Monday, January 24, 2011

Tools of Sanity..............

I don't know why I haven't purchased these cool tools until now -


but HOLY COW! (Yeah - I'm from Utah) I love them! I have always figured out my thread tension by just feeling the pull on the bobbin case, but lately that hasn't been working. I don't know if it is because of my new rotary hook or not, but now I won't live without a TOWA bobbin tension gauge. I got mine at Superior Threads for $67.95, pretty good deal - plus I live close to Superior - so I didn't have to wait for it to be shipped to me. There are two styles - so make sure you get the right one. For my A-1 it's a M-style gauge.

Okay - I-pod shuffle - totally necessary to block out the noise and distractions (I create my own distractions) during my few hours of quilting while the kids are sleeping. I also use the I-pod to go running.

So - now I am totally committed to these tools - won't live without them - and I am also committed to running this. I have registered and everything - 20 weeks to become strong enough to do it. Wish me luck!

18 comments:

Elaine said...

That tension gauge looks like a tool I could also really use. I'm not ever really comfortable with my bobbin tension. But one direction it's fine, and the other it's not. Any tips for that?

Have fun in your run. I can't imagine it, but I know it'll be a gorgeous one (if you can look around and not at your feet).

We went for a vacation a couple of years ago at St George and really loved it.

Vicki W said...

I remember agonizing over the money I spent on the TOWA. I've bought plenty of stupid, expensive things in my life but, for some reason, I avoided buying the TOWA. Stupid. That is my favorite longarm tool of all!

Quiltjane said...

The bobbin tension gauge thingydebob looks a very valuable tool. I am envious you live near Superior because I love their threads. Do you use their pre wound bobbins for the long arm?

Live a Colorful Life said...

I love Superior Threads. I even got to hear Bob's thread lecture--learning about thread was actually very fascinating.

I laughed when I saw what you signed up for. I just posted about how somehow my son got me to think about doing a program cdalled "couch to 5K" and I bought new running shoes Saturday.

Petit Design Co. said...

you'll do great Judi!

Leah said...

Never seen a bobbin tension tool... interesting...

Great job on your running. I'm running my second half marathon at Disney World next month. "Couch to 5K" was where I started, and now I'm running lots...

Hands Sew Full said...

I think new tools are great! I also think that whatever helps YOU do the beautiful work that you do...is worth it!! Your quilting is beautiful and I am a little sad that I live so far away and can't enlist your skills! Good luck with the run!

Barb said...

You can do it...and good luck!!!

Never heard of the tension tool but looks like it would be a handy gadget.

sweetypie said...

your right about the ipod, mine is a little sliver of purple lovliness

Michele said...

I wish you luck in your training......I'm sure you'll make it! Walking each day is a sanity saver for me! The bobbin thread tension tool looks interesting. I have a Bernina 820 on a frame, I wonder if that would help me, or is it just for longarms? I'll have to look into it. Thread tension is not always my friend!

Gene Black said...

I didn't want an iPod for the longest time. Then I was waffling about getting one, and I got one for Christmas. It is totally the best music device around. I love mine.

Marisa said...

Looks like a beautiful place to run a half marathon. I ran a marathon back in 2002 before my kids were born. It was a great experience. Maybe one day I'll do it again! I wish you the best of luck!

Em said...

YOu go girl!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Love, Em

Diane E W said...

Good luck on your run. I wouldn't be able to run for looking at the beautiful scenery. I coldn't look at the tension gauge and IPod fro the gorgeous quilting underneath.

Needled Mom said...

I recently got one of the Towa tools and absolutely LOVE it. What a difference it makes to not have to guess your tension.

Anonymous said...

I had my Towa for 12 month now and love it, must get the little Ipod

Christine

magirite said...

You go! I love that country around Bryce Canyon that will be an amazing run. Your background quilt is beautiful and we have twin ipods. Got mine for Christmas from my sweet husband. Glad you are enjoying your tension gauge. Thanks for sharing. I am off to your shop.
~M~

Kathy said...

Before I became ill I used to run marathons. I ran Chicago 3 times and the half marathon 3 times. Running was what kept me sane. Good Luck and have fun. If it isn't fun, don't do it!!!
Oh, and by the way, your post about wearing sweats for work, you go girl, it's all about being comfortable. But you did look very nice in your new jeans!! Love the shoes, what do men know anyway!!!