I’m trying to get better at using strings, scraps, and leftover parts & pieces as opposed to “saving” them. Not only does it help with organizing and keeping things neater, but it’s also easier to use them while I still have coordinating fabrics on hand.
I worked on piecing this little quilt as a leaders/enders project while I was sewing other things.
I was a little tired of the dinosaurs after finishing the quilt below in July and was ready for a break. Focusing on a new project made sewing a pair of fabric together at a time for this one a lot easier and it was finished in no time.
The second quilt began with the “waste” triangles from making the quilt above.
I know how much little boys love dinosaurs so I’m hoping they might make give a little one somewhere a reason to smile and be happy.
Other than that quilt at the beginning of the week, I didn’t get anything else quilted. My long arm is out of commission for a few days. It’s only a year old so I don’t think it’s a mechanical problem, but it won’t pick up the bobbin thread. My husband tried to fix the clasp on top of the case, but it broke. I dropped the case a few days ago, and now the thread isn’t coming out through the hole on top; it’s sliding off to the side instead.
I ordered two new cases at $99 each. Yikes! These machines aren’t for the faint of heart. I’d never suggest getting one unless you’re committed to using it often. It might actually be more cost effective to pay a professional quilter to do them for you. It’s not about cost for me. I enjoy being able to do my own. Just as some fishermen would rather have the expense of owning their own boat rather than pay to go deep sea fishing. If it’s something you really, really want, then by all means – save and buy one. I did. Just don’t do it thinking it will save you money because it may not in the long run.
Sam, my husband, suggested getting a back-up for potential future problems, so I’ll be able can replace it and see if an issue is with the bobbin or something else. I know he’s right. For now, I’m only guessing it’s the bobbin until the new one arrives. Keeping my fingers crossed that’s all it is. && He’s a retired auto mechanic, sewing machines aren’t his specialty, but I’m really lucky he can fix almost anything around the house I manage to break!
This week has been frustrating. I ordered a pair of Sketcher Slip-Ons for sewing without a shoe on when I’m at either the quilt bee or a guild workshop. I figured it’ll make it a little easier to put it back on when it’s time to pack up from a day of sewing and go home.
The price was good compared to the store, but they sent me mismatched shoes—one size 9 and one size 7.5. One shoe is clearly larger with more laces so I’m curious how they got together in a box but I’ll never know. (I’m picturing and episode of “I Love Lucy” where her and Ethel were working on the factory chocolate conveyor belts…LOL).
I returned the shoes and am still waiting for the replacement.
Since I can’t quilt the patriotic string top I finished this week, I began piecing the second one. That one will probably be done tomorrow and then it’s on to the third. In the evening, I’m starting to gather ideas for the bright mix print strings and scraps I’ll work on next.
The little cut up pieces above are called “crumbs”. I don’t save these but I know a lot of quilters do. The bottom of my food chain ends with strings. 🙂
The plants are loving all the rain we’ve been getting. I’m not so sure the lawn maintenance guys are thrilled at how fast the grass and hedges are growing though!
I’m loving that it’s the peak of hurricane season and the ocean is quiet. Let’s hope it stays that way for the next month or two.
Time to Quilt 