Sunday 31 January 2016

Update to previous 1/4" Ruler Foot post

Continuing on from my previous post, I have spoken about the 1/4" ruler foot to two quilting guilds this week.
I do recommend watching the Nancys Notions video link (below) to get an idea of how effective quilting with rulers can be.
Nancys Notions Ruler Foot

Poppy Lane

I have completed "Poppy Lane" sample quilt for my Enhance and Mellow class coming out later this year at Sawmillers Quiltery.   I used the Ruler foot and a clamshell ruler from Handi Quilter to quilt this quilt.  I definitely needed the help of my supreme slider quilting mat to help the quilt slide freely.
Supreme slider link

The quilting is a little rough in places.  My stitches are not even and I found I tended to slip  the ruler so some of my clam shells are not event.  I did scratch the ruler by placing it on top of my pins so I do recommend taking your pins out.  Part of learning as we go and I definitely need more practise.

I have enjoyed testing out the 1/4" ruler foot and will continue to use this method on some of my quilts.  In New Zealand the access to rulers is very limited.  Stewmac are the NZ distributors for Handiquilter rulers.  Quiltique.co.nz also supplies machine quilting rulers (my friend has bought some for her HQ sweet sixteen) however I cannot find the rulers listed on their website.  Will update this post when I receive more information.

Now - of to play with my new sewing machine gadget "flower foot"

Happy stitching.

Thursday 7 January 2016

Janome , Elna and Bernina 1/4" ruler foot

I have seen some amazing quilting on quilts where rulers have been used with the Handi Quilter machines.  Of course like anything (watching online videos) it always looks easy when someone else does it.  I quilt my quilts however I don't have a natural ability with my free motion.  I have to plan and measure while some of my friends can just draw pictures with their sewing machines.
So due to my skill level, I can't justify purchasing a HQ Free motion machine.  I have used them and they are beautiful.  Sigh.........

Janome have a 1/4" ruler foot (part number 767-434-005) which is an attachment for the straight sewer machine (1600p).  This ruler foot also fits the free motion foot holder which comes with the Horizon models 7700, 8200, 8900, Elna 720 and 760 Excellence models.
This foot holder is available as an additional extra for the  Janome 6600p, 6500, Skyline S3, S5 and S7 models and other models such as the DC range of machines. In New Zealand, this holder (shank) and three attachments retails for $189.00. The additional 1/4" ruler foot attachment retails for $69.00.
You must have the foot holder to attach the 1/4"ruler foot to it. Check with your dealer to ensure it will fit your model.
 Notice the spring section of the foot holder in the picture below?  When your holder is attached to your machine you can adjust the height of your foot to work perfectly with different lofts of batting by just turn the dial.  So easy.

My free motion foot holder has the  1/4" ruler foot attached.  The other three
feet attachments shown came with my foot holder.
Notice the depth of the 1/4" ruler foot? 
Standard Free motion foot to the right.
 


My first attempt at using my 1/4" ruler foot and
Handi Quilter (HQ) ruler.

This foot must be used with a 1/4" thick quilting ruler  - not your cutting rulers.

BERNINA ruler foot is number 96.  This foot doesn't have the adjustable shank.  Check with your dealer whether this foot will fit your model of machine.

It will take me practise to get the correct grip / pressure on the ruler to prevent it from moving.
Now for a day of play.
Happy quilting friends.