FAV FEATURE #10: VARIABLE ZIG-ZAG

ALL the thread painting and decorative embellishment in this pic was done using our exclusive NEW Variable zig-zag feature. Thank you, Debbie, for this great sample.

OK this is a special one – a JANOME MC12000 EXCLUSIVE FEATURE. We do not think any other machine offers the ability to do zig-zag in the FREE MOTION mode using the knee lifter to vary the width of the zig-zag. We think this is simply the coolest feature to hit the sewing scene. THINK NEEDLE PAINTING…..THINK THREAD SKETCHING…….THINK INCREDIBLE NEW POSSIBILITIES FOR EMBELLISHMENT.

In the above pic, notice the pear: this was done using the variable zig-zag feature which is a free motion function. Use the knee lifter to vary the width of the zig-zag and create wonderful thread painting or thread sketching as in our pic. If you needle paint with a straight stitch it is the equivalent of trying to colour in with a pencil. BUT use a nice paint brush and see how much more quickly an area gets covered by paint & colour. THIS is the value of having a variable zig-zag as your free motion “painting” gets done so much quicker and much more artfully.

Want straight stitch – just leave the knee lifter in “off” position.

Want nice wide sweeping zig-zag stitches? Just move your knee to control the width of your stitches.

Want wide open zig-zag stitches – just move your fabric quickly & smoothly.

Want dense satin stitches? Just slow down and more the fabric slowly.

Could NOT be simpler.

Doesn't this open up EXCITING new possibilities for you in your sewing journey?????

That was FAV feature #10 and I am SO not done! I have so much more to say about this great machine…………………..so stay tuned. I will be back with more exciting features.

QUILT CANADA 2012 in HALIFAX, NOVA SCOTIA

Just to let you know/remind you that QUILT CANADA is in Halifax this year……..and it is the big, bi-annual one too.  I would encourage you to check out the website for details on dates; accommodation (there is a REALLY a good deal staying in the student residence of Dalhousie University which will not break your “piggy” bank); classes, special events etc. I will be working in the classrooms and/or Janome booth so I won’t be able to take part in all the activities being offered, but nonetheless wild horses would not keep me away!

Perhaps you’d like to get together a group of quilting friends and make an event out of Quilt Canada this year. I do this every so often with my quilting buddies and it sure is a huge amount of fun. We have been to quilt shows & seminars in Washington & Oregon; on local shop hops; to local Sewing & quilt shows; etc. It is always so much more fun when you go with friends. Why not arrange that this year + do some sightseeing in what I hear is a spectacular part of our country?

Have you ever been to Quilt Canada before? Yes? No? I counted up and am happy to tell you that I have attended 5 in recent years – all over Canada but never in the Maritimes so I am hugely excited about attending this year. I plan to stay on afterwards to explore a bit of Nova Scotia & PEI.  Can’t wait.

If you do decide to come to Quilt Canada in Halifax, please be sure to visit us at the Janome booth in the Merchant Mall or in the Janome machine sponsored classrooms. OOOOOOO….have we got a smoking hot Quilt Canada deal for you this year! You will just have to wait to see & believe it!   We’d love to meet you.  Come and tell us you are a Janome blog watcher. Nearer the time, I will post a Blog watcher’s question.  If you come to see me and give me the correct answer to this question……well, let’s just say I will have a little reward for you…………………………….so there is ANOTHER reason to attend Quilt Canada this year!

SEE YOU IN HALIFAX.

FAV FEATURE #9: HORIZON LINK

Well this is an exciting FAV FEATURE #9……………JANOME has come up with a unique and wonderful way to connect your computer to the JANOME MC12000 sewing machine.

Work on designs or stitch patterns wherever and whenever you like: Create & edit embroidery designs and sticth combinations on your PC anywhere – even 100 miles away from your sewing machine!

When connected to the sewing machine with the (included) cable, work on your larger PC screen which mirrors your machine’s LCD screen – so you have REAL TIME CONNECTIVITY.

HORIZON LINK IS TRULY REVOLUTIONARY............SEE YOUR LOCAL JANOME DEALER TODAY FOR A FREE DEMONSTRATION

The Janome Horizon Mc12000 comes with the H12K Operating system for your computer so that you can “sew” anywhere, anytime.

Editing can, of course, be done on the LCD screen of your machine, but it becomes SO MUCH EASIER when working in Horizon Link on the MUCH LARGER  screen of your PC. If you connect your PC to a TV screen, you can go even bigger!!! Lie on your bed with your laptop on your tummy; see your work on the TV screen on the wall. Amazing? Fun? ………..it is possible, you just gotta do it.

Pattern and alphabet combinations are now ”walk-in-the-park” easy. No more fiddling with tiny letters disappearing off the machine screen. Just work in Horizon Link & then send to the machine with the cable or save on a USB stick.

Horizon Link includes a SECOND  software program: STITCH COMPOSER. This program gives you the ability to design your very own 9mm sewing machine stitches with a simple dot to dot procedure.  The JANOME HORIZON MC12000 has 425 stitches built into the machine – with STITCH COMPOSER, there is NO limit to the # of stitches……….just keep going and save your stitch creations on USB sticks or burn them onto CD’s. You could conceivably create MILLIONS of stitches for your machine! 

Scribble your initial or signature on a sheet of paper: scan this into the computer…….bring the scanned image into STITCH COMPOSER…………use it as a backdrop for your plotting of stitch to stitch which is really just like doing dot-to-dot. Then send the stitch to the Mc12000 to sew. See below: this is a row of my initial E which I made 9mm wide.  In the second row of stitching I combined my E with an built-in decorative stitch - ALL done in STITCH COMPOSER AND HORIZON LINK.     Think of all the FUN you will have making your own stitches and combinations!!

Stitch Composer showing Liz's new E stitch

JANOME HORIZON MC12000 – TOP TEN FAV FEATURES……..TODAY FAV FEATURE #8: PIVOT FUNCTION

I think Christmas got in the way – I was working my way through a list in my head and we had got as far as #7. Then I forgot over the holiday period to carry on………… so let’s recap & pick up where we left off:

FAV FEATURE #1: The 9mm stitches

WOOOHOOO - 9mm stitches!

FAV FEATURE #2: The Acufeed flex feet – single and dual prong now upgraded & improved.

This is the new "slimline" single prong Acufeed Flex foot. The dual prong foot also comes with the machine. Both have 2 attachments for great sewing options.

FAV FEATURE #3: The incredible bright LED lighting

10 white LED lights including the incredible Hi-light.

FAV FEATURE #4: The Acuview magnifier

Acuview Magnifier making it 1.5 times larger so we can see!!

FAV FEATURE #5: The one-step needle plate conversion

One step needle plate conversion - NO screws, NO hassle.

FAV FEATURE #6: All that wonderful extra SPACE – all 11 inches of it.

EXTRA SPACE

FAV FEATURE #7: Superior embroidery.

SUPERIOR EMBROIDERY, LARGEST HOOPS WE HAVE EVER HAD WITH JANOME!

NOW FOR FAV FEATURE #8: PIVOT FUNCTION

This is awesome: select the pivot function and each time you stop sewing, the needle will stop in the down position in the fabric AND the presser foot will raise up to your pre-set height so that you can pivot the fabric SO easily. IDEAL for setting in seams like sleeves in garment sewing; OR sewing around appliques. This is sure to be a winner with our customers as it will make sewing that much easier.

 

PIVOT FUNCTION ON THE MC12000

 

 

 

WINTER ARRIVES IN VANCOUVER

I thought you might like to see this:

THIS SUN DOES SHINE IN VANCOUVER!!!!!!!Sunday 15th January 2012

OK so it is my fault……..I admit it.   I was chatting last week with a co-worker and we both agreed (as it turns out,  prematurely) that winter was pretty much over for us on the West Coast and that even though we had only had one small dump of snow back in November, it wasn’t likely to happen again and we could expect Spring to be around the corner.

OK, I’m sorry………….. we spoke too soon. Of course, some parts of Vancouver have not had too much but I heard a short while ago that other parts are still being hammered today. They are expecting areas out in the valley to get possibly as much as 40cm.

Many of you know I only saw these sort of scenes on calendars & Christmas cards: Not much snow when you live in a climate like Hawaii's! So a lot has changed for me when I now see THIS outside my window - at least 5 inches yesterday morning. I am still very fascinated by the snow that sits on top of tree branches - I think that is so pretty. Methinks I will have to make a quilt with a tree covered in snow??!

OK so what has this all to do with Janome sewing machines????? Not much really. I just thought I would share something frivolous with you so that those of you who have had snow up to your knees for weeks & weeks already can have a good laugh at us Westcoasters – we are being dumped on this week and you do not have to feel sorry for us!   AND ……. of course, we have the perfect excuse NOT to go outside but to SEW and SEW inside all day – which is what I did yesterday!

BC SEWING SHOWS – INFO UPDATE

BC SEWING SHOWS

THE BROCHURES ARE BEING PRINTED AND WILL BE AVAILABLE VERY SOON. IN THE MEANWHILE, CLICK ON THE BC SHOWS TITLE ABOVE  – IT’S THE LINK TO THE SHOW WEBSITE.  THE BROCHURES ARE AVAILABLE FOR DOWNLOAD RIGHT NOW.

Take a look at the classes, mark your calendars and plan to be there!!!

We are all trying our best to support the  shows as we really want them to succeed and be with us for many years to come………………..after all they are FUN and give us the opportunity to see all sorts of new stuff under one roof.

SEE YOU THERE!

JANOME EDUCATOR COMING TO A DEALER NEAR YOU

Now that Christmas is a thing of the past, I am setting off on my travels again…….actually I leave tomorrow morning! 

Next stop: Sawyers’s Sewing Center in Victoria.  Friday 13th & Sat 14th January 2012. We have a bunch of exciting things planned for my visit so DON’T MISS OUT:  Call Sawyer’s TODAY to see if there might still be a seat for you at the various sessions we have planned.  (Tel: 250-388-6228)

LOTS OF FUN; LOTS OF INFO ABOUT NEW PRODUCTS & MACHINES

Next stop: Langley Vacuum & Sewing, Langley, BC   Wed 25th January. This is a Janome Horizon MC12000 event.    There will also be an Embroidery Club event on Wed 22nd February which is open to folk who purchased their embroidery machine from this dealer. Please call the store for more information.(604-533-3577)

Look out for my new series of Geisha Quilts - hear about what I experimented with and what I learnt.

Next stop: Snip and Stitch, Nanaimo, BC   Fri 3rd & Sat 4th February – our popular “Janome Days” are back. Do check out their new & improved website – link above. Call the store to register. (250-756-2176). Please remember to bring all your current Janome show & tell projects for tickets in the draw.

Other Janome events are currently being booked & planned so please check with your local dealer – I can’t tell you how often folk say to me  “If only I had known you were going to be in town, I would have come”  I’d love it if I did not have to hear that so often this year so think and plan ahead and call your dealer TODAY to see what is planned for the coming months.

Our other educators will also be probably post where they will be traveling in the coming months in Central  and Eastern Canada, so do check this blog often.

YES, I have been an awfully good girl: Hoopsisters BOM for 2011 is FINISHED.....come and check mine out. Does yours look very different? PLEASE bring it along to shows & Janome dealer events .....I would love to see as many finished Goose Tracks as possible on my travels................now there's a reason to get that UFO completed! I also have one to complete: I have a second Goose tracks with only 6 blocks to go so I might have that ready soon too.

UPCOMING SEWING SHOWS

YES!!!!! the very good news is that our sewing shows are going ahead in BC and Alberta – WOOHOO!!!

VICTORIA SHOW WILL BE ON 9TH & 10TH MARCH 

Please note that the venue for this show has changed. It will be held at PEARKES REC. CENTER, 3100 TILLICUM ROAD, VICTORIA.  Check out the  show website and watch for the printed brochure which will be out soon. I am teaching classes this year so I hope to see you in the classroom as well as on the Sawyer’s Sewing Center Janome booth.

Sneak preview: I am doing 3 different classes: Professionally Finished Quilts; Get out of your applique rut!;  & All those questions you wished you could ask. Notes will be supplied at each of my lectures.

THE VANCOUVER SEWING SHOW IS STILL AT THE TRADEX IN ABBOTSFORD: 23RD & 24TH MARCH.

I will be teaching at this show as well + will see you on the Janome booth – you can’t miss us: go straight ahead & on the right as you come through the entrance. SEE YOU THERE…..come say Hi; bring your show & tell ……..I lOVE to see you’ve been sewing on your Janome!! I will have a little appreciation/thank you gift for each person who brings their  show & tell to the 2 BC sewing shows this year.  Now don’t forget!

BORDER GUIDE FOOT – NEW 9mm

This 9mm BORDER GUIDE FOOT is for JANOME HORIZON MC12000 only. HOWEVER, the 7mm Border Guide foot works in exactly the same way so read on………….

BORDER GUIDE FOOT for 9mm machines

Basic instructions for using the foot (AND the 7mm version) are found on the back of the Blister package. Your local Janome dealer who sold the border guide foot to you should also be able to explain and demo its use to you as well.

Here is a little extra instruction:   Before I start, I must tell you that I LOVE LOVE LOVE  this foot. I am a self-proclaimed Dec. stitch queen so you can imagine how totally thrilled I was to get this foot 3 or so years ago. Now having the larger 9mm version is even better!!

Using a water soluble fabric pen, mark a center line down the fabric where you wish to embellish with dec. stitching. I also like to mark a horizontal START line so that my rows of dec. stitches all start at the same spot.

line up the horizontal red line on the foot with your start line and the small red marking in the center of the foot with the center marked line.

Slip a piece of tear away stabilizer or thin batting under the fabric and thread up the JANOME HORIZON MC12000 with thread in a colour of your choice.

Stitch the first row of dec. stitching being careful to follow the line. I used Satin stitch #19 but we have 425 built-in stitches to choose from PLUS an UNLIMITED number of other decorative stitches we can create with STITCH COMPOSER………so our imagination is our only limit to what we can stitch on our fabric using this wonderful BORDER GUIDE FOOT!

For second row of stitching: line up the first row of stitching BETWEEN the red lines on one side of the foot.

I selected a satin stitch scallop (#26) but kept the same colour thread.

Repeat for the other side of the center line. REMEMBER  to use the mirror image function to flip the scallop (or if applicable to the stitch selected).

 

Repeat using the other side of the foot – this is row #3.

Now for the in-between rows: rows # 4 & 5. I swopped to a different colour thread and used stitch #50 in the Decorative category.

As per the above pic, line up the 2 inner red lines on the foot with the stitched rows #1 & 2 (or 1 & 3).  Make sure the horizontal line on the foot is positioned above the marked start line if you wish all the rows to start in a straight row.

My completed sample with 5 rows. You can, of course, keep going in the following order: rows 6; 8; 10;12;14;16; etc returning to fill in between the stitched rows with rows 7;9;11;13;15; etc. Repeat for the other side of the center.

Of course, it will now be obvious that this truly is THE way to line up multiple rows of decorative stitching .

Here are some ideas for using the Border Guide foot:

• Use the Border Guide foot to embellish either side of the front button band on a store bought or self-made blouse to have a one-of-a-kind fashion statement.
• Use the Border Guide foot to embellish rows of decorative stitching on nighties; pj’s and children’s clothing.
• I have also used this foot to embellish home dec. items such as placemats and table runners – it is not easy to stitch in a perfect line without the help this foot offers!
• The border guide foot is wonderful for embellishing bags, totes and little purses – a few rows here & there or cover the whole purse with dec. stitching……..the more the merrier!
• I have often also used the border guide foot as a seam or top stitching guide when I need a little extra space than a regular foot such as the A foot offers.
• Make your own lace: Take a piece of water soluble stabilizer  and lay a piece of tulle over this. Stitch with white in the bobbin and needle. Cut away excess tulle later and wash away the stabilizer………….viola! you have your own delicate lace. (see pic below)

water soluble stabilizer + tulle + border guide foot = your own lace creation!

There it is after trimming and rinsing stabilizer away. Make as many yards as you need..............super easy with the JANOME BORDER GUIDE FOOT!

 

 

 

 

 

 

OR use organza instead of tulle and leave one edge "raw" to gather up for lace edging for a myriad of uses: garments, home dec; scrapbooking; heirloom sewing, etc.

NEW….9mm CORDING FOOT

This is the new 9mm wide CORDING foot for the Janome MC12000. However, this foot does the same as the previous 7mm cording feet: this just does it wider.

This cording foot has a little metal clip across the front with 3 little indentations under the clip which is where the narrow cord or ribbon is threaded. Simply slip the cord into the grooves from the right hand side of the foot.  I highly recommend using a cord or ribbon which flows freely/easily under this clip. It will not work properly if you chose an uneven cord (such as knobbly yarn) or something too thick as it will just get jammed in the foot and you will end up with a mess. Thick threads such as 12wt cotton thread also works well as does certain crochet and knitting yarns. I am using fine polyester cording in 3 primary colours – mainly so that you can see clearly in the pics what is happening.

For best results, use suitable size cording or yarn to couch onto the fabric.

I also highly recommend that you tie the 3 cords (you may use from 1-3 cords) behind the foot in a knot. This prevents them from slipping out of the clips and landing in your lap!

Insert cording/yarn into foot while still unattached to the machine - it's a little easier. Then tie a knot behind the foot.

Position your fabric (and tearaway stablizer) under the foot on the JANOME HORIZON MC12000 sewing machine. Lower the presser foot to keep everything in place.

3-WAY CORDING FOOT

Now experiment with different threads in the needle; different stitch widths and, of course, you have many 100′s of stitches on the JANOME HORIZON MC12000  to choose from. Play time begins! here are just a few that I tried out. I used a green poly embroidery thread – mainly so that it is clear which is dec. stitching and which is cording.

I like the zig-zag effect that is created when satin sticth #1 pulls the middle yellow cord from side to side a little.

 

This is satin stitch # 2 which also gives a pleasing result.

Decorative stitches work just as well: this one is # 7 in the Heirloom category.

 

 

Liz at play!!

 

 

JANOME INTRODUCES NEW EMBROIDERY THREAD

Janome previewed their NEW embroidery thread at the recent Dealer Convention. I am happy to report that this thread is now available for purchase in Canada. PLEASE SEE YOUR LOCAL JANOME DEALER who will be happy to assist with pricing and further information.

There are 3 different boxes of thread: box #1; box #2 & box #3 which is presented similarly to the embroidery thread we used to sell. Colours are probably a bit different to the previous thread but I have not done a box by box comparison so I cannot comment definitively.  The BIG news is that the thread is polyester, NOT rayon, so it comes with 2 huge advantages: it is MUCH stronger (less thread breakage) and it is colourfast (so it can be bleached).

The thread is manufactured in Japan. Each box contains a different collection of 26 x 250m polyester spools  plus 1 x 300m spool of white Janome bobbin thread.

Part #’s are:

Embroidery thread set #1   200920001

Embroidery thread set #2   200920104

Embroidery thread set #3   200920207

The new bobbin thread is available in white (300m spool) Part # 200921781

our NEW polyester embroidery thread set. This is Set#1 but there are 2 other collections available as well.