Hello Friend,
Let’s talk about the most thrilling game in quilting:
Bobbin Roulette.
You know the one — when your bobbin decides to quit exactly three inches from the end of a perfect seam. Not an inch sooner. Not after a boring straight line. Oh no. It waits for the most dramatic moment possible—like a diva demanding a spotlight.
So there I am, stitching away, feeling smug about how smoothly everything’s going. Thread tension? Perfect. Stitches? Straight. Me? Practically auditioning for a sewing machine commercial.
And then… silence.
My foot’s still pressing the pedal like I’m in a NASCAR race, but nothing’s happening. I glance down and see it:
The bobbin.
Empty.
Smiling at me like, “Oh, were you using that?”
Here’s the emotional rollercoaster we all ride:
Denial: “No way. It’s fine. The thread’s just invisible now.”
Panic: rips project off machine “OH COME ONNNN.”
Forensics: “Okay, where did it stop? How much do I have to re-stitch? Is crying an acceptable part of the process?”
Overreaction: “I’m winding TEN bobbins. I’m never letting this happen again.”
Forgetfulness: …Next project, one bobbin. You know how this goes.
Honestly, I think bobbins are plotting against us. Somewhere there’s a secret Bobbin Society meeting where they sit in a circle and whisper:
“Wait until she’s doing her final border.”
“Now. Drop the thread. Do it.”
But here’s the thing — that’s quilting life. A little chaos, a little laughter, and a lot of restarting. It’s character-building! (That’s what I tell myself while muttering at the machine.)
💚 This weekend, come play the safe version of Bobbin Roulette.
Stop by the shop and test drive a new Baby Lock or Handi Quilter — you know, the machines that actually warn you when your bobbin’s getting low. (Because they care about your mental health.)
May your seams be straight, your bobbins be full, and your coffee be bottomless.
Happy Stitching,
Donna 🦊
Fox Country Quilts
P.S. If you’ve ever screamed, “WHY NOW?!” at an empty bobbin, you’re my kind of people. Hit reply and tell me your most dramatic Bobbin Roulette story — bonus points if snacks were involved.
