Repair or Replace?

Last week my lovely Brother Super Ace II sewing machine decided to play me up. It is a computerised machine which has lots of lovely stitches to choose from. Each stitch is numbered and to select the one you would like to use you simply tap in the two digits of its number - easy peasy. Except that last week it ceased to be easy as the buttons for numbers '1' and '2' both stopped working - on the same day! Luckily the machine was still stitching but I wasn't able to select any stitches that included either a '1' or a '2' - in other words, most of the main utility stitches! Grrr.

So... should I have the machine repaired, or "bite the bullet" and buy a new machine? Although the machine is well over a decade old, it had rarely been used before I owned it and certainly shouldn't be worn out, but, would putting new parts on an old machine cause more problems than it solved? Then there was the matter of the cost of repair. I was told by someone at the repair shop that the cost should be in the region of £80 - and I knew that I would need to have it serviced, as well. On the other hand, if I decided to replace the machine it would make sense to upgrade at the same time which would mean that a new machine was likely to cost somewhere in the region of £800 to £1000. Quite honestly I did not want to spend that sort of amount at the moment. At times like these a crystal ball would be very handy!

I decided to have the machine repaired as I reasoned that it had not sewn a huge number of miles, considering its age. So now, I am patiently awaiting its return from the repair shop. I have certainly missed it, but I did try use it a lot before it went to sewing hospital.

One or two people have suggested that I should go ahead and buy a new machine and keep my Super Ace II as a back up. I am unlikely to do so as I do not want two sewing machines - and there certainly isn't enough room in the house for another machine. I know that some people like to own several or, even, a lot of sewing machines, but I am not one of them. All I want is my lovely Brother back, working like a dream - please.

What A Great Day!

Yesterday I had a fabulous day out with a sewing friend called Jacqueline. We were both in dire need of a day devoted to textiles and what a day we had!

You may remember that I did a review of some thread produced by Empress Mills in Colne, East Lancashire following a visit there with another friend, Elizabeth, at the end of last year. During Elizabeth's and my visit Christine Driver was telling us that her son, Charles, had come up with an idea for Empress Mills to have their own sewing show. When Charles joined us he, too, talked of it excitedly. So, I have been waiting, rather impatiently, for the weekend to arrive and, finally, this was the weekend! Hooray!

Tickets for the show were £4.50 and entitled you to attend the show on both days, if you so wished. Well, that was a bargain to start with. BUT it got better... If you bought your tickets in advance there was a 10% discount making them just £4.05!

Charles had been talking about the show in his regular newsletter and had made it clear that the Empress show would be more intimate than many of the larger shows. In my view, that could only be a good thing. The pre-show information gave some idea of which other companies would be having sales stands and what demonstrations would be going on. Charles also mentioned in the newsletter that Empress were hoping quilters and stitchers would offer items to be displayed during the show.

After all the build up Saturday 11 May finally arrived and, I can tell you, I was mightily excited!

Jacqui and I had agreed that I would pick her up at around 9.00 am and if I hadn't arrived by 9.15 she would ring me [in case I was asleep!]. I turned up at her front door with a few minutes to spare and we set off. The excitement in the car was palpable! We arrived at the mill where the show was being held just five minutes after the start. We would have been there a few minutes prior to opening but we had taken the scenic route through Colne - hee hee hee!

Upon entry, we were each given a slip upon which to note the number of our favourite exhibit. We were also given a form to complete to be entered in a draw for a £25.00 goody bag. First job was to have a cup of coffee and sample the homemade cakes which we managed admirably before beginning our tour of the show. We decided to peruse the retails stands before the area became too crowded and headed for the sewing machines. The brand on display was Pfaff and there were several models available to try from a small portable up to an all-singing, all-dancing Creative. Jacqui was very interested in the Ambition 1.0 which is an impressive computerised machine.

 

Whereas I was looking at the Creative 2.0, a combined Embroidery and Sewing machine.

 

One of us was sorely tempted to part with our pennies but decided against it, even though the prices were very keen.

 

From the sewing machines we moved on to watch the freehand machine embroidery. This was being demonstrated by none other than Richard Box. He also had items for sale including examples of his work, kits of various sizes and scrap packs. It was fascinating to watch him and learn how he builds up a picture. He had a set of pieces showing the various stages in the composition of a picture of a squirrel which included scraps of fabric for certain elements in the work.

 

Moving on we watched three people seated at embroidery machines showing a variety of techniques and answering questions. There were hand embroiderers working on projects and sharing ideas for projects and techniques representating several Hand Embroidery Guild groups in the area. The Guild were also displaying the longest hand embroidery in the world and visitors were invited to sew a few stitches themselves - well, of course, it would have been rude not to, wouldn't it?

 

The other retail stands were one selling hand dyed threads and other items, a craft book seller and a specialist colour and adhesive supplier. There was also the opportunity to make a small ribbon flower or heart-shaped brooch to take home and a demonstration of feltmaking, plus, of course, the display of items made by 'Josephine Public'.

 

Although I didn't buy a sewing machine I did make a few small purchases. Jacqui and I both really liked a fabric which was covered in pictures of sewing notions so we bought a piece to share between us. I bought a pack of transfer paper for printing images on fabric, a pack of 12 fabric crayons and the last [tiny] piece of this pretty cream and blue checked fabric with hearts on, together with a length of cream and red heart ribbon to complement it. Oh, and lots of coffee and cake - well, we did have to make sure they were up to scratch, didn't we?

 

It may not sound as though there was much at the show but, in fact, what was there was so interesting that it was well worth spending time to absorb it all. There was so much that Jacqui and I didn't leave until almost closing time.

 

The excitement of the morning was still with us on our journey home: talking about what we had seen, what we would like to try, what was best, whether we should have bought a sewing machine!

 

All in all, I think it was the best £4.05 I have spent in quite a long time. Thank you for coming up with the idea, Charles. And thank you Christine, Charles and everyone else for making the idea a reality. Roll on the next show!

 



Artist's Trading Cards

No, I didn't know what they were, either, until I read about a swap that Ali at Very Berry Handmade is hosting. Once I had read her blog post I realised that I had been given one a while back by someone whom I had asked if I might have her email address.

Artist's Trading Cards [ATCs] are similar to the old cigarette cards. Oh crumbs, I've just realised hat there are probably oodles of people who don't know what they are, either! I don't know if they are always the same size but for this swap Ali has said that our card must measure 2.5" x 3.5" [6.4cm x 8.9cm] in either portrait or landscape orientation. For this swap they must be predominantly textile and we can use any techniques that we fancy. As the theme is 'Something New' it could be that I try a new technique, which is something Ali mentioned in one of her posts about the swap.

Apart from a fabric swap between myself and an online friend, this is the first swap I have taken part in. Ali and I agreed that it is probably a good starting point for me, particularly as I can easily become overwhelmed by the reality of doing something I have planned.

I have a few ideas for my ATC but they are vague at the moment. I am hoping that real inspiration will strike me soon and that I shall finish making the card long before the date for posting. However, from experience, I know that inspiration doesn't usually come to me until the last minute which means, of course, that I have to rush to make it! I will try to remember to keep you informed as to progress. The card must be posted between 3 and 8 June. Wish me luck! Please!

If you would like to see some ATCs, you will find some here.

A Review of April

 

I have been reading about Fresh Sewing Day on Lily's Quilts and it prompted me to do a review of what I did during April.

 

The month began with a day out with Elizabeth when we went to Farfield Mill, near Sedbergh, to see a glorious quilt exhibition and called in at Beckside Yarns in Clapham to feast our eyes on their selection of yarns. At Beckside Yarns I bought two packs of a selection of hand-dyed items. I have no idea what I shall use them for but I will enjoy looking at them whilst I ponder on it!

 

The following day I attended a basket making workshop with other members of the Friday afternoon craft group. It was a thoroughly enjoyable day and we were all able to take home a completed (or, nearly completed) basket. I was quite pleased with how mine turned out.

During April I was knitting a bag for Alison, which was to be felted in the washing machine. I was using Debbie Bliss Donegal Luxury Tweed Chunky which has an interesting look to it. I have finished knitting the bag and have felted it but have yet to complete its construction. I shall write further about it once I have handed it to Alison.

Mid-month, on the fifteenth, was the start of Parkinson's Awareness Week. It was also when we booked to go on holiday - leaving on 18 April. Unfortunately the weather had other ideas and our departure was delayed by 24 hours. The delay gave me the chance to make a zip-top bag that I had been meaning to construct. It was only the second time I had ever inserted a zip but I surprised myself at how well I managed!

 

During the month I continued crocheting blocks for blankets. Some blocks will be used in comfort blankets which I give to various charities, whilst I am planning to use certain others in a blanket for me. If you take a peek at the 'Lovely Things' page here on my blog you will see a picture of a gorgeous multicoloured blanket which has been my inspiration for this particular project.

 

I also began working on two other projects during April, both of which I have had in mind for some time. The first is making a double-sided silk scarf embellished with hand-embroidery. The second project is only partly formed in my imagination but involves hexagons made from some small samples of Cath Kidston fabric that I was given in one of her shops. I am interested to see what I end up making them into!

 

I am linking this review with the Fresh Sewing Day on Lily's Quilts and also the Small Blog Meet. If you have found my blog through either of those I hope you like what you see and that you will pop by again.

 

Have an enjoyable month of crafting! You never know, the weather may be so good that it makes you think summer is coming!

  

 

 N.B. Sorry, but the buttons in this post do not link to Lily's Quilts as I don't know how to set that up - yet!

N.B. [again!] Take no notice of the previous N.B., Lynne from Lily's Quilts very kindly helped me and now it's sorted! Yippee! That's another thing I know how to do.

The Holiday is Over

We arrived back from our holiday yesterday. We both appreciated being able to get away for a break and enjoyed the whole thing - but perhaps not in ways that you might expect.

To begin with our holiday was shortened by one day as the ship's return to Bristol from its previous cruise was delayed by severe weather. This was just a little disappointing but that was all.

On the Friday we left home earlier than originally planned because we were ready and I didn't want to start doing anything else. Also, I wanted to be able to drive to Bristol without any time pressure. Our early arrival for embarkation was no problem as we were able to board immediately.

From the outset, our voyage was a little 'bouncy' but wearing my "sea bands" protected me from suffering any ill-effects, unlike several other passengers. Our lively passage continued for almost the entire trip and, at Flam, made getting ashore a very interesting experience as the weather conditions were constantly changing, including storm force winds with hurricane force gusts. When you are sitting in a tender you can feel the effects of those conditions rather effectively! However, it made an interesting experience and, by keeping any fear well and truly banked down, I was able to enjoy being thrown around!

I had taken four craft projects on holiday with me: hand embroidery, patchwork, crochet and knitting. I managed to do some work on each of the projects at various times during the holiday, but did not finish any of the items - mind you, I did not expect to finish any of them. I derived great pleasure from sitting quietly working on my crafts or listening to a talk or a performance whilst crafting.

The weather was so miserable that we did very little when we went ashore but I don't think either of us felt any particular disappointment. Although I did manage to buy four balls of variegated, slubbed yarn to use in felting. Each ball is a different colourway and should give interesting effects. The price of that yarn was reduced which made it even more appealing!

Oh crikey! I've been waffling on, as usual. Sorry. This post was supposed to be about after the holiday!

When Peter paid for the holiday as my birthday present we agreed that I would drive both to and from the port at Avonmouth, Bristol (about 185 miles each way). I was happy with that arrangement. However, soon after we left Avonmouth yesterday I began to feel somewhat below par. It wasn't really anything I could put my finger on. In fact, I had to stop at a service area and to have a nap in the car - and, no, it wasn't because of wild living on holiday! That feeling of 'not right-ness' stayed with me all day. I was due to go to a party that my elder son was having last night but when I spoke to him in the early evening, he told me not to go because he was worried I would have an accident.

I awoke fairly early this morning and was feeling OK but, as the morning wore on, anxiety reared its ugly head. I am always so disappointed when anxiety makes an appearance. It is a shame that it decided to jump out and bite me so soon after my holiday but that's just the way of things, isn't it? I had a lovely holiday but this morning has been proof that the holiday is over.

Not Quite A Holiday!

Today Peter and I were supposed to be going on holiday but things didn't quite go to plan. This morning, just as I was doing my packing (I always do it as late as possible) the telephone rang. It was the company we were due to travel with ringing to tell us that, due to last night's rough weather, our ship was still in Ireland. Our cruise would therefore set sail 24 hours later than scheduled. Oh well, these things happen.

The question was what to do with the spare day. Well, the answer to that was easy as I had hoped to make a zip-top bag to take with me on holiday but had not had time to do it.

I knew the various elements that I wanted to include in the bag but it had been taking me a while to figure out exactly how to go about it. This was partly because I am very inexperienced at inserting zips and had been feeling a little apprehensive about tackling one. However, this morning my brain was obviously on excellent form as I knew how I wanted to construct the interior of the bag which then led to me having a bright idea about how to shape the exterior.

Of course, I set about making the bag in my usual haphazard way! I had cut the fabric for the outside of the bag earlier in the week then, this morning, I grabbed some fabric for the inside and set to work. 

I began by taking the fabric for the outside, which I was keeping in one piece, and decided how deep I wanted the outside pocket to be. I pinned the pocket in place and attached the lace along the edge. The next step was stitching the zip in place. I was using a zip that I already had but which was three or four inches too long - well, there's no sense in making things too easy! When I had attached the zip to one side of the bag and interior, I top stitched it to keep it neat. 

Next came construction of the interior pockets. This was much simpler than I had originally thought it would be. I folded the fabric and put a row of stitching about 1/8"down from the fold and repeated that process for the second divider. I sewed a double row of stitching to make two different sized pockets between the two dividers. At this point I discovered that my piece of fabric for inside was not long enough so I had to use another piece that I had earmarked for another bag. I used this second piece for the lining on one side of the bag when I attached the zip to the second side. I even remembered to leave the zip part-open!

Probably because I didn't follow a pattern and because I didn't measure or plan properly, I found it quite difficult to work out exactly how to achieve the effects I wanted. I made three main mistakes during construction:

• I stitched across the closed end of the zip although I had actually decided to have some of the excess length hanging outside the bag;
• I made a bit of a hash of sewing the side seams. I did not want the bag to be flat but initially I stitched a straight seam rather than stitching at an angle;
• When I was sewing the two sides together at the bottom of the lining, I sewed it the wrong way out.

Luckily, I noticed all of those errors before they caused any major problems and was able to put them right.

 

All in all, I am pleased with how the bag turned out. I am fairly certain that it will be perfect for the job for which it has been made.

The bag was made using:

New furnishing fabric for the outer @ £1.00 per metre = approximately 25pence;

Part of a new 'second quality' sheet that I was given by Toni = no cost;

Piece of cotton lace from a length that I was given by Christina = no cost;

Previously used blue zip given to me by a person unknown = no cost;

Thread I received from Val [I think it had belonged to her aunt] = no cost.

 

Total capital outlay on project = approximately 25pence.

 

It's not quite a holiday but it sure is good value!

 

See you when I get back from Norway.

These Are My Shoes

These are my partner's shoes and my shoes. We need these to walk together along the journey of his Parkinson's diagnosis. Sometimes the road is bumpy and we need strong shoes. At other times my red shoes are just right for walking in the sunshine. When we took our first steps on this journey we had new shoes and we didn't know how uncomfortable they would be, but if one of us is in pain, the other is there to help. Sometimes the shoes look a bit tired and worn (and so do we!) and, I daresay, we'll wear out a few pairs, but we'll continue on our journey. Perhaps you will spare a thought for others who are facing a similar journey - I hope so.

This week is Parkinson's Awareness Week in the UK. You may have seen articles in newspapers or magazines, on television programmes, Facebook or Twitter. But... I wonder how much you know about Parkinson's Disease?

What's the youngest age that someone could have Parkinson's?
Does everyone with Parkinson's have a tremor?
What other symptoms are there, apart from having a tremor?

I think you may be surprised by some of the answers  to these questions. For example, I don't know what the youngest age is to have Parkinson's, but I do know of someone was was diagnosed at the age of 8. (No - that is NOT a typing error, it says EIGHT YEARS OF AGE!)

Many people's knowledge of Parkinson's Disease is very limited - you can find out more 
from Parkinson's UK. In the meantime, here is a list of five things  that you can do to help someone who has Parkinson's:

1. Please be patient. It can take someone with Parkinson's longer to do things. Please give them time - they will get there.
2. Understand that communicating can be difficult. The person may not be able to move his or her face and so be unable to smile. Speech may be difficult for him or her - please listen carefully.
3. Please don't stare or make assumptions. If a person is unsteady he or she may not be drunk - it might be because of Parkinson's. Staring at someone with Parkinson's may make him or her feel worse. Parkinson's is progressive and there is no cure at present.
4. Ask if you can help. Do not try to move someone with Parkinson's who has frozen - he or she may fall over.
5. Try to understand a bit more about Parkinson's. A little understanding would make life much easier.

To learn more about Parkinson's Disease or to make a donation, please click HERE.