tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6592108990764929882024-03-06T14:01:59.876-06:00Sewing Machine MavinAn adventure in collection, refurbishing, and reselling vintage sewing machines and what is learned along the way.Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07011857577709241535noreply@blogger.comBlogger536125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-659210899076492988.post-56086305996752733932022-05-01T08:02:00.002-05:002022-05-03T06:33:58.717-05:00With a Little Help From Our Friends<p> I'm back. I didn't go anywhere, I just needed a break from my usual fair and, unfortunately, I left my readers behind. It was a long, tough winter and spring seems so have eluded us in Minnesota, but let's proceed with springtime in our souls.</p><p>Sewing machine sales and repairs have been busy as well as sewing, sewing, sewing on all the different sewing machines. Lovely women have come to sew at my house, making zippered pouches, then fleece mittens, followed by fleece slippers. Okay, so maybe that was the wrong order and they should have accomplished the easier slippers before tackling the more difficult mittens (left, right or right left?), a good time was had by all.</p><p>Then there was Wendy, bless her heart, who had a vision of what she wanted to make after tackling the above projects. On her way to making a rag quilt with some of her mother's clothing, she paused to make machine embroidered pillowcases for the boys in her life. What started out as sports themed motifs for three boys on Easter turned into a total of five:</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidFKlVQyV1VWbMmoERKJZRZppY3dlzbf5yWftipFKjuw7s0x-PxOODjlh_gLMGj_cBcOqINJM0XYVMxuKvNmrphCAeFMmzGyK1Ey3UOmQlz89-MTzeTtO4M66yLu7_RU9Cvrj1FGWVIcJEO9ivAWDZ9F3aiNlzYICnyP-BddrFR2v_XcUyy3l3iig9hw/s3112/IMG_20220407_153749879.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3112" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidFKlVQyV1VWbMmoERKJZRZppY3dlzbf5yWftipFKjuw7s0x-PxOODjlh_gLMGj_cBcOqINJM0XYVMxuKvNmrphCAeFMmzGyK1Ey3UOmQlz89-MTzeTtO4M66yLu7_RU9Cvrj1FGWVIcJEO9ivAWDZ9F3aiNlzYICnyP-BddrFR2v_XcUyy3l3iig9hw/s320/IMG_20220407_153749879.jpg" width="308" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Four of the final five pillowcases<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p>We used the Singer Futura XL 400 to download and stitch out the designs and I made Wendy stitch up the rest of the pillowcase on another machine. After she handed them out, the oldest nephew, at 16, pulled her aside and said "Aunt Wendy, I got the best one!", a Nike shoe she did pick out just for him.</p><p>Here's the blessing in doing this kind of work with others: while we were getting this all sewn over a couple weeks in March and April, Wendy's youngest sister is getting sicker and sicker, finally going to Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. Surgery was scheduled, testing was done, but before she could have the surgery she died, leaving behind that 16 year old son mentioned above and a six year old who got the spider man pillowcase. No one knew this was going to happen so fast and are scrambling to place the boys into another aunt's home in their hometown. Working on these pillowcases gave Wendy a reason to come to our house and talk about her sister and what she was going through, talking with my husband who was in the medical field before early retirement, who has also been a chaplain. We didn't know this was a respite in her life, a chance to get out of the house and direct her energy into something creative. But, Wendy didn't have a sewing machine at home and that's why she was using mine.</p><p>In steps Warren, a recent widow, whose wife had been giving me fabric and sewing "stuff" (that's an official sewing term, look it up) over the years after she became legally blind. Jenny told Warren that when she died she wanted her sewing stuff to go to Karen because she would know what to do with it. Oh, you betcha! First came two sewing machines, then a tackle box of supplies, and I hear there are more bobbins coming, too. Now who should those sewing machines go to? I usually have no clue but this time I thought about Wendy and asked her if she would like the refurbished Signature model to use, for free, to see if she would like to eventually purchase it or just return it. She's going to give it a go, hoping to return it later when she has more skills and could use a better sewing machine. I don't think she's going to need a better machine because this one is really nice, just purring along with a great stitch. When I told Warren about the new home for one of the sewing machines, he was taken aback at first, then remembered who Wendy was, and a big smile came across his face. That was going to be a good home for one of Jenny's sewing machines; I agree.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBsdOAnW4ZkNl68vsmEMfQpOQUHlHAtZBXuJOImRFOVwlsnyXxWzay0h6UpTOtiU7ezhg8_neIpisncg7XrPKdBG7ohBIawvTv7yEg7wrt6cr3yiFKaF-g2J2OhwJZZcEfWgDhpG5jmnVZqOr91RumWCBm6LCYTCzIYeYSQWQ2xeokHs7RU6x6CGiIuQ/s4000/IMG_20220319_151848773_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBsdOAnW4ZkNl68vsmEMfQpOQUHlHAtZBXuJOImRFOVwlsnyXxWzay0h6UpTOtiU7ezhg8_neIpisncg7XrPKdBG7ohBIawvTv7yEg7wrt6cr3yiFKaF-g2J2OhwJZZcEfWgDhpG5jmnVZqOr91RumWCBm6LCYTCzIYeYSQWQ2xeokHs7RU6x6CGiIuQ/s320/IMG_20220319_151848773_HDR.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wendy holding up flaming baseball pillowcase<br /></td></tr></tbody></table> <br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07011857577709241535noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-659210899076492988.post-57202129083406415732021-10-08T08:48:00.007-05:002021-10-08T08:48:51.748-05:00Cabinets and Miniatures<p> It's that time of year again where I need to clear out the cabinets from the garage so we can get both cars in before it snows. When I peek into the garage I see two cabinets with sewing machines that are listed and ready for a new home, one refinished but empty cabinet, two cabinets in the process of being refinished, one waiting to get listed, and an industrial I just don't know what to do with.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizg1SfzHHVWom2JAJemv8yKty_hPjWNL6GZePSQf_Siy1cESGDWyHTIuNoROOPPU5vjHJYaHy2MxkamWWWwnSk44r79ReCo5IS0_J5YTm5p5V3MKR87WCibPeFUAqRKC_4Qk76P17-RNBO/s4032/IMG_20211007_165505105.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizg1SfzHHVWom2JAJemv8yKty_hPjWNL6GZePSQf_Siy1cESGDWyHTIuNoROOPPU5vjHJYaHy2MxkamWWWwnSk44r79ReCo5IS0_J5YTm5p5V3MKR87WCibPeFUAqRKC_4Qk76P17-RNBO/s320/IMG_20211007_165505105.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">State of the garage<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>Up front is the cabinet with a Singer 201-2. It's one of my favorite cabinets, a cabinet no. 2 of the treadle variety but not treadle, electric. <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZAB5DGBVNZVmqvHpLQsUWBbzKHjbc0MD02ZE6hBeeqkEpad1nxXI4fXIf-yrM6zoABeUVqrzM7lMUJbUbq0MJKc_A4dFb0EoN2gmyhK78uPc1Q85IGjxWd39ErKonoN0fVGGq4FfLIrJW/s4032/IMG_20211007_171050711.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZAB5DGBVNZVmqvHpLQsUWBbzKHjbc0MD02ZE6hBeeqkEpad1nxXI4fXIf-yrM6zoABeUVqrzM7lMUJbUbq0MJKc_A4dFb0EoN2gmyhK78uPc1Q85IGjxWd39ErKonoN0fVGGq4FfLIrJW/s320/IMG_20211007_171050711.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Singer 201-2 in refinished table<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>It came all apart so I could strip and refinish every last piece. The straight legs even needed to be painted, something I haven't had to do with this model of table so I went to Ace Hardware for a sample size of brown paint, about the cheapest way to get a mixed color in a small batch. It wasn't quite right so I went back and had it darkened. Turned out to be a great color that I might have to use again. All those pieces were like a puzzle but after doing several parts three times it finally works. Isn't she a beauty? And the sewing machine works well, too.</p><p>I couldn't resist a free Singer 401 and I thought the cabinet was going to be okay. Once it came into the garage I realized there was just too much flaking varnish so the whole things got stripped and refinished:<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijvEJGdt-k0h-jPzoUsRfVQT8oyKHDwjfPwlOOonAGhMQKvGQm6krW5x9kgH3iGjTzaD3oKGLgw5gkPS8H3otLlq1ujtJXDuohI6lHPROWOx3CSsv4gJQ2uFGm3ipeHFtZOjqXiosYgajh/s2942/IMG_20211007_172333418.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2915" data-original-width="2942" height="317" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijvEJGdt-k0h-jPzoUsRfVQT8oyKHDwjfPwlOOonAGhMQKvGQm6krW5x9kgH3iGjTzaD3oKGLgw5gkPS8H3otLlq1ujtJXDuohI6lHPROWOx3CSsv4gJQ2uFGm3ipeHFtZOjqXiosYgajh/s320/IMG_20211007_172333418.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Singer 401 will go back in this table<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>This model had no real marks on it, just the flaking varnish so there was exposed wood that had turned darker. It's going to look spectacular when it's done (even the fake drawer pulls polished up nicely). With the nice weather we are enjoying I hope to get all of these done and listed for sale by Saturday.</p><p>Now we can get to the one I'm going to keep, the Davis vertical feed. The cabinet is oak and has seen better days with the veneer chipping on all sides of the top. I just had to make a decision about how to deal with that much chipping but I kept it intact and just sanded, getting ready for sealing coat. What was I going to be underneath the veneer? I didn't want to find out. The irons were pretty rusty so I cleaned them up and painted them. This was a first for me, at least I don't remember painting irons before. They turned out really nice but the cabinet languished. I finally got going and have it stained and ready with the 401's cabinet for a seal coat:<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOeNwZb0otp6aHaqMrP1iz4PWyi7_WIgfksOn7DKZvGXYZk7KcDGn18trk5BdIrsvqgPZg_Gwu1Glu8rUPELCL_l2WVQE6klKiJ8sO3TO_RrQARwkBaQdaQPsyLQ7BcnOM3WQ1L9yyDCTY/s3137/IMG_20211007_172509896.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3137" data-original-width="2945" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOeNwZb0otp6aHaqMrP1iz4PWyi7_WIgfksOn7DKZvGXYZk7KcDGn18trk5BdIrsvqgPZg_Gwu1Glu8rUPELCL_l2WVQE6klKiJ8sO3TO_RrQARwkBaQdaQPsyLQ7BcnOM3WQ1L9yyDCTY/s320/IMG_20211007_172509896.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Davis cabinet, irons behind it<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>You can see I'm busy and looking forward to the craft fairs at the end of the month. Yes, they are back!</p><p>A package came in the mail a couple months ago and I have yet to share the contents with you. My sister, Sue, said she was sending me something but it wasn't ready yet. By the time it came I had almost forgotten those words so was so surprised to open the box to find this:<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihMjH8WY9fR2BN0Y64VIlhprYWHAQvy8cHMcA9sr5_l7SFQeiXSzH3UHbAxD8LaQPIDLc21Enx8LGcxhHoxmbFfXmcXCGIQrasm5vN1T8aUerwZ_itg5ESM5ttFntAG09X5Jiuu3XVz0nF/s2829/IMG_20211007_175430160.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2827" data-original-width="2829" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihMjH8WY9fR2BN0Y64VIlhprYWHAQvy8cHMcA9sr5_l7SFQeiXSzH3UHbAxD8LaQPIDLc21Enx8LGcxhHoxmbFfXmcXCGIQrasm5vN1T8aUerwZ_itg5ESM5ttFntAG09X5Jiuu3XVz0nF/s320/IMG_20211007_175430160.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A tiny suitcase?<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br />Once I got it opened I found a miniature Necchi:<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9e2Kmcbs0UuIEU7LpG1bbNQxgXDYp7Dg0wlxbIYGmhXBrRvEYEx_0Ov_maKTEeXUHqHrBeEbKc6SwlUMLxv73ZHpairy8YEf6FMqo_X4J7XQeztIb0UkhBRwxNHoO7E50fAEZvaGTxhj5/s2747/IMG_20211007_175304191.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2747" data-original-width="2556" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9e2Kmcbs0UuIEU7LpG1bbNQxgXDYp7Dg0wlxbIYGmhXBrRvEYEx_0Ov_maKTEeXUHqHrBeEbKc6SwlUMLxv73ZHpairy8YEf6FMqo_X4J7XQeztIb0UkhBRwxNHoO7E50fAEZvaGTxhj5/s320/IMG_20211007_175304191.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hand crank toy Necchi<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL6XSzZbkp6pL3xF2YJxpXUzC3x1K7yUynOf8Isoewk7YzKBR18CtNu4s6hWc-gNt1PhzYF62hvPM27Jrh6LpoiTf6pifUXp1MDxZLU8mrczGdsQbZJ4BzdvW0V1rDVLgk5dzjSjA6HfF-/s4032/IMG_20211007_175416092.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL6XSzZbkp6pL3xF2YJxpXUzC3x1K7yUynOf8Isoewk7YzKBR18CtNu4s6hWc-gNt1PhzYF62hvPM27Jrh6LpoiTf6pifUXp1MDxZLU8mrczGdsQbZJ4BzdvW0V1rDVLgk5dzjSjA6HfF-/s320/IMG_20211007_175416092.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fits in its own small carrying case<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br />It makes a good chain stitch:<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIWIvXFA-GEQ6ib76MjaP9m1HQ124UfO3m41cbZlP8W_fSXybv4CRowbLWHBJFoIebm92JuI-pDS-KYbYUU89As-J-QVu850OSXrwmxZm_4jsqLZk7_7XESCdqY-6rxsKUs0hCIQcRYi9s/s4032/IMG_20211007_175315499.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIWIvXFA-GEQ6ib76MjaP9m1HQ124UfO3m41cbZlP8W_fSXybv4CRowbLWHBJFoIebm92JuI-pDS-KYbYUU89As-J-QVu850OSXrwmxZm_4jsqLZk7_7XESCdqY-6rxsKUs0hCIQcRYi9s/s320/IMG_20211007_175315499.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chain stitch sample<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>When I had it open to oil I noticed the red lever on the bottom:<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijZDhzpQYlW4xVv5UKd3MB9m1kW7a8EqKAOSou-DFzLKIb_zgf8j1fNCKuS2HU_WDKh74G9l45FAswP1GQmxKbwquJWMTntyMYrRXP6yVhO01_knQWKvHZ8TlUY_hJku1fYQ2VlGouLblS/s4032/IMG_20211007_175333314.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijZDhzpQYlW4xVv5UKd3MB9m1kW7a8EqKAOSou-DFzLKIb_zgf8j1fNCKuS2HU_WDKh74G9l45FAswP1GQmxKbwquJWMTntyMYrRXP6yVhO01_knQWKvHZ8TlUY_hJku1fYQ2VlGouLblS/s320/IMG_20211007_175333314.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>When fully open you can see it's a music box! The red lever engages the mechanism or turns it off. The tune sounds familiar but I cannot pin it down. I'm going to have to share with my daughter Kelly who would easily be able to identify the tune. The back story to this little gem goes back a year or more when she sent me a photo of the machine and asked if she should buy it at a local garage sale. I said yes and then forgot about it. The hand crank mechanism was broken and then she had the dilemma of how to fix it. JBWeld was suggested and that seemed to do the trick. I'll turn the handle carefully! All in all, it was a very thoughtful gift from a thoughtful sister, one I will treasure.<br />Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07011857577709241535noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-659210899076492988.post-37995725643885712322021-09-14T10:00:00.000-05:002021-09-14T10:00:11.890-05:00Panel Quilting<p> I love it when a concept in my head actually turns out better than expected and there are days when this seems to be the exception rather than the rule. I have been browsing around to find ideas for how to include a large panel in a quilt and just haven't come up with any really great ideas. The panel I've been saving is not so much pricey, it's the fabrics I'm putting with it that are so I don't want to mess it up. Along comes another panel, bought at a thrift store, that gave me the push I needed to actually dream up panel quilt ideas of my own.</p><p>While browsing one of my favorite thrift stores, I spied a panel that said something I wanted to keep:</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNf7ewTmXl6zBatbF470vQxUO4h5CZlZG2BLqEyZP4juByPjRZbD_hVDwweRxwrS7_BbwYXbgO1SbYDLYCKraXc0ZyfNBsCO8TU8KI4W8zKRBx1E1INWvdysvzQsEpO2QHbXxnoPVU89pa/s4032/IMG_20210825_084025057.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNf7ewTmXl6zBatbF470vQxUO4h5CZlZG2BLqEyZP4juByPjRZbD_hVDwweRxwrS7_BbwYXbgO1SbYDLYCKraXc0ZyfNBsCO8TU8KI4W8zKRBx1E1INWvdysvzQsEpO2QHbXxnoPVU89pa/s320/IMG_20210825_084025057.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Center panel with 1 Corinthians 13:4-8<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>There were about eight of them and even though I was tempted to buy more, reason kicked in and I went out the door with only one. Showing it off to friends later I noticed it wasn't cut even on one side and that was going to be a problem so I went back the same day and traded it out for a better one. It didn't languish long when I got out block patterns and tried out various color combinations, as you can see from the block next to the panel above. Here's a close up of my experimentation:<br /><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUTtWocluqqsH4j-aVTkAdOZIExecaQSUiiurc4cCgsvSwY_HifhK86t9ZDqhJN7O32ym7U2QvoX5BJVqFPmfL4gkvMsoJtge2jd6xwQMqLIk5GuryNBgNfZ50JtltNnbrNhHbbGx9ro_F/s4032/IMG_20210825_084035459.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUTtWocluqqsH4j-aVTkAdOZIExecaQSUiiurc4cCgsvSwY_HifhK86t9ZDqhJN7O32ym7U2QvoX5BJVqFPmfL4gkvMsoJtge2jd6xwQMqLIk5GuryNBgNfZ50JtltNnbrNhHbbGx9ro_F/s320/IMG_20210825_084035459.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Color combinations<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>The white or cream background was nice but just too washed out. When I tried a print as the main color you can see that it's so busy you cannot see the pattern. Since I was using a 10" layer cake stack of fabrics (the colors were really great with the panel colors), I went with one of the dominant colors for a turquoise main color with the others as supporting fabrics. There was too much red/pink to my liking so my husband suggested I try more yellow. I had to look in my stash of fabrics to find a few more that would coordinate well but in the end that was what worked. <br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglpt_9pcE9ZfjCeN7zTzpXWfjT3KPd2H6cqgdGW6ZtvsR_nPdbzZwVz7wXfTzIZ-7Pc5a7NiRX8-EYeyMJvf9XagaWNde2w4XcQWusHYPvAuLS2x9NcWTuiVTCFBrn4zkJS1-PWjYEWg7v/s3024/original_b67295b6-1c3f-4f91-8d3a-69b50502ecd8_IMG_20210830_110559495.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2833" data-original-width="3024" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglpt_9pcE9ZfjCeN7zTzpXWfjT3KPd2H6cqgdGW6ZtvsR_nPdbzZwVz7wXfTzIZ-7Pc5a7NiRX8-EYeyMJvf9XagaWNde2w4XcQWusHYPvAuLS2x9NcWTuiVTCFBrn4zkJS1-PWjYEWg7v/s320/original_b67295b6-1c3f-4f91-8d3a-69b50502ecd8_IMG_20210830_110559495.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mock up for borders<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /> With my daughters' help in color coordinating, I added the blue and brown inner borders but when it was done it just didn't look complete so she suggested another brown border and that was exactly what was needed. I found a brown print in my stash that would work for the backing and I was on a roll. Deciding how to quilt the various areas was really fun with an outline of the large botanical elements on the panel, outline the word "love", free motion designs on the blue and brown borders, but what about those big 12" blocks? I moved to a walking foot and stitched in the ditch on one side of each V pattern. With only twenty blocks it wasn't too tedious even if I did have to take out stitching once in awhile due to puckering on the backing. Once I got to the final border I got excited to mimic the straight diagonal lines of the blocks by making a diamond grid along the final edge. There was even enough brown fabric left to bind the whole thing! I love it when I don't have to buy anything new and for this 76" square project I only had to purchase the turquoise solid. Here's the quilt I took to First Quilter's to show off as well as get some advice:<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkHZnyPxxjEj2tojJDKWUoWeHVg2oQf7MVt1y-2s1-eltaTXWORjJJzW7d4tz_mXM7fb_R5veTIgKutiRLPfR8uTYFDeC9_wxFf2Whx7EhpN_wiNeplVQvdklfdzee5wkjLpD_iIGRWVsM/s3572/IMG_20210910_212139872.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3572" height="271" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkHZnyPxxjEj2tojJDKWUoWeHVg2oQf7MVt1y-2s1-eltaTXWORjJJzW7d4tz_mXM7fb_R5veTIgKutiRLPfR8uTYFDeC9_wxFf2Whx7EhpN_wiNeplVQvdklfdzee5wkjLpD_iIGRWVsM/s320/IMG_20210910_212139872.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Almost done!<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>I shared with them how I wanted to add stitches in the panel area so it would wash well and not bunch up and I got two suggestions. I added an outline of a dove in the center of the words and also added some flourishes around the lines of text where needed. It worked out with no spaces larger than the 8" required for spacing by the batting manufacturer. </p><p>Which machine did I use? For this project I started on a Janome Skyline 3 that was wonderful for piecing but when it came time for the free motion sewing the Janome didn't have feed dogs that dropped so I moved to a Bernina Artista 200. While that was great for free motion, when I needed to use a walking foot I moved to the Elna Quilting Queen 7300 with its built in walking foot. I love all three machines but think the Janome is going to be listed for sale and the Bernina was only bought so I could learn the embroidery system. More about those things later because we are off camping again to give me a bit of relief from sewing. </p><p>We do have some sad news: our beloved cat, Meg, was finally put down a couple weeks ago, just shy of her 19th birthday. She was my sewing companion many times sitting on the back of the chair seat with me, trying to vie for my attention. Here's a final photo of the quilt and one of our Meg. May this quilt give someone joy as Meg did for us.<br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAEYLd04nRpn3viafs8FUBgOJuQ_qYaUl0sybq49akP7l59cvuD6Na9L0MXBQDFxu1TmyuMSU7CdSyicmoxGOVhSIYumkqxt7C1MxLviT3LOh7kZwC1IgnqqAfn1JQqoi4YoRd0eiNiLCK/s4032/IMG_20210914_094036051.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAEYLd04nRpn3viafs8FUBgOJuQ_qYaUl0sybq49akP7l59cvuD6Na9L0MXBQDFxu1TmyuMSU7CdSyicmoxGOVhSIYumkqxt7C1MxLviT3LOh7kZwC1IgnqqAfn1JQqoi4YoRd0eiNiLCK/s320/IMG_20210914_094036051.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grand finale<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIGNi7ttKhmI0DlLlgyLUmvsOW1iRJSytfWrFTxUYbrXH9wq3up8EUhyphenhyphenJkIzqCDj5yWyuWkgQFHBRRNUNGdBnk1gz6QW6G_wa8qbJVbjYZiZcHRlaLMNZ9rnM84QPN2qospSK4FHnDos4B/s3259/IMG_20210826_074942885.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3259" data-original-width="2710" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIGNi7ttKhmI0DlLlgyLUmvsOW1iRJSytfWrFTxUYbrXH9wq3up8EUhyphenhyphenJkIzqCDj5yWyuWkgQFHBRRNUNGdBnk1gz6QW6G_wa8qbJVbjYZiZcHRlaLMNZ9rnM84QPN2qospSK4FHnDos4B/s320/IMG_20210826_074942885.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Meg, our quilting cat<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br />Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07011857577709241535noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-659210899076492988.post-47650693768910087272021-08-14T09:42:00.004-05:002021-08-14T09:42:50.841-05:00Growing Older with Sewing Machines<p> Many people ask where I find my sewing machines and I usually tell them I troll Craigslist, resell shops, trade-in, and new friends in sewing. Lately I've been the recipient of machines and sewing supplies from those who can no longer sew due to failing eyesight, physical limitations, and moving to a care facility. I first reported on finding an Elna Quilting Queen in the post <a href="https://smmavin.blogspot.com/2021/05/queen-for-day.html">Queen for a Day</a> where failing eyesight forced the owner to sell her very fine sewing machine. I continue to use this machine and I'm considering keeping it.</p><p>About a month ago I answered an ad about sewing supplies in a storage shed and got in touch with a gentleman whom I met at a nearby storage facility. This all sounds a bit sketchy but we met in broad daylight and I sent a quick text to one of my daughters to tell her where I was and what I was doing just in case I was never heard from again. No joke: I take precautions whenever necessary. As it turned out, I got to look through the boxes and decide which ones to haul home and which ones I could not use and it was only one flat fee. Here's where it gets sweet: the owner had a trailer and would bring them right to my house. Deal! Instead of the 15 boxes he thought were available, I ended up with 24 boxes and still left file cabinets of patterns behind. He told the story of his mother and how she made doll clothes and was way deep into crafts. She died over a year ago and those boxes had been stored for at least ten years and they were ready to clear them out. I actually love a project like this so I got busy and sorted through the boxes and made piles: sell, keep, Textile Center Garage Sale, garbage. I found some nice books, zippers, seam roll, tailors ham and point board, quilting grids, cool fabric, fabric paint, and so many other sewing items. <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVAc94z65PisoP8yP07KaFVKCHs9QHCBsxeHgJdYM594IzgFCsIInl1TeaxnDKiRuwb45A5M71KEP48Zy8Daj25kpVp9qnxjAkM7Vc0TVb2UG_Ak2QbJakBGadbNDaoZVCw84UMmJIjY25/s1080/boxes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="810" data-original-width="1080" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVAc94z65PisoP8yP07KaFVKCHs9QHCBsxeHgJdYM594IzgFCsIInl1TeaxnDKiRuwb45A5M71KEP48Zy8Daj25kpVp9qnxjAkM7Vc0TVb2UG_Ak2QbJakBGadbNDaoZVCw84UMmJIjY25/s320/boxes.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">That's a lot of sorting!<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>One of the most amazing things was a whole bolt of white terrycloth that was dirty and stained on the top folded edge. I serged the cut edges, sprayed the stains, soaked in hot water with a detergent booster, and washed it up. It turned out fantastic! That's 12 yards of decent quality fabric for stuffed animals, bibs, robes, or whatever I can dream up. My sister Sue always comes up with great ideas so I frequently tap into her creative mind for additional uses.</p><p>Just this week I answered an ad for a giveaway of a serger and other sewing supplies. I met a sweet woman who was moving to a different apartment in a senior center and knew she needed to really get serious about what she should keep and find a new home for unused items. Due to an ongoing shoulder problem she could no longer sew and was clearing out her sewing room. I was to get a dress form,<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixmZ-Jl8nyCVtb23smm2AmYnIKasVUicQIeyDt196UuKC-6Kh0-UWazasbXLFsEKJzcq_LvKCqt1vqqUSYl_TNxREfFfwLO-jdHlnyJ5I1DD3x4wI9lVHwjo-lceprS9jdXIJtN_DjxKzH/s4032/IMG_20210814_090045878.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixmZ-Jl8nyCVtb23smm2AmYnIKasVUicQIeyDt196UuKC-6Kh0-UWazasbXLFsEKJzcq_LvKCqt1vqqUSYl_TNxREfFfwLO-jdHlnyJ5I1DD3x4wI9lVHwjo-lceprS9jdXIJtN_DjxKzH/s320/IMG_20210814_090045878.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dress Form<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /> Elna serger in a Koala cabinet, various sewing supplies, and an office chair. While we tried to figure out how to get everything on a flatbed cart, I spied her Janome sewing machine and asked if she was selling it also. She was but had no offers so I bought it from her, including two lights and the table it was on.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDM1V-LKynUvs9v4FZwaFlJRlnszdHsrIaYjtGWZltFFkUwJyafW5sliQQJK7xwVE8eplxg_aj_VCSBswMcS37-YsewmxFM9L2alDG6X3FfFZJAZK9jG_ePsFP3zjlz3AwJ19zEtT2Ev94/s4032/IMG_20210814_090055844.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDM1V-LKynUvs9v4FZwaFlJRlnszdHsrIaYjtGWZltFFkUwJyafW5sliQQJK7xwVE8eplxg_aj_VCSBswMcS37-YsewmxFM9L2alDG6X3FfFZJAZK9jG_ePsFP3zjlz3AwJ19zEtT2Ev94/s320/IMG_20210814_090055844.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Janome Skyline S3<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /> I brought home quite the haul, including some fantastic fabric that was high quality and rather recently bought. <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixUBJicCCjEEl4_quGj_ujz_el148ZXQKYkdbjzJOaR6QFmnZ2cOdh27ijxXN_J3Vj8hpzZrF16QdkCZL5Avm5WMvtzcjZHDJGVt6ecG7m_C8CW8z6kACt3WmkJOy0uqY0Qz2o0MlnFCFv/s3123/IMG_20210814_090238977.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1351" data-original-width="3123" height="138" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixUBJicCCjEEl4_quGj_ujz_el148ZXQKYkdbjzJOaR6QFmnZ2cOdh27ijxXN_J3Vj8hpzZrF16QdkCZL5Avm5WMvtzcjZHDJGVt6ecG7m_C8CW8z6kACt3WmkJOy0uqY0Qz2o0MlnFCFv/s320/IMG_20210814_090238977.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fabric waiting to be sewn up<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br />While we boxed and chatted, I told her about my sewing life and she said she was glad to know her items were going to be put to good use. What a sweet woman and one I could learn some life lessons from.</p><p>During all of this we got a new shed that included a cement pad so our yard is a wreck with beaten down grass and no rain to bring it back to life but no rain also meant all of the work was done on time. With help from a daughter and grandson, it has now received two coats of paint and is ready for an electrician to install a line. My husband helped our neighbor build a ramp (thanks, Bob!) so we are almost finished. Will sewing machines find their way into the shed? Stay tuned to the further adventures of the Sewing Machine Mavin.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEcUKVZ5OKo37x8_pYNXuVAcQjPzEpsGQfsoxMh53pwyLSnoX6rCbDY9lX5KOXz4uInGNlRT9Z0TFLcrGhNe4Tz4PnY_jK61Vqvkx2sgju_qFVBXQjvPQHr_UVa5WNxHNbYgVgm6ZEuPK7/s4032/IMG_20210814_091217153_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEcUKVZ5OKo37x8_pYNXuVAcQjPzEpsGQfsoxMh53pwyLSnoX6rCbDY9lX5KOXz4uInGNlRT9Z0TFLcrGhNe4Tz4PnY_jK61Vqvkx2sgju_qFVBXQjvPQHr_UVa5WNxHNbYgVgm6ZEuPK7/s320/IMG_20210814_091217153_HDR.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New shed<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /></p>Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07011857577709241535noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-659210899076492988.post-18118502223812479812021-06-28T08:43:00.000-05:002021-06-28T08:43:01.225-05:00Are You Ready?<p> It's been a busy time here, getting ready for a garage sale as well as buying and restoring sewing machines (and sewing). Although I've had sewing machine garage sales where I put out thirty to forty sewing machines and sergers, this time it's just a garage sale except there were three tables of fabric and three or four tables of jewelry. You read that right: jewelry. Along with hot mitts, towels, ironing board covers, and a whole lot of other sewn items, my craft fair booth has included tables of my husbands collection of jewelry for sale. Scouring garage sales, thrift stores, and antique shops, he collected quite a bit of vintage jewelry, some to refashion, some to clean up, as well as supplies to make new earrings, bracelets, and necklaces. Although he did fairly well, by now he was tired of those boxes taking up space and making him feel guilty for losing interest in this hobby. He decided to sell it all at a garage sale so we plunged into those boxes and priced everything for sale at about 90% off of our original asking price. Although it took a whole weekend and many other nights, we got it all done. Here's what it looked like when we took photos for the ad:</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnJehQgvH1M-3zJhPq1_j6avTzw0rr76hRKL2e1Tg3QlmmzgueEaXFvnhOvqYG-pYavPLCyf7ZhVip5g34ryr64BmeQS6-ibABCWryq9zAU0Rt1b4ksSYUb3oVuE8aUaVzv6dY8jEtp4Lh/s4032/IMG_20210609_114156381.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnJehQgvH1M-3zJhPq1_j6avTzw0rr76hRKL2e1Tg3QlmmzgueEaXFvnhOvqYG-pYavPLCyf7ZhVip5g34ryr64BmeQS6-ibABCWryq9zAU0Rt1b4ksSYUb3oVuE8aUaVzv6dY8jEtp4Lh/s320/IMG_20210609_114156381.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Table full of jewelry!<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh209hM2mlOsrUaCijPcXQ8Hc0NeQBwaMaSYaroGrgxdrwM9HM1cPWVLZasGOUtZvYzuF7HCLdyfh-mpac0zUEq7CODGWfy3bu4i_d2QPyHkJeWNlrdHuedEBh0Bn7skx9c5QnDYd8qZbu1/s4032/IMG_20210609_114209638.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh209hM2mlOsrUaCijPcXQ8Hc0NeQBwaMaSYaroGrgxdrwM9HM1cPWVLZasGOUtZvYzuF7HCLdyfh-mpac0zUEq7CODGWfy3bu4i_d2QPyHkJeWNlrdHuedEBh0Bn7skx9c5QnDYd8qZbu1/s320/IMG_20210609_114209638.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jewelry making supplies<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEBH9qD2kRRuc9EJnb7bKr2c89pTVulKq8F5mdsM_S9WsatsoNbe-TFDOzpDNcFjAADXVX6Kaij8XOneWoADWB0RZcE7xHfrQC4wc7hVU13TPCrvcDDhkc-CY3ZYcODH_eTT0vybWGt72w/s4032/IMG_20210609_114132803.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEBH9qD2kRRuc9EJnb7bKr2c89pTVulKq8F5mdsM_S9WsatsoNbe-TFDOzpDNcFjAADXVX6Kaij8XOneWoADWB0RZcE7xHfrQC4wc7hVU13TPCrvcDDhkc-CY3ZYcODH_eTT0vybWGt72w/s320/IMG_20210609_114132803.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Table full and waiting to be taken out to the driveway<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br />Along with the jewelry, I went through bin after bin of fabric to remove anything I knew I wasn't going to use. It wasn't as difficult as I thought it would be and rather cathartic. There were pieces I ended up with as part of a package deal that I had not picked out myself and really didn't even have any money into them, fake fur from fifty years ago (no kidding), and vintage linen left over from my collection that I was not going to use. It all was measured and priced, put in plastic bags, for a huge amount of sale fabric. <p></p><p>It was a heat warning day when we opened up, vowing to close at 3 pm when the heat would peak. On that first day we sold as much as the next two days combined despite the heat. All of the jewelry making supplies were sold and about half of the jewelry, same as the fabric bundles. It was great but we planned on having the sale two weekends in a row and our stock looks pretty weak in comparison to when we started. We can't/won't produce more jewelry but I can keep going through fabric bins to see what else might be sold. Yes, there were bins that didn't get sorted yet so I have more work to do!</p><p>While this was going on I continue to buy sewing machines and have a few that are pretty nifty: Singer 201, some plastic Singers, two Montgomery Wards machines, White sergers, and the best of all, a Singer 1200. I loved the 1200 I bought last year and was sorry to see it go so when my husband and I stopped at a thrift store on senior discount Tuesday and spied this lovely, it came home with us. Unfortunately, it started to emit a thin stream of white smoke from the motor so I knew it was going to need to be rewired. Following Rain's series of blog posts on <a href="http://vssmb.blogspot.com/2012/01/complete-how-to-re-wire-potted-motor.html" target="_blank">How to Rewire a Potted Motor</a>, I'm almost done but it has been quite a job. As it turns out, this motor had been rewired previously so it didn't seem like it was going to respond well to another attempt. Since I had another Singer 201 potted motor in a machine with terrible cosmetic flaws, I was able to exchange parts between machines to ensure at least one would be safe and working. </p><p>When putting it all back together, I noticed the 1200 had some electrical tape on the controller box, what is used as a foot controller in this model. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-QS0_iWYhdcmG5pW7YgzjwNot4-dB9U6K0iJwP6x56eW0b6gNomCixNv3eZFt67j3Q5PyXDnCPVPB64XRMADyWgQBiDFBbV-UdWdx76DWnnbeDt6XyKoZbxMRf4-qtaIZCGWBFjnnV29O/s4032/IMG_20210613_082743008.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-QS0_iWYhdcmG5pW7YgzjwNot4-dB9U6K0iJwP6x56eW0b6gNomCixNv3eZFt67j3Q5PyXDnCPVPB64XRMADyWgQBiDFBbV-UdWdx76DWnnbeDt6XyKoZbxMRf4-qtaIZCGWBFjnnV29O/s320/IMG_20210613_082743008.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inside of the controller box and wiring<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>It was easy to rewire the controller, no splicing needed but now much safer:<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVdZUz8F8HQPxG0-Eb0xjd9A0hOqJ8L8uIfFODnP3J8WVimb_XmqSdihzOaxUBO0yLqqiE3Zp61_9RXxYl_Elx8lGOnhVucoruoZDL2cmw2nk19kkR4XerTp9UfEnraBJxKbQpTzl4-Qcs/s4032/IMG_20210613_085946053.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVdZUz8F8HQPxG0-Eb0xjd9A0hOqJ8L8uIfFODnP3J8WVimb_XmqSdihzOaxUBO0yLqqiE3Zp61_9RXxYl_Elx8lGOnhVucoruoZDL2cmw2nk19kkR4XerTp9UfEnraBJxKbQpTzl4-Qcs/s320/IMG_20210613_085946053.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New wire added, ready to be installed<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p>It continued to smoke and the motor was hot to touch so something was still wrong. After much reading about the possible problems, I ended up taking a motor from another 201-2. This time it worked great except that foot peddle wasn't as responsive so it would keep stitching even when I removed my foot. More adjustments but this is minor and I'm happily sewing on it now out in the garage.</p><p>It's swimsuit season and I've stitched up six so far: two for each the nieces in Michigan and one for each of my granddaughters. I got carried away with the nieces and not only made the suits but also tote bags with their names:<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJr0KC0bXQc7eg4eAQC7-fjpdC16-TjmwUtPCVnUfqNfXq2X4g9JDfO7XBZmNQxcrD1WgdwKKweq6UXAaXxdpHFowHLPtxsSjQCnJRT4rrskK9psCoHMxrlmiLzNqjp3UopJdR-IMBASwP/s4032/IMG_20210519_112601436.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJr0KC0bXQc7eg4eAQC7-fjpdC16-TjmwUtPCVnUfqNfXq2X4g9JDfO7XBZmNQxcrD1WgdwKKweq6UXAaXxdpHFowHLPtxsSjQCnJRT4rrskK9psCoHMxrlmiLzNqjp3UopJdR-IMBASwP/s320/IMG_20210519_112601436.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Suits and tote bag for Frannie<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh-zX9UDSWZD7E14gLpI3FxTkChv22pM_K4HKAInST1VYCB2qUQi77vniZIfoBf1GDNooUca6rFeJ50lWFzFoV9cODGwyt_HKAgUTyA3xOl4PifOCqYXZwkvUUqjcaMiugV2rko3D-KUVE/s4032/IMG_20210519_112757111.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh-zX9UDSWZD7E14gLpI3FxTkChv22pM_K4HKAInST1VYCB2qUQi77vniZIfoBf1GDNooUca6rFeJ50lWFzFoV9cODGwyt_HKAgUTyA3xOl4PifOCqYXZwkvUUqjcaMiugV2rko3D-KUVE/s320/IMG_20210519_112757111.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Suits and tote bag for Vivi<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br />Both girls are on swim team and have to wear regulation swimsuits but for when they are home in their own pool they can have "fashion" suits. I loved making them up, making them feel special. My niece said they loved them and I even got thank you cards.</p><p>Which machine did I use? My Bernina 1100DA serger, of course, but this time I bought a new toy for it to play with: an elasticator foot. It was my hope that it would make sewing on the elastic in the swimsuits five openings easier but there was a learning curve that almost made me want to give up. Even though you feed the elastic into the foot and there is a tension dial, you still need to figure out how much tension you should add when the elastic is in your hands. This enabled me to add more tension on the back of the leg openings and less on the front of the legs. By the time I was done with the four suits I was getting the hang of it. The next two suits were for my granddaughters and it was much easier<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwXWZcrGEmZDmdwVnqlQTLF4zzYJKvzKk5QtJdnpEumQOU6HCFsqI8DP1mXMX0SfAngSqtkubleP1CHoJdq7KsaephbDt01m4idm3IxT8hi8rxcJ7M87bKYgtswNyPZJ06IQdewbECOa4s/s2592/image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2592" data-original-width="1944" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwXWZcrGEmZDmdwVnqlQTLF4zzYJKvzKk5QtJdnpEumQOU6HCFsqI8DP1mXMX0SfAngSqtkubleP1CHoJdq7KsaephbDt01m4idm3IxT8hi8rxcJ7M87bKYgtswNyPZJ06IQdewbECOa4s/s320/image.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Evelyn's dinosaur swimsuit<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br />That's enough for now and I hope to continue writing about sewing machines and my adventures with them but for now I'm just enjoying sewing with all the different machines. Who wouldn't?<br /><br /></p><p></p>Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07011857577709241535noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-659210899076492988.post-30241457745811195372021-05-12T09:21:00.004-05:002021-05-12T09:21:58.476-05:00Queen for a Day<p> When I was a small tyke, my mom used to plunk me down in front of the 12" TV and turn on a favorite show to keep me busy. We hadn't heard about limiting screen time back then! One show I remember was Queen for a Day where several potential winners would tell the host their problem(s) in hopes of being chosen and winning all of the prizes. The one with the best story would be named Queen for a Day and would be shown all of her wonderful prizes that usually included kitchen appliances, washer and dryer, maybe a vacation or a new car. I loved seeing all of the prizes but it also made me sad because the other contestants still had their problems and went home with some consolation prize. This post is going to show you how I'm not only a Queen for a Day but every day because I found an Elna Quilting Queen Pro 7300 sewing machine.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbep7wADbWYsNqsCxLHSMr3IjfZA85TuNbFW_uGnDnRvbDrZ_C7SkJLx3KBnr9EPAugivt9ml6O_E_hK32jmaL4wkda850e3ekzrk1CBMOv_DFKF2wduUmkeCivjT2clJZi4grHxLzRQD5/s4032/IMG_20210403_151445_01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbep7wADbWYsNqsCxLHSMr3IjfZA85TuNbFW_uGnDnRvbDrZ_C7SkJLx3KBnr9EPAugivt9ml6O_E_hK32jmaL4wkda850e3ekzrk1CBMOv_DFKF2wduUmkeCivjT2clJZi4grHxLzRQD5/s320/IMG_20210403_151445_01.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elna Quilting Queen Pro 7300<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>The first project I used it on was my sister's blue quilt and I couldn't have been happier. Although it has a large table to help with those bigger projects, I set it up on my dining table so there would be even more room for the quilt. The extension table had a large chunk broken off the front but I used white duct tape and made it smooth and usable again. <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyyr6ZEfNQrpPVFqinQpJ9XChp9T0C0VcmNVUR2Vd1n35qQn1HGnKCWzl_iOYV-A42U9o0nD49v3LO9bTwJ7li8gRwkJIVqDvYBQ-phIxaq4SpR7IeD2bkmQMAWxO_f5di9dqfm5b5cpbo/s3314/IMG_20210512_090201154.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3314" data-original-width="2753" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyyr6ZEfNQrpPVFqinQpJ9XChp9T0C0VcmNVUR2Vd1n35qQn1HGnKCWzl_iOYV-A42U9o0nD49v3LO9bTwJ7li8gRwkJIVqDvYBQ-phIxaq4SpR7IeD2bkmQMAWxO_f5di9dqfm5b5cpbo/s320/IMG_20210512_090201154.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Extension table mended<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br />There are so many features but I'll list my favorite ones, or at least those I have discovered.</p><p>Needle threader: so many sewing machines have this handy feature and they work for the most part but the Elna QQ does a better job than most. Very few are foolproof!</p><p>Thread cutter: my only other experience with this feature is my Viking Designer I and it's a bit touchy. This machine makes a rather loud sound as it is engaged but it works <i><b>every time. </b></i>Enough said.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC7iL7VTQslCE_jOzOJFVAIJnOkfY2-Js6caPDRSyrgAodz88pRWrocHswgSerDoOvqN51abautBD7ZfZOP0JsWpzU07OxiFkJ7RFs7SM4wvWFqQj5hEjSXv_qcrgtXAhNmdVl-QxZswqW/s4032/IMG_20210512_090003944.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC7iL7VTQslCE_jOzOJFVAIJnOkfY2-Js6caPDRSyrgAodz88pRWrocHswgSerDoOvqN51abautBD7ZfZOP0JsWpzU07OxiFkJ7RFs7SM4wvWFqQj5hEjSXv_qcrgtXAhNmdVl-QxZswqW/s320/IMG_20210512_090003944.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Handy features<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>Presser foot lift: there is a knee lever for this feature that I can't use on the table it now rests on (lever catches on the table's front trim) but it works fine on the right surface.</p><p>Stitch chart: I usually find these things annoying but even though it's fairly large I pull it out of the tote bag and peruse it from time to time. How nice to see all of the stitches at once!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOcCU9EDz2WpbSbD2eR8r5sEgaFTg1MPmXHqZg9C-ybVLp_XdrQrdgMw6gRPHDVnMOxMjp8wEvDKRi8acaWCTtKeHm5EH8rLVz0sja0pI5mOufmoQkEygMfmpNzsi0Otjq5DlHKqk-of_t/s3547/IMG_20210512_090041229.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3547" data-original-width="2912" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOcCU9EDz2WpbSbD2eR8r5sEgaFTg1MPmXHqZg9C-ybVLp_XdrQrdgMw6gRPHDVnMOxMjp8wEvDKRi8acaWCTtKeHm5EH8rLVz0sja0pI5mOufmoQkEygMfmpNzsi0Otjq5DlHKqk-of_t/s320/IMG_20210512_090041229.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stitch selection chart<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>Presser feet: these are the snap on variety but work just fine and it came with a fairly large variety. The narrow hemmer worked fine yesterday.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiDDucdnmRH6RfVCab6pYQ9QsBYbBIVPwAPcywNEI6jQN3neXj_GjVFzEVCVvoY7ytapdplUWwh_Um70IC3VnGBlbTiaul8mbp6t19Elh5avRQqAAwdO-AZ_dVDOnzRY1MHwZ7bniLuknd/s3346/IMG_20210512_085525431.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3346" data-original-width="1644" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiDDucdnmRH6RfVCab6pYQ9QsBYbBIVPwAPcywNEI6jQN3neXj_GjVFzEVCVvoY7ytapdplUWwh_Um70IC3VnGBlbTiaul8mbp6t19Elh5avRQqAAwdO-AZ_dVDOnzRY1MHwZ7bniLuknd/s320/IMG_20210512_085525431.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Presser feet of excellent quality<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>Bobbin winder: place the empty spool on the winder, thread it up, push a button on the screen, it's done. Seems like less fuss than some, winds a nice tight bobbin.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg20FIzKyLtMacPNk5vZ3SFlJVA3YXh09RDWCOdL0LzM6PAzdJrrw7KfArakhqFGV4cr9DXpEzlhVwPxrRzsTFoIMRWcPEe7MyjeLTt0va1odJROymygNHXABkyJ8BSNpRumXEUXq0cIGLk/s4032/IMG_20210512_085957265.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2718" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg20FIzKyLtMacPNk5vZ3SFlJVA3YXh09RDWCOdL0LzM6PAzdJrrw7KfArakhqFGV4cr9DXpEzlhVwPxrRzsTFoIMRWcPEe7MyjeLTt0va1odJROymygNHXABkyJ8BSNpRumXEUXq0cIGLk/s320/IMG_20210512_085957265.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bobbin winding with the push of a button<br /></td></tr></tbody></table> and finally, the even feed foot: it's really the best reason to own this machine. Just like the Pfaff IDT, this is just one foot that locks into place and is a built in walking foot: first photo shows lever<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI89VedSbQ04kEzFlNUwL8tBmuXIHAN8M6ImKn76rasSJh-vj1Dep91twuQ3SkeTrWDgEVMStVjb6xZQ32amk3Yuzt7IlY5B_T0mo8qwOOQC7gyO2CZdZl8ufLKt8DJY7_rljzyS7unwne/s4032/IMG_20210512_085935906.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI89VedSbQ04kEzFlNUwL8tBmuXIHAN8M6ImKn76rasSJh-vj1Dep91twuQ3SkeTrWDgEVMStVjb6xZQ32amk3Yuzt7IlY5B_T0mo8qwOOQC7gyO2CZdZl8ufLKt8DJY7_rljzyS7unwne/s320/IMG_20210512_085935906.jpg" /> </a></td><td style="text-align: center;"> </td><td style="text-align: center;"> </td><td style="text-align: center;"> </td><td style="text-align: center;"> </td><td style="text-align: center;"> </td><td style="text-align: center;"> </td><td style="text-align: center;"> </td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg30nABj8gOoWTZy2kak_BEdfcYyFaqSfbePjDVt56WUoSrbKvnWaRxIF1wnPPBqsg7LEKVg478FrPmKQ8TyQF3qxNgQOylTrgnMg-w_7dAF-k3XU9PO66m3TXhYMShqI-zqhyphenhyphenEaq4zj5ER/s4032/IMG_20210512_085942541.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg30nABj8gOoWTZy2kak_BEdfcYyFaqSfbePjDVt56WUoSrbKvnWaRxIF1wnPPBqsg7LEKVg478FrPmKQ8TyQF3qxNgQOylTrgnMg-w_7dAF-k3XU9PO66m3TXhYMShqI-zqhyphenhyphenEaq4zj5ER/s320/IMG_20210512_085942541.jpg" /></a></div>Even feet foot engaged<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table>The Elna Quilting Queen Pro is designed for quilting but it can still be used for garment sewing and home dec but note there is no free arm option, something that is always handy. I still managed to sew up swimsuits, capri pants, and shirts in the past few weeks so I'm not missing it too much. I hate to say it but this might have to live with me for quite awhile until I slink back to my D1. It will certainly be mad at me for my defection. I always say you need more than one sewing machine since some perform better than others at certain tasks but the Elna 7300 has won my heart for now.<br /></p><br /><p><br /></p>Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07011857577709241535noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-659210899076492988.post-54705050025690860292021-05-03T10:42:00.000-05:002021-05-03T10:42:13.058-05:00Chenille Quilting<p> More quilting has been going on, the machines are piling up, and we are heading into a warm season. You know what that means: everyone is outdoors and not thinking about sewing. I guess I need to find a way to store these beauties until 1. it gets hot enough to drive us indoors to an air conditioned room or 2. it turns cold, as in winter. Since I finished the big project of my sister Sue's quilt, I looked over my projects-in-waiting and saw the laundry basket full of flannel. Last Christmas I knit each grandchild a pair of slippers and put them in a bag with their name. That was a pretty big hit so this year I'm going to take on making each one a pair of pajama pants. My quilting sister, Jane, did this last year for her family so I'm going to try that out this year especially since I have so much time if I start now. Since they are growing kids I better not actually sew them up now but I am looking through my patterns and matching up flannel with the kids in question. Even after finding eleven different pieces, all big enough for pj pants, I still have a very large amount of flannel left. What uses up a ton of flannel (that doesn't even have to match) in one or two quilts? Making a chenille quilt.</p><p>You can make your own "chenille" by stacking fabrics, stitching channels on the bias, cutting open the top pieces of fabric, then washing and drying to create the fluffy ridges like the old chenille bedspreads. After Googling for ideas on how to assemble these blocks into a quilt, I found an idea of using printed fabric panels to make the chenille. It dawned on me that I did have panels to use up so I dug out a Christmas set and a wolf set and got started on the wolves.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaDJRH__1zH5UsRmMYHKwWCzXZsNkh2f4pAEu8F7hhLcxjoqM-OBsa1HUGR_KFjywUS1_kcAuzmMTl9KtNuKwJEQp4HuWUif-vY0qBoVzfMYlgwMqgiV-w16Dq_DJoer67YsUoBaeZiU-h/s4032/IMG_20210425_161625938.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaDJRH__1zH5UsRmMYHKwWCzXZsNkh2f4pAEu8F7hhLcxjoqM-OBsa1HUGR_KFjywUS1_kcAuzmMTl9KtNuKwJEQp4HuWUif-vY0qBoVzfMYlgwMqgiV-w16Dq_DJoer67YsUoBaeZiU-h/s320/IMG_20210425_161625938.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wolf block, stacked with channels stitched<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>I conveniently had twelve panels, six of each pose, so I could make a quilt of four blocks. each block consisted of three panels carefully stacked to match, with a bottom fabric that would face the opposite way and would be the back of the quilt. There was a large piece of tan printed flannel I could use so I stacked, sewed in channels about a half inch apart, then cut the top two open with a chenille cutter. The bottom two layers are not cut since they are foundation pieces of the quilt. I did have a chenille cutter that I wrote about in <a href="https://smmavin.blogspot.com/2020/02/chenille-maker.html" target="_blank">Chenille Maker</a> but over time and a bit of frustration I found a sharp pair of scissors worked better for me. I also found it was better to sew each line of stitches as a single row, not turning the piece around and heading in the opposite direction (as shown in the photo above) since you would have to cut through those turning stitches at the end. The perfect machine for this project was the Elna Pro Quilter 7300, a new purchase I have not regretted. It has the built-in walking foot to keep all of those layers from moving and the thread cutting feature was perfect.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCQWKsLobFiF5LLkxaSffxuj8BEpqePR97qLxzO-RDLfeED0T1X7fbtInxjFk8zY98Wr7yykMIg6FqXtNBXD3V3F4Ov_DfLITwcR08OC54K4DZVkS_hMsQXximqLcB6Y7HYdebA3DFibix/s4032/IMG_20210403_151445_01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCQWKsLobFiF5LLkxaSffxuj8BEpqePR97qLxzO-RDLfeED0T1X7fbtInxjFk8zY98Wr7yykMIg6FqXtNBXD3V3F4Ov_DfLITwcR08OC54K4DZVkS_hMsQXximqLcB6Y7HYdebA3DFibix/s320/IMG_20210403_151445_01.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elna Pro Quilting Queen 7300<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br />After making the four 15" blocks I could see this wasn't going to add up to much for size but what to use for sashing to expand and connect the blocks was a big question. The blocks were already four layers of fabric thick with the backing fabric on them so I needed to create more of the same for the strips between the quilt blocks. I found fabric that coordinated well, meant for another project but not used, layering top print, two solid color layers under it with flannel on the bottom with the right side facing out. Since I ran out of the printed flannel used on the wolf blocks I had to find something that would coordinate: black flannel to the rescue! I made up 8" wide strips in the right lengths, sewing the channels, cutting open, washing and drying, trimming to 7" wide strips and sewing onto the wolf blocks<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvqtMXxj_soJrufu6tWrdUHV23bFGSTGuWx58gGPL1fBrJjqA5vAQ7K7c00Y4gfXqCXFliYw06pbvfIFDx35DAkRqyMLK-Sxsej3WURd2FCenXyYeIizZaKQEiG-y3AkjPfZYi8repCdY8/s4032/IMG_20210428_221219912.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvqtMXxj_soJrufu6tWrdUHV23bFGSTGuWx58gGPL1fBrJjqA5vAQ7K7c00Y4gfXqCXFliYw06pbvfIFDx35DAkRqyMLK-Sxsej3WURd2FCenXyYeIizZaKQEiG-y3AkjPfZYi8repCdY8/s320/IMG_20210428_221219912.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sewing the chenille sections together<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>This could be really messy as I barely had enough of the finished section to sew together without cutting everything down again. Then I found out on the last pieces I put through the wash and dry routine had sections I forgot to cut!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8JMH-kpW9YAE6612Io9UiuZBw9apr97aRPq-VBJ0O4qrYefaB63R9oAOeI9-1W9q00dZP9M74SXObt9gZezWvwOo8Po9RcDOgmMALxtV3VqFaHUNKSXUQy5PEkX2qTwkHx5jMECQLhT1o/s3248/IMG_20210428_221219912%257E2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3248" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8JMH-kpW9YAE6612Io9UiuZBw9apr97aRPq-VBJ0O4qrYefaB63R9oAOeI9-1W9q00dZP9M74SXObt9gZezWvwOo8Po9RcDOgmMALxtV3VqFaHUNKSXUQy5PEkX2qTwkHx5jMECQLhT1o/s320/IMG_20210428_221219912%257E2.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The before and after of the chenille process<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br />When it was all assembled, black flannel binding added, I had to put it through the wash again and this time it all came back fluffed out:<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT7xwfW8MLvvjwcpNceXeVd1IJ7DFqmymzZuDxuyJ68rvcIkcnep6KdvmyHFf9osOVv5bs4R-mHoAtLjmK-z0DdaWZejnETr-0ogZnwTaqPvV0zRUgMy3plypt-mlS8nVx3EZVQSYDVg2E/s3024/IMG_20210503_101859211.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2723" data-original-width="3024" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT7xwfW8MLvvjwcpNceXeVd1IJ7DFqmymzZuDxuyJ68rvcIkcnep6KdvmyHFf9osOVv5bs4R-mHoAtLjmK-z0DdaWZejnETr-0ogZnwTaqPvV0zRUgMy3plypt-mlS8nVx3EZVQSYDVg2E/s320/IMG_20210503_101859211.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Quilt front, above, back below<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinc5ykD1uELH_AgnWUjCHhcySYncVS0Dh9P09QXSUq7sYOV6QgCbuVGP1KkpLWHN6X157kvro64sTIcaulhpLzC89rgNGKfnAWT_U8PNW23xtj0lAk4kPM2JIoYfGmKDIpyoHSJ8uZNz7z/s2775/IMG_20210503_101921636.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2405" data-original-width="2775" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinc5ykD1uELH_AgnWUjCHhcySYncVS0Dh9P09QXSUq7sYOV6QgCbuVGP1KkpLWHN6X157kvro64sTIcaulhpLzC89rgNGKfnAWT_U8PNW23xtj0lAk4kPM2JIoYfGmKDIpyoHSJ8uZNz7z/s320/IMG_20210503_101921636.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container"</tbody></table></p>After each washing I needed to cut off extra threads but this final washing was really final with most of it already trimmed and ready to go. It feels somewhat heavy and might make a nice lap quilt but since it's 50" square it's not tiny either. I had a great time making this quilt and have another one with the Christmas fabric in the planning stages. Remember how this started out as a flannel project? I only used flannel on the back so I still have that basket full. I did cut out 8" squares and have them sorted into potential quilts and that can be half the battle. Now I've had enough of quilts and I'm working on sewing up some clothing for the summer weather that is coming soon, we hope. Minnesota, my adopted state, has stunning summers but she does make you beg for them!<br /><br /><br /><p></p>Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07011857577709241535noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-659210899076492988.post-37832634153860660752021-04-28T10:04:00.005-05:002021-04-29T08:12:57.996-05:00She's Not Blue<p>Today is the day I've been waiting for: the quilt I made for my sister Sue is being delivered. This quilt was truly a labor of love: love for my sister and love for quilting. Last spring, during shut down, I made a quilt for my sister Mindy. It wasn't a big plan, just a bundle of quilting fabrics I bought from a quilting friend for $3 that I managed to put together into a pleasing pattern. I liked it, quilted it with her name in it, and sent it off. It was more of a whim than anything but this time I wanted to make a quilt that was more of a custom order, just what the recipient would want. </p><p>Finding a bundle of blue quilt fabric at the Goodwill Outlet (I always seem to find these great bargains), I brought them home, washed, and set them aside while I contemplated their use. Over time I finally thought about Sue's love of the color blue so maybe I would make her a blue quilt. Checking out quilt patterns, I fell in love with Triple Barnstar quilt pattern by Amy Gibson</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxL-P6BW4JiZ20bGqOwvN40rEUKqkBtWd9vW3FwcB31SlHWeZTpH5JzO3W4eJ5ZEHvwgcSFow3z9pYnS3ivdD8JiJLRrVZBkk3F51BN7JjwCKcG1IeyyhaHTpkesi7HpUQHc2jlVEXnG9k/s3277/IMG_20210428_090732661.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3277" data-original-width="2317" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxL-P6BW4JiZ20bGqOwvN40rEUKqkBtWd9vW3FwcB31SlHWeZTpH5JzO3W4eJ5ZEHvwgcSFow3z9pYnS3ivdD8JiJLRrVZBkk3F51BN7JjwCKcG1IeyyhaHTpkesi7HpUQHc2jlVEXnG9k/s320/IMG_20210428_090732661.jpg" /></a></div>and thought it fit with my sisters decor also. I sent her a photo of the pattern and a stack of fabrics to see how she liked them and if she would like a quilt like this. It was an enthusiastic YES so I got started. The cutting and piecing went together very fast, maybe due to the rather large size of the pieces, and I used my Singer 66 Red Eye treadle for the piecing. I can't explain why but I like to piece on the treadle!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKdh2De_1ZuwEdxrVxfkP8gfzZrHDti25ssG5XbmtetARJV6VInspSHKWpEuPIvYgzYafw8VkwRnqadOHDJbEA2I_0DUC5x-NAwGEzfU0AGL0xBUqL8lEf6eoz6dA6Vo4HepBYaSGAlUeG/s4032/IMG_20210320_115551885.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKdh2De_1ZuwEdxrVxfkP8gfzZrHDti25ssG5XbmtetARJV6VInspSHKWpEuPIvYgzYafw8VkwRnqadOHDJbEA2I_0DUC5x-NAwGEzfU0AGL0xBUqL8lEf6eoz6dA6Vo4HepBYaSGAlUeG/s320/IMG_20210320_115551885.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spread out on the bed: looking good<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>This photo was before sewing it together and it seemed okay; I sent this photo to my quilting daughter, Kelly, and she also liked it. Here it is spread out on the porch floor<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpE6eIKfy1gxD5ASLlNfA8KhmPCXy_ojWInAoSBnkPSklGaRNC242sTwbCIFENaw_Cum16blMSJ84qlyhZV2pPB454Ip8r2UOwgKkP7LfPh0qAAI7lIuygy9iwuUrUhNIjpdUgflOvIaiM/s3374/IMG_20210322_151101236_HDR.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3374" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpE6eIKfy1gxD5ASLlNfA8KhmPCXy_ojWInAoSBnkPSklGaRNC242sTwbCIFENaw_Cum16blMSJ84qlyhZV2pPB454Ip8r2UOwgKkP7LfPh0qAAI7lIuygy9iwuUrUhNIjpdUgflOvIaiM/s320/IMG_20210322_151101236_HDR.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In full view, top pieced and sewn together.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>I shared this photo with several people and all were fine with it. I added the row of four stars at the top and bottom so it was bigger and better able to fit on a queen sized bed, the requested size. By now I hope you have found the flaw in my assembly. Take a good look at the corners: the two on the right are facing out (correct) and the two on the left are not. Of course, I didn't discover this until I was way too far into the free motion quilting to make the change. I guess this just shows how "unique" this quilt really is!<p></p><p>Next up was the quilting and I spent many hours trying to figure out what to quilt where. After learning more from online quilting sessions, I wanted to highlight the white spaces and let the blue fabrics have a supporting role. Once I figured out what to quilt where on a quarter of the quilt, it was easy to repeat the patterns on the next quarter and the next until I was all done. It has a star theme:</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg378qx91bBGWJl9225Aj5uIbiLm4GbclcoxS0mm5yRXvcapyHOXYnYccEBNK5Q4mmHgU_8Bjehy0MILdv5_OSru-q560hxnEQOuSZOANV3-zKrEuzVDcbkZRZYl-juANlTflLmfbcNJAN_/s4032/IMG_20210415_163731666.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg378qx91bBGWJl9225Aj5uIbiLm4GbclcoxS0mm5yRXvcapyHOXYnYccEBNK5Q4mmHgU_8Bjehy0MILdv5_OSru-q560hxnEQOuSZOANV3-zKrEuzVDcbkZRZYl-juANlTflLmfbcNJAN_/s320/IMG_20210415_163731666.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Large white spaces with stars and fill<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br />This gets difficult to describe but I made three star templates that I then used to trace out the stars and then use a fill of meandering loops. Some spaces have scallops in large or small proportions, there are other sections that have been divided into quarters for looped lines. Well, you get the idea. I loved how the final wide white border turned out with packed leaves and it was fun to do, too. <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwdxsdZSwSERAsTOJiMbqTPxr54IPJvGUrfI8-H82mv4ZhSMS81Dj4IAPbwoLw4KnUUbm8oh_r5Oyu_bcqQ6j340Ix9eN4gP2VBggBH_QUCV4JYY-0yOT5IRe7BKo0DhymNqSekeiWveuA/s4032/IMG_20210421_190725481.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwdxsdZSwSERAsTOJiMbqTPxr54IPJvGUrfI8-H82mv4ZhSMS81Dj4IAPbwoLw4KnUUbm8oh_r5Oyu_bcqQ6j340Ix9eN4gP2VBggBH_QUCV4JYY-0yOT5IRe7BKo0DhymNqSekeiWveuA/s320/IMG_20210421_190725481.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wide border before binding<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>Which sewing machine did I use? It's a new-to-me Elna Quilting Queen 7300 that I just picked up in the last month and is she a beauty!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAGfxFswXAmhnRuDcajkz2mU4PupLDIzPQjnYgS_Xyy9Flaty43LU7yQC7QLFrxRp-Qrghobsz2iqcGhm7XgnimEsHJ_JhgW_G0USKZLKtsmAYiK1g_PJwLuXzeiYGH5uuu2lwhK5IO0uh/s4032/IMG_20210403_151445_01.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAGfxFswXAmhnRuDcajkz2mU4PupLDIzPQjnYgS_Xyy9Flaty43LU7yQC7QLFrxRp-Qrghobsz2iqcGhm7XgnimEsHJ_JhgW_G0USKZLKtsmAYiK1g_PJwLuXzeiYGH5uuu2lwhK5IO0uh/s320/IMG_20210403_151445_01.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elna Quilting Queen 7300<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>I knew it would be a good machine and it was a very good deal but I didn't know I was going to use it for this quilt but it has some very perfect features. The free motion was made so much easier, I love the thread cutting (it's better than my Viking Designer 1), bobbin winding was super easy, the presser foot can pull way up and lock in place to get the bulk of the quilt under the foot, it came with a large table to help support the weight of the quilt, and it was just fun! I did have to watch my tension and when I forgot I ended up taking out three sections and quilting them again. It could be my new main machine but we shall see. Much to my surprise, it also has a built in walking foot that I used for the binding:<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLWO9oybpiuX6bpVaSBRWkadCZZ6jf8kj_XWWbQtoDAn8I_zl7rzCvexKFwdJjsZOwbsPjEPUk0jkTkYS3PqI4d-SXRH8ohkUAedjBHKuXczbdFATNy8uEVkoqQH3lIGwG285GB_UTjPv2/s4032/IMG_20210421_233507049.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLWO9oybpiuX6bpVaSBRWkadCZZ6jf8kj_XWWbQtoDAn8I_zl7rzCvexKFwdJjsZOwbsPjEPUk0jkTkYS3PqI4d-SXRH8ohkUAedjBHKuXczbdFATNy8uEVkoqQH3lIGwG285GB_UTjPv2/s320/IMG_20210421_233507049.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Walking foot on Elna 7300<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br />It was just like the Pfaff IDT where it pulls down from the back of the presser foot and locks in place. I'm using it now for a chenille quilt and it's just perfect, keeping the fabric from sliding out of alignment. Finally, I made up a label using a Singer Quantum XL400 embroidery machine:<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw0H8hh3n4J38JSlHBWHHlbb_t3MFIvnnVNo8CZLIzflNmvQ5dWJO04SYCRf0Slwa5UrXLSiCFmwbuRMdTSwn__p1xhFWjSxhL0DS-Dxu4ZKl1SaLk1_nm7M2uXr6IhqP-bzw6H9ANXhNt/s4032/IMG_20210424_200452456.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw0H8hh3n4J38JSlHBWHHlbb_t3MFIvnnVNo8CZLIzflNmvQ5dWJO04SYCRf0Slwa5UrXLSiCFmwbuRMdTSwn__p1xhFWjSxhL0DS-Dxu4ZKl1SaLk1_nm7M2uXr6IhqP-bzw6H9ANXhNt/s320/IMG_20210424_200452456.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Label on the back corner<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>I took the quilt to church and my daughter's house for better chance on getting the whole quilt into a photograph so here's the final result:<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXzDrGEXOVI0q3-JlTCx77-YnO6-OdlTTBIIAYg7NgSBFFjwhsu3vHzSIkE3jL99bfmQZK0wp0PtxMdPYeLAjyZ9VBrzhO6hs0TEerB9pM1qKW1dOB56ub0dkMb0ZQRJz4ym-WTV2ca2bq/s1977/1619399192220.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1977" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXzDrGEXOVI0q3-JlTCx77-YnO6-OdlTTBIIAYg7NgSBFFjwhsu3vHzSIkE3jL99bfmQZK0wp0PtxMdPYeLAjyZ9VBrzhO6hs0TEerB9pM1qKW1dOB56ub0dkMb0ZQRJz4ym-WTV2ca2bq/s320/1619399192220.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Triple Barnstar in blue with added stars<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p>It's out for delivery today and I can't wait until she gets it because she knows how much labor is involved and how much I love her. The flaws and errors? It just shows that it wasn't made on a machine but was quilted at home just for her. </p><p>UPDATE:</p><p>Sue got her package on Wednesday so we had a long phone conversation at night: she loves it! Just so you can see it in her home, here is a photo she sent:<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtejznUwX1-ScFMXRC1PoGLQ0Y2IxGjbNhHJ6kK5WeGFrDLQQNDWKHuj8s30eOTRsy31r8NxdN7fxPt96AMsO13-ecFIsCbj3bBAY5IifX8B-tzcV2tn9CzdD3WctlML717yxRwpgACtLe/s400/Sues-quilt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="300" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtejznUwX1-ScFMXRC1PoGLQ0Y2IxGjbNhHJ6kK5WeGFrDLQQNDWKHuj8s30eOTRsy31r8NxdN7fxPt96AMsO13-ecFIsCbj3bBAY5IifX8B-tzcV2tn9CzdD3WctlML717yxRwpgACtLe/s320/Sues-quilt.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Triple Barnstar in blue for Sue<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></p><p></p>Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07011857577709241535noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-659210899076492988.post-13144179216236881222021-04-19T08:34:00.001-05:002021-04-19T08:34:36.860-05:00Cheaper By The Dozen<p>Editiors note: sorry for the long delay in finishing up this post. I always want to include more photos but while I'm thinking about it I'm cleaning up and putting them away. I'll try harder "next time" <br /></p><p>When it rains it pours and sewing machines have started to pile up here in Minnesota. It started with an offer to buy six sewing machines from a young woman who wanted to start a business in sewing high end clothing. She traveled the world buying fabric, renting a space to work and store supplies but then things took a turn and she decided to go back to school instead. Not only was she selling off all of the fabric, she had six very nice sewing machines for sale: two Bernina's, two Elna's, a Brother and a Signature dedicated to buttonholes. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDp9VHH1npyOt_mcrxfbtO0x3w2K4POVbLR3j1UkfUfMoU7t2ONu6E3SBqlSJZm8OnrHAmk6WJm5wmTdwNz7Z_9JZeqt9scZkdUyzMgJKp6G9oPCKEOPEc1YMEQUoBAvuAs2Tzyu7B6Off/s3706/IMG_20210318_132430221.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2486" data-original-width="3706" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDp9VHH1npyOt_mcrxfbtO0x3w2K4POVbLR3j1UkfUfMoU7t2ONu6E3SBqlSJZm8OnrHAmk6WJm5wmTdwNz7Z_9JZeqt9scZkdUyzMgJKp6G9oPCKEOPEc1YMEQUoBAvuAs2Tzyu7B6Off/s320/IMG_20210318_132430221.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brother CS 100<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWSDQ-qX7Con6I7rtjs0Km3gQX3BqtPUh4vqScxFzCcjaVQjgCMXpVm3FB3H_iPbz170TNFWl1MI3vJSJWWDY34WOwFdaIlU1ndLV6AothcEFN1kq19-nEmTD4d-NIeqdf_3ImCe35Ng9s/s4032/IMG_20210318_134440816.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWSDQ-qX7Con6I7rtjs0Km3gQX3BqtPUh4vqScxFzCcjaVQjgCMXpVm3FB3H_iPbz170TNFWl1MI3vJSJWWDY34WOwFdaIlU1ndLV6AothcEFN1kq19-nEmTD4d-NIeqdf_3ImCe35Ng9s/s320/IMG_20210318_134440816.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Signature ZigZag<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br />We made arrangements and I picked them up a couple weeks ago. While there I could see how much fabric she had and it was overwhelming and a bit reassuring: I don't have that much fabric! I should have brought my husband along so he could see how fortunate he is that my fabric collection is much smaller! My sewing daughter and I went to her "bundle" sale last weekend, vowing we were just going to look but we each managed to spend $42 for some pretty nice fabric.<br /><p></p><p>How about those machines: they seemed to be very complete with cases and accessories so I got own to cleaning and checking them out. The Elna 8000 was very complete and in good shape but the Elna 9000/Diva is missing the spool pin and doesn't have the extra vertical pin either. That got ordered and in the meantime I tried out all of the cassettes for more stitches, something only the Diva has, not the 8000. Don't let anyone tell you the 8000 and the 9000 are the same because they are clearly not.</p><p>The Berninas were also great with accessories and cases. Just a little loving care was needed and I think one might already be going out the door. The Brother CS-100 did sell right away to a grandmother who is teaching her granddaughter to sew, something I heartily approve of! The only one left is the Signature that came with a Singer buttonhole attachment, use solely for making buttonholes. They do work up very nice buttonholes! Here's my bundle of fabrics I brought back from my second visit that includes the stretch velvet, leather like fabric, a nice dress fabric, and some scraps that I couldn't resist for only $1.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFi1yNPevQRi5vDtkbE6udzR-8qsfCu-aUpAHfaVEZeMYH1UJw8hi-3jtXzb6aalobufK-YyhA-iOC76pANBKONOikkR4p_gUERsgBHySi5F3v0TMdyRgq7qJ1iv5lYLztmIzPJ98Ilk5r/s3442/IMG_20210406_075405643.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="3442" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFi1yNPevQRi5vDtkbE6udzR-8qsfCu-aUpAHfaVEZeMYH1UJw8hi-3jtXzb6aalobufK-YyhA-iOC76pANBKONOikkR4p_gUERsgBHySi5F3v0TMdyRgq7qJ1iv5lYLztmIzPJ98Ilk5r/s320/IMG_20210406_075405643.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From knits to leather, I can't wait to sew them up!<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></p><p>While I was busy with this group of machines I answered an ad for a set of four machines up in Lindstrom so off we went. This was a much more rugged group that I suspect came from an auction. It included a Pfaff 77, Bernina 700, another Signature, and a Kenmore 158-19412. Unfortunately, the Pfaff 77 bit the dust early and I had to strip down for parts, the Bernina 700 has stitch width problems, and the Signature has a bad case of smelly case. The real winner here is the Kenmore: very dirty but working just fine. I spent some quality time with it and she's looking good, just needs a Kenmore case that I think might be in the garage attic. </p><p>Whew! But I wasn't finished. There's also a Singer 301 in a lovely table that included a full set of accessories and the cradle for easy lifting out of the machine from the table for transport. I'll have to tell you about the fabulous Elna Quilting Queen I picked up and even a New Home/Janome MyExcel 15S that works perfectly (and was free). Now I have to stop buying and need to get these sewing machines in shape so someone else can revel in their "new" machine as I have. Sew on!<br /></p>Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07011857577709241535noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-659210899076492988.post-22897519302369056612021-03-17T08:52:00.001-05:002021-03-17T08:52:40.294-05:00New and Old Loves<p> Sometimes I'm my own worst enemy. For example, I answered an ad for sweater mitten supplies. Sounds innocent enough, but I didn't get my questions answered, such as how many mittens are cut out (answer: many), is a pattern included (answer: there are free patterns online), and other questions that are pretty straightforward but the answers were dodgie. I went ahead and drove out to pick up a very large box of supplies from her husband who couldn't answer any questions but would take my money and help get it into my car. After getting home and sorting through the box, I ended up with supplies for only 9 pairs of mittens, wool that hadn't been washed yet, 2 skeins of cheap yarn, a stack of thin fleece, and a huge pile of scraps that went right into my garbage. Oh my, what have I gotten into? I found a better pattern online, used my own fleece and wool, and started to sew sweater mittens. I seemed to have gotten carried away because I now have 52 pairs of mittens all ready for the fall craft fairs. Maybe this didn't turn out so bad.</p><p>Because I wanted the mittens I made to be different and, hopefully, better than some I've seen, I decided to quilt the lower palm section and add leather to the upper palm. This proved to be a bit of a problem because the leather had a small amount of stretch so it kept expanding as I sewed and there would be a pucker at the end. Then I remembered the Pfaff IDT, their version of a built in walking foot. This time I decided to get even more strategic by anchoring the leather onto the palm by using a spray used by quilters to hold the many layers of fabric together before sewing without using pins or basting. Between the spray basting and the walking foot/IDT, they went together like a breeze. I didn't put leather on all of the palms, just a selection, but all of the lower palms were quilted. I'm pleased with the end result and can now put this project away until fall when I'll add some in a child's size. Craft fairs: here we come!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfIF_K8GKkWonzmkjaOKg_ex2LskJO7LgGE95NLHo17aEapgi9bNqRfjNaNdMxf6TVVDEA9HiwGYWjH-3bqhN7ipAA2iqSRxqCKkCYfjhQ-3bo6JUIfiwexDtGMQnE7TA4rglNHgn0GOFv/s1024/20210317_082229-COLLAGE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="1024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfIF_K8GKkWonzmkjaOKg_ex2LskJO7LgGE95NLHo17aEapgi9bNqRfjNaNdMxf6TVVDEA9HiwGYWjH-3bqhN7ipAA2iqSRxqCKkCYfjhQ-3bo6JUIfiwexDtGMQnE7TA4rglNHgn0GOFv/s320/20210317_082229-COLLAGE.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wool and fleece mittens with fleece lining.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></p><p>Vintage linen continues to haunt me so I cut out a series of circles for my zipper cases to hold ear buds or anything else you might need a small holder for. I had great fun cutting them out but knew I would need to purchase extra zippers. Loving the look of lace zippers, I ordered an assortment package as well as regular all white zippers and went to town:<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUmjZQ8jhBB2ukRIj6nZJ6tMIhKL2_gX1j2V2aqKdtiRVcpWSa7CuihTnf9RQ7rpJW9IJCJTpLsPQLCAyvXCP0q45A22iMX_7biwEs6h0qo82Ar_FirFQ6_EwnP6xzz2MTdAxLPCnM3g8a/s3372/IMG_20210306_120203013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2936" data-original-width="3372" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUmjZQ8jhBB2ukRIj6nZJ6tMIhKL2_gX1j2V2aqKdtiRVcpWSa7CuihTnf9RQ7rpJW9IJCJTpLsPQLCAyvXCP0q45A22iMX_7biwEs6h0qo82Ar_FirFQ6_EwnP6xzz2MTdAxLPCnM3g8a/s320/IMG_20210306_120203013.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Zipper pouches in vintage linen<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>They are fun to do, no special machine needed this time, but I made up over forty! Plans are being made to make some for kids but for now I need a break. Before I leave the vintage linen projects, here's one more:<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVwDmLUODXgjP9_6caInoO2RyGJDeTE4cvy5V4UXilytKJ8NDDK094T5jhZ3-308B3nZg7ir97JO0J9TcnRK3C9z9l6ckjeTuQSW4XH9_Z21YQKClKOtch7A5O43s9W3nyhCBYNJTbUS7Z/s3487/original_48b3f46d-0f5e-410d-97b7-93c4e6e5f568_IMG_20210228_132547157.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2977" data-original-width="3487" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVwDmLUODXgjP9_6caInoO2RyGJDeTE4cvy5V4UXilytKJ8NDDK094T5jhZ3-308B3nZg7ir97JO0J9TcnRK3C9z9l6ckjeTuQSW4XH9_Z21YQKClKOtch7A5O43s9W3nyhCBYNJTbUS7Z/s320/original_48b3f46d-0f5e-410d-97b7-93c4e6e5f568_IMG_20210228_132547157.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fortune tellers<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>I saw this idea last year and now put it into action: linen napkins were starched using liquid starch so there are more like light cardboard, folded, and written on with a Micron pen. Did you make these with paper in school? Inside are little sayings like "You are my sunshine" and "When I count my blessings I count you twice" as well as some famous quotes. There were easy to make and are just a bit more sophisticated in the vintage linen. Now I have twenty of these to add to the craft fair stock.</p><p>And finally, something not sewn, I've made up my own shoes:<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRmF5cRoGBtfxbYsS_VfmFRvOJC-7VSH2O8Jq0hVgIYuOoZ9GAyZso1X9qIwOR54iEIXTOTn25CWrN-JybNZ9j8HqyQiZFOQzEB9uCGQAlqGh1eg9sGmo5eRXeoAlSvOwPL3Za-5bRQes4/s1778/IMG_20210310_223437318.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1778" data-original-width="1662" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRmF5cRoGBtfxbYsS_VfmFRvOJC-7VSH2O8Jq0hVgIYuOoZ9GAyZso1X9qIwOR54iEIXTOTn25CWrN-JybNZ9j8HqyQiZFOQzEB9uCGQAlqGh1eg9sGmo5eRXeoAlSvOwPL3Za-5bRQes4/s320/IMG_20210310_223437318.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crocheted summer shoes<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>I came across a<a href="https://makeanddocrew.com/free-crochet-slippers-pattern-flip-flops-sole/" target="_blank"> pattern</a> and decided this might be fun so I tracked down a pair of flip flops for the sole, punched holes for the crochet hook, and started picking up stitches:<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuKYWcZvTbmrvzI8SqcC5Nw2hyphenhyphenozEopbz47yHz0EWSW3CDUmgOO2fjZkeEBBwtgeOnc9Y6PfQn9oux3YYXcIIchhKTeiwEly1q9VXZMSzZm9Yyl-K5FD0zCRD0TrYat39G-t0fdVVyetBr/s4032/IMG_20210305_073955801.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuKYWcZvTbmrvzI8SqcC5Nw2hyphenhyphenozEopbz47yHz0EWSW3CDUmgOO2fjZkeEBBwtgeOnc9Y6PfQn9oux3YYXcIIchhKTeiwEly1q9VXZMSzZm9Yyl-K5FD0zCRD0TrYat39G-t0fdVVyetBr/s320/IMG_20210305_073955801.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Evenly spaced holes really helps<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>Although my first shoe looked good, it was too big and wouldn't stay on my foot. I made up the second one and this time I altered the pattern to decrease stitches after the third row and kept working at making my stitches tighter and smaller. Here's a comparison of the first and second shoes:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiDzlObenmS4nAqVi8kPWCn9PR3Y99IsN9FDrHHHS66WG6RxPVlWkw63UV8rZVSMcV6WnyLFSUt9WiGSRUuq753xoAftXdG26UejznaoDNSAsGj7E8UY9_bD0q7PVGfCi0ngggFPivXcAS/s2746/IMG_20210307_214059809%257E2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2746" data-original-width="2526" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiDzlObenmS4nAqVi8kPWCn9PR3Y99IsN9FDrHHHS66WG6RxPVlWkw63UV8rZVSMcV6WnyLFSUt9WiGSRUuq753xoAftXdG26UejznaoDNSAsGj7E8UY9_bD0q7PVGfCi0ngggFPivXcAS/s320/IMG_20210307_214059809%257E2.jpg" /></a></div><br />I wore them around the house the whole day and they were very comfortable. Next up, I'm looking for black flip flops, a color I find I'm wearing a lot and could use another pair for summer. Maybe I'll design my own this time instead of trying to adapt a pattern. A big thank you goes out to the Make and Do Crew for providing this pattern and good instructions.<p></p><p>I've been working on sewing machines, getting them ready for sale or admitting defeat and stripping for parts, when I came upon a Singer Quantum XL-6000 sewing and embroidery machine. This is a real top-of-the-line machine that sat on my shelf too long. I've been getting it ready for sale but find it is so sophisticated I have to sit down with the manual to set up each part. From the thread exchanger to the endless bobbin, it's way cool. <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKsUJA553hLwpIPyRq31Lhu9pn-Ih5QmvXtqYeXGHL0-uzjsv_M9j-T-2dpYXBqPDbkaEEQuaE0V_9BTv0xRJ4e4a7-JK_fN9mIDHI1QaGHO7P6xIdRFx2b1BXtUpaXdZpsOkw_zqOuIKr/s4032/IMG_20210315_160357796.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKsUJA553hLwpIPyRq31Lhu9pn-Ih5QmvXtqYeXGHL0-uzjsv_M9j-T-2dpYXBqPDbkaEEQuaE0V_9BTv0xRJ4e4a7-JK_fN9mIDHI1QaGHO7P6xIdRFx2b1BXtUpaXdZpsOkw_zqOuIKr/s320/IMG_20210315_160357796.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Singer Quantum XL-6000<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></p>Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07011857577709241535noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-659210899076492988.post-43522602889632696202021-02-27T09:17:00.001-06:002021-02-27T09:17:09.444-06:00Jelly Roll Rugs without the Jelly<p> It has been another busy week with sewing machines and sewing projects. You never know which sewing machines are going to be sought after until you run an ad and the phone rings off the hook. Actually, the phone never rang at all but I did have six people who got in touch with me via text and email who wanted a pink and dark gray Brother Select-O-Matic I advertised for sale. I've had eight of this model over the years and even kept one for myself but never have they been this popular. Due to the poor condition of the paint on the bed of the machine, I repainted it in November but then let it "cure" so there would be a nice hard finish when I was ready to sell it. First contact was from Susan, a repeat customer, so I was willing to hold it for her. Then came the other inquiries and I even managed to sell the same model in teal that was in even better condition but there was just something about the pink and gray finish that is irresistible. Here's hoping Susan is loving her Brother Select-O-Matic as much as I love mine.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX1b4-MgIyXL8CM_UHkmbuEYoMfaZGYOrxB0lBr5ktJXtMxkJ-6EXBNSuliFuCifGDCg7beccNCvuDHPZalHdZr4YHyoNANAya1ko0eXGNd_JkYbI8U4KvQyiqXRE6-mw3xcMRZi76po_R/s2339/IMG_20210207_101358028%257E2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1610" data-original-width="2339" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX1b4-MgIyXL8CM_UHkmbuEYoMfaZGYOrxB0lBr5ktJXtMxkJ-6EXBNSuliFuCifGDCg7beccNCvuDHPZalHdZr4YHyoNANAya1ko0eXGNd_JkYbI8U4KvQyiqXRE6-mw3xcMRZi76po_R/s320/IMG_20210207_101358028%257E2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brother Select-O-Matic in recovered case<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p>I have been intrigued by the jelly roll rugs, those easy to make rugs that use a set of strips 2.5" wide and 44" long that are rolled up and sold in a bundle called a jelly roll. As if that wasn't easy enough, they also have a roll of batting that is 2.5" wide, sold in rolls of 25 or 50 yards. I had been sitting on a 50 yard roll but didn't want to use one of the jelly rolls I had in my stash so I cut my own using the Simplicity cutter. Here it is with the strips I cut for my own rug:</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLIfyrC7RxkQSfzLsUdm4yLfF0ArXZWe45w-AEl-2XhbtMbwoL-3uCgFjDyaw9QkX_tlI_svqNxwFktZOKeuFZ9S-h6gfMrTdwFF3gfSwYVW-yPZiHe0-Z0w39oQpBAcNeUOGVqxzCLt8P/s4032/IMG_20210223_220902061.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLIfyrC7RxkQSfzLsUdm4yLfF0ArXZWe45w-AEl-2XhbtMbwoL-3uCgFjDyaw9QkX_tlI_svqNxwFktZOKeuFZ9S-h6gfMrTdwFF3gfSwYVW-yPZiHe0-Z0w39oQpBAcNeUOGVqxzCLt8P/s320/IMG_20210223_220902061.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Simplicity Rotary Cutting Machine</td></tr></tbody></table>The dandy little machine was purchased last fall at one of the Textile Center's sales for less than $10. I found out that the widest setting is exactly 2.5", perfect for the jelly roll rugs. It takes practice to hold the fabric steady so my strips weren't as precise as when using a hand held rotary cutter on a mat, but it was fast and good enough. I sewed all of the strips together and sat down to sew then up on an industrial Singer 31-15. That didn't go very well with much puckering and struggling to keep it straight. I needed a walking foot but that doesn't really exist for industrials since they would simply use a walking foot machine, not a different presser foot. Here I was, all ready to sew, without a walking foot machine.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitB-7nXklV3u5o0WHCQz-YRX9E8MFkJfXpgk-vFjak7TW192PKvacdK-9aAJjMZNadkQgAuFBQm-SlwKZVPn7rHM07DRUnUyJh7PzGryJodvXL7R81yC71f4IaJKb4-68jNsMuuV0ATo2Y/s2958/IMG_20210224_084729509.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2444" data-original-width="2958" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitB-7nXklV3u5o0WHCQz-YRX9E8MFkJfXpgk-vFjak7TW192PKvacdK-9aAJjMZNadkQgAuFBQm-SlwKZVPn7rHM07DRUnUyJh7PzGryJodvXL7R81yC71f4IaJKb4-68jNsMuuV0ATo2Y/s320/IMG_20210224_084729509.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Strips sewing together but need to add the strip of batting<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>Then it dawned on me: use a Pfaff with the IDT, their version of a built in walking foot. I pull out my Pfaff 1222, set it up on the kitchen table, and get to sewing:<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7_dxIVTuONWdw8gcmkPqYZGruLPXosYzm0UQs8pUzuZmeKASUn0kVQC0wUPuaswvkHu-o_EQKpR7MZ9-psDScqNZdX_pbo1HmOxLznIx6mqCv3LaHWDXs_cPImxe7NbzbxqV4zSgDvdJs/s4032/IMG_20210224_200453462.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7_dxIVTuONWdw8gcmkPqYZGruLPXosYzm0UQs8pUzuZmeKASUn0kVQC0wUPuaswvkHu-o_EQKpR7MZ9-psDScqNZdX_pbo1HmOxLznIx6mqCv3LaHWDXs_cPImxe7NbzbxqV4zSgDvdJs/s320/IMG_20210224_200453462.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here's 50 yards of tubing for a rug<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br />Would the Pfaff 1222 also be able to sew the strips together with a zigzag? Let's hope so. I added a plexiglass table for a larger work surface and found that to be very helpful. <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgupXoV2k54yxXfAnsxLPqdAhi_GJ_ZOfGl9JfpFXmKRD_rOBJPPLWQKqXAb7S2vGp73RtHQD927YOpnLgQaMH47u-p-YOnnFulnbwIYRmDUI-UH1Ynl7XlpDveExC9TpjO_7q3YZW_DDpp/s4032/IMG_20210225_135840608.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgupXoV2k54yxXfAnsxLPqdAhi_GJ_ZOfGl9JfpFXmKRD_rOBJPPLWQKqXAb7S2vGp73RtHQD927YOpnLgQaMH47u-p-YOnnFulnbwIYRmDUI-UH1Ynl7XlpDveExC9TpjO_7q3YZW_DDpp/s320/IMG_20210225_135840608.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pfaff 1222 with extension table<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br />Other suggestions were to press after a few rows and that was good advice, too. In the end, it turned out to my satisfaction and now resides at the porch exterior door:<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuN_AqRsnrjmwEyuQTHtBYM0gqR473_pOREsLLRf4G4Y45G2FeIm1bOPHyXDmKvabQoa55faU3afrvipesn0vNtrZHQiRcxMzlRBa6-pxBHZQE1WQdkDsQzyexP3mSwiF0ZUggv3tqcG_a/s2048/IMG_20210225_231245873.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuN_AqRsnrjmwEyuQTHtBYM0gqR473_pOREsLLRf4G4Y45G2FeIm1bOPHyXDmKvabQoa55faU3afrvipesn0vNtrZHQiRcxMzlRBa6-pxBHZQE1WQdkDsQzyexP3mSwiF0ZUggv3tqcG_a/s320/IMG_20210225_231245873.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My version of a jelly roll rug<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>This worked out so well I found/dug out a braided rug I was working on but could no longer use the Bernina 217 industrial due to a cracked needle plate. The Pfaff 1222 can sew up those braids, too!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfQDu9a7ZfO2fZ_ozBkgq62yntAbtQ_PGB8fPeyZI44V81DvBis7Dwm23jPwwHhnvVrX2e9nI6Ovql3RkuuDy4SQQAy0XuZkeMZMjUGhFLp_K0l0ZO2YtCABdzmAno9cYp-Q_05x6C67Ml/s2048/IMG_20210227_083554246.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1674" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfQDu9a7ZfO2fZ_ozBkgq62yntAbtQ_PGB8fPeyZI44V81DvBis7Dwm23jPwwHhnvVrX2e9nI6Ovql3RkuuDy4SQQAy0XuZkeMZMjUGhFLp_K0l0ZO2YtCABdzmAno9cYp-Q_05x6C67Ml/s320/IMG_20210227_083554246.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Waiting in the laundry room with 2 more rows to sew<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p>I'm not sure if this is going to end up in the camper or in the garage, but it has been an experiment.</p><p>With all of the interest in the Brother sewing machine these past two weeks keeping me busy, I had one machine returned. That's not quite right: it wasn't returned but given back when it was no longer needed. I wrote about it in <a href="https://smmavin.blogspot.com/2018/08/maintaining-good-will.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Maintaining Good Will</a> back in 2018, this interesting Singer Quantum CXL. The alphabet stitches were used to write the name of a nursing home resident right on his clothes, not a tag, so they would not get mixed up with others in the laundry. Sadly, the resident died and the machine was just sitting around so it was given back to me. It's a fine machine with much life left in it but no long can stitch in a multi-directional mode: I think the step motor is dying. I hope I can find a buyer who doesn't care about those stitches since it is still working fine for all of the other stitches. It even has a cut thread feature and a needle threader. There is a sewing machine for everyone!</p><p>Next up: ready for winter mittens? I can sew up a pair for you!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></p><p></p>Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07011857577709241535noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-659210899076492988.post-52348739105279517432021-02-14T14:32:00.002-06:002021-02-14T14:32:44.040-06:00Refashioning<p> I've become frustrated with a few sewing machines, only stitching backwards, won't stitch in fabric but makes perfect patterning on cam settings, sticky dials and insides, so after a few days of that I turned to sewing for an ego boost. While moving things around I found a bag of clothes I set aside because they were just too nice to toss and I hoped to bring them back to life as a different item. There were two men's shirts that I wanted to make into full aprons, not the half aprons I've made in the past, so I made up one as a sample<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjWbfeTFIKlS5XUYVQjaYK_na14yGuklGg0rpr0K9E9BrEOxX3nnEagfmfWrSfx_mxBLFhN9l9V1FXYK-MvM4i0wy0p57NmF5xaPamTRkVTIPPUVhL04Ve1m-btJoPxpuWajxZucfnzZei/s3008/IMG_20210214_102149998.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3008" data-original-width="2603" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjWbfeTFIKlS5XUYVQjaYK_na14yGuklGg0rpr0K9E9BrEOxX3nnEagfmfWrSfx_mxBLFhN9l9V1FXYK-MvM4i0wy0p57NmF5xaPamTRkVTIPPUVhL04Ve1m-btJoPxpuWajxZucfnzZei/s320/IMG_20210214_102149998.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Man's Shirt now a full sized apron<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>and I liked it but that's as far as it went.</p><p>There were two skirts with border prints that just begged to be made into little girl dresses so that was a great project. Using the following patterns</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg80WSQxx9iDF2KEZ8OiVniy1V7KCZQFC0YaEfdhjcqfVcqqK66Spdvch1S29Aa1acr5jYBpmtT0ObyWR-s9x8e4osb0zQoOaDcw7_A7CCdxptLaT1z6CQX4b222wKQ7i5RAwNnoaA2He03/s3703/IMG_20210214_102549713.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2864" data-original-width="3703" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg80WSQxx9iDF2KEZ8OiVniy1V7KCZQFC0YaEfdhjcqfVcqqK66Spdvch1S29Aa1acr5jYBpmtT0ObyWR-s9x8e4osb0zQoOaDcw7_A7CCdxptLaT1z6CQX4b222wKQ7i5RAwNnoaA2He03/s320/IMG_20210214_102549713.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>I used a blue skirt with a border pattern to make<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr70yWtNuAxUeYsFvlC3iGFoapCQer_5QTpDsFsz_e_xTCjTW7tcDAxbOWP9daWfegx6ZhU6z6PVT8p_wUFCaan986CGFK_Bi3ZKriQX5QhxSCIMjxrCtsDSnCjf9i97JBa8omt36tyj4Z/s4032/IMG_20210214_102424833.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr70yWtNuAxUeYsFvlC3iGFoapCQer_5QTpDsFsz_e_xTCjTW7tcDAxbOWP9daWfegx6ZhU6z6PVT8p_wUFCaan986CGFK_Bi3ZKriQX5QhxSCIMjxrCtsDSnCjf9i97JBa8omt36tyj4Z/s320/IMG_20210214_102424833.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Simplicity 1673, size 3<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br />but I didn't have enough for the neckline band. However, I did have some collars so when I combined them with a set for the front<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZs-3Uqv9IT65LI0MsxCrKvGwwVdv3jIskbGBVvnVLteXB0zCHnQExwpxYIGrJGyjJ6eJ8_J5u_9d-FIVo69NLWBmSy2CdC7AuhNOj5m9-OkD8j6ZHuo0noSd3n1rQCUBpHCTGGEPS6FQB/s4032/IMG_20210214_102434451.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZs-3Uqv9IT65LI0MsxCrKvGwwVdv3jIskbGBVvnVLteXB0zCHnQExwpxYIGrJGyjJ6eJ8_J5u_9d-FIVo69NLWBmSy2CdC7AuhNOj5m9-OkD8j6ZHuo0noSd3n1rQCUBpHCTGGEPS6FQB/s320/IMG_20210214_102434451.jpg" /></a></div><br />and another set at the back<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNdt6d55vJMoB349lDtrtpDrY2_9MFeWib5_Me9bO0CbL21yJ_Yp6U8paWAQHBf4v3GCCzyUcAruV-gKQMrAY8XCL-aIpQEvjuMvG-eUalu1P1qiVXksrth0wyOZ5bEhfGpyK_vcqu0ez4/s4032/IMG_20210214_102450544.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNdt6d55vJMoB349lDtrtpDrY2_9MFeWib5_Me9bO0CbL21yJ_Yp6U8paWAQHBf4v3GCCzyUcAruV-gKQMrAY8XCL-aIpQEvjuMvG-eUalu1P1qiVXksrth0wyOZ5bEhfGpyK_vcqu0ez4/s320/IMG_20210214_102450544.jpg" /></a></div>all I had to do was to sew them together at the shoulders. I did have to make up the neckband in white and laid the collar pieces on top but I think the collar shows off quite well. <p></p><p>Next up was a skirt I never wore but I bought because of the border print. Using McCalls 336 (2010), I made up this model</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirMzNUw4T0Pq6t3fxzLRT4WYxtayEdT-fB7SuZP5qNF0ZBNaNs6iewKWqPn6IOd4a59C9GqFnVF0w8m5cDrS50NwJJNr1xl8wriyVBve64VPiFeaKnbPeddCXLDpINe3mjs16LU3DcMu_0/s4032/IMG_20210214_102252511.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirMzNUw4T0Pq6t3fxzLRT4WYxtayEdT-fB7SuZP5qNF0ZBNaNs6iewKWqPn6IOd4a59C9GqFnVF0w8m5cDrS50NwJJNr1xl8wriyVBve64VPiFeaKnbPeddCXLDpINe3mjs16LU3DcMu_0/s320/IMG_20210214_102252511.jpg" /></a></div><br />adding the tie belt/sash because it seems quite wide! I also made the shoulder straps adjustable by using three buttonholes with fairly large buttons so they would look like decoration if they weren't all used due to the length needed. The straps seemed too thin for buttonholes so I added grosgrain ribbon on the back. As long as I had the ribbon out I added my granddaughter's name on it so now she can tell the front from the back<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL_nwgevv_ixgUf7nRzdAibxDitblxeQvDbUqz9zuDq9Cq567x853KscdJ0m9lBeeTZgBuuv7H9DVtS3iZ-wPwFlZ3XszEh_fgQJpdQ5Fh-wOx8dhEL_WTc56Bnqzv1v7RJKXheDXo6vp-/s4032/IMG_20210214_102403550.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL_nwgevv_ixgUf7nRzdAibxDitblxeQvDbUqz9zuDq9Cq567x853KscdJ0m9lBeeTZgBuuv7H9DVtS3iZ-wPwFlZ3XszEh_fgQJpdQ5Fh-wOx8dhEL_WTc56Bnqzv1v7RJKXheDXo6vp-/s320/IMG_20210214_102403550.jpg" /></a></div>The final refashion was a bridesmaid dress from Evelyn's mom. I said I would donate it to a free prom dress cause but it was just too old and not at all prom-like<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNGEeN1sT7riqhv5vjf0nev0E08Qve6_HlN-Wl9258dRGxWUmhI1e7R-J_VUWQE9kc46sQOgvTW0kwZuIErlAbQ7-AmTjm4iTPQK1aWS3_vFY-FUCuri8atSfUkVfPY4xdGI9gyA6cOHtR/s3682/IMG_20210210_154508614.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3682" data-original-width="1437" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNGEeN1sT7riqhv5vjf0nev0E08Qve6_HlN-Wl9258dRGxWUmhI1e7R-J_VUWQE9kc46sQOgvTW0kwZuIErlAbQ7-AmTjm4iTPQK1aWS3_vFY-FUCuri8atSfUkVfPY4xdGI9gyA6cOHtR/s320/IMG_20210210_154508614.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bridesmaid circa 2004</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br />I loved the dresses from Simplicity 5638 (2003), but the bridesmaid dress had a separate skirt, with gores, and a highly structured top, I wasn't sure this was going to work. But it did:<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzZQe7Vx3Zq_SHtmPaOz1qGLr-6zgGb35tUCDD8Ue1Nl57KHrwjAUkDhdea2IKLOF-8NOzbzfE-pFsKh5AW3419oROKCTZ4ZaVvAJYuzPDccn0Pjmn-GY5UA05Mtk1gcKhCzTPy8W-AbtV/s2787/IMG_20210213_115247684.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2787" data-original-width="1688" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzZQe7Vx3Zq_SHtmPaOz1qGLr-6zgGb35tUCDD8Ue1Nl57KHrwjAUkDhdea2IKLOF-8NOzbzfE-pFsKh5AW3419oROKCTZ4ZaVvAJYuzPDccn0Pjmn-GY5UA05Mtk1gcKhCzTPy8W-AbtV/s320/IMG_20210213_115247684.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Front</td></tr></tbody></table>I actually laid the front pattern piece right onto the front of the beaded bodice and cut from there. When it came to the back I did the same thing, especially since it was a separating zipper so I wanted to keep it in place as well as the row of buttons<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4m8PoemOZ0WvuJKu2_Y1oxpAails_iuoP-3ajtDJ_99xsu8CMTJApO_wFRrV0wedSxmZ-1wsFDy13P3Bu9E25v_hV7O8ijtLXilG0xb8u7LKgHtPQUEzFI8vEiHQes9IJ1Ui98keBONkC/s2786/IMG_20210213_115259833.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2786" data-original-width="1913" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4m8PoemOZ0WvuJKu2_Y1oxpAails_iuoP-3ajtDJ_99xsu8CMTJApO_wFRrV0wedSxmZ-1wsFDy13P3Bu9E25v_hV7O8ijtLXilG0xb8u7LKgHtPQUEzFI8vEiHQes9IJ1Ui98keBONkC/s320/IMG_20210213_115259833.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Back</td></tr></tbody></table>Because we live in the land of cold, I thought a little jacket might work out well and there was just enough fabric left over for a bolero type shown in the pattern<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_VgZ3ww8l0xqXrC_FxNnds0o3jqxpHbviO7CyKZ5UxH2kFYUgehtjd2kK7k-ToGZjMbu3084VVrhzMj9dtuwfvFddl4CKwCZCukND6CAf9w1yDj7k_15M7rwrnD5wNti0-QfbEco5KB7q/s3940/IMG_20210213_115225005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3940" data-original-width="2282" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_VgZ3ww8l0xqXrC_FxNnds0o3jqxpHbviO7CyKZ5UxH2kFYUgehtjd2kK7k-ToGZjMbu3084VVrhzMj9dtuwfvFddl4CKwCZCukND6CAf9w1yDj7k_15M7rwrnD5wNti0-QfbEco5KB7q/s320/IMG_20210213_115225005.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From bridesmaid to little maid<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>I struggled with all those gathers on the skirt and came to the conclusion bridal satin is not made to be gathered. I ended up taking it out and making pleats but it still seems to stick out even after pressing. Lesson learned but it was all for free! I didn't dare line the skirt but the bodice is fully lined. All three dresses were approved by Evelyn's mom and I loved the whole process. I honestly don't even care if she doesn't have the opportunity to wear such a fancy dress, I now know I can do it.<p></p><p>Sewing machines are awaiting and maybe now I can face their problems again but wait, I hear the call of winter mittens out of fleece and old sweaters that also want to be refashioned. Will it ever end? Let's hope not!<br /><br /><br /><br /> <br /><br /><br /></p>Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07011857577709241535noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-659210899076492988.post-74709410772428353462021-01-31T10:26:00.004-06:002021-01-31T10:26:30.330-06:00More Vintage Linen<p> Picking up on the last post about using tablecloths, I seem to be on a roll and can't stop sewing up those vintage linens. I went into a huge storage container at the bottom of the pile to see all of the linen I've collected. Some got washed, pressed, photographed, and made ready for my Etsy shop. Others had stains or even holes so I have earmarked them for porch pillows. I then worked on making summer tops out of two of them in better shape. Here's a very fancy top sheet that was probably never even used it was so pristine:<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia9d_TEuw1O6PDc8gFaogkLRvmqOcnucq73-_8cnNkmRkei8xqLMmUWxBC_znq5XR2ULnpPyZjupJM4TdS9mLq0InxCSVHy7p8jLF-5iA_IUiY74VjXadQXUES2cnPywVUeceMhYpdsKrI/s4032/IMG_20210117_140254240.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia9d_TEuw1O6PDc8gFaogkLRvmqOcnucq73-_8cnNkmRkei8xqLMmUWxBC_znq5XR2ULnpPyZjupJM4TdS9mLq0InxCSVHy7p8jLF-5iA_IUiY74VjXadQXUES2cnPywVUeceMhYpdsKrI/s320/IMG_20210117_140254240.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bed sheet?<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>The embroidery was only along one edge so that was my conclusion. I went with a sleeveless shirt pattern and put the fancy work at the bottom<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyky2cqFAfyD3tCFH1zLU8nvsVmuYP9L_kt7pc3JbKvG_oNNSHusXnREw9DuKJhexFj6xYT7Wa11xTmmoERL_dhAxY3BKscFn6YqJ04Je3XBS1Yo2XE3aGBnhmlfvkso4q1SrNjCiMYA27/s4032/IMG_20210131_095731958_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyky2cqFAfyD3tCFH1zLU8nvsVmuYP9L_kt7pc3JbKvG_oNNSHusXnREw9DuKJhexFj6xYT7Wa11xTmmoERL_dhAxY3BKscFn6YqJ04Je3XBS1Yo2XE3aGBnhmlfvkso4q1SrNjCiMYA27/s320/IMG_20210131_095731958_HDR.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Decorative edge extends on the back also<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>I like it but it seemed like it was a long way from the top of the decoration to the neckline so I added a row of stitches<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqzVlEtWJGj4ps6OmZTuUR1lNhCjGlJoeyPf-xPIsNG3zSQysl__0zDiw91HoyJ3RGXMDMTmJFuDFmS9GcBO5yiXsjt9MpXW4BuPmdWOsmNZVy5tqdo3ZplRekJnxwQCdIKfkYZNUqZ8N4/s2922/IMG_20210131_095750886_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2535" data-original-width="2922" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqzVlEtWJGj4ps6OmZTuUR1lNhCjGlJoeyPf-xPIsNG3zSQysl__0zDiw91HoyJ3RGXMDMTmJFuDFmS9GcBO5yiXsjt9MpXW4BuPmdWOsmNZVy5tqdo3ZplRekJnxwQCdIKfkYZNUqZ8N4/s320/IMG_20210131_095750886_HDR.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Embroidery stitches using light gray embroidery thread<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>What machine did I use for this nearly perfect stitch? My Bernina Record 730, of course. Now I'm happy with it. Next up was a cross stitch tablecloth that reminded me of a little shirt my daughter Kelly wore when she was only five years old. I didn't trust myself to make up a peasant blouse pattern although there are free ones online. Here's what I came up with using a commercial pattern:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglPDnd8AEUNBrA6PfzZRKGrDK84xUa0tOQ82pFi_208be8IabESxnUYYYlrttVNU6m7kb7s23YKhU0vLlGoI9ULZOFFxxu3fWdJ7bLbA2jnt-hzhXBq39yCu48dgXr_AhdSa_DcdaHG2yB/s4032/IMG_20210131_100626001_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglPDnd8AEUNBrA6PfzZRKGrDK84xUa0tOQ82pFi_208be8IabESxnUYYYlrttVNU6m7kb7s23YKhU0vLlGoI9ULZOFFxxu3fWdJ7bLbA2jnt-hzhXBq39yCu48dgXr_AhdSa_DcdaHG2yB/s320/IMG_20210131_100626001_HDR.jpg" /></a></div>I couldn't fit the long sleeves onto the tablecloth so I tried elbow length sleeves with the scalloped edge of the tablecloth at the bottom. It worked great so I went with that rolled hem edge for the hem of the shirt, too. As it turns out, not every serger can make a decent rolled hem (I tried three) and I finally had to pull out a Simplicity tiny three thread serger to get the best rolled hem. I leave that one set up for rolled hem only!<p></p><p>While looking for the sergers, I had to check out a shelf that had some old White treadle heads. I know I'm not going to be using them so I bit the bullet and listed all three for sale: I got two calls for buying all three! Dwayne came down yesterday and picked them up, telling me he refurbishes and sells them to the local Amish community. We then had a bit of discussion if I would have others without motors and I just might have to take him up on that. I would love to see some of these machines go to good homes and sometimes a motor is the only thing that holds them back. Dwayne might be my next best friend.</p><p>Everyone is sewing and buying sewing machines with cold weather and indoor activities at an all-time high. Some sell as soon as they get posted, other linger but are just as worthy. They are all my friends, but some just a little lower on the list. </p><p>Keep calm and sew on.<br /><br /><br /><br /></p>Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07011857577709241535noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-659210899076492988.post-25252967150334044482021-01-17T09:31:00.003-06:002021-01-17T09:31:45.089-06:00Tablecloth Magic<p> I would love to be able to pull a tablecloth out from under a full setting of dishes but I'm no magician. Instead, I've been busy with vintage tablecloths and finding new life for them as pillows. When I could no longer contain my personal collection of tablecloths, napkins, and placemats in the four large containers, I knew it was time for a clean out. Those I knew I was not going to use I sold in my Etsy shop but I had even more vintage linen in a huge Rubbermaid container. I dug down into that box and pulled out most of the tablecloths and then started to evaluate their worth. Only a few were worthy to sell and the rest were in various stages of disrepair. What can you do with stains that do not come out and holes worn through the fabric in others? I got busy and started to figure out which pieces were of usable size and what to make of them. First up was a rosy red tablecloth with four good corners so I pieced them together, added piping border<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDtIzT5e-ehG2dEhqW20zuf37IeVdEdgdaqJNcKRGY2pdFzoI7R8oFLO5Wc5rNVYQsblexy1OdpY0meMy3El7nPihPV-77D-vtcpOIcqFHbkY3J3El6MPLmkoJhO2_BwOclZrsHT90hM9s/s2792/IMG_20210117_083852887.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2512" data-original-width="2792" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDtIzT5e-ehG2dEhqW20zuf37IeVdEdgdaqJNcKRGY2pdFzoI7R8oFLO5Wc5rNVYQsblexy1OdpY0meMy3El7nPihPV-77D-vtcpOIcqFHbkY3J3El6MPLmkoJhO2_BwOclZrsHT90hM9s/s320/IMG_20210117_083852887.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Four corners red and teal tablecloth into pillow<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br />and pieced the rest of the salvageable tablecloth for the back.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3hV_QPxdL3hzj5NHsfMLxj2Xo5_qgW3uUNQf7L_YcDqRpCJQBDXBDI1Szy4BCPKTwhbuconIQVy3B5GjCJgVU3kPBu0MagJcUvWvUHFIAXjDsKkAIXtFZjzNzTtTc-3LKckIkKzoi_ue3/s3024/IMG_20210117_083904610.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="3024" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3hV_QPxdL3hzj5NHsfMLxj2Xo5_qgW3uUNQf7L_YcDqRpCJQBDXBDI1Szy4BCPKTwhbuconIQVy3B5GjCJgVU3kPBu0MagJcUvWvUHFIAXjDsKkAIXtFZjzNzTtTc-3LKckIkKzoi_ue3/s320/IMG_20210117_083904610.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's even pretty on the backside!<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>I got fancy and added an invisible zipper so it can be removed for washing. This one got a new pillow insert with the very last of the poly filling I had, encasing it in a new white cotton case. Could I do this with each one? Probably not.</p><p>Next up was a lovely green scalloped edged tablecloth that had no flaws except for some of the stitching coming undone on the scalloping. Thinking I had good luck with the four corners idea, I did the same<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitC0E1kiaVXf10ehB8fOPqjb11ZDNky2BbLciFeYN9kFRPjdv9puRQVxnWihzfglc0yC4dZEPuggrfh10ABwXDJA2u2A11_oIZ59kZm0csX65nFk8Bod-Z0SVa8TlYepIDaBZUpI-WzU7U/s3024/IMG_20210117_083942306.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2978" data-original-width="3024" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitC0E1kiaVXf10ehB8fOPqjb11ZDNky2BbLciFeYN9kFRPjdv9puRQVxnWihzfglc0yC4dZEPuggrfh10ABwXDJA2u2A11_oIZ59kZm0csX65nFk8Bod-Z0SVa8TlYepIDaBZUpI-WzU7U/s320/IMG_20210117_083942306.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Green scalloped edge with delicate flowers<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>for this pillow. Instead of the zipper insertion, I made an envelope pocket style of closing where one side of the back overlaps the other by at least six inches to allow the inserted pillow to be removed. I really liked this one but now I'm wondering where I'm going to put these two pillows.</p><p>The next two pillows just cried out for lace edging and did I ever have a stash of it to use up:<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2b90gcBQx1dTd3YAKIRul0M1snFZS9fWlWjTlVpxQNuT8ZpnhbgagV3GSHbgk1gzop45aDd1mJxYb2npYwVcH9BnHvbtGzYfPYJSb8uTvlyFskUrvZfviJa9Ag0FC7MDfTspNqSsZyzCx/s3737/IMG_20210117_084022817.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2153" data-original-width="3737" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2b90gcBQx1dTd3YAKIRul0M1snFZS9fWlWjTlVpxQNuT8ZpnhbgagV3GSHbgk1gzop45aDd1mJxYb2npYwVcH9BnHvbtGzYfPYJSb8uTvlyFskUrvZfviJa9Ag0FC7MDfTspNqSsZyzCx/s320/IMG_20210117_084022817.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Faced roses and lullaby land pillows</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table>The print was so delicate, maybe faded, on the teal and green tablecloth but there was enough to capture two sections for a pillow with a zipper for easy removal for washing. That little lavender gem was a tablecloth made out of what seems to be hankie linen so maybe it was not a tablecloth. Looking closely it appears to be a sailboat and looks like it belongs in the nursery. The front and back are the same on both of these lace trimmed pillows and by now I've exhausted my stash of pillow forms. What is left is a very large tablecloth and a couple bed pillows so that is what I made up:<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWbg5kn3hK5YX7_g9RM32qnRKKLHOsSxKBqXRzO1ZUlOiVYdHuqU9qL8KBzS3O8rkwQYChLeVVfYcML3RZnL7gJtgwEX1kxlZjAvZy-nS6uPUUyWq3ItyxOib8ZJ3fZfEvw-6r1T5a7KgN/s3858/IMG_20210117_084041305.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2693" data-original-width="3858" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWbg5kn3hK5YX7_g9RM32qnRKKLHOsSxKBqXRzO1ZUlOiVYdHuqU9qL8KBzS3O8rkwQYChLeVVfYcML3RZnL7gJtgwEX1kxlZjAvZy-nS6uPUUyWq3ItyxOib8ZJ3fZfEvw-6r1T5a7KgN/s320/IMG_20210117_084041305.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Full sized bed pillow with new blue and white casing<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br />For this one I found some thicker piping and there was enough fabric to make up my own matching piping. I used the envelope style of closing but added vintage buttons to keep it closed:<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPZYX-0ffCQIzJ7LEsniHJ4p0ZiXTbXUaDy02mKEHPBqdXoUq0wvOKfFXyDHE4_M-Hu6GmB7U5COtjGYwTjr5mXE8OwWA0dLQmPaMu72K2j_EbLomYK7Xj-pQP550i9bNLMocab5AXoPYc/s3547/IMG_20210117_084050646.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2678" data-original-width="3547" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPZYX-0ffCQIzJ7LEsniHJ4p0ZiXTbXUaDy02mKEHPBqdXoUq0wvOKfFXyDHE4_M-Hu6GmB7U5COtjGYwTjr5mXE8OwWA0dLQmPaMu72K2j_EbLomYK7Xj-pQP550i9bNLMocab5AXoPYc/s320/IMG_20210117_084050646.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Last section of this tablecloth on the back, buttons on right side<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br />I had already used a large piece of this tablecloth to cover my BIG iron board having read that tablecloths can make the best ironing board covers. I'll give it a try!</p><p>Now I have this great collection of vintage tablecloth pillows but where am I going to use them? Some would look nice in the porch for summer and others really wouldn't but I get another brainstorm. How about taking the dark quilt and pillows from the guest bedroom </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgodmH6ghbmIA2yV6dWl6eviM9sMRMNk9wHRHOJhVhvwvaMnSV6BnVCVRHEzHB_brbFvkASYIbcPpzCPE_XhLBXoUXFjMbbq4q4t2mJAvD5Q0SO22haV9BgFsHFTD-GyYfJapjhZb4noAX2/s4032/IMG_20210114_090044138%257E2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgodmH6ghbmIA2yV6dWl6eviM9sMRMNk9wHRHOJhVhvwvaMnSV6BnVCVRHEzHB_brbFvkASYIbcPpzCPE_XhLBXoUXFjMbbq4q4t2mJAvD5Q0SO22haV9BgFsHFTD-GyYfJapjhZb4noAX2/s320/IMG_20210114_090044138%257E2.jpg" /></a></div><br />and replacing them with the bright quilt my aunt made for me? Here's how it turned out:<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3Ca2g_C83RQ2c8Mm1oRouM9Y1LVcc0iaHvU6fojka7zw3Ho5uH_Cawa6g4aj1KI0CqRJqFYeY7gNLQPS6JrHeCX3tQMlsqLo0J5021i6hyskPJMtRduS8ce4R0b0-uEeG8g5FM_DO0RGL/s4032/IMG_20210114_090524644%257E3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3Ca2g_C83RQ2c8Mm1oRouM9Y1LVcc0iaHvU6fojka7zw3Ho5uH_Cawa6g4aj1KI0CqRJqFYeY7gNLQPS6JrHeCX3tQMlsqLo0J5021i6hyskPJMtRduS8ce4R0b0-uEeG8g5FM_DO0RGL/s320/IMG_20210114_090524644%257E3.jpg" /></a></div>It looks quite old fashioned with the metal trundle bed but I like the brighter look for the coming spring. The pillows look great with all of their colors, finding some of those shades in the quilt. My aunt hand quilted the whole thing! I've had it for 40 years so there's no sense in keeping it stored. although I did use it for several years as a bedspread when I first received it.<p></p><p>There are still more tablecloths left, some to be used for clothing, some for the remaining bed pillow in that bedroom, but I feel like I've made good use out of these worn out beauties. Their best parts are now on display and the rest is cut up for rags. I really hate to use paper towels so now I have a good stash of rags that might be used once, might be used and wash up but at least they are getting used.</p><p>Which sewing machine did I use? My Husqvarna Viking Designer 1, of course. I managed to repair the broken bobbin winder but in the process now the LCD display if a bit off so I'll have to investigate and see which part I jiggled lose but my bobbin winder is back! Sewing machine sales are still going on with another Bernina leaving midweek and a Viking Freesia 415 finding a new home yesterday. There are many happy sewers out there and I love to hear from them. How about you?<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></p>Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07011857577709241535noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-659210899076492988.post-32664884207484492832021-01-05T09:56:00.000-06:002021-01-05T09:56:03.489-06:00Getting Creative<p> With the best of intentions, I brought home a bag of "minky" scraps that were from a production of pillowcases. The factory cut the pillowcase fabric to size and it left long runs of 13" wide fabric. While I was working on an industrial sewing machine at Ellie's house last winter, she was cleaning up and asked if I wanted to take some of the scraps home to play around with. She packed up a bag with four colors of this fabric that reminds me less of minky and more like velour knit, reminiscent of velour shirts that were popular in the 1970's. During the early months of staying home last spring I pulled out the bag of scraps and decided to make up a quilt using a chevron pattern. What is mess! Every fresh cut edge made a whirlwind of fluff that sticks to everything: scissors, fabric, clothing, hands, machines, tables. I managed a few rows and then had to walk away from this project. Last week I found the bag of pieces and decided to either finish it up or throw it away.</p><p>I was now in a better frame of mind to tackle this type of fabric so I tried a few tricks others have suggested. Once cut, toss the pieces in the dryer to get the fluff off the edges. Use a sticky roller to keep fluff contained. Use a lint brush, the type that has a nap for using in only one direction (this seemed to work the best for me). Keep the vacuum cleaner nearby. Since I was almost half way done with the quilt top, I worked on it first but didn't know what size I cut the pieces. I measured and cut but they were too small but then decided since this is really a knit fabric I needed to allow extra for that flexibility. Here's how it started:<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiajEF19RZkpMKQO4mytKSQx9VXVI-voKH0YdtZlSI_NSFuvUYyUi98UxDS6JJfktQTVofcTw-YBvNdOj7Zk1Jls-YxPaqxSSm9eWt3NWyS5SrbZ2j7u5YOo4CwGFS9rOqtt4zJ1AqDBYeq/s4032/IMG_20201227_204502_01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiajEF19RZkpMKQO4mytKSQx9VXVI-voKH0YdtZlSI_NSFuvUYyUi98UxDS6JJfktQTVofcTw-YBvNdOj7Zk1Jls-YxPaqxSSm9eWt3NWyS5SrbZ2j7u5YOo4CwGFS9rOqtt4zJ1AqDBYeq/s320/IMG_20201227_204502_01.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">How many rows can I get away with?<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>Taking seams out so the points were more accurate was painful since I was using an elastic zigzag stitch but I tried to correct as many as I could but some were better than others. Which machine did I use? This called for a Pfaff with the IDT, their built in walking foot system. <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC6NPJmbWPRzmnpP5Dhyphenhyphenv7ZxvRSzduKK-xEqbeICyvJrxWdzzsfHBKoE4U6kGSoLrxOPDL0ZOsdvq7o7UC_ADsli7NJoUXG6_1ETbxbWHn-Iw1DeJR72lKYsZiFOy_skuIVuMC_hlzGU_Y/s2592/1609858987966.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1944" data-original-width="2592" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC6NPJmbWPRzmnpP5Dhyphenhyphenv7ZxvRSzduKK-xEqbeICyvJrxWdzzsfHBKoE4U6kGSoLrxOPDL0ZOsdvq7o7UC_ADsli7NJoUXG6_1ETbxbWHn-Iw1DeJR72lKYsZiFOy_skuIVuMC_hlzGU_Y/s320/1609858987966.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pfaff 125?<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br />This is such a great machine! Easy to use, comes with a full set of accessories and a flip up top with a nice sewing guide. It made the whole process easier but I have to confess I set it up on a TV tray in the family room so I would have room to place the strips on the floor and then sew on the larger piece with a machine close by. This took a couple of days and finally my husband asked how long was I going to invade <i>every</i> room in the house. Checking to see how much of these two colors I had left, I concluded I only had enough to make a throw sized quilt so I wrapped things up by adding a border and backing it with green flannel. I stitched around the outer edge with a serpentine stitch and then stitched in the ditch on two interior rows just to stabilize:<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh399cIfRRN3EYmxInqLHAMOfVykDXL0H_hd9_tbgoDGpBXgatChJDYjAGl-np8Wp851YV9ofbqk-QU3PKpN4PDidLnQN0mgz4ImwNyfD2h8efilGWXpicdzOLlngwLvVfyn_EJ4vSiPDKv/s4032/IMG_20201229_105458478.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh399cIfRRN3EYmxInqLHAMOfVykDXL0H_hd9_tbgoDGpBXgatChJDYjAGl-np8Wp851YV9ofbqk-QU3PKpN4PDidLnQN0mgz4ImwNyfD2h8efilGWXpicdzOLlngwLvVfyn_EJ4vSiPDKv/s320/IMG_20201229_105458478.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chevron throw with velour fabric<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>I still had purple and light cream fabric strips left and I didn't have the heart to try another throw so I ended up making bears:<br /><br /><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTS4ezApWdK0lpxQBcGSm_Sojv9sM0Ql5brItx3TKsbysOBomKSwsYt2i1l5zoOX9oyrEp1dvZNJ_sO7K9IHGRswZp6kkEI4v8QSfliHw46OwfFftvvSn-vP_X0irpMO3vQXNjW6iGYA16/s2562/IMG_20201230_151054421.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2562" data-original-width="2432" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTS4ezApWdK0lpxQBcGSm_Sojv9sM0Ql5brItx3TKsbysOBomKSwsYt2i1l5zoOX9oyrEp1dvZNJ_sO7K9IHGRswZp6kkEI4v8QSfliHw46OwfFftvvSn-vP_X0irpMO3vQXNjW6iGYA16/s320/IMG_20201230_151054421.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Howdy, folks<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>Using three of the strips, I made up six bears. They were a bit fussy but not as bad with shedding due to my use of lint rollers and brushes. Then I made up six more:<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimDCIS504nGDiUr4KUIKEGAB9tHQ7ObPGMDrOHH_DV1CSlgY-KE_1-iP-ilE6IeN0dGjoJi6qz7fo8UXnOhuuXTYHybdEelbb2tgO9GLvoRIc3zQPtC6KDCo9B51s-Q5ZZ5kTl4_8mL-C_/s3294/IMG_20210102_122335516.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3294" data-original-width="2917" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimDCIS504nGDiUr4KUIKEGAB9tHQ7ObPGMDrOHH_DV1CSlgY-KE_1-iP-ilE6IeN0dGjoJi6qz7fo8UXnOhuuXTYHybdEelbb2tgO9GLvoRIc3zQPtC6KDCo9B51s-Q5ZZ5kTl4_8mL-C_/s320/IMG_20210102_122335516.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just me and my friends<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>using the cream fabric, too. I still had more fabric but couldn't make myself sew any more bears so I decided to try to make a dress for my granddaughter Evelyn. In the process of moving pieces around I accidentally cut the opening for the zipper down the front of the dress instead of the back. I decided to make it look intentional by adding a decorative stitch by using silver thread with a satin stitch:<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihyphenhyphenvCgV44BAG2yeLNED55_3PZlj_qJTXMdlEYeucw-r34A3Y1qWUibnQIQotuFexM4qv_2IKY7yUZ0IhLlZgdgyU4u8VSpOFYsPGZCdgD5WwN96IFSDL6jFba3idSx41Xs3hyfV5-31xuG/s3272/IMG_20210101_203914864.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3272" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihyphenhyphenvCgV44BAG2yeLNED55_3PZlj_qJTXMdlEYeucw-r34A3Y1qWUibnQIQotuFexM4qv_2IKY7yUZ0IhLlZgdgyU4u8VSpOFYsPGZCdgD5WwN96IFSDL6jFba3idSx41Xs3hyfV5-31xuG/s320/IMG_20210101_203914864.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Making a mistake look good: silver zigzag<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br />Using my trusty Bernina 730, some stitches still needed to be removed and corrected since it was right on the front but it still turned out cute. Never one to leave anything alone, I added a snowflake to the front<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHlHdNDzAhSJ4oEnLvWt3nkHp6xPKfdnAMvE33BViYCHLTdmGgd8IJPaU7CRet9EJMdQsnP1TKsEpSk4pSKTDkIradQfsJDDh2uvuaqLdhYfOdF8LKGnTCKM0aFgaeurZ89sTdVl9mNXTZ/s2592/image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2592" data-original-width="1944" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHlHdNDzAhSJ4oEnLvWt3nkHp6xPKfdnAMvE33BViYCHLTdmGgd8IJPaU7CRet9EJMdQsnP1TKsEpSk4pSKTDkIradQfsJDDh2uvuaqLdhYfOdF8LKGnTCKM0aFgaeurZ89sTdVl9mNXTZ/s320/image.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Snowflake number one<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>But it wasn't centered. Checking back with the instructions for the Singer Futura XL400 I was using to embroider, I needed to move the snowflake and then hit "apply" for it to actually stitch where you want it to go. Trying again, I added another snowflake to balance it out<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY4rukpgnGGsMLSczOyDbSsW-flb7TEmfmq9V1yX4x8Ixf0MXtEoGrwPtMaujLjdBmCmHqbByc4SRc9oZP62kbfvFnEcxdpluLyLlSRhZSfL2MUh-RFcSLdUs28drOTYBzRK81xpyKQJ1-/s2592/image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2592" data-original-width="1944" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY4rukpgnGGsMLSczOyDbSsW-flb7TEmfmq9V1yX4x8Ixf0MXtEoGrwPtMaujLjdBmCmHqbByc4SRc9oZP62kbfvFnEcxdpluLyLlSRhZSfL2MUh-RFcSLdUs28drOTYBzRK81xpyKQJ1-/s320/image.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Snowflakes 1 and 2<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p>And now it was done. I washed it up since there was stabilizer on the front that needed to be washed out and it turned out nice. </p><p>Never one to leave anything alone (where have I heard that one before?) I went back to the bag of scraps and had just enough left to make one much smaller bear<br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaRNpvhTXlwLl_6jxcaSv89kuZro__EfWqyPI5WfrLhOW-EyTMIa8U0-E8wN3t-aVELLQ4Ie_SUj76UPEc1b_yw8ENIM1NfONWXkMpM2JjmE0qYM3lvQy_6HI1ce6TC6KD_TXUneUH-_zp/s3467/IMG_20210104_082514749.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3467" data-original-width="2963" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaRNpvhTXlwLl_6jxcaSv89kuZro__EfWqyPI5WfrLhOW-EyTMIa8U0-E8wN3t-aVELLQ4Ie_SUj76UPEc1b_yw8ENIM1NfONWXkMpM2JjmE0qYM3lvQy_6HI1ce6TC6KD_TXUneUH-_zp/s320/IMG_20210104_082514749.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mister tiny purple bear in the front<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p>for Evelyn to carry around with her. There's a small piece left from when I was testing out the first snowflake that I'll whip up into a sleeping bag of sorts because he's going to be very tired after being carried around all day.</p><p>Oh, the fun sewing grandma's can have!<br /></p>Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07011857577709241535noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-659210899076492988.post-52304248090195240352020-12-21T08:37:00.000-06:002020-12-21T08:37:11.741-06:00Convertables<p> Trying my best to balance crafting with sewing machine repair, crafting has won these past weeks because of Christmas. Back in the early fall, I decided I could knit each grandkid a pair of slippers. Knowing I could have up to eleven pairs to knit, you would think I would have started right away but that's not how this project launched. It wasn't until mid-November that I got serious and even then had several false starts. At first I wanted to make slippers that looked like animals but only one pair was made, green frogs, when I decided I really wanted to make a bootie type of slipper. I also wanted to add a leather sole but with the a non-slip feature so I used the backside of leather since it is a bit rough. At the last minute I got a request to add a name to an apron for a friends granddaughter and it was so easy on the Singer Futura XL-400 I decided to make a bag for each pair of slippers with the intended child's name embroidered on the bag:<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgtPc2QWGsXA9V64wIE5i64dTx6n-KSckUie96jq7e2c2JFDH5MIQ0pNgSFwiRL83kqXQjCNQ3XPOW3ch2g6mWTR2EcpKN1w4n6N4qlJwl1-4ZWylSld9I2hUDYhc0rUKnpOPyE53wP-QS/s3276/IMG_20201218_205618861.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2693" data-original-width="3276" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgtPc2QWGsXA9V64wIE5i64dTx6n-KSckUie96jq7e2c2JFDH5MIQ0pNgSFwiRL83kqXQjCNQ3XPOW3ch2g6mWTR2EcpKN1w4n6N4qlJwl1-4ZWylSld9I2hUDYhc0rUKnpOPyE53wP-QS/s320/IMG_20201218_205618861.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bags matched up with slippers (pink slippers in the middle are for a 14 month old so no bag)<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>Instant gift wrap! Not exactly instant but with just hooping the fabric, typing in their name on a laptop connected with the embroidery machine, it was only 10 minutes of stitching. I lined each bag, added buttonholes for the drawstring, and they were done. Here's a closeup of three of the bags to the oldest girls:</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgui_uWeYdveQNbOEoZfWs9vtmKYD-zLJ0CSNPFbhNoE1vEsZ7_F1k6858Pou48YxgQgbEV9h_p6bNtS2rgbbaErh8PwcYjc3iCfzwqPfaQJ7yCIfNWHsNZq2Rd4b42mJ5i791942VL-LuJ/s4032/IMG_20201218_213126180.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgui_uWeYdveQNbOEoZfWs9vtmKYD-zLJ0CSNPFbhNoE1vEsZ7_F1k6858Pou48YxgQgbEV9h_p6bNtS2rgbbaErh8PwcYjc3iCfzwqPfaQJ7yCIfNWHsNZq2Rd4b42mJ5i791942VL-LuJ/s320/IMG_20201218_213126180.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bags that can hold something else after Christmas<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>I'll do this again since it was fairly easy and gives a bit of a thrill to have a bag with your name on it. I continue to find ways to use the embroidery machines and find I'm happily embroidering on that Singer Futura XL400!<p></p><p>As I continue to work on selling sewing machines, I finally bought a unit that will convert a motor using European 220V to our US 110. Over a year ago, at the last in-person River Rats TOGA, I bought a Husqvarna CB-N, one of the many sewing machines from Cindy Peter's estate. It's a handsome model in an interesting base. <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHgYSm4FtTpZGgnLdjbqc91Preb-9Uh60CBY6cn8GzcAXkFQ4JnunFys69NI95_4D7nlLc5BB9MKnxJTrQlDiLEgaAPEvgUnSbaTRrCUOvtD5VKP2oCsG4XEviiO4eec3fShxkzSjk2Qep/s4032/IMG_20201220_081838498.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHgYSm4FtTpZGgnLdjbqc91Preb-9Uh60CBY6cn8GzcAXkFQ4JnunFys69NI95_4D7nlLc5BB9MKnxJTrQlDiLEgaAPEvgUnSbaTRrCUOvtD5VKP2oCsG4XEviiO4eec3fShxkzSjk2Qep/s320/IMG_20201220_081838498.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Husqvarna CB-N<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br />Take a look a how the knee lever engages the motor:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibipHnfItwKeVgkOu-kqVPCUiy2-dt9Ep9lfKrl1EyLBgKCGQk3Bi36akG_HO7lEMYC0TzTL2ArxE5-qS6HrcoO-IcAp3NrqtDNddiDMpzGlwOpylBwhWUS1SLSsHf2KWl4vVxsYfr626b/s4032/IMG_20201220_082148330%257E2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibipHnfItwKeVgkOu-kqVPCUiy2-dt9Ep9lfKrl1EyLBgKCGQk3Bi36akG_HO7lEMYC0TzTL2ArxE5-qS6HrcoO-IcAp3NrqtDNddiDMpzGlwOpylBwhWUS1SLSsHf2KWl4vVxsYfr626b/s320/IMG_20201220_082148330%257E2.jpg" /></a></div>As the knee lever is inserted into the machine, it engages the lever you see above on the floor of the wood base. As you push the lever with your knee it in turn connects with the lever you see circled in the above photo. Here is a closeup of that area:<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMOceZMGmHMsPW5fCek9hYGm4XSPYmOJDgahXlBsk6-QU3bqL6HUKSs643GUdWQO84_4nzSSucCwuH19qV-faRCGgEdqfIHDZHMu-jICol5mq6Uqe6Vv0W4_po4HoAa9a7b24Z6Uw1ZgtL/s1250/IMG_20201220_082148330%257E2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1164" data-original-width="1250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMOceZMGmHMsPW5fCek9hYGm4XSPYmOJDgahXlBsk6-QU3bqL6HUKSs643GUdWQO84_4nzSSucCwuH19qV-faRCGgEdqfIHDZHMu-jICol5mq6Uqe6Vv0W4_po4HoAa9a7b24Z6Uw1ZgtL/s320/IMG_20201220_082148330%257E2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>The wire on the right side feeds up to a switch box that causes the motor to engage and run:<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAWOAmPd08bnJo0SDAhcBSErB9CHD1vWU6zI9jNE4rm1zedGInPSiNWBWwUTfPXEs4DUee1g6I9fq6DfOkBTRWGLgpsJndTmrOTrXiz-CtS6u8b-M0nxt9tsQxHBXQNHcMRw4QEQ4SSZPe/s4032/IMG_20201220_082324347.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAWOAmPd08bnJo0SDAhcBSErB9CHD1vWU6zI9jNE4rm1zedGInPSiNWBWwUTfPXEs4DUee1g6I9fq6DfOkBTRWGLgpsJndTmrOTrXiz-CtS6u8b-M0nxt9tsQxHBXQNHcMRw4QEQ4SSZPe/s320/IMG_20201220_082324347.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Small wire comes up from the base to connect to a switch<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>With a system like this I didn't want to take the original motor off and just add a modern motor. In comes a step up/step down transformer. On one side we chose the intended target voltage<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV1vHqZzZYgohwG-5Nm6PcXTNqT2HoJTcwc4D02q3zdZ843Oh3cseplpnwhb2_caEKZ2awgA4sgAM8zXj1VB6gkTz3LeeXZepK3WQcpbuZanjZUZbIKlBI5o4Ybb_hXpVwq_uO4z_A2Jba/s3024/IMG_20201220_083701333%257E2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2816" data-original-width="3024" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV1vHqZzZYgohwG-5Nm6PcXTNqT2HoJTcwc4D02q3zdZ843Oh3cseplpnwhb2_caEKZ2awgA4sgAM8zXj1VB6gkTz3LeeXZepK3WQcpbuZanjZUZbIKlBI5o4Ybb_hXpVwq_uO4z_A2Jba/s320/IMG_20201220_083701333%257E2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Moveable pin circled in yellow, set for 110V<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>With the European plug that came with the Husqvarna CB-N<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR81uZFqa0FR9KLhxPAsNEtxEJnzeF4hSud44fDO30oByJ7n2wINCmf1FkiLEb6TabAGs_uzMiaXwnlM45tx8cY5gaHJouUU4r6dniHa0M_rz0SNKB8Einzp6DsOL93Tdv9u9bGyg1RKnA/s4032/IMG_20201220_083731125%257E2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR81uZFqa0FR9KLhxPAsNEtxEJnzeF4hSud44fDO30oByJ7n2wINCmf1FkiLEb6TabAGs_uzMiaXwnlM45tx8cY5gaHJouUU4r6dniHa0M_rz0SNKB8Einzp6DsOL93Tdv9u9bGyg1RKnA/s320/IMG_20201220_083731125%257E2.jpg" /></a></div>It was plugged into the opposite side of the transformer:<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiF6xwaTIFDSVIvnHbVruskeB3EpjF-vzquOxsrtcHbXuzKKyycBrNlJc2lLNKOo1wOGg840GwRuMjyQeDtuv5izvEg6bfYLUN4VF9kOEngyklZVLPC3yJRvuK8tFSGnzC2mDL1oZfCmUx/s2695/IMG_20201220_083742916.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2694" data-original-width="2695" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiF6xwaTIFDSVIvnHbVruskeB3EpjF-vzquOxsrtcHbXuzKKyycBrNlJc2lLNKOo1wOGg840GwRuMjyQeDtuv5izvEg6bfYLUN4VF9kOEngyklZVLPC3yJRvuK8tFSGnzC2mDL1oZfCmUx/s320/IMG_20201220_083742916.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />into output 220V. This all seems backwards to me but my husband and I read over the instructions several times and recalled our electrician son-in-law explaining the process as backwards. The transformer was plugged into a power strip with surge protection, recommended, the unit was turned on, and the light didn't even turn on. What happened? I inserted the knee lever and with a fair amount of push it engaged the motor and she ran! As it turns out, the light bulb is broken so I'm going to take it to a battery and bulb supply shop and see if they have 220V bulbs of this size. <p></p><p>I did some practice sewing and it works just fine. The presser foot is really high up from the base of the machine but it does come right down on the feed dogs. It should take a whole lot of layers of fabric but I've only tried it with a size 16 needle and four layers of medium weight upholstery. It would sew but wasn't very happy so I'm going to try other samples and needles to test out its strength. It uses standard needles and low shank feet plus a free manual in English was found. Now I can see what was included with the original machine and I can search in my stash of presser feet for the right ones.</p><p>Why did this take so long for me to get this sewing machine up and running? The voltage transformer box just scared me! Did I need a step up or a step down transformer? What about watts? Can I just use a simple plug converter? This is where being a librarian comes into play: I love to research so I read up on why I would need a transformer unit and not just a plug end, what size I needed, and if I needed step up or down. Because I'm not an electrician, I consulted with the family expert first so I would be safe and not burn the motor out. It seems to be overkill but better safe than sorry. I will sell this machine with the transformer and it can easily sit on the floor next to the power strip so you do not have to make room for it on the table top with the sewing machine. It was a worthwhile adventure and I'm hoping there is someone in the Twin Cities who would like this somewhat different sewing machine. Let's hope so/sew!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></p>Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07011857577709241535noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-659210899076492988.post-48007957677803024292020-12-02T10:14:00.002-06:002020-12-02T10:14:23.981-06:00A Prize Inside<p> Remember the boxes of Cracker Jacks, a peanut and caramel corn mix in a box "with a prize inside"? Despite the trivial nature of the prize, I always got sucked into their advertising in the hope of finding something special. Nowadays I prefer a better quality caramel corn than Cracker Jacks but I continue to be thrilled when there is some kind of a hidden prize. Today I have to share with you a New Home sewing machine with a hidden prize inside.</p><p>The New Home Travel Mate was up for auction but didn't come with a foot control. Sometimes that is no problem, just an added expense, but if the parts are unique you can get into trouble. If you can't find it you end up with a real boat anchor! I stuck my neck out and hoped I could get one but while checking out parts I was skeptical the right one was being advertised to fit this model. But I got the bid, picked it up, and dashed home:<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcNKtdprmlDEvvcVaAT7T1j0DHlS11FzM0dE3HVjOL3ks3scjxc7LS02FpHVZq_gbmtEhxBYyeobIkr4Yd1PFhHeUZ2K9Zh-cBWVt2QPH3es0TbVEaeZpDjoWpQaR4OJic0AIMOAnfMMH6/s2462/IMG_20201202_092452196.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1884" data-original-width="2462" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcNKtdprmlDEvvcVaAT7T1j0DHlS11FzM0dE3HVjOL3ks3scjxc7LS02FpHVZq_gbmtEhxBYyeobIkr4Yd1PFhHeUZ2K9Zh-cBWVt2QPH3es0TbVEaeZpDjoWpQaR4OJic0AIMOAnfMMH6/s320/IMG_20201202_092452196.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What's inside? How does this come off?<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>I couldn't figure out how to get the plexiglass cover off! It sorta pries off with small slots in the front and back. It needed a bit of cleaning but first I wanted to see what all was in the storage compartment in front. It had a nice set of snap on presser feet and extra needles, always welcome, but when you take the compartment off so you can sew free arm, there was a surprise:<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYh795bNCdS7qLfgUvVZx8K7VzBOeCo3FjpxRgTNAzoaQhdjHyOSCQ1s8aQxfzID4GpybXblrwuF8nDcBePE48lUPBeEmgM5oWbDsaPOriaYPzi7AuyV-Gjv_Z2SgmesF9w_o7S8KMQvzP/s4032/IMG_20201202_093031591.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYh795bNCdS7qLfgUvVZx8K7VzBOeCo3FjpxRgTNAzoaQhdjHyOSCQ1s8aQxfzID4GpybXblrwuF8nDcBePE48lUPBeEmgM5oWbDsaPOriaYPzi7AuyV-Gjv_Z2SgmesF9w_o7S8KMQvzP/s320/IMG_20201202_093031591.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Storage compartment pulls off to reveal more storage<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>Oh, be still my beating heart: there was the foot control, all snug in the compartment! <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmkfa6sztE3LktH6L-lOZJl3oxNDvLSvJpWbHvqrE1fsoD3A0R9dRQlmTiuIyjX55s9-b1JsCDpbb_UKyF-h7jIciJlbFsMJFmQKgg_qm3dJdMGLAxvy1glDI-26f0-QzIseM1j9plfqQI/s4032/IMG_20201202_093049201.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmkfa6sztE3LktH6L-lOZJl3oxNDvLSvJpWbHvqrE1fsoD3A0R9dRQlmTiuIyjX55s9-b1JsCDpbb_UKyF-h7jIciJlbFsMJFmQKgg_qm3dJdMGLAxvy1glDI-26f0-QzIseM1j9plfqQI/s320/IMG_20201202_093049201.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Foot control hidden away (is this a secret?)<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br />I pulled it out and checked the plug end to find it was very unique<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3J3YQngrgfCZpNU5rLZPawGcr8Uv41YO5OlCgzBAabdKKRN5M8RKY5NV6OCTZjAs8uZ4Ti6y6DCLqG2mR16UAtDVDJxwMj6-qk_JLT5EIKCpjOu4yn30iiTCMLkCSpqgOynGjadj-h4ng/s3962/IMG_20201202_093155394.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3962" data-original-width="2422" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3J3YQngrgfCZpNU5rLZPawGcr8Uv41YO5OlCgzBAabdKKRN5M8RKY5NV6OCTZjAs8uZ4Ti6y6DCLqG2mR16UAtDVDJxwMj6-qk_JLT5EIKCpjOu4yn30iiTCMLkCSpqgOynGjadj-h4ng/s320/IMG_20201202_093155394.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Three pin plug foot control<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>I did suspect, since it was promoted as a portable travel sewing machine, it might have attachments or foot controls built into a sliding out drawer under the machine or somewhere else and this time I was right. How cool was that?</p><p>A sewing machine is nothing if it cannot sew but it does sew very nicely. On the front of the machine it boasts "Micro Computer" and it does sound and run like an electronic sewing machine. It has the typical variety of stitches and even a needle threader. All it is missing is a needle up/down feature but does have a speed control lever as a little extra feature. Zigzag stitches are given in three levels so no dial for incremental increase in width but I can live with that, too. <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGWLSO0dTjeFpAVLr5CVVB9qa8BGLcyShAoFwP4WE3ciSACLghWnk0dfN4zufTYItYfPstrP7uTd8ELHqY4fA-m7kOFhqtreszI30hPE28JVt2rz8MdwdZYuh5fFXf9cwwWv2II3OWP6Bg/s4032/IMG_20201202_094504106.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGWLSO0dTjeFpAVLr5CVVB9qa8BGLcyShAoFwP4WE3ciSACLghWnk0dfN4zufTYItYfPstrP7uTd8ELHqY4fA-m7kOFhqtreszI30hPE28JVt2rz8MdwdZYuh5fFXf9cwwWv2II3OWP6Bg/s320/IMG_20201202_094504106.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Selection of stitches, speed control, and what's under the top lid<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br />It is a really nice portable sewing machine! My risk paid off this time but I know it could have easily gone the other way and I would have to buy that 3-pin foot control for $40. Still not a bad deal but one I now don't have to deal with. </p><p>As the fall decorations are getting boxed up and we head into Christmas, I better get hustling here or we will not get anything ready beyond the outside lights. A Christmas newsletter needs to be written, presents are only about a third purchased, and here I am writing to you about my latest sewing machine. Yes, this is the land of the sewing machine obsessed but I know I'm in good company!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjABJNOng2-Q_Xx3jbb8u1izjT4VsRAQRlltCI81hDkHmvqdgNG3m0s0wWdyS6Zi_aH2PLj4mVM1hWnrIyJbF3eXFDY1QFUW84EKH2Le04HPR1RMRhz8prQ0vJm58SjLYyJc4rlIbf8zZ5/s3584/IMG_20201202_095313540.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2612" data-original-width="3584" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjABJNOng2-Q_Xx3jbb8u1izjT4VsRAQRlltCI81hDkHmvqdgNG3m0s0wWdyS6Zi_aH2PLj4mVM1hWnrIyJbF3eXFDY1QFUW84EKH2Le04HPR1RMRhz8prQ0vJm58SjLYyJc4rlIbf8zZ5/s320/IMG_20201202_095313540.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New Home Travel Mate CE2200<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></p><p><br /><br /><br /></p>Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07011857577709241535noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-659210899076492988.post-75226137278280755372020-11-25T09:47:00.001-06:002020-11-25T09:47:32.939-06:00Free Motion Quilting...on a treadle<p> At the last in-person River Rats TOGA, September 2019, I picked up a variety of quilting projects that were UFO's. That's right, they were UnFinished Objects and I love to take something someone else gave up on the bring it to completion. That might mean a different ending than the original maker planned on but, hey, they gave up on it so now it's my turn. <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEVZ59Fr4yu3aYcQ9tpuwmGW8wK61_qZI7iYN6XSIZ_Y2orvSTz6VydtXPfGEsT5bqRRyQlGXWj-ThT4ai1YkwlBoadKSjt_CPLKJX5p_BhakcF00EXqiyQAIzv9BLaa5V3XsN0BAIenqj/s3159/IMG_20201125_092656253.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3159" data-original-width="2038" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEVZ59Fr4yu3aYcQ9tpuwmGW8wK61_qZI7iYN6XSIZ_Y2orvSTz6VydtXPfGEsT5bqRRyQlGXWj-ThT4ai1YkwlBoadKSjt_CPLKJX5p_BhakcF00EXqiyQAIzv9BLaa5V3XsN0BAIenqj/s320/IMG_20201125_092656253.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Original pattern: Thimbleberries Countyside Wreaths<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>I had a wonderful time finishing up a red and brown quilt that had fade marks due to exposure to the sun. It meant I needed to remake a few of the blocks and then finish a few more for a grand total of 16 blocks plus sashing and borders.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKTAPPx2-b4n4P6QW_S40h3KF36Jw9631AwY5ULZXcpbXo60ByI4lIu8zRq9VLA28KP-HWgQB93qBTQgu4KIp4_Rdd3kju7v2nZ2-26gZD-pV8kv2UkibL58DMmBT72ZB1qymTL2EvkTRU/s3449/IMG_20200220_224331344.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2443" data-original-width="3449" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKTAPPx2-b4n4P6QW_S40h3KF36Jw9631AwY5ULZXcpbXo60ByI4lIu8zRq9VLA28KP-HWgQB93qBTQgu4KIp4_Rdd3kju7v2nZ2-26gZD-pV8kv2UkibL58DMmBT72ZB1qymTL2EvkTRU/s320/IMG_20200220_224331344.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Assembled blocks with sashing<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXf_TZPiJsSyry5N3Js0mY09yOTB3Der3pXGMMBaa7UwQAO6wMZQjvNXKhAvmuDFM1AlAazaN7ZqtLzOXfarpXdmIuIoRMtBL_VCUfi1dvWi7c3GxY2cRFw2G67Asua-79jasxD2Wd65EK/s3712/IMG_20200223_205658629.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3712" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXf_TZPiJsSyry5N3Js0mY09yOTB3Der3pXGMMBaa7UwQAO6wMZQjvNXKhAvmuDFM1AlAazaN7ZqtLzOXfarpXdmIuIoRMtBL_VCUfi1dvWi7c3GxY2cRFw2G67Asua-79jasxD2Wd65EK/s320/IMG_20200223_205658629.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Top of quilt complete with borders<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p>Since this quilt was started with either a treadle or hand crank sewing machine, I felt obligated to continue it with a similar machine so I finished this up with my treadle, a Singer 66 Red Eye in a parlor cabinet. Now that it was read to quilt it together with batting and a backing, I realised I wasn't ready to use my treadle for free motion quilting. Maybe I could use a walking foot but, no, that wasn't going to work either because my machine was a back clamping model. Helen Howes has a nice explanation of this phenomenon and a <a href="http://www.helenhowes-sewingmachines.co.uk/bcfeet.html" target="_blank">whole page of back clamping feet</a>. There is no darning or free motion foot nor a walking foot as an attachment for my Singer 66. I tried bare needle but that was a disaster so I had to set it aside until I either gained the skills I needed or found a different way to do this.</p><p>Several quilts later, I have more skill with free motion but it was a session at the Virtual River Rats TOGA in September where we could watch and learn how to quilt better with a treadle. It gave me the confidence to try again but this time I came prepared. I traded out my Red Eye for a much plainer Singer 66 that had a side clamp for a standard darning foot plus I now use gripper gloves and a super slider. Here's how I set this all up:</p><p>First, I needed to cover the feed dogs since they didn't drop. I already had a plate for this model so I slid it into place:<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJS-RmJJCooz-gYMuwgOZ8eVB440pC314gIfXXOUmFmb2Fk1YiMpVfdCcNdmWU_XcnoH-E1ENVgWoKWQsN4La5TjE8S4cSGTEyy7t_mN8obTNN0QbKZk_InEvnXMApXbiJzw1_SOCAjXIY/s4032/IMG_20201123_115037466.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJS-RmJJCooz-gYMuwgOZ8eVB440pC314gIfXXOUmFmb2Fk1YiMpVfdCcNdmWU_XcnoH-E1ENVgWoKWQsN4La5TjE8S4cSGTEyy7t_mN8obTNN0QbKZk_InEvnXMApXbiJzw1_SOCAjXIY/s320/IMG_20201123_115037466.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Feed dogs "cap" and clear plastic free motion presser foot<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>Next, I added a smoother surface so the fabric can glide better. I bought an oven mat that is a somewhat thin sheet that I could tape into place:<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdF42Q4rCiJJBLiv8EhiZlw1G8_QDIzqkqjvUh8jYmhKK1FylRzWRifMBWBesmjCYpIxDjjXf2kZ3u757xoq0h6ak5QlbJnD4CZup0QJcMwvmZRDxcCmoTXwpMkUg72mvBCLZnXTRfvaJf/s4032/IMG_20201123_114957824.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdF42Q4rCiJJBLiv8EhiZlw1G8_QDIzqkqjvUh8jYmhKK1FylRzWRifMBWBesmjCYpIxDjjXf2kZ3u757xoq0h6ak5QlbJnD4CZup0QJcMwvmZRDxcCmoTXwpMkUg72mvBCLZnXTRfvaJf/s320/IMG_20201123_114957824.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mat taped in place plus additional light<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>Now I was ready to try this out. It worked! I decided to fill in the stars with straight lines so tried it with a walking foot as well as free motion and FM won hands down. Why? With FM you move the quilt but you can go backwards and on an angle, too. Using a walking foot you need to stop and turn the quilt for each line since you can only move forward and that's just too difficult. After I finished the stars I didn't know what to do with the other parts so I set it aside again but only for a couple weeks. By then I had finished Michelle's quilt and had more ideas of what pattern or design to quilt where. The first border had a version of triangles, sashing has X's that could look like diamonds, and the outer border got a diamond treatment using tape.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV7bOeU-1pIkctmpYBzlE5gkdjXutN5Ov-ZIpzenQkg3idqqnK2ksx5N5x7daj1xyhe1szRtR0pRpUpgHsHcEpGh0Ur5rgUfysof0VLX-dFgJbKj8Hge-IpzUMU5RiXexn9gglb9Z0UjO1/s3378/IMG_20201125_073434366.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3378" data-original-width="2379" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV7bOeU-1pIkctmpYBzlE5gkdjXutN5Ov-ZIpzenQkg3idqqnK2ksx5N5x7daj1xyhe1szRtR0pRpUpgHsHcEpGh0Ur5rgUfysof0VLX-dFgJbKj8Hge-IpzUMU5RiXexn9gglb9Z0UjO1/w450-h640/IMG_20201125_073434366.jpg" width="450" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Detail of quilting pattern<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br />The tape idea came from the book <i><b>One Line at a Time Encore</b></i> by Charlotte Warr Andersen. Using her concept but modifying it so I could use the same four pieces of tape on each side, here's how it looked:<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjknchdzotcuIguWmZatFhSWoZiL1LTvA6IesMHCJZ1QOVEzIZluOiCxKGaAmGt6n3c50nzRKbK5pypMk1DRKDLPpDtSOpsGBhK_Se0lsHIzmBjB2cU3OL8KwdVr6w4adW5IVf44WbILBKb/s4032/IMG_20201121_232549073.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjknchdzotcuIguWmZatFhSWoZiL1LTvA6IesMHCJZ1QOVEzIZluOiCxKGaAmGt6n3c50nzRKbK5pypMk1DRKDLPpDtSOpsGBhK_Se0lsHIzmBjB2cU3OL8KwdVr6w4adW5IVf44WbILBKb/s320/IMG_20201121_232549073.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Step 1: set up tape for 4 rows of stitches<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br />I laid down four pieces of inch wide painters blue tape side by side. Starting in the corner, even with the red border, I marked the tape in two inch increments, drawing a line across all four pieces of tape. Then I removed the second one from the right<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGt-OO70r0-nGKwcaQRjllUm3h6h8KS6K4Fet3_ubI6jE1S4XAuRwQ8sdBIY9S7ax3ECy7k6MtWktOwvUmI_MqM4OV_Ek0N7sm6f23j3zwIFPKB_Nyd69oPnmmJ986pQjjNm9S54Cl6r77/s4032/IMG_20201121_233628591.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGt-OO70r0-nGKwcaQRjllUm3h6h8KS6K4Fet3_ubI6jE1S4XAuRwQ8sdBIY9S7ax3ECy7k6MtWktOwvUmI_MqM4OV_Ek0N7sm6f23j3zwIFPKB_Nyd69oPnmmJ986pQjjNm9S54Cl6r77/s320/IMG_20201121_233628591.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Step 2: first row of stitches in the second lane<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br />and stitched from one side to the next in a long zigzag pattern at the two inch marks. Next, I removed the strip between where I just stitched and the red border. I made the same direction stitches to "ghost" this pattern:<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyHlwV7bHe7F0gdyJ28yT5m9fZsB4tSjAIP_spp1F21WSol-4yv8qM1XNCXm5gPRCpw2fkvqAeBbdKcE-I37FItoELCmvRtoDfBvNhhUw1Y3iWVC15ENjt4BWCQEhbfQjCS77USeae2Upo/s4032/IMG_20201121_234533141.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyHlwV7bHe7F0gdyJ28yT5m9fZsB4tSjAIP_spp1F21WSol-4yv8qM1XNCXm5gPRCpw2fkvqAeBbdKcE-I37FItoELCmvRtoDfBvNhhUw1Y3iWVC15ENjt4BWCQEhbfQjCS77USeae2Upo/s320/IMG_20201121_234533141.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Step 3: second row of stitches in the first lane<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>I tried to move the tape over to cover the row of stitches just made but then I couldn't see the exact point where I had stitched. Remember, this is on a treadle and I'm still working on getting it to stop exactly where I want! For the last two rows I reversed the design by removing the third piece of tape<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjelYeRCHTfBGx74rpR0iIwHAx5rJbrC17Laf3oTInQCAigXPP5_hHjKqR34C84qPggG61GHYTIeBBFW9ywLzYvofLu3xaBszbMAg64BJK7L0yoBIGwZ3KfZrg8_kwW_6yhlLUJ4VWSyQ-d/s4032/IMG_20201121_235309975.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjelYeRCHTfBGx74rpR0iIwHAx5rJbrC17Laf3oTInQCAigXPP5_hHjKqR34C84qPggG61GHYTIeBBFW9ywLzYvofLu3xaBszbMAg64BJK7L0yoBIGwZ3KfZrg8_kwW_6yhlLUJ4VWSyQ-d/s320/IMG_20201121_235309975.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Step 4: third row of stitches in mirror image mode<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>and stitching the opposite points. Where I had moved left to right I now went right to left for a diamond shape. The above photo shows the fourth piece of tape removed but I left it in place while stitching. The final row was identical to the third row for a finished look:<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI51XtVXF6jC_1B5Odkd5BJkVqIAhFpcIrRdpEjV-jHIddxr4iJanZBOSuPC9g3BsC25-pDqejePv3jenW_-_bJVbxBzpkTszQc1damI8_q6vtne-CnwS14tf7Ohf-5Qdhj5UX8yq_6aaJ/s4032/IMG_20201122_000221387.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI51XtVXF6jC_1B5Odkd5BJkVqIAhFpcIrRdpEjV-jHIddxr4iJanZBOSuPC9g3BsC25-pDqejePv3jenW_-_bJVbxBzpkTszQc1damI8_q6vtne-CnwS14tf7Ohf-5Qdhj5UX8yq_6aaJ/s320/IMG_20201122_000221387.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Step 5: last row of stitches just like third row<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>I liked this concept, although they stitched right through the tape and then even managed to reuse it. This worked for me and gave me much needed practice in slow treadling and free motion control.</p><p>The binding was added and now it is DONE. I cannot say I made this whole quilt on a treadle sewing machine because someone else constructed most of the blocks, but I did finish it on a treadle and even learned to free motion quilt on a treadle. Important take aways: use grippy gloves (can use gardening gloves that are sometimes dipped in a silicone-like substance), lay down a surface that helps your quilt to slide better, try different machines to find one that can use a darning/free motion foot. It also helped to use books to get ideas on how you can make the process work better and for ideas on designs to use.</p><p>I have ideas for about four more quilts but I think I should put them on hold while I sew some other items in my pile of projects, including getting machines ready for sale. The Phoenix 283 is almost ready! Here's a view of the red/brown star quilt finished:<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIhOH4-_EPaYR2DMxQk8LgaRdV2z_ML8B4y9K4sy8ODxiYpCBab09pDdfi3IsPFbf6KBwR15ttgFpFtWoO15d0O5m_4URc4MVA1uQyEjO14qHOeWEUWeAW4ndGZExjQxO43hqv4joAUDTE/s3757/IMG_20201125_083045914.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3757" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIhOH4-_EPaYR2DMxQk8LgaRdV2z_ML8B4y9K4sy8ODxiYpCBab09pDdfi3IsPFbf6KBwR15ttgFpFtWoO15d0O5m_4URc4MVA1uQyEjO14qHOeWEUWeAW4ndGZExjQxO43hqv4joAUDTE/s320/IMG_20201125_083045914.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One version of Countryside Wreaths by Thimbleberries<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></p>Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07011857577709241535noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-659210899076492988.post-61622901366091864442020-11-21T10:24:00.000-06:002020-11-21T10:24:41.074-06:00Girlfriends<p> I enjoy a wide variety of friends: neighbors, work, church, sewing, quilting, crafting, friends of friends. This week it was my turn to reach out to a friend who needed a hug (but we can't do that right now). </p><p>Michelle had a great idea a year ago: why not have quilts on the back of the pews at church? It would give a warm and welcoming look to the sanctuary as well as a colorful and cozy touch. It sounded nice but was something we were not going to be able to do. Where would the quilts come from? Who was going to wash them every week? It was just too impractical but was still a great idea. Thank you, Michelle, and now you can sit down. This plea made me think about what was behind it and I could understand what Michelle was after, a feeling of warmth and welcoming that goes beyond words. So in the weeks after we rejected her idea, I asked Michelle if I could make a quilt for her and showed her some patterns and a few samples of fabric. She looked at all of the pretty colors and patterns and got real quiet, pointing to one pattern but had a deer-in-the-headlights look. Sometimes offers like this seem overwhelming so I figured I would ask later when she had a chance to think about it.</p><p>Along comes a pandemic where we are all stuck at home and unable to get out and do the things we normally do, at least in the usual ways. Michelle and her quilt kept calling to me so I got out a stash of colorful fat quarters and the pattern she liked and got some blocks made up:<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOSlGhrhdOTomEcVg6HvxUzUFYWNL8E7vut8RkhwuP506wStZzk1UyGiZFmQBU-cMQ_3wa9Zis7FjcTnnhnm74XCC3d6ZwPCU6xTTUMGp3M6nyZAZszayYWwDgfJOP2GTO1c5NEUOKhJWH/s4032/IMG_20201107_003730422.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOSlGhrhdOTomEcVg6HvxUzUFYWNL8E7vut8RkhwuP506wStZzk1UyGiZFmQBU-cMQ_3wa9Zis7FjcTnnhnm74XCC3d6ZwPCU6xTTUMGp3M6nyZAZszayYWwDgfJOP2GTO1c5NEUOKhJWH/s320/IMG_20201107_003730422.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blocks light to dark<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>Each block was made up of a pair of fat quarters, making one the opposite of the other. The pattern said to label the lighter colored block A and the reverse darker block in the sets B then arrange them by laying them out ABABAB. I tried it but it was too random so I tried lighter blocks at the top and working down to darker blocks as you can see in the photo above. That didn't seems to resonate with me either so I put them in sets by color:<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxRTjXLl_HTmPcadmkaMIN2aUywHFNecodTvqsJXJEKpNXy4UJHOJ6btvXvH1C3G19ia4m3YFWf5EoLcjXi_mgqeBzZgK4WPghn7klil6luiH9tg7rU4vNjJfDrq60WKidwtKLgi-WSwmC/s4032/IMG_20201107_095715012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxRTjXLl_HTmPcadmkaMIN2aUywHFNecodTvqsJXJEKpNXy4UJHOJ6btvXvH1C3G19ia4m3YFWf5EoLcjXi_mgqeBzZgK4WPghn7klil6luiH9tg7rU4vNjJfDrq60WKidwtKLgi-WSwmC/s320/IMG_20201107_095715012.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blocks in color sets of four<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br />This was a better idea but now I needed more blocks, from 42 to 48, yet I could now balance out colors with the final six blocks. Without sashing, how should I quilt this together? Oh, did I have fun. On the verticals I used variegated purple thread making loops and long curves. On the horizontals I used white thread and wrote Bible verses about hope and faith: you have to look really hard to see them! Finally, in the center of each block is a great big space where I made a large eight petaled flower<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitKCMhyB1NDWuHEA3X0Fgy_yUd9XVV5rLNUtZRUhH3dWXk9n8E2JqpzEro_av08ey4cziJ1Cjlig2xQS_-9sJPxV11deLaZsUMX497BiZ7JIsHPliUhVjTCPCwLLMLwawu07wXiH8U1DAC/s4032/IMG_20201115_081207249.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitKCMhyB1NDWuHEA3X0Fgy_yUd9XVV5rLNUtZRUhH3dWXk9n8E2JqpzEro_av08ey4cziJ1Cjlig2xQS_-9sJPxV11deLaZsUMX497BiZ7JIsHPliUhVjTCPCwLLMLwawu07wXiH8U1DAC/s320/IMG_20201115_081207249.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Free motion quilting of center flower, purple curves, and words<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br />When first starting you have to keep from telling yourself "that's 48 flowers!" but just to dive in and keep sewing. When it was all done I remembered to make up a label and had one downloaded in my machine embroidery files. It wasn't exactly a label but a design I could use for one:<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJQXU4g9G9b0F1ddttV52QjN1Pkz8L_phlzs3lkkThOIWwXw0byvYNSmxBbmQjzHdJWamYp-m-aq1lDokCRpxJZk-qE43XiLVCds7TcNyY0OlROEKFO2acaFEUdtDaGj1Ra5ZBC37RDhyI/s4032/IMG_20201117_094535247.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJQXU4g9G9b0F1ddttV52QjN1Pkz8L_phlzs3lkkThOIWwXw0byvYNSmxBbmQjzHdJWamYp-m-aq1lDokCRpxJZk-qE43XiLVCds7TcNyY0OlROEKFO2acaFEUdtDaGj1Ra5ZBC37RDhyI/s320/IMG_20201117_094535247.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"To Michelle In the quilt of life friends are the stitches that hold it together. Karen November 2020"<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br />Once I had the Singer Futura XL 400 out to play I made up a sewing machine cover out of some fabric I ordered from Spoonflower, using solid colored fabric for the embroidered side panels:<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT30A2teQt9Qwe2l6sqwhX1iGHSRF89oX2dbyj9uniVc6uDF0oz1EuT4N7p1XHBjybF11RwHEj1aR0eNTp3Yh9HOv0P0pBp992xd9O7wUcaSm-vMG5OLZ0XqBaKvte37INod-O1VpZwu5X/s3711/IMG_20201117_161606525.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2749" data-original-width="3711" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT30A2teQt9Qwe2l6sqwhX1iGHSRF89oX2dbyj9uniVc6uDF0oz1EuT4N7p1XHBjybF11RwHEj1aR0eNTp3Yh9HOv0P0pBp992xd9O7wUcaSm-vMG5OLZ0XqBaKvte37INod-O1VpZwu5X/s320/IMG_20201117_161606525.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And I want one of those, and this one, and where's the pink model?<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRFV_JSyzYTEzdXe9WzKufsimXtjsZYQcNSZvCMJBIAGNwS_U8Ii9pYk0NVGk6uqFeSVIuhw5TzLRbpR7cgpKAKyLgjvtvOlDN4uUIGJhUq1CacfmCwwwLZPt3RHPct0-lEBvqQBxSplye/s4032/IMG_20201117_161557055_BURST000_COVER_TOP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRFV_JSyzYTEzdXe9WzKufsimXtjsZYQcNSZvCMJBIAGNwS_U8Ii9pYk0NVGk6uqFeSVIuhw5TzLRbpR7cgpKAKyLgjvtvOlDN4uUIGJhUq1CacfmCwwwLZPt3RHPct0-lEBvqQBxSplye/s320/IMG_20201117_161557055_BURST000_COVER_TOP.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">End panel<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcx9DFYPfOjd_C7DMRBaQb0p4MkUiur-j3jv7MPL5CbZbVS-yHz1CNrixplCN9RzW4oTsPPqakvuVsj2Ila2iwBPSUimu4A80oQadZVu9AlL4O1PcBiw7GOgK2MbvZS7qXSe9Asdcqes2y/s3420/IMG_20201117_161534222.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3420" data-original-width="2851" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcx9DFYPfOjd_C7DMRBaQb0p4MkUiur-j3jv7MPL5CbZbVS-yHz1CNrixplCN9RzW4oTsPPqakvuVsj2Ila2iwBPSUimu4A80oQadZVu9AlL4O1PcBiw7GOgK2MbvZS7qXSe9Asdcqes2y/s320/IMG_20201117_161534222.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">End panel using downloaded embroidery file<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>Didn't that turn out way too cute? I've had the fabric for several years and finally put the ideas together for something I will find joy in using and just looking at.</p><p>Quilt finished and ready for Michelle, I arranged to meet her at church where she was working in a children's program. It definitely took her by surprise but she loved it. We agreed the idea of quilts on pews sounded nice but was never going to fly with a pandemic! Although this was one of the quickest quilts I have made, it was about the most rewarding. Here's one final photo of the finished quilt:<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSWgHyZDatFIwgfRb_Q57aDCau9EOiXGbCpmHVXDry8_qbalDywp4iHZKUryHWnKhwzxowpNp0muJWhePeChEyQ8LIqNYbL8Xn5HBCggBuyWe86z828QjtHuiv8g_e3QNPAOobVMXMW8XY/s4032/IMG_20201117_094955236_BURST000_COVER.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSWgHyZDatFIwgfRb_Q57aDCau9EOiXGbCpmHVXDry8_qbalDywp4iHZKUryHWnKhwzxowpNp0muJWhePeChEyQ8LIqNYbL8Xn5HBCggBuyWe86z828QjtHuiv8g_e3QNPAOobVMXMW8XY/s320/IMG_20201117_094955236_BURST000_COVER.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finished quilt for Michelle<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>Even during a pandemic we can find ways to hug each other. Feel the love!<br /><br /><br /><br /></p>Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07011857577709241535noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-659210899076492988.post-42369768664671548382020-11-13T08:48:00.001-06:002020-11-13T08:48:51.691-06:00The Girl Next Door<p> Winter is here in the frozen north, even if they think we might have a few 50 degree days ahead. The snow pack is very real and now we hunker down and get sewing! I need to get a few more sewing machines listed for sale so everyone has a greater choice of models but I've been sewing and quilting and even with retirement there are only 24 hours in a day.</p><p>Back when I had 3-4 cabinet sewing machines in the garage, I sold a Singer 15-125 and received a Singer 66 as part of the deal. Why was it going out the door? It just wasn't used anymore and the table had a few dings in it. I finally got around to checking it out when we had a whole week of warm weather<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhveWm01uHOju3nj0N5tTSZiVMzNkIvY_JKfFkWpxNEIoRD5JgIDumzWD8eDyhZFWsT3yw5Fl-eZNqAnKeUE5ltg8wB-g3M9gz-tf0E248Mv8gRnxoRoLJ2CNyQ74gOUdZ0zqaR9EtrngQE/s4032/IMG_20201103_193538635.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhveWm01uHOju3nj0N5tTSZiVMzNkIvY_JKfFkWpxNEIoRD5JgIDumzWD8eDyhZFWsT3yw5Fl-eZNqAnKeUE5ltg8wB-g3M9gz-tf0E248Mv8gRnxoRoLJ2CNyQ74gOUdZ0zqaR9EtrngQE/s320/IMG_20201103_193538635.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Singer 66 table top<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>only to find a large chip on the front and a nifty piece missing on the top surface. Above you can see the general flaking of the finish so it was going to need a complete stripping of the finish. I rarely deal with veneer problems but this one begged to be fixed:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2605" data-original-width="2459" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbpW98Os3461N73JL-CvwNXwVfTK4Mx53ITW_F5PwV0v2UgQX7zHLPl7K1Mikiy133K3cDDKA7Hm3jK4QesJ-cj9IV9QhTBgyNwl0fR-PDjweTlnreWzbiVWxYS8IXVwXrKWAT4O-ApCzY/s320/IMG_20201106_142857768.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chip<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbpW98Os3461N73JL-CvwNXwVfTK4Mx53ITW_F5PwV0v2UgQX7zHLPl7K1Mikiy133K3cDDKA7Hm3jK4QesJ-cj9IV9QhTBgyNwl0fR-PDjweTlnreWzbiVWxYS8IXVwXrKWAT4O-ApCzY/s2605/IMG_20201106_142857768.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">A close up shows the degree of damage. Using a piece of the veneer from the front I cut and pieced it in: <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaKtNOa7RLDS1mspOXlM37g5tj1JFKrHiouzQsRMmhTQDY4P6kW1uoZ4IkvFV0_JKOtjJ0fWJf0TAYJEAU9UYz0uyN-3rlyE1dKgXSNarP1fPtSbxEKr-L9UnRfhyphenhyphene2Z_2mXl7hfkIrbg6/s2716/IMG_20201106_143001793.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2716" data-original-width="2471" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaKtNOa7RLDS1mspOXlM37g5tj1JFKrHiouzQsRMmhTQDY4P6kW1uoZ4IkvFV0_JKOtjJ0fWJf0TAYJEAU9UYz0uyN-3rlyE1dKgXSNarP1fPtSbxEKr-L9UnRfhyphenhyphene2Z_2mXl7hfkIrbg6/s320/IMG_20201106_143001793.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Veneer glued down<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div></div>It doesn't look too great at this point but when wood filler and stain were added it ended up looking pretty normal<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLm1Jf3TIjTKoecHy6PVGambSPh_aLO-bNZD2sJzSRJ6kAfkHs0FK45T0-65vpkmDg87lc0-U96n23T6p8OOXiWfbkQxKbCgVbiYBZf4QT0yyrKPt5O00D6LBaE1FoVkQ-NXh9D2HuAOZc/s4032/IMG_20201109_122139298.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLm1Jf3TIjTKoecHy6PVGambSPh_aLO-bNZD2sJzSRJ6kAfkHs0FK45T0-65vpkmDg87lc0-U96n23T6p8OOXiWfbkQxKbCgVbiYBZf4QT0yyrKPt5O00D6LBaE1FoVkQ-NXh9D2HuAOZc/s320/IMG_20201109_122139298.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finished top<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br />With a chunk of the veneer missing from the front, I chipped it all off, sanded it down and left it lighter than the original finish for a completely new look:<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQcS2pv9yhahQO-KsL_WUPTu7IeSPRPlNrMAl6lFp1F_-n1ypp0LtwDL86Aq78Bz1cOapkFl28qcEw5_nouxUbIFG00-ey5CnvagJ-rTZPLdO0FMeuBQhNKQkH6XuT6K-fxJTg9Y97c71G/s2290/IMG_20201109_122643487.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2290" data-original-width="2255" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQcS2pv9yhahQO-KsL_WUPTu7IeSPRPlNrMAl6lFp1F_-n1ypp0LtwDL86Aq78Bz1cOapkFl28qcEw5_nouxUbIFG00-ey5CnvagJ-rTZPLdO0FMeuBQhNKQkH6XuT6K-fxJTg9Y97c71G/s320/IMG_20201109_122643487.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Two tone finish<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>What about the machine inside? It's a beauty, a classic Singer 66 in excellent shape:<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9h4ia3nwgv6RFJZ9LK-rRii7OgFSEf8MhslMY0z1f3z_tI7Va-6maOfZ2N8cAyKLnPVaW3SXz8QrnFBw1J9aKyIlfFxZfIJ3FTkdhiWcf8cmbwGTyWIB6McYMVfZuk3yIBEXWd7a_2f61/s4032/IMG_20201109_122546782.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9h4ia3nwgv6RFJZ9LK-rRii7OgFSEf8MhslMY0z1f3z_tI7Va-6maOfZ2N8cAyKLnPVaW3SXz8QrnFBw1J9aKyIlfFxZfIJ3FTkdhiWcf8cmbwGTyWIB6McYMVfZuk3yIBEXWd7a_2f61/s320/IMG_20201109_122546782.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Classic Singer 66 in her refinished table<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>I love a Singer 66, so basic yet so reliable. I think of it as "the boy or girl next door" who is always there and smiling, underappreciated, until someone realizes the beauty within:<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-RDjlKJefgcvFQRUHGHMS1Qs5dv0i9CDxwuRmwdrOwASqIq822g7Lw16gfffOMdwzrd7CJZrBtB3uwM3v2rPABeZv-oKB4duMiGaQ1iBgpufer3Aq_JRuVfX43rD_kDcM4EIUeAMQh03H/s3265/IMG_20201109_122533828.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2651" data-original-width="3265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-RDjlKJefgcvFQRUHGHMS1Qs5dv0i9CDxwuRmwdrOwASqIq822g7Lw16gfffOMdwzrd7CJZrBtB3uwM3v2rPABeZv-oKB4duMiGaQ1iBgpufer3Aq_JRuVfX43rD_kDcM4EIUeAMQh03H/s320/IMG_20201109_122533828.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Singer 66: where's that chipped piece?<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br />Quilting has been taking up my time as I've been working on a quilt for a friend. It was an easy pattern and quick to put together:<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivindK5YY0tPaaXSFPOjFg42axgGIvsqHZynHo9iQYoFsMENKE6fMUeLDPPGTtas4rLT5J0y-d26aujM1NEddWm1_3sAYfbaKSPSyxYK8uxAp0UR04XcKzNcdtto3CQHFYkAMWci9VJq4B/s4032/IMG_20201107_095715012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivindK5YY0tPaaXSFPOjFg42axgGIvsqHZynHo9iQYoFsMENKE6fMUeLDPPGTtas4rLT5J0y-d26aujM1NEddWm1_3sAYfbaKSPSyxYK8uxAp0UR04XcKzNcdtto3CQHFYkAMWci9VJq4B/s320/IMG_20201107_095715012.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pieced blocks in one arrangement<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>Above is one version of the arrangement of blocks but I found I needed to even things out so instead of 42 blocks I ended up with 48 blocks. Right now I'm quilting it with various free motion patterns and writing. When it is all done I'll show you some of the features of this one but, for now, it needs to remain a bit hidden. A nifty surprise was finding 109" wide fabric for backing at Hobby Lobby. I only needed around 2 yards, it wasn't on sale so I could use my 40% off coupon for a real deal of only $15 for the backing. Saving my judgement until after washing, it came through the laundry just fine but did shrink. I'll need to buy a little extra next time. <p></p><p>I better get those machines ready for sale because the weather calls for sewing, sewing, sewing! <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></p>Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07011857577709241535noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-659210899076492988.post-10146574067828596222020-10-23T09:05:00.001-05:002020-10-23T09:05:22.603-05:00Let's Makea Deal: trade offs<p> Here we are in the third week of October and are in the midst of our third snowfall. Seriously. Like inches of snow, on the ground, not melting. I say it's the perfect time of the year to get quilting! I just finished up a quilt that took way to long to finish but here it is:<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPXXOesHfTHUCJhHshf30iehCDZV4A5omniMQjMClyTxBl2hlh1EI5-meJ9VzRIXBBr-6JMw7SE1T4kl213j_vDWBGDTjb9bsm_wJ_9PX1tohR6nZjYeXjDgLdI65UzSa59wui0K9bccoT/s4032/IMG_20201021_165045733.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPXXOesHfTHUCJhHshf30iehCDZV4A5omniMQjMClyTxBl2hlh1EI5-meJ9VzRIXBBr-6JMw7SE1T4kl213j_vDWBGDTjb9bsm_wJ_9PX1tohR6nZjYeXjDgLdI65UzSa59wui0K9bccoT/s320/IMG_20201021_165045733.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Quilt top<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>This was a conglomeration of partially finished blocks of my aunt's and ones I made up so now all those little hexagon scraps of fabric are gone and done with. I love the blues and greens but it turned out a bit too green for my taste but isn't that part of the learning process? Not having enough fabric for the backing, I managed to piece fabrics together to make it look like it was in my design plan:<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDJ9gMZkiczEj55V19wgSN01spxpgVIlR4VYtmc05KUwIR3wRRBT4CXTr4ctc8Ia0UFYU-Qz6kBOgEft4pO72GBk6spFdcLCF-Mafc-QRwTkMOrZdnlv3TSdr4v_AFR-KdWnUBb4SRXfza/s3852/original_98f39313-c664-4c98-bd0c-78c027981eaa_IMG_20201021_165425894.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3852" data-original-width="2870" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDJ9gMZkiczEj55V19wgSN01spxpgVIlR4VYtmc05KUwIR3wRRBT4CXTr4ctc8Ia0UFYU-Qz6kBOgEft4pO72GBk6spFdcLCF-Mafc-QRwTkMOrZdnlv3TSdr4v_AFR-KdWnUBb4SRXfza/s320/original_98f39313-c664-4c98-bd0c-78c027981eaa_IMG_20201021_165425894.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Quilt back<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>I liked the pieced border on the back so much I decided to use the same idea for the binding. Actually, I wanted to make the binding in navy pindot but I didn't have enough fabric so this was my next best idea. Here's a closeup of the free motion quilting:<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1wM-0Oilv-3GaIJwr-j2XxwOQksKUqmxLwu725tX257zIj7UrOPU7hoc-nJb_RpwBDtH0jKQqLiZl6H9jbMS7F1UukYfI81LRF5G-DpBiXJ53QrwInS7JIDjmnAfy1UFOfKLZNJfvJAZS/s4032/IMG_20201021_165147042.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1wM-0Oilv-3GaIJwr-j2XxwOQksKUqmxLwu725tX257zIj7UrOPU7hoc-nJb_RpwBDtH0jKQqLiZl6H9jbMS7F1UukYfI81LRF5G-DpBiXJ53QrwInS7JIDjmnAfy1UFOfKLZNJfvJAZS/s320/IMG_20201021_165147042.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Close up of the free motion work<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br />Which sewing machine did I use? The Singer 1200 was so much fun to use that I just kept stitching until it sold. Yup, even the favorites get sold over here but it was quite the deal.</p><p>Gary really wanted the 1200 but was having trouble with the cost so he proposed a deal: part cash, part sewing machines. At first I said no but then I got to thinking and running the numbers in my head and decided I would be ahead if I took his deal. Here's what I got:<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbQTMzNi-oIrJKzR-5kCUX7oXR15OSBFvTp41sMZsIiBUXbniqPX-m1XVDC0YKe8g_qLJTtdGd9zUt6RrO6L6d0aFzc9Yygy6_9ybIigrUue1eHQrj2ZFtaIk7-dU2uVvbYIEH-mkWra1a/s4032/IMG_20201018_135139665.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbQTMzNi-oIrJKzR-5kCUX7oXR15OSBFvTp41sMZsIiBUXbniqPX-m1XVDC0YKe8g_qLJTtdGd9zUt6RrO6L6d0aFzc9Yygy6_9ybIigrUue1eHQrj2ZFtaIk7-dU2uVvbYIEH-mkWra1a/s320/IMG_20201018_135139665.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Necchi Nora<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQVqfPyCFAcV4DrSHTUlNWG6cGE0iG-66BtE17EqaMfcgj44ZYbLi7WbucN2EB_6uX8KaBJ-43b24gbakw0YrA2kejZBSr9FtpT5NYoTXJI_Mhtu4eH_Qv_Si7zs8MdlIFGCqq8XPhLDzj/s4032/IMG_20201018_135206803.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQVqfPyCFAcV4DrSHTUlNWG6cGE0iG-66BtE17EqaMfcgj44ZYbLi7WbucN2EB_6uX8KaBJ-43b24gbakw0YrA2kejZBSr9FtpT5NYoTXJI_Mhtu4eH_Qv_Si7zs8MdlIFGCqq8XPhLDzj/s320/IMG_20201018_135206803.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Singer 503A<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRHYEapN8iSlOU8_iXkczLG9Na6GXZnkiQBDan3_luc4HLsyVfOyoAodMWkkdrq7hJ-LF_S644KVOeuilh6T7nNLNsJy6rua_1K0vpu0W15DDarMpxk6-SISutdBHF0E9pwEqEXIfGa13n/s4032/IMG_20201018_135234111.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRHYEapN8iSlOU8_iXkczLG9Na6GXZnkiQBDan3_luc4HLsyVfOyoAodMWkkdrq7hJ-LF_S644KVOeuilh6T7nNLNsJy6rua_1K0vpu0W15DDarMpxk6-SISutdBHF0E9pwEqEXIfGa13n/s320/IMG_20201018_135234111.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Singer CG590<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br />Pretty awesome, right? The Necchi Nora is the cream of the crop, in excellent condition, runs well, but came with no accessories. I thought I might have a set of cams but I only have cams for the Necchi Supernova. I hope I can be patient until I find some. </p><p>Next up is a Singer 503 complete with accessories and print manual. Great condition, sews well, only missing the carrying case, but will still sell. Right now I also have the Singer 500A, the fully loaded version called the Rocketeer. With both models I can list one and probably sell both. I'm not a huge fan of the Rocketeer, preferring the Singer 401 as the real classic.</p><p>The final part of the deal is a Singer CG590, their answer to home heavy duty sewing machines. I had a similar one a few years ago and had to admit it did sew heavy stuff as well as two layers of cotton. Dropping the feed dogs, I used it to finish up the free motion part on the above quilt and it worked well but seemed loud and created an unpleasant sewing experience. It also came with accessories and is ready to go out the door. All told, when these three sell it will add up to more than the cash value of the Singer 1200 plus they are all ready to sell. I hope Gary is as happy with his machine as I am with the deal we made.</p><p>I've been practicing free motion quilting with my treadle and decided I needed to trade out machines. My back clamping Singer 66 Red Eye just would not work unless I used a spring type presser foot but they don't seem to come in any back clamping feet style. Instead, I put a more modern side clamping foot Singer 66 head into the cabinet and used a free motion foot. I did get the hang of it but now need to keep practicing. There's another quilt all put together that needs to be quilted and I'm determined to use my new skills on this quilt.</p><p>Snow or no snow, what are you thinking about sewing?<br /><br /><br /></p>Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07011857577709241535noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-659210899076492988.post-84361186813011729152020-10-07T09:16:00.000-05:002020-10-07T09:16:17.430-05:00Getting Ready and Making Do<p>It's been a great week of warm weather but we know it won't last so I've been getting the last of the cabinets finished up and posted for sale. The garage needs to be cleared out to get both cars in before snow arrives and in Minnesota that means November. Here's my latest adventure with cabinets and their machines. </p><p>A few weeks ago I had refinished one of my favorite cabinets that I wrote about in <a href="https://smmavin.blogspot.com/2020/08/singer-restored-plus-garage-sale.html" target="_blank">Singer Restored Plus a Garage Sale </a>and I no more than sold it and I bought another one. It's all refinished now but there is a problem with the cabinet when I switched sewing machines. It came with a Singer 500 that is very nice but not really the right machine for a cabinet of this era. Doesn't this table look like a treadle but without the treadle mechanism?</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdR8RvTwEyxgE91U8O7JWGbfvlyzCmnPHwvLjs-1qetaCfD0ntBbPf5rFZXIC2nmIcdO8xOEdU180O_dy174itpyJ2tSFy5sTuRm8hUK7KXKYMx26WHRrcHp6ZM72k7M33qCjuDoFlTBCm/s3130/IMG_20201007_072642127.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2373" data-original-width="3130" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdR8RvTwEyxgE91U8O7JWGbfvlyzCmnPHwvLjs-1qetaCfD0ntBbPf5rFZXIC2nmIcdO8xOEdU180O_dy174itpyJ2tSFy5sTuRm8hUK7KXKYMx26WHRrcHp6ZM72k7M33qCjuDoFlTBCm/s320/IMG_20201007_072642127.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">School Desk table<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>When refinished I wanted to put a Singer 15-91 into it but there was a problem: a gap between the machine and the edge of the cabinet. Usually there is a metal plate and spring mechanism installed but this one did not have that nifty addition. I even have one in my stash of parts but it didn't fit the opening correctly. What's a body to do about that? First we went to Walmart and, using measurements, combed the aisles looking for a storage compartment that would fit. You have to give my husband credit for helping me in the search but we didn't find a good container. Back home I search my own collection of boxes without finding anything. Then I thought about how I have made up paper boxes so I looked at my stash of mailing supplies and found a box that was close in size. I could cut it down and reshape it to fit <p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNhoazGVRRshEe9RVVjOvp87In2nhx0xIbH5h6bOH7Bo60yu2NW8bq_379wQGUcfSntGdLlQX7lmpM600o4ricOU_uRqkLCIQOsDCSXzWNW2EPqmjYvx7z09rbnBde2Qq9w8KjkSbc65Dg/s3683/IMG_20201007_082943153.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2717" data-original-width="3683" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNhoazGVRRshEe9RVVjOvp87In2nhx0xIbH5h6bOH7Bo60yu2NW8bq_379wQGUcfSntGdLlQX7lmpM600o4ricOU_uRqkLCIQOsDCSXzWNW2EPqmjYvx7z09rbnBde2Qq9w8KjkSbc65Dg/s320/IMG_20201007_082943153.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Box in the making<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br />I covered it with wood grain Duck Tape and set it into place <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj2cpKG8qM_VNB2vYAoMq_EZy39_qSDne-WDJw8Bz-rglrh_ysn9jD86HshpVuClbDVMtKrXRPbH9YYDPN6h-QYUFkQj8yRvfvmRMGFgfLBBzX6LWOfVkOc343Ey-9adC5oOnV2OID39Gs/s4032/IMG_20201007_072400160.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj2cpKG8qM_VNB2vYAoMq_EZy39_qSDne-WDJw8Bz-rglrh_ysn9jD86HshpVuClbDVMtKrXRPbH9YYDPN6h-QYUFkQj8yRvfvmRMGFgfLBBzX6LWOfVkOc343Ey-9adC5oOnV2OID39Gs/s320/IMG_20201007_072400160.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Box to fill in the gap<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br />It is held in place by the front lip which only holds it in place until the machine is folded down but there are 4 drawers for holding supplies and one can be for this box. This is not a perfect solution but seems like a viable alternative to a gaping hole. The new owner can either use it or toss it away.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpjjrqO54Kj3L5qV_Gle_W9wrjtqx1loqUFnR9vOjp70kGRmFJNSsQu9YizC1y6vINJ056McPajsxOOJO2uDsHY8nyhF4nlIHZLhHAWry2JfvhBozCzr3ItEZA97W-XFBSNp8KZfeLXYN5/s4032/IMG_20201007_072145891.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpjjrqO54Kj3L5qV_Gle_W9wrjtqx1loqUFnR9vOjp70kGRmFJNSsQu9YizC1y6vINJ056McPajsxOOJO2uDsHY8nyhF4nlIHZLhHAWry2JfvhBozCzr3ItEZA97W-XFBSNp8KZfeLXYN5/s320/IMG_20201007_072145891.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Singer 15-91 with box in place<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>The Singer 15-91 in the table is in nearly mint condition with excellent decals and finish. Someone is going to get a real showpiece.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSy-cQABu7Lip7OkzmGMGkMNM7-KnZ8XqVb6OfunJ043QPgRocqQRNIpLR-zHYP5_WVJIMrPYZQ6rlOQ2aSvAhJ-AivPgFGThXJa7uLXQK0Ovzbgy8Y2WigHj9duRGc8ZtkLzKI0Z4RBeG/s3368/IMG_20201007_072138274.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2540" data-original-width="3368" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSy-cQABu7Lip7OkzmGMGkMNM7-KnZ8XqVb6OfunJ043QPgRocqQRNIpLR-zHYP5_WVJIMrPYZQ6rlOQ2aSvAhJ-AivPgFGThXJa7uLXQK0Ovzbgy8Y2WigHj9duRGc8ZtkLzKI0Z4RBeG/s320/IMG_20201007_072138274.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Singer 15-91 in school desk table<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>I love the classic look of the post-treadle cabinet/table with a traditional black Singer sewing machine. Who wouldn't want to sit down and sew with this beauty?</p><p>I've been busy sewing up clothes for my 8 year old granddaughter, Emma, who requested a jumpsuit. Using a vintage pattern from the '60's <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUI7uo1ZUS-B6VqPsYVIASdpAGgBXqCAYHxI4tpZC6OEEvEgrBpyXU0fXsvTfdydAAYsEHhzi_5XXuYYXDEeSNS-5KDzeO18avJ2_gnbVlSc4FmdLdqUbbfjre9tsLLlt-m0esZFZOqjzX/s4032/IMG_20201007_085231069.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUI7uo1ZUS-B6VqPsYVIASdpAGgBXqCAYHxI4tpZC6OEEvEgrBpyXU0fXsvTfdydAAYsEHhzi_5XXuYYXDEeSNS-5KDzeO18avJ2_gnbVlSc4FmdLdqUbbfjre9tsLLlt-m0esZFZOqjzX/s320/IMG_20201007_085231069.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Butterick 4919<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br />I made up a short version in a nice knit that she loved but she requested one longer so I made up an orange version that she picked out!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAJWtRfBdrMaDQpjysn9ebbb4ihXpFb3ff6eVUSRVU2oniSan3NPx65LLHNWPo6Uvtlu81YiSrV5tejIc82yIH5lcQFoJ1cOMAgvLOukVTERezM4sOW48BMnuFSqE_Lh2MMQKAXdDJRRVf/s4032/IMG_20200921_181957479.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAJWtRfBdrMaDQpjysn9ebbb4ihXpFb3ff6eVUSRVU2oniSan3NPx65LLHNWPo6Uvtlu81YiSrV5tejIc82yIH5lcQFoJ1cOMAgvLOukVTERezM4sOW48BMnuFSqE_Lh2MMQKAXdDJRRVf/s320/IMG_20200921_181957479.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Butterick 4919 in longer length<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br />It was way too plain for me so we dressed it up with leaf buttons <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbYJzQcdnE-lr2IYpCMY6LJE9y-ZxydEq_8uQPNybbbJ6Zt51RSn8r279c22Pr2nU_ZKDydigmJe5oMscbwNoBjzNHa6y-v99HHVYjVCLbwCspXhXMX-FT4csYcm99E7AhKQRPqm9WRJEI/s4019/IMG_20201007_085621070.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2322" data-original-width="4019" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbYJzQcdnE-lr2IYpCMY6LJE9y-ZxydEq_8uQPNybbbJ6Zt51RSn8r279c22Pr2nU_ZKDydigmJe5oMscbwNoBjzNHa6y-v99HHVYjVCLbwCspXhXMX-FT4csYcm99E7AhKQRPqm9WRJEI/s320/IMG_20201007_085621070.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> Jumpsuit with button trim and leaf zipper pull</td></tr></tbody></table>and a zipper pull with one more red leaf. She loved the zipper pull on the last one, just a circle of the fabric stitched down, so this one also gets a cool zipper pull. Another shirt was finished up and now grandma is finished making clothes for Emma for a little while. It's fun that she still likes this effort of mine but she's a bit fussy so it might not last long. I'll take what I can get besides there are plenty of other grandchildren to sew and knit for; the joys of a big family!<br /><br /><br /><br /></p>Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07011857577709241535noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-659210899076492988.post-6844460073429980952020-09-21T09:59:00.003-05:002023-01-25T22:35:25.432-06:00Block Exchange Tote Bag<p>Every year I look forward to spending a day or more with sewing friends that I have made through the Treadleon group of treadle and hand crank sewing machine enthusiasts. In the past we have met in Lake City, home of Cindy Peters, one of the founders of Treadleon and a dynamite sewer. Cindy died in the winter of 2019 but her dream didn't as we have continued to meet in Lake City every September for the River Rats TOGA, a gathering of treadle and hand crank owners/buyers/sellers and sewers. We have only had one TOGA without Cindy before COVID19 invaded our lives and this September we knew gathering in person was not going to be a good idea. What should we do? It turned out we could have a virtual conference with plenty of Zoom sessions for learning skills and just gathering to share our current projects. </p><p>It was a great success! Mea is our leader in this adventure but there were so many helpers in getting sessions together as well as the annual BLOCK EXCHANGE. I agonized over my blocks as I wrote about in the post <a href="https://smmavin.blogspot.com/2020/09/card-tricks.html" target="_blank">Card Tricks</a>. Imagine my surprise when I opened my package of quilt blocks that were resent via Denise, the organizer, to find someone else had also chosen the design called Card Tricks but in very different colorways. Each block was so unique and well done it was just fun to look at all of them. But what was I going to do with them? With only 15 it was going to be a pretty small quilt, I have no room for wall hangings, I could collect them and at a future date make up a larger sized quilt, or I could....make a tote bag. I had so much fun designing it and getting it done in a day that I wanted to show it off on out last free-for-all Zoom session. It was a big hit so thanks to all who gave such wonderful praise and affirmed I wasn't out of my mind to make a bag instead of a quilt. I was asked to share how I made it and I told them I would write up a blog post to show some of the steps. Here's the end result:<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMpH7ZTq3E1SdfhPA0F120EcUjtFz7YnZfQjQcaPZi6m5VQsn39c9ASaDDjjHa54iSpqfqV5813mPlVMejv9cujjYKzAR2uJATqecIneXyQZibeMkWlgRwiuAgMTX7IWtArFoOU8TLKnZF/s2873/IMG_20200919_083204638.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2770" data-original-width="2873" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMpH7ZTq3E1SdfhPA0F120EcUjtFz7YnZfQjQcaPZi6m5VQsn39c9ASaDDjjHa54iSpqfqV5813mPlVMejv9cujjYKzAR2uJATqecIneXyQZibeMkWlgRwiuAgMTX7IWtArFoOU8TLKnZF/s320/IMG_20200919_083204638.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Quilt block tote bag: Virtual River Rats TOGA 2020<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>To begin with, I spread out all of the blocks and grouped by colors. Then I checked my fabric stash and grabbed what was right on top (why not?) to see if it would pull all of it together:<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOuNmul4oPPfFsTkR-Y9IFjJIWB5Wk3uuIObvlyvZddmmpdtPVBJFc3sJmno-zNrkNPxil6lAIkK6X-zT1OcI0WHwvcfHEypbrK6bgi1cvrvPOYFGCuC-fkPd9H02zXbJRKqbUipOO9AtT/s3254/IMG_20200918_150407698_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2966" data-original-width="3254" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOuNmul4oPPfFsTkR-Y9IFjJIWB5Wk3uuIObvlyvZddmmpdtPVBJFc3sJmno-zNrkNPxil6lAIkK6X-zT1OcI0WHwvcfHEypbrK6bgi1cvrvPOYFGCuC-fkPd9H02zXbJRKqbUipOO9AtT/s320/IMG_20200918_150407698_HDR.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Side, front, lid<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrFVCh_9AE3-PoJsULiQpDjWYbN-wfAuOtHTLALW_R4_2gkXl1wT_oJA_AGQJXVGQRDUEmydcxXR9XRRXgEhQgFUdmJAIBbxVUO3LI8vqIgHCQolW3lcecVYTE83GqtJ2jvPdWOpVGvvey/s3535/IMG_20200918_150412751.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1974" data-original-width="3535" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrFVCh_9AE3-PoJsULiQpDjWYbN-wfAuOtHTLALW_R4_2gkXl1wT_oJA_AGQJXVGQRDUEmydcxXR9XRRXgEhQgFUdmJAIBbxVUO3LI8vqIgHCQolW3lcecVYTE83GqtJ2jvPdWOpVGvvey/s320/IMG_20200918_150412751.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Back, other side<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br />I got busy sewing the sashing onto the blocks and making a large tubular casing with them all sewn together, adding a rectangular bottom, sewing the lining, and then sitting back to determine what I needed to do to give it shaping. To start, I made an insert in the bottom that would give a nice "floor" to the bag that would also be washable. Plastic canvas that was popular a few decades ago can still be found in stores but I have a stash from my aunt just begging to be used. It wasn't long enough so I added a section on and fused it with a hot iron, protecting all of it with an old t-shirt. As it turned out, it fused onto the cotton shirt so I just cut it to size and used it as one of the layers. I made a pocket for the right sized plastic canvas out of the lining fabric, stuffed it into the pocket like a pillow in a pillow case, and sewed it up. Down into the bottom of the bag it went and even was sewn into place so there would be no shifting. The lining went in next and I pulled it up to the top, folded both the outside and lining edges in for a finished look but it just flopped there. Now I remembered a hint from another blog about making a wire rimmed top but I had never done something like that before and the materials that were used in the blog post were ones I didn't have on hand. Well, that wasn't going to stop me! Here's what I came up with:<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSCdayKa8QDbnD8fyOds9CzW7cjpjKB_jfBJuq3RaDZn92dTka9yc7lg8JnIyQzCQp_t1eXG1CaQc0_5yQ4xKcoqHbGC7FJeUr1wF0yfdcy4ISU-m0c-NBVJIz5nH5srsRI0MHICc8R3Og/s3513/IMG_20200918_194812317.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1861" data-original-width="3513" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSCdayKa8QDbnD8fyOds9CzW7cjpjKB_jfBJuq3RaDZn92dTka9yc7lg8JnIyQzCQp_t1eXG1CaQc0_5yQ4xKcoqHbGC7FJeUr1wF0yfdcy4ISU-m0c-NBVJIz5nH5srsRI0MHICc8R3Og/s320/IMG_20200918_194812317.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wire coat hangers<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br />Using only 2 hangers, I cut off the hook on one and the hook and one arm on the other one so there was very little shape shifting needing to be done. I laid them down as in the photo above and wrapped the cut/loose edges with electrical tape and then electrical shrink wrap used in wiring. The heat shrink tubing was 1/4" - 1/8" size and I added it before assembly so I could slide it into place after wrapping the corners. Applying a bit of heat from a candle tightens up the plastic and creates a bond of sorts. Now I could insert this frame into the top of the bag:<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLn2DnMWZezBpvxcqlWizaj85cQ3v-O1miLqng2r1vouhxWW07lZre3FJu5TtqVuwv4-VrRUSnsKamNE1dfqqC78DjFElmjrVs53i1m85fNZaxgEtm2YyutdD7gEBm488ZFFm8EinIXFMM/s4032/IMG_20200918_220257590.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLn2DnMWZezBpvxcqlWizaj85cQ3v-O1miLqng2r1vouhxWW07lZre3FJu5TtqVuwv4-VrRUSnsKamNE1dfqqC78DjFElmjrVs53i1m85fNZaxgEtm2YyutdD7gEBm488ZFFm8EinIXFMM/s320/IMG_20200918_220257590.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Frame ready to be inserted<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiItZxktdpaPhyphenhyphenG2RBHgLoGcwmmH3NJ5qLCo9pJG0HQiqrznh1_cCOPIMsx_JJGt-nfGAI87d-N7R7tNkAN845HhtGnTLbP0U7KxuOmOxCENhpxeIEJ5KGMP2DceGI4Vv0vW2pqktmAS6um/s4032/IMG_20200918_223700908.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiItZxktdpaPhyphenhyphenG2RBHgLoGcwmmH3NJ5qLCo9pJG0HQiqrznh1_cCOPIMsx_JJGt-nfGAI87d-N7R7tNkAN845HhtGnTLbP0U7KxuOmOxCENhpxeIEJ5KGMP2DceGI4Vv0vW2pqktmAS6um/s320/IMG_20200918_223700908.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Frame stitched into top: note 2 rows of stitching<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p>Installing it was quite the process, deciding to create a pocket for it by stitching down about 3/4" from the top folded edge, inserting the frame, using clips to hold in place, and the sewing the top edge to hold it all in. Using my Pfaff hand crank, it wasn't too difficult until the corners. All but one corner worked well but the final corner just could not fit under the arm of the machine: that will need some hand stitching.</p><p>Before I added the framework I did sew the top or lid onto the backside and it became a part of the top structure but was not in the way at all. I liked how it was turning out but realized I hadn't used one of my quilt blocks since there was only room for 14 and we were a group of 15. But I still needed handles. I check my project bin and there were five of my blocks that didn't get sent or used:<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKZvxgE9vF3Jy39cUTIHjmdlPGRlkCL7ADHOLIg1neoYJwpHhyOSQWmwoVz4y5PsxH-N6FBSIbaSCaE3ePJNIMfnXVDxZYYIaxl8mlbWD8KFKI6UQZ0S3bqwMngUMS7l5LOBiFCr7033yc/s4032/IMG_20200919_071201817.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1306" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKZvxgE9vF3Jy39cUTIHjmdlPGRlkCL7ADHOLIg1neoYJwpHhyOSQWmwoVz4y5PsxH-N6FBSIbaSCaE3ePJNIMfnXVDxZYYIaxl8mlbWD8KFKI6UQZ0S3bqwMngUMS7l5LOBiFCr7033yc/s320/IMG_20200919_071201817.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Card Trick blocks sewn together for straps<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br />When sewn together, cut down the center, pressed, and filled with nylon webbing:<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZNAi3JxcnYO8fjJ3aB-1NuFY_hWP0YVcMdSCc-DWv9DPD1PREdEchVoZNOvy1MjJ4igVIEkDnNtt95XHtbyDy7b9-VOFWWjtChzot_Smv27Tv1-gV8OAdFf-danPu0y0Wgl0w8pNW1VsV/s3977/IMG_20200919_080122390.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="3977" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZNAi3JxcnYO8fjJ3aB-1NuFY_hWP0YVcMdSCc-DWv9DPD1PREdEchVoZNOvy1MjJ4igVIEkDnNtt95XHtbyDy7b9-VOFWWjtChzot_Smv27Tv1-gV8OAdFf-danPu0y0Wgl0w8pNW1VsV/s320/IMG_20200919_080122390.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Straps ready for sewing<br /></td></tr></tbody></table> I now had 2 straps to sew onto the top edge. This proved to be difficult for the Pfaff and some of the stitching has pulled out so I need to go back and hand sew into place. I'm considering adding a bit of embroidery on the outside of the bag where the straps are sewn to cover up the stitches but we shall see. Here are all of the sides of the finished tote bag:<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPYCrJU7_ls39LwlmROrKTSHCtyEx4VYHxDBW7VaUcKX5AAj-TslB-c-k4LCWDZGcfiM4vLrLQ3dW5fA2uwZUVZhpWsy26ga82labZbVFQevrM2I4kMFT34LPZaM-i-Sf77VzHla92851T/s4032/IMG_20200919_083216747.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2163" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPYCrJU7_ls39LwlmROrKTSHCtyEx4VYHxDBW7VaUcKX5AAj-TslB-c-k4LCWDZGcfiM4vLrLQ3dW5fA2uwZUVZhpWsy26ga82labZbVFQevrM2I4kMFT34LPZaM-i-Sf77VzHla92851T/s320/IMG_20200919_083216747.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lid<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgebJxCgnpCbAoXjjjZKHiNMSw1Da7UWmqCgbKq2Yaf6NTFCDdnSd5w57n5z3rK4pTe72P6VeNdsAX0Xq4-N3AHkXzrcU67nQx64Xemc9aRvspuZNHCX_nFCH2DclBKOuAgxuEqOLRA5c8R/s3606/IMG_20200919_083226064.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3606" data-original-width="2517" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgebJxCgnpCbAoXjjjZKHiNMSw1Da7UWmqCgbKq2Yaf6NTFCDdnSd5w57n5z3rK4pTe72P6VeNdsAX0Xq4-N3AHkXzrcU67nQx64Xemc9aRvspuZNHCX_nFCH2DclBKOuAgxuEqOLRA5c8R/s320/IMG_20200919_083226064.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Side<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1jMF6u3PELo9OWm9batVpFZcy5CNwAa68e0B8ZdZZbuSPGyg0ZNG4YRMgO2L5LGhC7P15H7rR_-eC1wYQeAvBesDARz4eEfgw_lK_SyBv_4cG5vP9s9IK1nUPNVXs3rEcKXT6-j1qlGuU/s3697/IMG_20200919_083232984.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3697" data-original-width="2493" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1jMF6u3PELo9OWm9batVpFZcy5CNwAa68e0B8ZdZZbuSPGyg0ZNG4YRMgO2L5LGhC7P15H7rR_-eC1wYQeAvBesDARz4eEfgw_lK_SyBv_4cG5vP9s9IK1nUPNVXs3rEcKXT6-j1qlGuU/s320/IMG_20200919_083232984.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Side<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxQLcY9DIB6SbsVQ3xpIg-rIAbt50p0UAFFsUMi_qbI981Wsij57Yhymk6CksTVeyhm6tJQTqq-jkC72FOISdJTnq-h2HxcfzOny6j18NM2AxPRe6YpvE1IT-00UIw3_m3lIP7XCOdgjk2/s3291/IMG_20200919_083256644.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3291" data-original-width="3014" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxQLcY9DIB6SbsVQ3xpIg-rIAbt50p0UAFFsUMi_qbI981Wsij57Yhymk6CksTVeyhm6tJQTqq-jkC72FOISdJTnq-h2HxcfzOny6j18NM2AxPRe6YpvE1IT-00UIw3_m3lIP7XCOdgjk2/s320/IMG_20200919_083256644.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Back<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY4TmdHzajNOlVLJYtr8FhCGcSWUIoBRq85DsV4wym75k7opL8OE4k8y2evqMiCVU9cVCLMFnh84OhLzDNi18Hf01qyI-y-kno7TwpwSpSpeesE7lPrDJqA8PJFTuAHjA9prryaNvq94ka/s2873/IMG_20200919_083204638.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2770" data-original-width="2873" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY4TmdHzajNOlVLJYtr8FhCGcSWUIoBRq85DsV4wym75k7opL8OE4k8y2evqMiCVU9cVCLMFnh84OhLzDNi18Hf01qyI-y-kno7TwpwSpSpeesE7lPrDJqA8PJFTuAHjA9prryaNvq94ka/s320/IMG_20200919_083204638.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Front<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br />Such a fun project that only took a day, or less, and that included the time to figure out how to engineer it all together. Next one will be much easier. Next one? We are talking about have a Mid-Winter TOGA and it just might have another quilt block exchange. Now you have another idea of what to make with your blocks!<br /><br /></p>Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07011857577709241535noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-659210899076492988.post-67326451743464785342020-09-16T08:28:00.002-05:002020-09-16T08:28:34.152-05:00Rainy Days<p> As the days grow shorter, cooler, and more rain days arrive, I decided I needed to make a raincoat. Actually, I bought a raincoat pattern and just wanted to try it out:<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkDJurzvWf7IjepgyGqwiE3RCUE5z-pY1aFbJCAKfyriRhpr_spVJCw47P0r8yhnvZF_XZwHG0udkwvOZ2ZY6j2WYgoqaucNWWgdAK1zHzXk2oJ45QcddBdn93X333zqNaBQGF8DKJaPvm/s3843/IMG_20200916_080358614.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3843" data-original-width="2487" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkDJurzvWf7IjepgyGqwiE3RCUE5z-pY1aFbJCAKfyriRhpr_spVJCw47P0r8yhnvZF_XZwHG0udkwvOZ2ZY6j2WYgoqaucNWWgdAK1zHzXk2oJ45QcddBdn93X333zqNaBQGF8DKJaPvm/s320/IMG_20200916_080358614.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Amy Butler Rainy Days raincoat pattern<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>In my stash of fabrics I had a vinyl coated print, like the ones you can buy on a roll at Walmart or Hobby Lobby, and it kept calling to me. Matching it up with something for lining was a bit tricky if I wasn't going to buy something new but there was a pink cotton that would work. All cut out and in a stack of projects, it finally came up as the next one and I tackled it over a couple cool days last week. At first all was fine and I liked the pattern with decent instructions but not as many illustrations as I'm used to. They has you make the lining as you went through all of the coat steps so when you were done with the coat you were simultaneously done with the lining and just had to sew them together. I tried the coat on without the lining and it was too tight so once the lining was added it would not be wearable. Solution? I could reduce the size of the side and sleeve seam to give another inch all around (that's a quarter inch on each side of the seam times four) and that seemed better but not great. I set it down and went to bed, settling on giving the coat away when done. Tackling it the next day by inserting the lining, hemming, adding buttons, and a final press (the holes in the vinyl did shrink when using a warm iron and pressing cloth over the vinyl), I tried it on without long sleeves underneath<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3C3eUnfjsSjFrjurqeuU5rvOEY-RezYaTFyXus4k2_V1XOmsc4TyavwWK9rcoQgePVXG8JkmozrZ3IrMqmJkBfp9WbEewXNKTcA9ZPAkfj0l3m_9H1NteaWS6lHijR94YEXx2arKqYRBY/s1832/IMG_20200912_185408091.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1832" data-original-width="892" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3C3eUnfjsSjFrjurqeuU5rvOEY-RezYaTFyXus4k2_V1XOmsc4TyavwWK9rcoQgePVXG8JkmozrZ3IrMqmJkBfp9WbEewXNKTcA9ZPAkfj0l3m_9H1NteaWS6lHijR94YEXx2arKqYRBY/s320/IMG_20200912_185408091.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On my way out to face the rain?<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>and it fit! Get out! I'm not sure quite how that happened but finishing it up gave it more room and made it wearable. I would make it again but in a larger size and might reconsider using vinyl fabric: it's somewhat stiff and HOT to wear but it will keep the rain off. I also adjusted the hood since most of them are just huge on my head so the custom fit made it nice, too. Live and learn so this might just be my muslin (trial) and I'll use better fabric for the next one. </p><p>Which sewing machine did I use? Actually, there were two machines set up for this one with a Kenmore getting a spa treatment that needed to be run for awhile. It had the cream thread for the vinyl and then I set up my Viking D1 with pink for the lining. As I worked through the steps for the coat I could just do the lining at the same time without having to re-thread over and over again. I did use the buttonhole stitch using the D1 and it handled the slippery fabric just fine. Check out these vintage buttons<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8NsfQVQakbO6AMLoLjpaxfTT5P6nQFFmI-lSjxVM5uFyfZlYBLyjygYwAUJO2r6xjiwu4Y66Rew9682lre0bij6zmUdie5wMoAp0WD3OCsgpBPlKGh6F1Fyhl1OeegONHeqTy1W13uipI/s4032/IMG_20200916_080325183.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8NsfQVQakbO6AMLoLjpaxfTT5P6nQFFmI-lSjxVM5uFyfZlYBLyjygYwAUJO2r6xjiwu4Y66Rew9682lre0bij6zmUdie5wMoAp0WD3OCsgpBPlKGh6F1Fyhl1OeegONHeqTy1W13uipI/s320/IMG_20200916_080325183.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pale yellow transparent buttons<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>I've also been working on posting more sewing machines for sale and getting the garage work finished up. I bought a Bernina 801 that needed a motor swap and although that worked out fine now there are problems with stitch width. I'll keep working on it and post the results when I'm finished.</p><p>School has started up here and we are stopping over to monitor grandchildren on the days they are working from home, just a few hours in the afternoon is our plan. That also gives me a chance to make some leggings and tops for a granddaughter since I'm over there frequently for trying things on. Stay tuned as sewing machines are repaired and items are getting cranked out on those same machines; I know of few better ways to spend my time!<br /></p><p><br /></p>Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07011857577709241535noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-659210899076492988.post-81038160848420126642020-09-07T09:26:00.003-05:002020-09-07T09:26:44.685-05:00Card Tricks<p> The River Rats TOGA, virtual this year, is coming up September 18-20 with lots of workshops, gathering times for show-and-tell, and the annual quilt block exchange. I'm all signed up for most of the day on Saturday and looking forward to seeing everyone again even if we have to use Zoom to do so. This is my first year to join the quilt block exchange, not having had the time before I retired, especially since this is the start of the school year and there was just no extra time pre-retirement. The numbers kept changing and it made a difference if I need to make 5, 15, or 25 blocks but I finally settled down with around a dozen people signed up. Here's how this exchange goes: you make up a pieced quilt block for each person signed up, according to the guidelines, and send them to the "hostess" who then divides them up among the participants and sends new blocks them back to each one. There are 16 people signed up this year so I made 16 blocks that were 6.5" and in a pattern and color of my choice. Usually we go to the TOGA in person and just lay out the blocks and then walk around and take one from each stack but this year we will do this by mail. Here's my stack all done:<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgydJJhTCyvS-K4tW9mXMxG71QtPswklynGWUJoqL1jRdUvk2gvh0hNp3ScxjunWkVUwotT-zyMw1b4mi0EE9ZZEtCok5mfKyafe7GilMAkjFBGrJfIHgvXuuBQq3KjhwUejQS_-QhLrWWJ/s4032/IMG_20200828_203203056.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgydJJhTCyvS-K4tW9mXMxG71QtPswklynGWUJoqL1jRdUvk2gvh0hNp3ScxjunWkVUwotT-zyMw1b4mi0EE9ZZEtCok5mfKyafe7GilMAkjFBGrJfIHgvXuuBQq3KjhwUejQS_-QhLrWWJ/s320/IMG_20200828_203203056.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Card Trick pattern, 16 blocks <br /></td></tr></tbody></table>I know, this doesn't look like much but it IS a big deal to get them all done and looking good. First off, I tried using an online tutorial but it was a disaster with the sizing all wrong and much to much struggle. I finally came up with my own plan and kept making adjustments until they came out okay. As you can see, not only are my points not perfect, I had trouble making them so the edge points were a quarter inch from the outside edge. That way when sewn together the point won't get cut off. It was a struggle and hope I don't embarrass myself too much but I am a beginning quilter! Then there is the ordeal of signing each block so everyone knows who made what (yes, now the whole world can see who is a good quilter and who still needs practice). I had a Micron pen but it was dry so I finally found one a Hobby Lobby. Here's my practice block, trying to figure out how to put all of the information in a tiny space:<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfBfM66JhuM3ORHNceNvdbG1CLt3IB5cklPrbCdKZ3fur2LU-m7pfHUCnnR7NK6IGh6CnxJMcqeeNx6Wk1Hjk8U8UQRRz62N0YfGIPb-olfYnRR1lt3Ovj6iLY9c_FNTi7bc8_CebCNXzk/s3042/IMG_20200907_085404560_BURST000_COVER.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3042" data-original-width="2904" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfBfM66JhuM3ORHNceNvdbG1CLt3IB5cklPrbCdKZ3fur2LU-m7pfHUCnnR7NK6IGh6CnxJMcqeeNx6Wk1Hjk8U8UQRRz62N0YfGIPb-olfYnRR1lt3Ovj6iLY9c_FNTi7bc8_CebCNXzk/s320/IMG_20200907_085404560_BURST000_COVER.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Who am I anyway?<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>I think it will be fun to collect these blocks and maybe make them up into a River Rats TOGA quilt but right now I'm just collecting. Oh, by the way, since this is a group for treadle and hand crank sewing machines, I had to use such machines and settled on using my Singer 66 Red Eye in her beautiful parlor cabinet:<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizn41-TrPSyGH_w9aPRN2kGuxfapIPH7-rSYt_sefIgXW7O-KQtWE_yUNgdjHLX1ZmlCJqwhyphenhyphenT0ytXKYn-_JZdcDqmEAYlXHHPaHOutH8yuxUubrnio_jtfbfQyMLoHnZIsl_NJRBwEPLc/s4032/IMG_20200607_211023394.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizn41-TrPSyGH_w9aPRN2kGuxfapIPH7-rSYt_sefIgXW7O-KQtWE_yUNgdjHLX1ZmlCJqwhyphenhyphenT0ytXKYn-_JZdcDqmEAYlXHHPaHOutH8yuxUubrnio_jtfbfQyMLoHnZIsl_NJRBwEPLc/s320/IMG_20200607_211023394.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Singer 66 Red Eye in parlor cabinet<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br />Practice makes perfect and this was just the practice I needed.</p><p>What else have I been up to? I'm into restoration now with a Husky Lock 936 serger that's getting parts swapped out, buying a Baby Lock that truly is for parts (I had high hopes there, too), refinishing bentwood cases and a cabinet out in the garage, and adding bases to two wood box bottoms with the help of my son-in-law. Photos might follow in a later post. And today I'm going to pick up a Bernina 807 that needs a motor swap but I have the parts and hope I can do it. Cooler weather this week so I need to get the garage projects done before winter. This year it looks like I won't have any cabinets in the garage over winter and will have those projects done way ahead of the first freeze. That's depending on me not bringing home any more cabinets but my will power is firmly in place. Let's see how I do...<br /><br /></p>Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07011857577709241535noreply@blogger.com0