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Bess

Bess is here. She’s up and she’s running and she’s going to be a-mazing. My Loving Spouse said, “Your naming it Bessie?”

“Excuse me, her name is Bess.” Kind of like bless, but without the “L”.

It was a good thing we had a 3 day weekend. It took one day to pick it up. ‘Bring a truck’ they said.

The company Headquarters is located in Salt Lake City and we were told, YouTube would be out friend. We watched 2 older gals we called Molly and Betty put it together in 29 minutes.

It took us most of day two to set it up with frequent referrals to ‘Molly and Betty’.

All 5 boxes were very heavy. When getting out the machine, they said open both ends of the box and then slide it out. I stopped for a minute and then used my head. My noggin is an exceptional pushing tool…

All the materials are extremely well made. Seriously, the Allen Wrenches alone will put Ikea to shame.

My Loving Spouse kept saying, “I am so impressed with the quality of these materials. Hand me another screw.”

In case you’re still wondering, Bess is a long arm quilter! My Loving Spouse has been pushing for me to have this machine for years. I mostly didn’t really listen to him, because they are very big and quite an investment.

If it is hard to do nice things for yourself, it is a true blessing to be married to someone, who takes joy from making sure you do.

Day three and we’re ready to tackle the machine itself…and a few more videos. We now refer to the Handi Quilter Video teacher as the ‘Handi Quilter Queen’, hmmm, yep, we’ve referred to her a lot.

In preparation for Bess, I’d made a small dog quilt for Gunner. I’m sure he won’t mind my practicing on his ‘camping’ quilt.

Broken threads, tension trouble, leveling table issues, nuts, bolts…and I can’t wait to keep getting better and more creative and above all…share it with my friends.

….and I am blessed…

to have this tool, and the opportunity to grow this side of my quilting, but most of all to have My Loving Spouse who encourages and applauds my creative endeavors, yes, I am blessed indeed.

{ 14 comments… add one }
  • Christa Peitzman January 19, 2021, 10:46 am

    Well that’s cool! You’ll be cranking quilts out now!!
    Glad to see all is well for y’all!❤️

    • Ellen January 19, 2021, 3:29 pm

      Thanks, Christa. You’d love this thing for sure.
      Hope all is well.

  • Miriam Ellis January 19, 2021, 10:36 am

    Holy Moly! That looks incredible! Look at the stitches you can do! As I was reading and looking at the pictures, I thought it was maybe some sort of exercise equipment because of the 2 black handles, similar to those found on treadmills, etc. Congratulations on Bessie! Can’t wait to see your creative spirit take off and FLY!

    • Ellen January 19, 2021, 3:50 pm

      Mims, I was thinking of you as we were setting it up. Sort of like a Potter getting a kiln.
      xo

  • Peggy O'Leary January 19, 2021, 8:05 am

    Good Morning Ellen………today I’m celebrating with you here in Southern California. Love and Yahoo, Peggy O

    • Ellen January 19, 2021, 3:50 pm

      Hugs dear friend,

  • BJ Schroeder January 19, 2021, 6:48 am

    You are so blessed!! Enjoy

    • Ellen January 19, 2021, 3:51 pm

      ….and now BJ, next time you visit I hope you’ll have quilt tucked away that you want to quilt. It is meant for sharing.

  • The Loving Spouse January 19, 2021, 5:51 am

    At hour 5 of construction (bearing in mind Molly & Betty put it together in 29 minutes) I said to Ellen “did you hear any curse words in the video” to which she responded “there was some very good editing done”.

    • Ellen January 19, 2021, 5:56 am

      xo

  • terri a reed January 19, 2021, 2:13 am

    Neat-O!! You’re ready to roll!

    • Ellen January 19, 2021, 5:41 am

      Thanks Terri….I am indeed.

  • Richard January 19, 2021, 1:13 am

    I am so glad that the loving spouse actually did read and refer to the instructions! A lot of spouses wouldn’t have!! I stopped NOT referring to instructions years ago and my life has been calmer for it…

    • Ellen January 19, 2021, 5:41 am

      Oh, Richard, you crack me up. Stay well across the pond,
      Ellen

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