congrats on that beautiful machine - you deserve it and it's going to see lots of use. Your studio is wonderful and a great place to retreat to and keep those creative juices flowing - cuz you've got them. Beautiful quilt
Hugs - karen

Becky R said...

Congratulations on your new machine. I think you made the right decision in moving up to the 750. It looks like you might need a new chair though as it looks a little low to easily reach your machine to sew and piece.

Carol said...

Such an awesome sewing machine Kaaren. Looks like a nice big throat, 10" perhaps. You have a nice sewing room, thanks for the tour. I've never seen the steamers, good idea.