New Janome Free Embroidery Project: Cuckoo Clock!

Several of you saw my Cuckoo Clock at quilt market and wanted to know where you could get my pattern...well now it's finally available...and it's being offered at the best possible price. ;)

FREE!

Yes, you heard me right...the embroidery file, pattern, and assembly instructions for the cuckoo clock are all free and available now at this link on Janome's website: http://janome.com/en/inspire/projects/

The embroidery file is available in .jef format. It's an awesome embroidery project to create with Janome's largest GR Hoop designed for Janome's MC12000 or their new MC15000. I also include some files that are adapted for smaller hoops but keep the size of the clock the same. However, they require re-hooping between some of the embroidery steps.

One of the cool things about the file when you use the awesome-ly large GR Hoop, is that the embroidery file includes a straight stitch outline around the clock where you should cut it out. This eliminates the step of centering and pinning the pattern piece to it. It also has some basting stitches where you will be placing your seam. If you use a smaller hoop, you will need to pin the provided pattern to the face of the clock to see where to cut it out--but you can still complete the project.

The instructional PDF contains LOTS of step photos and includes some diagrams like the one below:

This simple illustration shows a simple zipper placement technique. You can always use your favorite technique...but I thought I'd show you mine. If you can't read the small blue print, (because I know some of you are squinting right now,) I've repeated the instructions here to make them easy to read if you are interested.

How to put in a simple zipper:

Layer the clock back pieces together with right sides facing. 

diagram 1: Sew both sides together on the turnquoise line.

diagram 2. Open the sewn pieces up 

diagram 3: Place zipper face down over the zipper placement zone, on reverse side of fabric at seam. 

Sew around the zipper as shown with white stitch marks. 

Then stationary zig-zag stitch the stopping points of the zipper. 

Finish the zipper by picking out the stitches between your tack points where the zipper is to open.

Some of you wanted to know where you could get the small clock kit that I used in this project. I was able to purchase the right kit here. It can be hard to locate these ultra small clock kits in a craft store. I found lots of larger ones, but no small ones that would work for this clock. The kit you are looking for will cover a 2 3/4 dial, so the minute hand should be 1 1/2 or smaller. 1 and 5/16 inches is the smallest one I was able to find with spade ends. You will want a movement for a 1/8 inch dial thickness. 

If you haven't ever used a clock kit before, the gears can be really fragile. You must follow these steps exactly.
How to assemble a clock kit:
A. Place the minute hand on the clock first, this is the longer hand.
B. Turn the minute hand clockwise until it lines up perfectly with the 12.
C.Remove the minute hand. Now place the hour hand on the clock in the upright position so it is pointed to the 12.
D. Now put the minute hand back on. You will then use the cap screw and tighten it over the minute hand to hold it in place.
E. Make sure the hands are straight and not preventing the other one from moving. Bend hands slightly to correct.
G. Set the time by moving the minute hand clockwise around the clock until the right time shows on the face. DO NOT ever turn the hands counter clockwise. If you accidentally set the time forward too much, you will have to move the hands clockwise until you get to the right time again. Do not force the hands it will strip the tiny gears.

You can use any fabric or thread colors you wish. I used fabric from my Rodeo Rider Collection for Riley Blake Designs. If you make this project, I'd love to see your version. Feel free to e-mail a photo of it to my blog e-mail found in the right sidebar.

As always...thanks for stopping in!