From time to time readers ask if I still like my Juki sewing machine, how my succulents are doing and whatever happened to that Alabama Chanin dress?  Well, here's that post.

The Juki TL2010 is an awesome sewing machine.  Since that original hiccup there's been not a single other problem. I've done a bunch of straight line and free motion quilting too, so it's been put through the wringer.  I know that having so much throat space directly relates to my growth in free motion quilting.  I'm still glad I went with a non-computerized machine because I really feel this Juki is built to last.  I get out my old Kenmore to zigzag stitch my binding, and that's it!  It seems to need less cleaning than my Kenmore and Pfaff's did, but maybe it just feels that way because it's easier to clean (the openings are bigger).  My favorite feature might be the foot pedal activated thread cutter.  Mmm.... love that!  If you're looking for a quality quilting machine I absolutely recommend the Juki TL2010 from Sew Vac Direct.  Read more at my original review post.

penguin sewing minions by Badskirt Amy

I still use 505 Adhesive basting spray.   Actually, I stock up on it and make sure to never, ever, ever run out.  Someone was shocked I was able to quilt that minky backing so successfully, but I couldn't even tell the difference when quilting that vs. quilting cotton as far as shifting, etc.  As long as I give a good, even coating, this basting spray holds tight.  The best price I've found is at Sew for Less.  They have the HUGE 17 oz can for just $13.50!  I always get at least 2 to save on shipping.  If you're interested, see how basting spray works.  Once I tried it, I've never wanted to go back.

What about those succulent plants?  Well... not such good news.  I never did hang the frame because I wanted to give the plants time to root.  It's been two months now, but precious few have rooted (if any).  Since the plants are supposed to be misted with a spray bottle to be watered, most of the water lands on the leaves.  I believe the plants are absorbing water through the leaves, which discourages them from rooting.  Even worse, I started loosing a few here and there about a month ago.  Maybe 8 have died now?  The rest are curling up unattractively, so my mom is going to plant them in a normal pot in hopes that watering them differently will save them.  Sorry I don't have a picture!  Here's the original post.

On the Reliable iron I also have bad news.  I can't use the steam at all.  If I turn on the steam it squirts so much water that everything gets wet and I have to dodge scalding water.  So, I've been only using it dry.  This is worse than it was at the time of my Iron Report.  Maybe this happened because I don't unplug my iron regularly when it's powered off (it's plugged in behind a dresser), which could have shorted the computer programming?  I've tried unplugging it to reset it with no luck.  I really need to order another iron soon...

The Alabama Chanin dress is still in progress.  Yes, it has been over a year...  This is one project that I have allowed myself to pick up and put down at will, so slow was inevitable.  But that's not the real problem.  I actually finished the reverse applique stitching this spring and haven't been able to bring myself to assemble the dress.  To be perfectly honest, I'm not all that thrilled with certain changes that have occurred to my now 31-year-old body.  It seems pretty unfair that a healthy diet and (increased) exercise can't seem to deliver my normal self anymore.  While I acclimate to the "new normal?" you'd be hard pressed to get me to try on a jersey knit dress.... which is precisely what I need to do to proceed. 

Ok, so that's the big review update.  Possibly you got bored after a few sentences and ran off to do some sewing.  I'm OK with that. Enjoy the weekend!