REPAIRS

This batch of rocks was interrupted by a stretched belt that no longer drove the shaft to tumble the rocks!  I had to wash out the barrels and got a sneak peak at them--these are the granddaughter's rocks from Washington!

The rocks are going to be so pretty!  

I had to take the tumbler apart to get the old belt off to order a replacement which will be here Monday.

Today, I am going to sew and putter to my heart's content--

I get to stay home today! 

 My eye is improving so that it isn't painful,

 just a bit achy which is a huge improvement! 

 I might even work at the lathe after I put my goggles back on! lol

 

BeDecked

This antique folding deck chair has a wonderful story.  

My daughter brought it to me to fix 18 months ago

 ( the last time I've seen her!) 

and while doing my big purge a few weeks ago, I uncovered it!

I took up the challenge!

The first thing I did was give it a good clean!  

Ahhh, that turned out beautifully which spurred me on to step two which was the real problem. 

 The dowels that held the other end of the fabric seat to its proper spot 

on this gloriously clever folding chair  had both broken. 

 In fact, they had broken off and the dowels remained in the frame

 which meant I had to drill out the old and then cut and glue in the new dowels. 

 Of course, it is like putting the zipper in last for anyone who sews knows, 

zippers go in first and then the pants are built around it! 

 The frame was machine bolted (no way to loosen them) to put in the dowels 

but Bill to the rescue--he stretched it just enough to slip the dowel into place

 after I had filled the holes with glue!   

After that, we put the clamp on it long enough (two days)

to be sure it was secure and  VOILA! 

 New life for this deck chair!

I do love to fix things....it's too bad I'm not a politician!

 

When it Needs Fixing, Then Fix It!

 I repaired the errant block and packaged it up for the QOV leader.

(I'm hoping I will be able to be given backing and batting 

so I can quilt it on my frame--we'll see!)

 There were even ladies making these labels once the quilt is finished.

 I'm sorry this is blurry-I don't want to get out of bed to go and retake the shot!

but you can still recognize an old granny square blanket!

A friend asked if it was worth trying to fix it or should she give it a toss for the dog?

 In the more recent past, someone tried replacing it with the right design but not the right yarn!

I'm going to try to crochet a block in some of my wools with a finer yarn and see if it will work.

Time will tell.

 Likewise this old quilt top is still just a top;

  it was given to me a few years ago and I will try to fix it.

Interestingly, our local quilt shop is having their annual quilt show this April and this year they have a new category!  It is a non-judged category for giving life to an old top (one that you did not sew).

I am going to repair and finish this .  There will also be a fabric expert there to help you date the quilt you will now own.  How cool is that?!

 Even the original quilter had to piece the little piece to make the right size!

  The whole quilt is out of scraps and all hand sewn!  It is a full sized quilt. 

 Oh the story this quilt has!  

Any guess as the the age of these fabrics?