Welcome to Rainbow Hare!
Here is my centre block for the 2026 Stay At Home Round Robin.
If you have been following me, this probably isn’t what you expected because I’ve been saying that I was going to use my still unfinished 2025 SAHRR as my centre for this year.
Unfortunately, my sewing machine started making a terrible grinding noise – only when the bobbin case is in. I took it to the man who serviced it just before Christmas and he couldn’t see any damage or anything wrong so we agreed I should buy another bobbin case to see if that fixed it but it was the same with the new one so I took it back and he said he would look at it. That was a week ago and still no luck, which is a big concern in itself and not great for trying to finish a bedsize quilt in the next few weeks :( *
I have been holding out to post my centre, in the hope of getting it back but, alas, we have now reached the eleventh hour. And when things don’t go as planned, you just have to make new plans.
So, I was pondering what type and size of SAHRR quilt I would really be up for making entirely by hand and then I remembered this machine…
…which made its last appearance in The First Day of Spring – the story of how Mrs Hare came to live in the Makery. Looking back through my blog, I can’t believe that was ten years ago!
Entirely unrelatedly, just before Christmas in anticipation of the newborn granddaughters coming to stay, I decided we were in need of a rocking chair.
I found one locally for £25, which I thought was quite a bargain, and gave it a couple of coats of chalk paint. Now, I’m thinking, it really is in need of a large cushion or perhaps even a small quilt.
I don’t think I’m going to be quilting with Mrs Hare’s machine, but I’ve pieced a centre block and that’s a start!
Now I’m off to link up my block with The Centre Block for the 2026 SAHRR and see everyone else’s centres.
Happy Sewing!
Janine @ Rainbow Hare
(If you subscribe to my blog by email, firstly, thank you :) Secondly, I really recommend you view the web version because otherwise you end up with a random scramble of photos and I don’t know how to stop that happening).
*My machine with the issue is a Juki HZL DX5 and if anyone has had a similar experience or suggestions I would be really grateful.
RAINBOW HARE 
Laura Kate
Tough times, having your machine on the fritz. I’m delighted that you have identified a path forward.
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Elizabeth E.
I have pieced many quilts on my Singer Featherweight (which is what yours looks like), and I love it. I feel like I’m sewing on a toy machine, but the stitches are beautiful and always well balanced. Your center block has great possibilities, and I love the colors. I’m thinking of joining up with this as another friend has also joined, and I loved what you started last year, too. I’m hoping your machine is returned to you soon, and fixed!
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piecefulwendy
Oh, I’m sorry about your machine woes, but very excited that you are joining us again this year! I love your center block and the creative idea for it!
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quiltinggail
Ugg, I feel your pain, having a machine in the shop!! Thankfully you have an extra! Your block looks great! Thank you for joining in the SAHRR ’26 and for linking up!
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Yvonne @Quilting Jetgirl
I hope that there will be a solution and fix found for your machine soon. In the mean time, I’m so glad you have a lovely backup machine you can use to keep moving forward.
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Kris
I love Mrs Hare’s machine. And I love your darling center block. There’s so much you can do with the color red! I’m so anxious for our next round. I hope your machine is fixed soon!
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Diann@ Little Penguin Quilts
Even if it wasn’t what you originally intended, it’s a very pretty block! I’ll enjoy seeing what you do with it. And I sure hope your machine gets fixed!
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Brenda @ Songbird Designs
I’m sorry your machine is acting up, but I do love Mrs. Hare’s machine! Those little machines are work horses. Your center block is very pretty. Love the red, pink, and white. So happy you are joining us.
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patchoulimoonstudio
I love your center block in red! Last years is AMAZING! But I really love simple traditional blocks like the red square-in-a-square block too. Looking forward to seeing how your quilt progresses.
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texasquiltgal
Love your block and your plans for your SAHRR, you are off to a beautiful start. I hope you have your machine back now. What a precious tableau with the hare and the little sewing machine. And the fact it is a working machine is such a plus.
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joymcd305716439
I love Mrs Hare’s sewing machine and am glad she was happy for you to use it! Spare sewing machines are a must in my sewing room! Love your block, it’s so pretty! xx
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quiltinglearningcombo
Hi Janine, I’m so sorry to hear about your sewing machine. Hopefully it will be ok after you switch out the bobbin case! That sewing machine is so cute! I think that a pillow for your rocking chair is a perfect project. I did try to leave a comment when I first got your post but it doesn’t seem to work on my phone…so here it is. Take care and good luck!
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