Hello Quilting Friends!!
My Alaska daisies are in full bloom as you can see from the pic above. I love them for their simplicity and beautiful mid-summer color. As a quilter, the contrasting brilliant white petals against the bright yellow centers makes me smile every time I see them outside the kitchen window. A daily summer breeze is present always in our town of Castle Rock and the daisies sway gracefully because they grow as high as 12-18”! I decided to celebrate the beauty of daisies this month in our newsletter.
New Monthly Sale
So, this month we have our yellow, white & cream and green fabrics on sale. Beginning today through July 26th, we are offering 25% OFF on these fabrics on orders of $75.00 or more. This sale is for you only, so use promocode: July25
Remember, FREE SHIPPING is available for orders of $75 or more.
We love it when you shop around on the sight, but if you are in a hurry, here is the direct link:
Featured Product(s)
Robert Kaufman New Arrivals—
As the warm summer breeze brushes past our skin we notice the trees donning their vibrant green leaves, flowers blooming everywhere, and the serenity of the lakes where we vacation. As quilters, we notice the beauty of this remarkable season. Robert Kaufman brings this beauty to our everydat quilting with these three new wide fabrics that celebrate summer!
We are highlighting some new categories this month!
LAST CHANCE—50% OFF
The shelves are too full for the Fall arrivals so we are moving out the fabrics that won’t be restocked. Many of these are 44-45”w so it’s a great way to add to your stash at cut-rate prices. More will be added as we go along so keep checking back!!
ONE-YARD CUTS—20% OFF
Sometimes we have small projects that just need a little something, don’t we? We’ll keep replenishing this stock with new offerings so check back often.
Culinary Corner – Key Lime Pie
I LOVE summertime desserts! Usually, quick and easy, requiring no (or minimal) baking. I have a wonderful Key Lime Pie recipe that is not bitter or sour. It has just the right amount of lime juice to balance the sweetness. It has become a summertime family favorite at our house.
Ingredients
· 9” Graham Cracker Crust pie shell
· 28 oz of Eagle Brand Milk
· 1/2 C Sour Cream
· 2/3 C Lime Juice
· Zest from 2 regular limes
· 2 C Cool Whip
Directions
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Whisk together milk, sour cream & lime juice. Stir in zest of 1 lime.
3. Pour into pie shell and bake 10 minutes.
4. Let pie cool for 30 min before refrigerating for at least 3 hours.
5. Top with Cool Whip. Then sprinkle top with zest of remaining lime and serve..
Free Pattern Daisy Daydream Rainbow
By Flaurie & Finch
What a cheerful, artistic landscape is the Daisy Daydream Rainbow Quilt Pattern by Flaurie & Finch. This pattern features appliquéd daisy flowers with their stems and leaves positioned atop a striking pieced background. The background is created from pieced blocks or strips, arranged to form a beautiful gradient of hues across the quilt.
Download Pattern Instructions Here
LONG-ARM QUILTING SERVICES
Please allow four to six weeks for completion.
TODAY’S TIPS, TRICKS & TECHNIQUES—Feed Dogs
Well, here’s an unglamorous part of our sewing experience…rarely talked about…unless it is with the technician who’s fixing our machine. Most of us don’t even realize they are there, hard at work. Were it not for the invention of the feed dog, there wouldn’t be machine sewing! Ever thought of that? So, these little guys are extremely important to our craft.
A feed dog, also known as a feed mechanism or feed teeth, is a set of metal teeth that protrude from the sewing machine's throat plate. Its primary function is to systematically move the fabric through the machine, ensuring consistent feeding for stitching. The feed dog works in conjunction with the presser foot to guide the fabric smoothly along the desired sewing path. Different feed dogs offer varying features and capabilities, making them suitable for specific sewing tasks. Yes, some sewing machines come with interchangeable feed dogs so check you’re your user’s manual or manufacturer.
Different Types of Feed Dogs
Drop Feed Dogs --Drop feed dogs are the most common type found in sewing machines. They can be lowered or raised using a lever or switch, allowing for various sewing techniques such as free motion quilting or darning. When lowered, the feed dogs are disengaged, giving you full control over the fabric's movement.
Differential Feed Dogs--Differential feed dogs are commonly found in sergers or overlock machines. They allow for two sets of feed dogs to move at different speeds, adjusting the fabric tension and preventing stretching or puckering of the seams. This is a great feature for working with silk and chiffon fabrics to achieve precise control and consistent stitches.
Manual and Automatic Feed Dogs-- Manual feed dogs provide control over the fabric feeding process, allowing you to adjust based on the fabric type or sewing technique. Automatic feed dogs, on the other hand, automatically adjust based on the selected stitch or fabric thickness. If you purchased your machine in the past 10 years, you likely have this feature built into your machine. Automatic feed dogs take the guesswork out of adjusting the feed dog settings by automatically sensing the fabric thickness or stitch selection and adjust the feed dog height accordingly.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Feed Dog
Material Type and Thickness-- For heavy or thick materials, a more robust feed dog with sturdy teeth is recommended, while finer fabrics may require a gentler grip.
Sewing Machine Compatibility- - Not all feed dogs are universal, so it's essential to consult your machine's manual or contact the manufacturer for guidance.
Desired Stitch Quality--If you need precision and flawless stitching, consider a feed dog that offers superior grip and control. A well-designed feed dog will help prevent fabric shifting and ensure consistent stitch length and even feeding.
Maintaining Your Feed Dogs
Regular Cleaning and Lubrication--Remove any lint or debris that you see accumulating regularly. Utilize a brush or a lint roller to clean the teeth thoroughly. Additionally, lubricate the feed dog mechanism according to your sewing machine's maintenance instructions. Proper lubrication will help reduce friction and ensure smooth movement. Note: If your machine’s manual advises against this, then you’ll need to have your machine regularly serviced by a professional for cleaning & lubrication.
When to Replace Your Feed Dog--If you notice that your feed dog's teeth are worn, damaged, or no longer gripping fabric effectively, it may be time to replace them. While this may sound silly to some, others have perfectly working machines after 25+ years of service, so this could be a reality for them. Consult your sewing machine's manual or contact a professional for guidance on replacing the feed dog.
Troubleshooting Common Feed Dog Issues
Feed Dog Not Moving Fabric--If the feed dog is not moving the fabric, ensure that it is engaged. Also, check for any obstructions or debris that may be preventing the feed dog's movement.
Feed Dog Stuck in Down Position—Your feed dog may get stuck in the down position, resulting in fabric not feeding properly. Check for any lint, debris, or foreign objects that may be obstructing the feed dog's movement. A broken needle piece is a common culprit of this. Cleaning and lubricating the feed dog mechanism may also resolve this issue.
Irregular Stitching--If you notice skipped stitches or uneven stitch length, it may be due to a feed dog problem. The fabric may be hung up on the teeth. Ensure that the fabric is properly aligned and smooth, and check the feed dog's grip on the fabric. Adjusting the presser foot pressure or replacing the feed dog if necessary can help resolve this issue.
Linda
Log Cabin Quilt’N Sew
703-586-3265