You all know that I write, but here's some information about what I write and how it can help you.
I've been writing QUILTsocial.com blog posts since June 2014. I remember the very first post was all about the Husqvarna Viking HClass sewing machine, and I was out in my gazebo having a grand time.
Here's the link to that first post if you want to check it out.
Oh -- how times have changed. That was NOT the top-of-the-line machine, but a great little travel machine. And well, 400+ posts later, I'm still going strong!
However, I have an issue! I've written so much material, and it seems like no one knows it's there! How can that be?
I did a Q&A for the Husqvarna Viking Designer EPIC 3 last night, and I'm sure most of those people hadn't checked out my blog posts to learn more about their fantastic sewing and embroidery machine.
This isn't an ad for Husqvarna Viking, as many features of that brand's machines are also found on others - let's not fool ourselves. They might do it differently, or they might do something less or more. I still wish I could pick and choose features from various sewing machines and put together MY sewing machine.
But here's the deal --- I write tutorials, I give plenty of examples, and loads of information that applies to ANY brand of sewing machine. There is USEFUL stuff on that site, and yet, it frustrates me to no end when people say they have never heard of it, or they get information from somewhere else. HELP!!!
What can I do to change that up? Do I need to do videos? All video? Shorter videos?
Having said that, I wrote blog posts that got published this week, and here they are for you to review. This is all about the BRAND NEW Husqvarna Viking Topaz 55Q. I will say that this is primarily a review of the sewing machine and not much in the way of projects, but still -- it's great to know what's out there! Then, when you want a machine, you have some idea how the market is advancing.
Plus, in these posts, you'll find tips on how to load thread onto your machine --- don't laugh --- there is a science to it! And what about spool caps? Do you know how to properly use a spool cap? Yep -- there are right and wrong ways. If you have read your User's Guide, you already know this; otherwise, I'll tell you. Also, tips on winding bobbins. All super simple stuff, but if you don't do them the correct way, you can run into issues.
Day One - Unboxing the Husqvarna Viking Topaz 55Q
Day Two - Discover the Smart Touchscreen Features of the Husqvarna Viking Topaz 55Q
Day Three - Accessories and threading tips for the Husqvarna Viking Topaz 55Q
Day Four - Sewing with the Husqvarna Viking Topaz 55Q
Day Five -
Oh shoot -- I can't get the link for Day five -- I'll do that in a bit.
But seriously --- regardless of the sewing machine you have, the possibilities you can do with it are amazing, and you'll find all kinds of inspiration and tips in my posts! Be sure to check them out!
I'm just compiling a list of all the blog posts for the Husqvarna Viking Designer Epic 3 - can you guess how many I've written? THIRTY!!! That's a lot of blog posts!!!! And if you are the owner of an EPIC 3 and sat at your machine and followed my posts? Guess what? You'd be as smart as I am, or even smarter, when it comes to operating that machine!
OK --- I must tell you about my experience at the dentist. The hygienist lied! No, she didn't lie to me; she lied for me, and there's a huge difference. I now feel obligated to her.
As I sat down in the chair and she started cleaning my teeth, she asked the usual questions - how often do you brush and floss? I said, "I do the best I can." How's that for a very vague answer! I could tell that she wasn't too impressed as she cleaned because it seemed to take forever for that little vibration tool to clean the plaque off my gum line. And my teeth seemed more sensitive than usual. I KNOW - I KNOW -- I should be doing this for my own good!
She did NOT say anything to me, except that I should keep trying my best. When the dentist came in, she told him I was brushing twice a day and flossing once a day - trying to do my best. Is that a new code at the dentist for "this patient is doing a crap job?" I'm not sure, but now I feel like I owe that hygienist something for not berating me, and I actually felt like she was encouraging me. Perhaps they read my blog, maybe they have had sensitivity training.
Anyway, I've got my floss out (I have a lot of it), and I have a brand new electric toothbrush that I'm going to crack open. My plan? Well, I'll do my best! Will it make a difference? I don't know. I guess my biggest fear, and I heard her say it to the dentist, is bone loss! For whatever reason, my bones don't seem to be doing well. Even with my bone density medication, which I now take every Sunday morning - it's part of my routine! I may have to step up that game.
Oh my --- I am a stubborn person!! Which brings me to an audiobook that I am reading - it was recommended to me, called Women Who Run With the Wolves. While I totally get the gist of what she is saying, I'm not a fan of her writing style. The book is only two hours long, but its pace is slow, with a lot of repetition (dramatic in a speech, less so in a book). Sometimes, her examples don't quite fit the point she is trying to make. But the underlying gist? I like it! It basically says that girls are taught to be tame, while we need to unleash our wild side!
I've never had a problem with that. Wait -- I did, but I changed a long time ago, and life is all good. It's an interesting read, but I think this one might be better as a book, not an audiobook. Since it's only two hours long, I'll listen to it in its entirety. And then I have another Nancy Drew audiobook waiting!
I'm down to 221 pages left in the other book, with three days to read it. I should make it. It's weird - just weird. I think I'll take a break from recommended books and return to my favorite genres. Not that I don't like the recommendations --- it's good to be well-rounded and I appreciate going in another direction from time to time.
I would be remiss if I didn't post a couple of pictures. Does this surprise you? I received this message several days ago, likely because I had many windows open on my computer, as usual.
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| ACK!!!! |
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| The throne |
However, you'll notice that the seat is just a regular toilet seat!! And those pictures look a bit underwhelmed in that space. I would definitely rip that out if I bought the house.
The last two days have been filled with people coming and going, dentist appointments, shopping, and other activities. I need some quiet time! I have to pick something up today, and someone is dropping off and picking up! It never seems to end, but we're making progress and getting things moving quite nicely!
On that note, I'd better get moving! I MUST start flossing my teeth after my breakfast. All those little seeds are not doing my teeth any good, and I want Vanessa to be proud of me! LOL
DOn't forget that we have a virtual retreat this weekend.
Saturday, October 18 - Starts at 6 PM EDT
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82693702241?pwd=QpQkm8Ppppy1XwCPOqva1bcgJCWKdP.1
Meeting ID: 826 9370 2241
Passcode: 795071
Sunday, October 19 - Starts at 3 PM EDT
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81073536036?pwd=uxRqMnK1aSKrmrcSO78w8QQs5g44eA.1
Meeting ID: 810 7353 6036
Passcode: 596838
Have a super day!!!!
Ciao!!!
When you are at the various quilt shops do you recommend Quilt Social? It would also seem that the machine companies and the quilt shops you demo for should also know about and spread the word about QS. I would also recommend that you not say that you write the articles as this might turn some customers off. Have a joyful day.
ReplyDeleteIf more of us (loyal blog readers) looked at your articles, the search engines would be more inclined to include them when people are looking for sewing machine info, I'm thinking. So I click on the links you give. Victoria in Georgian Bluffs
ReplyDelete2 hours for the book???? It is something like 700 pages!! You must have an abbreviated version-that sounds awful. The book is magnificent.
ReplyDeleteOn your sewing information: It stinks that people in 2025 expect to be spoon-fed in the moment they want something. And NO! I do not think you need to "waste" your time collating for them. Grow up people! Scan this blog every day for topics of interest and read those paragraphs. Learn to use the search function. Your time, Elaine, is too valuable because others are lazy.
Happy Friday one and all! It's over 40F and the sun is UP!
Get yourself a WaterPik … and use warm water… start off on lower setting and being able to use setting at 10 should be your goal … tip always at 90 degrees along tooth and gum line.. never angled … at least 10 times more effective (and easier) than floss
ReplyDeleteStart at the back on one side of outside of uppers and gradually work your way to other side… repeat for lowers … repeat again for inside surfaces … it’s the Epic 3 of Oral Health 😉
ReplyDeleteI second Catherine's comment on getting a water pik. Don't get a knock off, get the genuine one. Ask me how I know, LOL. I've been using one for years. Right after I eat, I can floss my teeth first, then use the water pik and still get food particles coming out. I use both, floss and the water pik. The hygienist and the dentist always comment on my gums being in excellent shape.
ReplyDelete