Saturday, July 5, 2014

Difficult Decision


Some decisions are harder than others.  After our experience with a broken waterline at the ranch house, and Bob’s two month recovery from the first of a series of potential surgeries, I reluctantly decided to convert my HQ 16 quilter to a sit-down machine that can be operated in my sewing room at our primary residence.  The process required that I purchase a special table and foot pedal.  Handle bars had to be removed and new lights installed.  My Handiquilter dealer made the 40 mile drive to our house to make the conversion.  She also verified that my machine came through the flood undamaged and that the timing is good.

Since then I've been working at becoming friends with my quilting machine all over again.  I've lost the stitch regulator, the ability to use pantographs and the speed that comes from using a machine mounted on a carriage, but I have gained more accessibility and a feeling of greater control from being up close and personal with my work.  I am convinced that I made the right decision.  And, for the time being at least, I still have all the bits and pieces that would make it possible for me to reverse the process again. 


I always feel like I've accomplished something when I retire one of these thread cones, even if it was a sample cone with less yardage than the regular ones.

4 comments:

Debbie said...

A tough decision, but one you will be happy with I think. I so enjoy my sit down Tiara. Put on some soothing music, relax and stitch. Take frequent breaks, and you will quickly get the new rhythm down. If I can learn this one...anyone can.

O'Quilts said...

Wow...transitions are not my favorite things...but as we so often have no choice, it is nice for you to have been in the driver's seat and make your own decision not forced on you. My guess is that you are a great quilter and your work will not suffer at all.

AnnieO said...

That's a good feature for an expensive tool, being able to convert. Glad you were able to confirm no damage.

Frog Quilter said...

Wow, I don't think I could do that. Love my HQ 16, I just need some new wheels and tracks.