Cathy...I love the new machine but I have a little trouble with the emb hoops. They seem a little awkward to me and they require a lot more fabric due to their shape. I also have to use magnets to hold the hoops on larger pieces. That being said, the 12000 does gorgeous emb. I guess I'm just used to my 5x7 hoop on the 9500. I'm not a fan of re-hooping because I have trouble hitting the mark. Have you ever tried using a double layer of fabric (especially with whites) instead of using stabilizer? I had pretty good result doing this once when I was making some Dark Fairytales blocks for a friend.

Hi Barb, I use a piece of medium weight tear a way for most of my projects including the Baltimore Album. I hoop, then pull my fabric pretty tight don't know if it makes a difference in how it stitches but that was how I was shown when I bought my machine. How are you liking your new machine? I would love a bigger hoop surface than a 5x7 but I don't see that in my immediate future. I hate re-hooping numerous times as there is always a margin of error not matching/lining up after all the time it takes to stitch out a pattern.

I was just looking at your quilt albums, & I am in awe. They are all so beautiful. I can only hope to become half as good as you are. I especially love your dogs being included. They are adorable.

Thank you for your comments on my quilts. Always nice to know someone likes what you do.

I saw the popsicle quilt on the quilts for me board. Did you make that? I love it!! Can you tell me where to find the pattern?

Thanks for the nice comments on the log cabin quilts, I loved doing them!

Barb...I noticed you posted something about Dottie? Who is Dottie? Because you and I have similarities that kind of blowing my mind...
My American Staffordshire's name is Dottie (plus I have an aunt with that name), and my Mother's name was Barbara....what else do we have in common?
I would so love to meet you in person, just to visit and see what else there is that we share.....

Hi Barb. You sure made my day. I opened my mail to a beautiful snowflake from MO. It is proudly hanging on my tree. You brought a tear to my eye as I reflected on how wonderful this forum is and all of it's members. May God Bless You Always.

Barb - thanks so much for the little bit of encouragement today regarding my ridiculous idea that I could have 5 quilt for the children made by Christmas this year. IOUs will be made up and I'm certain the kids will understand! At one point today, I was beating myself up and having a good cry at work! Thanks again for your kind advice, sweetie....Sherri

Thank you Bubby, for your nice comment on my "snake" quilt. I made it for my youngest son, a few years ago. Still one of my favourites!