Me, Myself and Memories

Updates from December, 2015 Toggle Comment Threads | Keyboard Shortcuts

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  Noreen 5:53 am on December 2, 2015 Permalink  

  The last of the Thanksgiving guests caught a ride to the Sioux Falls airport heading for Arizona this early morning.

  “Ah, Dad, do you have an extra heavy jacket I can borrow?” Son, Ken, had come off the plane with a long sleeve sweatshirt. I believe the ride from Sioux Falls to St. James, either was shivered through, or that vehicle had the heater on high. I don’t think Ken was planning on visiting Minnesota in the winter at the time he parred down positions when he packed up and moved to Arizona.

  It was nippy with the wet snow falling yesterday. Today there are mini ice cycles hanging from the house roof. We will be in a thaw mode for the next several days. What a whirl wind.

  Dennis had blown snow late yesterday afternoon and the remaining snowfall did not amount to more than an inch or two. I did go out and push some snow off of the drive just to get some fresh air. Never would this heavy snow been something to be totally moved manually. I think they call it a “heart attack snowfall.”

  A mix of fresh air and mending makes for a good feeling. A pair of jeans needed shortening. It was a breeze. The open arm concept of the new machine allowed for the pant leg to be stripped on for sewing and the pressure foot and needle glided over the heavy welt seams as if it were butter. It’s a good thing.

   
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  Noreen 3:31 am on November 30, 2015 Permalink  

  Quiet Day #2 

  

  Reversible scrappy quilt will leave Stauffer with a new embroidery label.

  Do not get me wrong – Dennis does not interfere with my creative juices.  There is just something about a totally quiet home that allows for me to have total concentration.  My new machine and my desire to try all it has to offer, does require my kind of quiet.  I do know that others could perform brain surgery with music blaring and go-go dancers caught out of the corner of their eyes.

  Yesterday brought to a close the king sized quilt.  I wanted to put a label on it before I turn it over to its new owners. Previously, I have had to buy cloth-backed paper to feed into the computer printer and work at setting the printing before attaching it to a project.  I so wanted to have a sewn embroidered label for it.

  

  No more inkjet printer labels. I have thread and fabric!

  I watched Bernina YouTube videos until my eyes burned.  I stopped following instructions in the owners manual with my fingers, as I was afraid I would smear the ink and really be up a creek without a paddle.  It took a combination of having my laptop down in my sewing room going step by step of embroidery instructions while tapping on the display screen through each step.  I was actually pleased with the first label – right out of the gate – if it had not been that I had set the date prior to sewing at 2115.  I doubt that the quilt will make it that long.

  I really think I am going to enjoy my new sewing machine on so many levels of creativity.  The quality will last for decades as I sew straight seams, mend and shorten jeans, do free motion quilting or embroidering a dish towel or do any entire quilt with embroidery.  How do I know that?  My sister bought her first Bernina in 1965 and her machine is still working like a champ for her.  Ah, family members . . . keep your creative juices alive and well.

  Dennis will be home for supper as this is the last day of his trade show in Jackson.  After today it will not bother me if there is one or three televisions going on in the background.  I broke ground on the most challenging of the functions.  The fear is gone and replaced by . . . “what if.”

   
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  Noreen 5:27 am on November 29, 2015 Permalink  

  A Quiet Day 

  First came the Thanksgiving prep, then the huge event day – and yesterday visiting with old friends over coffee.  This morning I got up at six to have coffee with Dennis before he left for a trade show in Jackson.  Then . . . my kind of quiet settled in.

  

  It feels good to be on the last several steps of this king sized scrappy quilt. It feels wonderful to know that it will have a new home shortly. Quilts are meant to be used and enjoyed . . . so I can try out some new patterns and make more.

  Thanksgiving day, I got a taker on the scrappy king sized quilt that has been quilted and now needed binding sewn on and then hemmed.  I checked out options on the new machine and did several test runs.  No televisions on, no anticipated visitors and no phone calls expected.  Grammie settled in for a day of stitching.  I do know that heirloom quilts are to be hand hemmed.  I do know that some quilts demand high utility.  I do know my hands hurt for days after hand hemming a quilt as large as this scrappy one.  I do know why I decided to let the machine do the stitching.

  Kevin positioned the new machine on a lower table than I had been using.  After being at the machine for quite some hours, the lower table height was kind to my back and as well the stretch from the shoulders to the hands.  Good call on all fronts.

  

  The clear square box on each foot has a computer chip to correspond with the choice of stitching.

  Several foo-pas taught me some good lessons on the use of the new machine.  It gave me the opportunity to take a few parts under the pressure foot apart to pull out snarled thread.  In times past when not paying attention to the fact that my bobbin had run out of thread, I would sew for several feet before realizing.  Nope, this machine shuts down and the display screen tells the rest of the story.  By the way, each foot that can be used on the machine has a computer chip that communicates and if you are way off track on the choices of feet, the display screen lets you know and not one stitch will be allowed.

  I was surprised how I had whiled away the day.  Lots of good work was done and I am surprised, I do not feel weary from the full day.  The Kenmore work give me a workout as I kept the machine on the straight and narrow with good seam allowances.  As others, this machine has the two feed dogs that pull the project under the needle, then go down and come back up, ready for the next grab.  I now have an additional tool behind the machine sewing foot that allows for yet another type of feed dog to help maintain the good seam allowance.  It can be pushed up and back when not needed.

  I had a great day and now it is time to get real and begin getting supper ready for Dennis when he arrives home from Jackson.

   

   
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  Noreen 6:26 am on November 23, 2015 Permalink  

  And Then What? 

  Grandpa Dennis came home yesterday with a bundle under his arm.  The bundle was navy blue flannel bags sewn with lots of gold thread and gathered up with gold cords.  Who knew that this is how Crown Royal is marketed in the liquor stores?  I still do not know what Crown Royal is.

  Grandson Ryan has tricked out his garage for a hangout where he and his friends can gather.  I can hear the gears of his gray matter as he cranked out the thought, “Who else could make a window curtain out of egg-shaped liquor bags but . . . Grandma Noreen?!” I do not want to know what expanse of time it took him to collect these or how much each bag represents in dollars.

  

  Imagination was at a peak today on Stauffer . . . kind of like making a purse out of a pig’s ear.

  Why not just hit this project for all I had, as my sewing table was not lacking for projects awaiting finishing work.  This needed a fast turn around.  It didn’t make the project easier as there were various sizes of the egg-shaped bags.  Dennis lent a hand at the ironing board, all the while being careful to stay on the wrong side of these bags once they were taken apart and trying to lay flat.   Totally sewn with gold thread, it was more like plastic that melted in a puddle if hit with the hot iron.  My challenge at the sewing machine was dodging the metal eyelets that were corralling the gold braid.

  I do believe part of the draw and charm of this product is the bag that is dripping with gold adornment.  Banking on that assumption, I decided to keep as much of the bling appeal as possible as I know the remainder of Ryan’s garage setting is quite “out there.”  Ryan’s garage decor screamed for something that would not, could not, be duplicated in any of his buds’ garages.  The end result was a curtain for a 46 x 27 inch window opening.

  The finishing of this project meant a cleaning of my sewing area. These little bags were messy with fragments of lint once the original bags were cut in to.

  Who knows what will be the next request of the Stauffer Avenue Sewing Center?  I am always open to listening and then trying.  The results of what they may get is still a “take it or leave it.”

   
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  Noreen 6:48 am on November 22, 2015 Permalink  

  Good things happen each day. What a blessing that there are more good things than bad. When a bad thing happens . . . UGH!
  I have had a Hotmail account since the mid 1990s. My current email address and password, I have had for some time. Today, the earth shook and my password does not register. Oh, there are to be checks and balances to retrieve info, but I have yet to find it. Initially, my home phone number was in the database. They would text me a new password, but the cell phone number I gave them causes more red flags. Oh well. My next step will be to set up a new account for them to correspond with me.

  Now for the good things that happened today. I am anticipating having some shelving installed by one of my elves on Thanksgiving Day. Dennis took the measurements and the two boards to his grandson. Ryan has a table saw and it was a smart move on Dennis’ part. Our selection of power tools is less than good. When Dennis came home with the boards the correct length, he had a goodie bag for me. Ryan needs a new curtain made for his garage window. He sent along the material from which to have it made: multiple drawstring navy blue flannel bags that Crow Royal is sold in at a liquor store. I do not know if this brand is rum, whiskey or chocolate flavored alcohol. I have the measurements and this late afternoon, I have all the bags de-constructed. Perhaps tomorrow, I will find out what I can salvage from each after they are ironed out and trimmed out. The barter system is alive and well. I realize Ryan has no idea of what his wish is in relationship to logical, but Grandma will deliver and he won’t be the wiser as to the mechanics of getting the curtain done. It will be unique.

  Dennis made supper for us and I was thrilled when he called down to the sewing room that the “Sweat Shop” needed to close. His Tuna Noodle hotdish with green sweet peas was fantastic.

  So many good things on Stauffer Avenue to be thankful for.

   
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  Noreen 4:59 am on November 21, 2015 Permalink  

  First Project 

  

  First project on the first day of turning on the new Bernina sewing machine. This is the first upgrade of a sewing machine for me since 1968. My first township assessing check of $200 covered the cost of the Kenmore sewing machine in 1968.  It still is close at hand as not too long ago it had its third motor installed.

  No more reading of the manual. It was time to plug this sewing machine in and do a test drive. I felt straight seams would be a sure bet. With the first snowfall of the season today, how could I not sew up some flannel pillow cases for the kittens and cats to snuggle into? Portions of the machine’s shipping cartons were perfect for the used pillows with flannel casings to be used.  There is a formed piece of hard Styrofoam in the base of these boxes for additoanal insulation.  The kittens and cats visit the rafters in the garage, as evidence of the many foot prints on our vehicles. The largest box will be placed above the pickup on the rafters and the smallest box will go above the car. Dennis’ garage and porch furnace never allows the area to get colder than 40 degrees.  Heat does rise, so this is our best shot of keeping the critters comfortable as winter is here.

  

  Much to learn on this Bernina sewing, quilting and embroidery machine.

  Now on to the first run on the sewing machine: the pressure foot goes down with a push of a button, the needle goes up or down with a push of a button, and the thread is cut off at the end of the seam with a button. No longer does the needle need to go down and grab the bobbin thread, it is done automatically when the machine is engaged. The bobbin winds for fills with just a push of a button and holds almost a total spool of thread. The machine will tell me when it is running low as to not be in the middle of a sewing project when the refill is needed. No longer fighting to get the bobbin case into the machine: it is under the needle. It is loaded from the side. I can manage the height of the pressure foot by a choice of three. Today was some very practical practice. I found myself reaching to lower the pressure foot from old habits. One day at a time and each setting will allow me to expand my horizons.

  What this upgrade will allow for me is to continue being creative with fabrics and threads.  I know I will continue piecing wall hangings and quilts, but not to the extent of times past.  In the wings, I do have a request for three quilts for three great granddaughters with no time line.  Sweet.  What will be one of the new challenges is machine quilting some of my projects rather than visiting the Old Alley Quilt Shop for the machine quilting.  I am very excited to experience the embroidery options.  Wonderful projects to turn while the arthritic fingers and hands can take a break all the while watching the magic.

  Not to worry, I will not neglect Dennis.  Life on Stauffer just got a bit sweeter this winter.

   
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  Noreen 5:35 am on November 17, 2015 Permalink  

  My Next Project 

  

  I will admit, this is quite the challenge, trying to repair what a dog decided to have for a snack. …Hmmm.

   
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  Noreen 5:52 am on October 20, 2015 Permalink  

  Just as I know when it’s time to go to the clinic for aches or pains, I know when my model 1802 Kenmore sewing machine, that was new in 1968, needs to have some tuning up. It is sporting its third motor, but the problem is in the little rubber wheel under the housing that is responsible for assisting the winding of the bobbin. A trip north to the fair city of Bird Island and all will be well. I look at circulars containing new sewing machines and I check them out whenever I go into a quilt shop that sells sewing machines. I just can’t quite bring myself to replace what I have, as it serves me so well . . . for now. What would be the upside to a new machine? Well, I could quilt small items rather than taking them to a long arm provider. Also, the new machines have an easier aspect of getting the bobbin and its holder in place, and many of them thread the needle automatically. The new machines have the ability to do some computerized embroidery as well. I will be cautious when the time comes to make a purchase. The long time Brothers sewing machines that are touted to be the cats meow have plastic nylon gears, and we all know what happens to that after a lot of wear and tear. I don’t believe there would be a need for motor replacements on them. I know that my Kenmore is totally metal where it counts.

  This is the first electric sewing machine I have owned since the Singer treadle sewing machine. That sewing machine is still in the family. Just in case, I have a new leather belt for the treadle to attach to the head if the machine is ever brought back into service.

  I am not by any means scratching my head for something to keep my arthritic fingers nimble. Quite a few years ago an afghan was my current challenge using a beautiful soft, washable green wool.

  This last weekend I was bestowed a plastic bag with the same green afghan peeking out. The afghan had been within reach of a puppy that was thought to be taking a nap. The puppy was actually using the afghan as a chew toy. Time will tell if I can repair it. Truth to be told, I have not as of yet even looked at the project.

  Crocheted projects can be repaired once the trail of the yarn is figured out. Matching yarn colors is always a challenge. I am letting the bag with the afghan sit right where the owner left it for several days, for no other reason than to deal with the next wave of creative juices when they begin to flow. For now, I will be up a creek with no paddle, aka: my sewing machine is not in the house and it is too early to begin making Christmas cards.

  This challenge, as with many others when dealing with crocheting, I thank my Lord for what my mother-in-law, Esther Schafer, had taught me. Those who have gone before us were true treasures as each of them had their specialty. Priceless.

   
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  Noreen 4:46 am on September 20, 2015 Permalink  

  A Day of Good Things 

  After a very chilly morning, the sun came out and so did the energy levels at Stauffer Avenue.  When the skies are gray and there is a chill in the air, as there has been for a day or two, a clear vision is hard to come by.  What both Dennis and I realized in the sunny afternoon, is that the acre will need yet another mowing sometime this next week.  We may be swapping out the snowblower within a month for parking the lawn mowers at this rate.

  We are planning on taking a bit of a road trip later this month and several things came to mind for today.  Out came the pickup with the shop vacuum right behind it.  Spending time in a vehicle always feels better with a tidy environment and the pickup seats serve both of us better than the softer seats of the car.

  We have made several longer trips this summer to take a check on how my back will handle a much longer trip.  Having a tender back does not mean that being confined to St. James is necessary.  With that being said, I decided to tuck a few items into the potting shed and not leave it all to a possibly weary body on the return to Stauffer Avenue.  Of course, there was plenty of help.  Butter Ball follows me around when I am outside and Fuzzy and Harry are right on his heels.  Fuzzy and Harry thought they had died and gone to heaven when they explored the potting shed.  I have found out that when I leave a few items I want to get rid of, all I have to do is put them on the east side of the potting shed with my “Free” sign.  Its been pretty good luck in lightening the load of items that are not of a lot of value, but too good to put in the garbage.

  

  Upon the completion of each trimmed block, it was a matter of not over thinking the placement of one block to the next. The fact that they were all perfectly trimmed made matching up the seams very easy as row upon row built the quilt top. Patchwork to me means randomly placing the blocks. There was no new yardage cut for the making of this scrappy quilt top and none will be cut for the backing of this scrappy quilt. It was my intention to ease the feelings I had that scraps could be made useful. My family, finding fabric scraps, might have no problem throwing them away at sometime in the future, but throwing out a quilt . . . that is another thing.

  There was one more project that needed to be literally sewn up before we take our trip: the patchwork quilt top I have been puttering with.  I do have an appointment for the first part of November at the Old Alley Quilt Shop to have the patchwork king sized quilt finished on the long arm.  Store owner Sharon does not want a lot of quilt tops in her shop at one time, thus the appointment schedule.  I made the appointment in July.  That speaks to how far ahead she is booked.  The back of this quilt will also be of a patchwork nature with blocks sized at seven and a half inches – the same size as the blocks on the front.  The difference is that each block will be of one color or print of material rather than the multiple fabrics that made up the seven and a half inch blocks for the front.  I knew once the more time consuming top was pieced, the backing would not be a problem to complete in time.

  Many good things were accomplished today.  The icing on the cake is an oven meal that is in progress as I type.  It is a cool enough day that heating the oven for several hours will not make it uncomfortable in the remainder of the home.  Right now, I can tell you that the scalloped potatoes, meat loaf and squash are wafting some pretty good aromas throughout the home.  Dennis pitched in with peeling potatoes and also some cucumbers.  This most definitely will be the last batch of cucumbers.  Hmm, I said that last week.

   
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  Noreen 6:08 am on August 27, 2015 Permalink  

  Need For Speed – Not! 

  There are things I can breeze through with my eyes almost shut or have one eye on the T.V. and the other eye on the sewing projects.  I am at a point in my scrappy project that needs both eyes and no speed.  My Dad’s favorite saying, “You don’t have time to do it right, but you always have time to do it over, ” definitely applies now.  It also means that I do take a lot of breaks away from the sewing room to rest the eyes and the back.

  

  I know taking my time at this stage of the scrappy quilt will pay off in the long run. Self satisfaction is a good thing.

  The chain sewing is finished and now comes the step that will make the difference between a throw for puppies to rest on or a quilt worth being enjoyed for many decades to come.  The two-patch became a four-patch under the needle of the sewing machine.  That is not to say all four patches are the same.  Different scrapes cut differently depending on the what the count of the cotton . . . 250 threads per inch – compared to 480 count per inch.  As fabrics are feed through the sewing machine they need to have a second look.  That being said, each four-patch needs to be tidied up, thus making more scraps out of the scraps.

  Taking a break yesterday from the sewing room, I got online and asked for a quote from the Overhead Door Company out of Mankato.  The overhead door for Dennis’ pickup garage has had a few – bordering on a lot of – bandaids on it, and it is now time to face up to the fact that nothing lasts forever.  The rails have been stressed each time the door took a dump by going either up or down out of sync.  Winter is coming and we need to have assurance that the door will go up when it needs to, and will go down when it needs to.  The furnace in the garage would pump its heart out if the door failed during the cold temperatures.  We did get an opinion from a carpenter who we have a lot of confidence in.  Time for replacement after 28 years.

  In a timely fashion I received a quote via e-mail today from the company in Mankato, and now the local lumberyard will have a chance to bid on the self same request for Dennis and I to make comparisons.  We have decided to have a steel insulated door to be put on.  The quote from Mankato had four different door estimates with four different levels of R-value, ranging from 7.4 to 17.5 with many other aspects covered in the estimate.  Very well stated.  We know our old garage is not without challenges of air leakage, but it sure was nice to have it all laid out with choices.  Time will tell.  In the meantime, the little red Ford pickup will have to sit in the driveway. It is all about consumer be aware.

  There is more on Stauffer Avenue to contemplate than what may meet the eye.  Making a speedy decision is not in the cards.  It has been a good day that began with a workout at the Super 8 pool.  We need to stay in shape to take on whatever rears its head.  Dennis and I are prepared.  Priceless.