What did I ever do to you?
Seriously, guys, I think the Post Office hates me. Like for real. I don't know why. I still mail things the old fashioned way. I use them for shipping packages (unless otherwise specified by the return directions of whatever company I'm returning to). And yet, it's like they're trying to make me quit them.
Cases in point:
Last year I had ordered a book and a CD. Yes, I still order CDs of artists I love so I can listen to them in my car when my iPod is dead (which is usually). I tracked and tracked like a good mail stalker, and saw that it was delivered. Somewhere, but not to me. I called them, and had to scream and make weird noises and punch random numbers like some crazy person to confuse their automated system and get a live body on the phone (so much so that my nephew came into the room and asked what was wrong with me and if I was sick, hahahaha). They had no idea what had happend, so they told me to contact Amazon, who reshipped my order for free, and told me to return to them the other package if it ever showed up (for free). The DAY my re-ship was delivered a woman comes to the door and gives my dad my original package that was delivered to her house by mistake and that her "idiot son" (her words, not mine) didn't tell her about. Interesting side-note--she was the florist my sister used for her wedding. Anyway, not only was her house number different, so was her street.
Late last year I had ordered some sewing stuff, didn't track it obsessively, and the PO delivered to the wrong house again. Some random guy came to the door with it and said he got it by mistake. At least this time it was the same street, and only one number indicating the block was incorrect.
At Christmas, I got one of those cards saying "You have a package at the post office to pick up." I knew what it was and was very excited to get it. Then I saw the note: no one was home. Which was a lie. My dad was sitting there grading finals (he teaches physics at a local university part-time) all day. No one knocked, nothing. When I picked up the package there was nothing indicating special delivery directions, so they could have just left it. But the best part - they had crossed out my address, written another one (which--WTF? and no wonder I wasn't there to receive it) but left the pick-up directions at my actual address. How does that even happen?????
And now, I'm really mad. I had ordered from one of my favorite UK sites for some piping cord and a purse kit to reward myself for all my hard work. I ordered it weeks ago. Got my shipment notice (but no tracking since it wasn't offered or I missed the part where you could pay a little extra for it) and waited. And I'm still waiting. I needed the cord, and put a ton of miles on my car last week to find something similar, meeting with success only the other night. I bought just what I needed, thinking that would ensure my package would be delivered the very next day. But it wasn't. And there's nothing I can do. The shipper is extremely reliable and I've never had an issue (I actually get my stuff so quickly it's almost insane). But my package is lost somewhere. Maybe if I reorder it someone from Mozambique will be knocking at my door saying "This was delivered to my house by mistake."
Sorry for the rant. But I really wanted the purse kit - I'm thinking I might have some free time this weekend to whip it together. Guess not. But I am about to redefine what it means to go postal...
Thursday, March 15, 2012
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
Be the Change
"Be the change you want go see in the world." I try to keep Gandhi's words in my mind when faced with tough decisions, injustices, what have you. And lately, with all the political hullabaloo, Kony2012 chatter, and other things, there seems to be a lot of extremism, anger, and hatred. This can really wear on the old soul, y'know? The constant back and forth of who thinks what and how that's the only way people should live, and belittling other people's thoughts, opinions, and feelings ties my stomach in knots. I'd love nothing more than to have children, but when I see the way the world is trending and how people treat other people I have second thoughts. Hell, it breaks my heart every day when I think of my nephew being out there in this world. I don't know if I could get out of bed or let go of their hand if it was my own kid.
I try to keep things chipper here, for the most part (I hope it comes across that way) but I watched a movie trailer tonight that made me cry (the full-length film will give me heartache for sure), and I thought it worth sharing (you're welcome :) Everyone either is/was a bully, has been bullied, or has seen it in action. I can think of very few things more terrible than for a child to go to school each day knowing the terrible things they may face, just because they are who they are. What are we teaching our children that they think this is OK? Where are they getting this behavior from? I am in no way innocent--I'm sure I took part in some teasing, but I was also on the receiving end. But bullying today is a whole new ball of wax. It doesn't stop with a few poking words. It's now about the sticks and the stones, literally. And sadly, suicide. CHILDREN are ending their own lives because of the brutality of others, when they are just trying to go about their business.
For some reason, enjoying learning (dare I say 'being a nerd?') is a reason to be bullied. Being too short/tall/skinny/fat is a reason to have threats cast upon you. And heaven forbid there is any kind of disability, physical or otherwise. The world is a scary place. Wouldn't it be wonderful if the days were a little less scary for the children in our lives, or that they were taught to have respect for other people and the dignity of a human life? I think this is one cause we can all get behind.
Here's the trailer (in case it doesn't show above). They want to make this rated R because of cursing. This will cut out a HUGE portion of the population at which this film is targeted, but the MPAA cites "the rules." I wonder if anyone in the Motion Picture Association of America was ever bullied...or has been around the target age group who probably know more of 'those' words than I do... Here's the petition to drop the R rating from this film, if you're interested in signing it.
Now returning you to your regularly scheduled programming...
I try to keep things chipper here, for the most part (I hope it comes across that way) but I watched a movie trailer tonight that made me cry (the full-length film will give me heartache for sure), and I thought it worth sharing (you're welcome :) Everyone either is/was a bully, has been bullied, or has seen it in action. I can think of very few things more terrible than for a child to go to school each day knowing the terrible things they may face, just because they are who they are. What are we teaching our children that they think this is OK? Where are they getting this behavior from? I am in no way innocent--I'm sure I took part in some teasing, but I was also on the receiving end. But bullying today is a whole new ball of wax. It doesn't stop with a few poking words. It's now about the sticks and the stones, literally. And sadly, suicide. CHILDREN are ending their own lives because of the brutality of others, when they are just trying to go about their business.
For some reason, enjoying learning (dare I say 'being a nerd?') is a reason to be bullied. Being too short/tall/skinny/fat is a reason to have threats cast upon you. And heaven forbid there is any kind of disability, physical or otherwise. The world is a scary place. Wouldn't it be wonderful if the days were a little less scary for the children in our lives, or that they were taught to have respect for other people and the dignity of a human life? I think this is one cause we can all get behind.
Here's the trailer (in case it doesn't show above). They want to make this rated R because of cursing. This will cut out a HUGE portion of the population at which this film is targeted, but the MPAA cites "the rules." I wonder if anyone in the Motion Picture Association of America was ever bullied...or has been around the target age group who probably know more of 'those' words than I do... Here's the petition to drop the R rating from this film, if you're interested in signing it.
Now returning you to your regularly scheduled programming...
Sunday, March 11, 2012
Ladybug Totes and Other Thoughts
What up, citizens? How goes your weekend? I got a good bit done--got a haircut, got everything for all upcoming sewing orders, helped shampoo the upholstery, went shopping for crafty inspiration but only came home with some elastic for stretchy pockets, and got some sewing in. Oh, and I crocheted a bit. I'm satisfied.
Changing directions now... Around Thanksgiving my cousin handed me some fabric and Simplicity patterns and asked me to make her a few bags. I finally got around to it, but I blame that on the fact that I didn't have the lining fabric she had picked for it. Yeah, thaaaaat's what it was. This bag is so not me. You know my tastes are usually candy colored and fun, and this was anything but. But I still like it, if that makes sense. I've said it before but that's why I like custom orders--it gets me out of my comfort zone.
Two thoughts kept going through my head while making this one. First was this line from The Big Bang Theory: "Interesting. You're afraid of insects and women. Ladybugs must render you catatonic." And "When people say one smells like an old person, that smell is the same as tapestry fabric. So old people probably don't have a smell. They just have a lot of tapestries." That one was from my own wacky brain... Because seriously--every time I picked this fabric up and adjusted it, pressed it, whatever, it gave off a whiff. Just to make sure when I went to Joann's yesterday I smelled the tapestry fabrics, and they seem to have an aroma about them.
ANYway, the first one was a huuuuuuuuge tote bag. I mean, wow. It's big. But it'd be perfect for a good-sized yarn project for sure. I almost cried when I saw that the lining was that acetate stuff that melts easy. I like the look of it, but I do so hate working with it. Between the shredding and the shifting it drives me batty. Even with interfacing. I commend those who work with it regularly.
Because the bottom is a roomy seven inches deep, I left the open seam for turning in the side instead of across the bottom. Finished off it's hardly noticeable tucked away in the corner like that. I think I'll try that on all other bags that will let me turn them out that way.
I had concerns about the size of this bag and the stress on the thin acetate due to the handles, so I cut the inside a few inches shorter and added a strip of the tapestry fabric at the top. It seemed to work out pretty well. I had no idea what to do for handles. I was going to do the nylon stuff they use on duffel bags, but then I saw a roll of stuff called 'belting.' It seemed skimpy for a belt, and for handles as well, so I sewed two layers together and stitched them in like normal.
I like how they have a little bit of texture and really seem to blend in with the texture of the bag. They were the perfect length, which was nice since I used every last inch I had. Don't you love when that happens?
The second bag she wanted was a drawstring bag. The top (in the pattern) had a scalloped edge, so I used that. It proved impossible (for me, anyway) to marry the thin lining and the thick outside with all those curves. It just would not lay flat. I hacked off the scallops, and made a plain bag. I'm hoping that's ok, because I used a lot of naughty words before I called a redo.
Changing directions now... Around Thanksgiving my cousin handed me some fabric and Simplicity patterns and asked me to make her a few bags. I finally got around to it, but I blame that on the fact that I didn't have the lining fabric she had picked for it. Yeah, thaaaaat's what it was. This bag is so not me. You know my tastes are usually candy colored and fun, and this was anything but. But I still like it, if that makes sense. I've said it before but that's why I like custom orders--it gets me out of my comfort zone.
Two thoughts kept going through my head while making this one. First was this line from The Big Bang Theory: "Interesting. You're afraid of insects and women. Ladybugs must render you catatonic." And "When people say one smells like an old person, that smell is the same as tapestry fabric. So old people probably don't have a smell. They just have a lot of tapestries." That one was from my own wacky brain... Because seriously--every time I picked this fabric up and adjusted it, pressed it, whatever, it gave off a whiff. Just to make sure when I went to Joann's yesterday I smelled the tapestry fabrics, and they seem to have an aroma about them.
ANYway, the first one was a huuuuuuuuge tote bag. I mean, wow. It's big. But it'd be perfect for a good-sized yarn project for sure. I almost cried when I saw that the lining was that acetate stuff that melts easy. I like the look of it, but I do so hate working with it. Between the shredding and the shifting it drives me batty. Even with interfacing. I commend those who work with it regularly.
It's not crooked--it's just the angle at which I'm standing.
Because the bottom is a roomy seven inches deep, I left the open seam for turning in the side instead of across the bottom. Finished off it's hardly noticeable tucked away in the corner like that. I think I'll try that on all other bags that will let me turn them out that way.
I had concerns about the size of this bag and the stress on the thin acetate due to the handles, so I cut the inside a few inches shorter and added a strip of the tapestry fabric at the top. It seemed to work out pretty well. I had no idea what to do for handles. I was going to do the nylon stuff they use on duffel bags, but then I saw a roll of stuff called 'belting.' It seemed skimpy for a belt, and for handles as well, so I sewed two layers together and stitched them in like normal.
I like how they have a little bit of texture and really seem to blend in with the texture of the bag. They were the perfect length, which was nice since I used every last inch I had. Don't you love when that happens?
The second bag she wanted was a drawstring bag. The top (in the pattern) had a scalloped edge, so I used that. It proved impossible (for me, anyway) to marry the thin lining and the thick outside with all those curves. It just would not lay flat. I hacked off the scallops, and made a plain bag. I'm hoping that's ok, because I used a lot of naughty words before I called a redo.
I had a migraine for about three days this week, so in that fog my brain was in I neglected to tape off the ends of this cord before I cut it and it unraveled into one heckuva mess. Luckily, a store near me sells really nice fabric and trims at a discount. It's a hit or miss kind of place, but I scored a direct hit on the above handles. They were skinner than the ones I had mangled so they move through the channel a bit easier, and I sewed the ends so they won't unravel if the knots come undone.
If I didn't have such a beastly headache I would have remembered that I have Jane's Drawstring Pouch pattern. And I would have used that instead of the pattern I had. Because hers is much better. It's funny--when I first started sewing I would eschew independent patterns and think the big pattern companies knew better. After sewing for several years now, I find independent pattern-maker designs so much better, for several reasons. No annoying tissue paper pieces. They usually let you sell from their patterns. They've been tested and usually work really well, and if they don't and you ask about it you actually get a solution or a fix of some sort (possibly a reworked pattern). The big companies actually write on the envelope "we're not responsible for mistakes in this pattern." I always wondered "Then who the hell is?" Plus, their directions and pictures are infinitely more helpful than what I've found in those envelopes. I'm not including all big brands in this assessment, but most definitely leave a bit to be desired. I have learned so much more from blogs and regular folks sharing their wisdom than I ever did from that drawer full of patterns I have.Which do you folks like better - indie or corporate patterns? And if you've got particular companies you like let us know in the comments so we can check them out.
Meanwhile, I'll be linking up here:
Skip to My Lou *** Pinkapotamus *** Ask Anna *** Sew Can Do *** Craftomaniac *** Homemaker on a Dime *** C.R.A.F.T. *** Running With Glitter *** Sarahndipities *** All Thingz Related *** Creative Itch Boutique *** Funky Polkadot Giraffe *** Chef in Training *** Tip Junkie *** My Girlish Whims *** Sew Much Ado *** Blue Cricket Design *** Free Pretty Things for You *** Tea Rose Home *** Homework *** Pincushion Creations *** Someday Crafts *** Somewhat Simple *** Fireflies and Jellybeans *** Suzy's Artsy Craftsy Sitcom *** Today's Creative Blog *** Between U and Me *** Creation Corner *** The Shabby Nest *** While He Was Napping *** Tatertots and Jello *** Be Different Act Normal *** To Sew With Love *** Sugar Pink Boutique *** Craftionary *** Under the Table and Dreaming
Saturday, March 10, 2012
Fat Quarter Shop Giveaway Winner!!
Must post this while I'm thinking of it or it'll never happen. That's the way I seem to be rolling lately. "Ooops, I totally forgot" has become my catchphrase. My brain is entirely too crowded, apparently, and things just disappear from it. Like why I started writing this in the first place [checks title for reminder]. Ah, yes. You'd like to know who the lucky duck is that won the Fat Quarter Shop gift certificate.
There were 69 entries for this one. I said "Mr. Random Generator, please pick a number between 1 and 69, inclusive" and he said "Yes ma'am!" He thought for a split second and said "15 sounds good!"
"But WHO is number 15?" So I counted (because my comment number widget seems to have gone bye-bye), and landed on:
"Describe happy." That made me laugh. As did "passionate about fiber." I assume she means the fabric kind of fiber. Not the digestive kind. I'm not really passionate about that. Or even mildly interested, truth be told. But fabric fiber? Yeeessss.....
So--congratulations Christie!!!! I hope you don't get stuck in some weird vortex of options from which you cannot emerge. Because if there's a place that makes it hard to choose, it's the Fat Quarter Shop. And just in case anyone was wondering, this wasn't sponsored by them or anything like that - heck, they don't even know about. I just adore their selection and their service and thought I'd share it.
Happy Saturday! I'm off to photograph a very not-me bag to share tomorrow. I guess it doesn't matter that it's not me, since it's not FOR me, but my nephew even noticed it's different from the usual stuff he sees me work with. By the way, the nephew has a cell phone. We were texting yesterday. He LOL'd me. I don't like when kids grow up. Just sayin'.
There were 69 entries for this one. I said "Mr. Random Generator, please pick a number between 1 and 69, inclusive" and he said "Yes ma'am!" He thought for a split second and said "15 sounds good!"
"But WHO is number 15?" So I counted (because my comment number widget seems to have gone bye-bye), and landed on:
"Describe happy." That made me laugh. As did "passionate about fiber." I assume she means the fabric kind of fiber. Not the digestive kind. I'm not really passionate about that. Or even mildly interested, truth be told. But fabric fiber? Yeeessss.....
So--congratulations Christie!!!! I hope you don't get stuck in some weird vortex of options from which you cannot emerge. Because if there's a place that makes it hard to choose, it's the Fat Quarter Shop. And just in case anyone was wondering, this wasn't sponsored by them or anything like that - heck, they don't even know about. I just adore their selection and their service and thought I'd share it.
Happy Saturday! I'm off to photograph a very not-me bag to share tomorrow. I guess it doesn't matter that it's not me, since it's not FOR me, but my nephew even noticed it's different from the usual stuff he sees me work with. By the way, the nephew has a cell phone. We were texting yesterday. He LOL'd me. I don't like when kids grow up. Just sayin'.
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
Life is but a dream...
I found the greatest craft store over the weekend. It was huuuuge, and not too far away, in a nearby small suburb. They had everything there for everything you could imagine. They even had a floral section of live, seasonal plants (instead of the generic stuff you find in the supermarket) for super cheap. Perhaps the absolute best part was the antiques section of this craft mart. Genuine old stuff and not replicas simply for decorative purposes--mason jars, old sleds, cookware, books, you name it and it was in this antiques section.
They even had this great program they were running. You sign up for a discount card and get 10% off your purchases. Spend more money at the store and your discount level goes up. Since I loved this place I figured it was a win-win. The cashier told me I couldn't sign up for the card and get the discount on the same day, which seemed odd but ok, whatever. She then told me that to 'test' the card I needed a minimum purchase amount, so I should go get something else. I wanted a hera marker for quilt marking, but they didn't have that (OK - so they didn't have everything you could imagine then, but close to it) so I perused the antiques section and found a red and white polka dot mug (I've wanted one forever and couldn't find one anywhere), all the while singing "Leaving on a Jet Plane." Why that song? I don't know...
So far, so good, right? Except for the singing. But I swear it sounded really good. So I go to check out and the cashier is gone. She had told me to leave my things with her while I went for my hera marker, and they were gone too. Panic set in. I went to customer service and tried to talk to the rep. Another lady came over and said "Excuse me, but you've already spoken to her today" as though her time was so valuable you needed an appointment. I found someone to help me locate my things and was getting all set to pay and leave, when a parade happened by. When I tell you every employee ran outside in excitement I'm not kidding. And it was just your basic local high school kind of parade. Very random and weird.
At this point I was really frustrated. All I'm trying to do is get out of the store, and I'm swearing that I'll never go back even though they have an awesome selection and that nifty discount. I'm just THAT annoyed. You know what happened then? Charlie started barking and I woke up. Yeah, all that up there took place in a dream. And it was the kind of dream where you wake up angry, even though the injustice done unto you was not only imaginary, it was un(sub?)consciously imaginery.
And I'm glad it WAS a dream for a few reasons. First, I was a bit concerned that I had just left my purse with a total stranger. Second, I didn't like that I didn't challenge the customer service gods who could only be seen by appointment. Third, I wouldn't have signed up for a discount I couldn't use right away because that just sounds so stupid. Fourth, running outside for a parade in the middle of a sale isn't really professional.
However....I do really wish that red and white polka dot mug was real. And that I could sing. Because I can't. Wouldn't it be nice to be confident enough in your excellent singing to belt out a few tunes while you're shopping? Not for other shoppers, but more for yourself...
Obviously I need to get out more. Much more.
They even had this great program they were running. You sign up for a discount card and get 10% off your purchases. Spend more money at the store and your discount level goes up. Since I loved this place I figured it was a win-win. The cashier told me I couldn't sign up for the card and get the discount on the same day, which seemed odd but ok, whatever. She then told me that to 'test' the card I needed a minimum purchase amount, so I should go get something else. I wanted a hera marker for quilt marking, but they didn't have that (OK - so they didn't have everything you could imagine then, but close to it) so I perused the antiques section and found a red and white polka dot mug (I've wanted one forever and couldn't find one anywhere), all the while singing "Leaving on a Jet Plane." Why that song? I don't know...
So far, so good, right? Except for the singing. But I swear it sounded really good. So I go to check out and the cashier is gone. She had told me to leave my things with her while I went for my hera marker, and they were gone too. Panic set in. I went to customer service and tried to talk to the rep. Another lady came over and said "Excuse me, but you've already spoken to her today" as though her time was so valuable you needed an appointment. I found someone to help me locate my things and was getting all set to pay and leave, when a parade happened by. When I tell you every employee ran outside in excitement I'm not kidding. And it was just your basic local high school kind of parade. Very random and weird.
At this point I was really frustrated. All I'm trying to do is get out of the store, and I'm swearing that I'll never go back even though they have an awesome selection and that nifty discount. I'm just THAT annoyed. You know what happened then? Charlie started barking and I woke up. Yeah, all that up there took place in a dream. And it was the kind of dream where you wake up angry, even though the injustice done unto you was not only imaginary, it was un(sub?)consciously imaginery.
And I'm glad it WAS a dream for a few reasons. First, I was a bit concerned that I had just left my purse with a total stranger. Second, I didn't like that I didn't challenge the customer service gods who could only be seen by appointment. Third, I wouldn't have signed up for a discount I couldn't use right away because that just sounds so stupid. Fourth, running outside for a parade in the middle of a sale isn't really professional.
However....I do really wish that red and white polka dot mug was real. And that I could sing. Because I can't. Wouldn't it be nice to be confident enough in your excellent singing to belt out a few tunes while you're shopping? Not for other shoppers, but more for yourself...
Obviously I need to get out more. Much more.
Sunday, March 4, 2012
Stripes and checks? Check and check!
I gave you fair warning you'd be seeing a few diaper bags sooner rather than later, and I've got another one for you this week. It was my first after writing down my actual pattern and details, and it came out quite well. The original order was for something with owls on it in baby blue and green. I had no luck finding something that wasn't garish and wouldn't have the tot end up in therapy singing "I always feel like...somebody's WATching meeeee...." I hunted and hunted for a decent sized applique or patch to use on this, but had no such luck. It ended up being a very basic, but very soft and pretty, boyish diaper bag.
After the owl search was fruitless, I was told a blue stripe would be fine and a green inside. I took a little bit of creative license with the patterns, and had such fun seeing this one come together. I know I say that a lot, but it's only when I sew for other people. I'm always very intrigued by how their selections will appear after I've stitched them. I thought the stripe might end up being a little too bland even with the solid piping, so I added in a matching check.
It's subtle so the contrast doesn't hit you in the face, but it's just different enough to make a difference (that's some great writing there, doncha think?).
The fabrics are from the same line of nursery prints at Joann's so I didn't worry about them matching too much. The green I used for the inside is also the same line, so even that was the same tone, blending well with the blues. I thought my last bag had ties that were a little too wide, so I skinnied these up a bit. I think they need to be a touch wider (even though they already look kind of fat).
I triple-stitched them to hopefully hold up to the wear and tear. We'll see. I always get nervous when I haven't made too many of something before--I worry that I'll send one out into the world and it'll fall apart. Does anybody else ever concern themselves with such thoughts?
I did the same pocket setup too. The elasticized pockets seem just right but the others seem a mite small. The next one I do I might try larger pockets. We'll see (if I remember).
This is a better shot of the actual shade of the green. It's nice and springy looking. I'm trying to figure out ways to cut down on some of the bulk at the top. I only ran the piping cord to about an inch from the edge (but it could probably be a touch closer), but it's still a little bulky. On the next one I'll trim some of the fleece a bit shorter at the top. It's the only spot where the bulk is a little bit of a hindrance to the old presser foot.
They also sell these colors in a polka dot print. I'm thinking if I did the stripes, checks and dots I might keel over from the sweetness. I'm hoping someone has a girl soon and asks me for one because I'm seeing one in pinks with a cute eyelet ruffle around it. I might do that anyway for my neglected little shop (at least that would be my excuse).
Right now I have that overwhelmed feeling I'm prone to of having too much to do. So today, I prepped a bunch of projects in readiness for stitching. Only rarely do I find myself enjoying the process of cutting fabrics and interfacing, so I decided to hack into a few things and just sew through the week. I have high hopes for myself to finish two bags this week (another diaper bag for which I'm waiting for the cording to be delivered, and a tote for my cousin) so that next weekend I can whip up my mother's table runner I started a million years ago on Persephone.
Here's to a productive week for all of us!
Linking up here:
Skip to My Lou *** Pinkapotamus *** Ask Anna *** Sew Can Do *** Craftomaniac *** Homemaker on a Dime *** C.R.A.F.T. *** Running With Glitter *** Sarahndipities *** All Thingz Related *** Creative Itch Boutique *** Funky Polkadot Giraffe *** Chef in Training *** Tip Junkie *** My Girlish Whims *** Sew Much Ado *** Blue Cricket Design *** Free Pretty Things for You *** Tea Rose Home *** Homework *** Pincushion Creations *** Someday Crafts *** Somewhat Simple *** Fireflies and Jellybeans *** Suzy's Artsy Craftsy Sitcom *** Today's Creative Blog *** Between U and Me *** Creation Corner *** The Shabby Nest *** While He Was Napping *** Tatertots and Jello *** Be Different Act Normal *** To Sew With Love *** Sugar Pink Boutique *** Craftionary *** Under the Table and Dreaming
Friday, March 2, 2012
Meet Midge
Hello my friends. How does this Friday find you? In case you were wondering (I know it's foremost in your minds) where my red and white quilt block updates have been...they haven't. Our hostess in the quilt along needed to take a break, and so we get a break. It was perfectly timed--I don't think I'd have had time to work on any of them lately.
I'd like to introduce you to the newest member of the Sweet Bee creative team. Meet Midge.
Here's why I had to acquire her. I had bought a cheapo iron (I think at CVS?) that got hot, steamed well, and was a good size. Last week and this week it was clicking a little, but sometimes they do that when they're heating up so no thoughts wasted towards that end. It had a half-hour turn off safety feature, which was only annoying because I use it much longer than 30 minutes, and had to unplug/replug to turn it back on. The other night it seemed like the fabric was much hotter than usual when being ironed. I was still going on my merry stitchy way. I was sewing long straps, quite intently, at my machine, when I turned around to pick up my drink, which was sitting on the ironing board. There were long wisps of smoke coming out of it. Not steam, but smoke. It hung in the air, and had a hint of bonfire to the aroma. I unplugged it, stuck my face right up to it to see if it was on fire on the inside (don't tell my boss--I work in the safety department and that was decidedly UNsafe) and yelled for my dad to come in because "my iron might be on fire."
He came in and gave it a once-over. He told me to try it again to see if I could duplicate the issue, but I'm a scaredy-cat when it comes to fire so no way. I emptied it, cooled it, and trashed it. I went to bed with thoughts tumbling through my brain like "What if the timer hadn't turned the iron off? What if I hadn't turned around at that moment to get my drink and seen the smoke?" Obviously there was no issue at that particular moment as no fire or obvious melting resulted. But if I had been unaware of the situation and went to use it again we could have had some serious issues. Scary, and not something I ever considered before.
Do you know how hard it is to find a decent iron? Do people not iron their clothes anymore? I had quite a time finding anything that wasn't $10, or $75 and above. For the amount that I press fabrics and seams I could have justified the investment, but I've been emptying my pockets a lot lately so I went cheaper. I used it last night and was quite happy with it. I checked the reviews today and they weren't all roses and sunshine, but I'm hoping they were user error (as a lot of people don't check out the directions first and wonder why they have issues). We'll see. But for now, welcome Midge. I hope you fit in with Lola, Persephone, and Xerxes (my sewing machine, my AccuQuilt cutter, and my laptop). We're all in this together :)
I'd like to introduce you to the newest member of the Sweet Bee creative team. Meet Midge.
He came in and gave it a once-over. He told me to try it again to see if I could duplicate the issue, but I'm a scaredy-cat when it comes to fire so no way. I emptied it, cooled it, and trashed it. I went to bed with thoughts tumbling through my brain like "What if the timer hadn't turned the iron off? What if I hadn't turned around at that moment to get my drink and seen the smoke?" Obviously there was no issue at that particular moment as no fire or obvious melting resulted. But if I had been unaware of the situation and went to use it again we could have had some serious issues. Scary, and not something I ever considered before.
Do you know how hard it is to find a decent iron? Do people not iron their clothes anymore? I had quite a time finding anything that wasn't $10, or $75 and above. For the amount that I press fabrics and seams I could have justified the investment, but I've been emptying my pockets a lot lately so I went cheaper. I used it last night and was quite happy with it. I checked the reviews today and they weren't all roses and sunshine, but I'm hoping they were user error (as a lot of people don't check out the directions first and wonder why they have issues). We'll see. But for now, welcome Midge. I hope you fit in with Lola, Persephone, and Xerxes (my sewing machine, my AccuQuilt cutter, and my laptop). We're all in this together :)
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