Crafty Stuff

I dragged my big Viking embroidery machine to sewing class today and was thereby forced to make a block. This wasn't my first choice of fabric nor my first choice of block, but it's what I ended up making.

My original plan was to use some green fabric with a small fishing-fly print; it has peaches and blues in the flies. I bought it several years ago when #1 son was still home and really liked fishing. After #1 grandson was born, I used some of it to make him a very large baby blanket. #1 son called it the Man Blankie. At any rate, I purchased some fat quarters of coordinating fabrics to use with the green, and this morning I couldn't locate them. Coffee prints were stacked neatly in the chair, so I grabbed them and we were out the door.

I don't find this effort particularly eye-catching, but it's one part of a four block wall hanging that Mrs. Teacher likes to do. The other blocks involve triangles, which I'm looking forward to doing. Once it's complete, I think it'll end up in the middle of the kitchen table - a giant hot pad or something.

I have cutting issues - the ruler slides when I cut. You'd think as big as my hands are and as much weight as I have to put behind them, I'd be able to hold the stinkin' ruler on the fabric. I may have to try sand paper dots.

I also have not mastered the 1/4" seam. I have a presser foot that certainly looks like a 1/4" foot.... after I assembled the block, however, I've come to the conclusion that the guide on the foot is 1/4"+2 threads. Or, maybe I just can't sew a straight line. Or both!

The guide on the foot also prevents pinned seams from remaining pinned up to the needle. I have to take the pin out when it hits the guide. This may take some re-engineering.

Still, it was fun. I may never be a great quilter, but kitties will have lots of things to sleep on.

Alatariel started her apron today. It'll be pretty, bright, and cheery when it's finished. She's having a blast sewing. She's surprised me. Mrs. Teacher made her measure every little thing. I thought she'd get frustrated and upset. She just trudged right along. Yay for her!

Speaking of kitties, one of them managed to pull Ala's pashmina out of her drawer today - the one Daddy brought her from India last year - and had much fun dragging it around the house before he found it. They inflicted considerable damage. Kitties are on Dad's poop list right now!