Friday, December 3, 2010

the Challenge continues. . . . . .

My dear sewing machine is still not working properly.  The shop called yesterday to report that it was back from servicing, so I went out there to pick it up - AFTER I did an onsite test run.  It didn't work well for me.  The store manager could make it do free-motion quilting, with the machine set at a slow speed (my requirement) but could only make tiny stitches.  My goal is for longer stitches than that.  Every time I tried it - sitting right beside the manager - I would get skipped stitches.  AWFUL!  So we agreed that I would return today, after she chatted with the service manager (again) and we would try with both the spring-action foot, as well as the sensor-matic foot.  So I showed up today, with 3 little quilt sandwiches to practice on.  The store manager tried to make the machine work and it did alright, at first, but did skip a few times.  So she decided to try a different needle - it got worse.  She changed to another type of needle - dreadful.  She changed the thread and the bobbin and couldn't make it work for anything!!!!!  Hurrah.  I was just so delighted that it wasn't just me.  It wasn't working in the shop and then quitting when I got home.  It was a disaster for the store manager.  Yeah!  She called the service manager again who had no suggestion over the phone.  So she's headed back to the service department.  That poor machine has spent more time in the shop than in my sewing room - or at least it seems so.  Alas.  Thank heavens the old one works just swell.  Still making Christmas gifts but no-can-show.

I can share this.  Last night was our Stashbusters Holiday party and fabric exchange.  The invitation says bring an "ugly" fabric, but obviously that is in the eyes of the beholder.  So perhaps we should say 'unattractive' fabric, or better yet out-of-date fabric.  I got one busy floral, but it was "stolen" by another member.  So I got
The pink/blue is probably a 70's fabric.  And the asian fabric is only about 9 inches wide.  The challenge that was issued later at the party was to figure out a way to use your fabric to make something.  So here are my submission,
Hot pads.  I had insulbrite batting, so now just to add some binding and voila!  Probably not my first choice but adequate.  Yes?

We had a very nice day today with quite a bit of sunshine.  So here are the results of decent weather
Festive, no?  Obviously I'm just a big kid at heart.  Happy Holidays to all!

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

Love the way you used the fabrics. Could have made interesting small quilt with blocks like that if you had more of the Asian fabric.

Love your lights. Reminds me I need to get some. LOL