Friday 25th October, 2024
... THE COUNTDOWN BEGINS ...
As the year seems to be flying by me, I’ve decided to make a list of all the things I want to finish off this year here in the Studio. There always seems to be more piling up around me as each week goes by. I love a good list, and it helps keep me on track.
As I was reorganising the benches/cutting tables this last week for a couple of classes, I came across quite a few In-the-Hoop machine embroidery projects, precut all ready to stitch out from a Retreat I went on back in May or June. I’m heading off to another one next month, so I guess that’s the organisation sorted for that retreat! As well as those, I ‘rediscovered’ my Coverstitch project I was working on before I went to Sydney, the pile of ‘Apron’ projects I had sorted, another pair of Belleville pants cut out, two more Duster coats cut out, a pile of fabrics sorted to start a bed runner for myself, and a pile of little ‘secret Christmas sewing stuff’ that I’d started months ago! Thank goodness I no longer work fulltime … Best I get started on those last-mentioned ones – Christmas is just 61 days away!! Lots of ideas to draw up!
I love to give my Grandchildren handmade gifts each year, and sometimes it’s a bit of a challenge deciding what I’ll make. Bucket hats, Scout Dilly Bags, Cushions, Footstools (missed getting a photo of Ambah on hers), and last year adding Bobby gifts – Rompers, and a Toy bags just to name a few. It sure keeps me busy! … Oh, there’s the Pavlova Challenge for me every year as well! Here’s a couple of photos of previous years gifts …
Even sat with my dear friend Sandy and ‘schemed up’ some embroidered ‘stuff’ when we caught up for coffee this week … she’s great with digitising ideas and had sent me some files not even 24 hours later! Test stitch outs will happen after this blog post is ‘bedded down’. More on that at a later time – I’m so blessed with very talented, sewing buddies.
... ‘Gathering’ at the Studio ...
It was Spring Cleaning time at the Studio last week as I shuffled around the machines on benches so that a very special ‘Gathering’ could take place. Here’s it is mid setup (forgot to take a ‘before’ pic, although there was one last week), some of the machine ‘stash’ all moved and covered up, and then setup ready for two days of educating.
Friday and Monday were two days of sharing the wonders of the Bernina L890 Overlock/Coverstitch Machine with two lovely ladies. Here’s Marjorie and Jenny with their L890’s ready for a big two days of discovery!
Marjorie and I formed our friendship in the early 80’s after she bought her Bernina 930, then Top of the Range, from me. I was working in a store in Townsville, Plaza Home and Business Machines, at the time. We both were in our 20’s, had daughters close in age, and sons the same age. We shared many times enjoying classes and Bernina Club Days together, and playdates with our children. Our families both moved eventually to Brisbane and we continued meeting up around our shared interests. Fast forward nearly 40 years and we still share the joy that sewing brings us, and in particular our Berninas! I’ve since sold Marjorie her B570 and assisted her buying an L890. Marjorie’s friend Jenny, also a beautiful garment maker, now also owns a B570 and L890. They were eager to refine their basic knowledge of overlocking, and discover new techniques and accessories in the class – and what a great excuse for a fabulous time catching up! I had mine all set up in the background, as well as my laptop. Here they are all ready to start!
The two days went so fast, and I didn’t remember to take any more photos! Too busy stitching, changing presser feet and settings, adding notes, and making Reference Folders and Bags. I had such a lovely time, sharing techniques, tips, ideas and inspiration for further projects.
Tuesday, I was back in the Studio repositioning everything in readiness for a busy few more weeks ahead, no classes, just sewing blog samples and finishing off some of the projects I discovered.
... The Studio Update ...
Sanding, gap-filling and undercoating continues to progress the exterior of the Studio closer to getting its new ‘suit of clothes’ … Colorbond Basalt … a lovely shade of gray, to match the Cabin next door. Then there will be white trims added and a very dark charcoal/black door. Well, that’s the thought this week anyway – I juggle ideas of colours for the door- red, aqua, yellow, black ? What do you think?
The days are heating up fast, so afternoons are best for outside working bees, and now that I’ve got more spare time, I’m planning on helping Sally and Ben more, to get the Studio finished.
Inside though, I made myself a display board. As I have very little wall space, most of them have cupboards attached, or windows, I made it to hang from the drawer fronts of the Ikea cupboards. It is quite light (when empty anyway) and easily hangs from any of four sets of drawers, so can be moved around as needed. Here’s a finished photo of it, with samples prepped ready to stitch out from last week’s Blog post.
I bought a Gray Acoustic Pinboard from Bunnings (1200 x 800 x 9mm $33.00),
… gathered up my drill, hammer, hollow punches, small rotary cutter with a perforating blade and made some templates for drilling holes (offcuts of Template plastic in one of my drawers)
… then used wall plugs to secure some aluminium hooks I had in another of my drawers (on special for $6.00 according to the sticker on the back),
… and then added some pool noodle offcuts to disguise the ‘too long wall plugs’ that came through to the front … which turned out to be a perfect spot for pins!
I then had to cover up the noodle holes though, and found two red plastic thimbles in a little jar, and a black bobbin from another jar … total $33.00 WIN!
Voila … just what I needed for a Foundation Paper Pieced project I’ve got planned!
... Riding the Edge ...
Piping Foot #38
This is another foot, which has a purpose-driven story of development. Originally, its purpose was for stitching heavy braids and trims to native Austrian costumes. The sole is higher on the right hand side, and it simplifies sewing when the foot needs to navigate uneven surfaces, allowing one side to rest on a thick area while the other rests on a thin one, still guided by the feed dog.
As it is a Straight Stitch only foot, I changed out to a Straight Stitch plate and altered that in the Security Settings of the machine.
Options available for the foot – It’s available in a regular version suitable for all models.
Foot #38 had 4 different techniques to stitch out, including Mini Piping.
... This Week’s Foot Highlights or Challenges ...
‘Stitching Uneven Layers’ – this is a great foot which I’ve used mostly for this actual technique. Thick labels and trims are guided easily along the sole, and stitch out well. I made a new cover for a PortaCot some time ago, and created a name portion for it as well. I still have to add it to the cover, but you can see from the photo how well the foot sat on the thicker layers of outdoor fabric and webbing which I bordered it with.
‘Attaching Heavy Trims’ – the foot ran smoothly along the outer edge, when it attached the heavy trim.
‘Attaching Hook-and-Loop Tape’ – another much used technique over the years, and this is the first foot I reach for when adding Velcro to anything!
‘Mini Piping’ – this I found to be a challenge to sew into the fold of the fabric for piping. There is such a small section to stitch into, however using a cotton cord might have added to the ‘not so consistent’ finish of the piping. There were three steps to having a finished piped seam also. I much prefer Appliqué Foot #23 for mini piping – only two steps … my go-to foot for this technique. Look back on that post and see how nice the finished sample looked.
... A Little Something Extra ...
Two for you to reference this week – one which was included with Bulky Overlock Foot #12/#12C earlier (link added below again) and a new one … enjoy!
... A Little Reminder ...
Bernina’s Foot of the Month October 2024 *
is # 18 Button Sew On Foot – 20% off – contact your preferred Bernina Dealer for this fabulous offer. This is a fabulous foot that I’ve already covered in the Blog!
*Australia and New Zealand Promotion Only – ends … 31st October 2024 …
Chat next Friday,
