New Project with a lexmark printer

I finally started my new big project, so far so good. The first panels are on the design wall, under my sewing machine or drying... I used my new ink jet printer for the first time to print on fabric. The results are fabulous , the print quality excellent. I have so far always used a hp printer and was pleased with it. My new printer is a 'lexmark' and I am amazed at how much crisper the colors are. To be fair, my hp is by now about 6 years old, meaning the new hp might be as crisp as my lexmark is.

Now I am on the lookout for a larger inkjet printer (13" x 19"). Anybody out there have any suggestions?

Bernina 820 / 830

Wow yesterday was THE day, I was 'test driving' the new Berninas.

Before I even start raving about the new machine let me say this. I still think the price tag is unbelievably high and I wish Bernina would have offered a machine with the same arm size with a reduced set of features, in the price range of the 440. That machine would have been affordable for a wider range of customers.

I have not played with a new sewing machine for a very long time and I mean a veeeeeery long time, so this event was a real revelation for me. I got to enjoy for the very first time the advantages of the BSR (Bernina stitch regulator). This feature itself was absolutely wonderful, it for sure would make machine quilting a lot easier for me. There were students in the class that did not enjoy the BSR, but it worked great for me. I guess it is a matter of preference. Since I do not do any type of embroidery the 830 would not be a machine for me. The main advantage of the 820 for me is space between the needle and the machine. It would be perfect for my type of work. I would be a bit worried about all those sensors and technology in that machine. My stitching can be really 'dirty', pieces of gesso paint falling off, etc, but according to the Bernina representative this should not be an issue either. All in all for sure a great machine.

Brain-E-Scape

They are finally done. It seemed to take forever to finish my 'left and right hemisphere'.

Brain-E-Scape 2

I am almost done....

'Black Fabric Break Down'

WOW, what an experience I had today. I needed some black fabric for a backing today and went to my commercial fabric stack to grab some. Before I continue I think I want to mention that even though I use fabrics nowadays in a very different way than I used to, I buy good quality and I still wash it before it goes to my stack. I do however not write down when I bought the fabric and brands... way to much keeping track for me. To go back to my story, I am pulling my black fabric out of my box and the fabric falls apart. And I mean it literally disintegrated in my hands as soon I pulled a little. Now of course after the initial 'wow' effect, the fabric gets my interest and I started pulling in different directions and I am the proud owner of a very interesting piece of fabric all torn apart now. I have no idea what will happen with that particular piece, but I am just very puzzled about the whole situation. Like I said I have no idea how old the fabric is, but for sure not THAT old, for sure not an antique. I have some very old fabrics nothing like that has ever happened.  I assume there has been a batch of fabrics out at some point that had a material problem. I wonder has anybody else had a similar experience? DId I miss 'the big black fabric break down' which would not surprise me at all? Hmmm could this be the title for that piece?

SAQA auction starts soon

Don't forget

This is a great opportunity to be able to buy wonderful art pieces... have a look at the pics.  And it is a nice way of supporting SAQA. Visit their website

http://www.saqa.com

Bernina 820 / 830

Wow, I am still in total 'shock' after I have learned today what the price of the new Bernina 820 and 830 is! $ 11990 for a sewing machine? This sounds more like a down payment of a house to me ( just kidding). Ok, I admit the 820 is only $ 7400 still, I am wondering how many 'Bernina lovers' will and can actually spend so much money on their next toy.  

I say of myself that I was born on a Bernina, grew up on a Bernina, taught in public schools on Berninas (still do whenever I am teaching in Switzerland), have two Berninas myself... yes you guessed it, I am a 'believer'. It just has always been a great tool for me. I spend hours on my machine, the colors of the threads are 'burned' into the metal of my workhorse. But would I ever spend that much money on a sewing machine? I think this time Bernina has gone over the top. 

Kiva

Yes I am breaking my rule 'that my art blog is only for art' again. But I think this is a cause worth braking a rule. I finally got on board with KIVA (www.kiva.org). This is a non-profit  where you can lend as little as $ 25 to a low income business women / men of your choice. It is a way of helping somebody to find the way out of poverty. I would LOVE to be able to try Raquel' s cookies. Check it out for yourself.

Raquel Francisca

Bat Plant

... for sure a different kind or inspiration. I am admiring my first bat plant in bloom.