BRINGING IT HOME

My sewing machine is back in its proper spot!  I sent this to my local repair guy on May 29th and he identified the problem and ordered the part--that's where he ran into problems;  the part was on back order and it would be a long wait for it!  But paying under $300 to get it fixed was a lot better than $3000 for another machine (this one cost a lot more than that brand new but I bought it used!)  It was ready on Aug 1 but I was in NY!  It was wonderful to pick it up and set it up but by the time Mary and I got through all of our errands I was too tired to do any stitching but I will make up for this morning!

I bought two backings so I can get some quilts loaded on the frame and even bought some outdoor fabric to cover cushions for the front porch benches--more on them when I get it all situated!  Soon I will be able to sit outside again 

without being in risk of heat stroke!

(and I had a spot of cancer removed again from my calf-I am hoping this time they got it all because just a few days ago, the scab just fell off from when I had the procedure done in June!)

 

TO THE REPAIR SHOP

My sewing machine shows this message every few seconds which makes it very hard to do any stitching so I took it to my repairman.  It was an hour drive there and then another one to home so the trip was tiring.  The good news is he is pretty sure it is only a mechanical problem and not a hard drive one

which is encouraging!

I finished this C2C (corner to corner) blanket using a DK yarn

 using a G hook;  it is 40" x 48".

The Granny Square blanket is almost out of yarn but more is on its way!  I am going to start stitching this by turning it after every round because I read it will help to keep it from going wonky.  

We will see!

Just a few blocks from the sewing machine store is a WalMart so I stopped in to buy some more Mandala yarn in DK but the only cake they had was the one I already used for a blanket so I opted for this kind which is a worsted weight one.

I used a much bigger hook, an I hook (5.5mm) , which gives

a nice drape to this new C2C blanket!

 

BEAUTY

My big and wonderful sewing machine has had a hiccup and it is going into the repair shop.  I am glad that I at least have my little portable machine that I take to classes.

These are the pieces that I combine to make the corner blocks--

See, I told you it was a very fancy border!

All of my caladium are up and glorious!

I try to add another variety each year.

They are so colorful and interesting!

These are the first two I bought and they are so full and beautiful!  I love the color they provide!

 

WOOD ON WEDNESDAY

I have a new vase on the lathe out of brown birch wood. 

 Today, I will be drilling out the center for the flower stems.

Bill and I did some rearranging and cleaning in my wood shop.  We found a new shelf that was much larger and stronger and restacked the wood I've chosen for future projects. 

 I do like to work in a neatened area!

We took an unexpected trip to St Augustine because my fancy sewing machine needed a part so I have my portable machine in its place until I get mine back next week!  I'm thankful for the back-up machine because I would have withdrawals otherwise! lol

We had this glorious sunset last night and about five minutes later, it poured!  Debby had to take one last swipe at us!