text: Paul had his first day of classes. He's officially started his 3L year. I wish summer had been a bit longer (what was that? 5 days?). He's informed me they're going to involve "a lot" of reading (is that "a lot" for law school? Or just "a lot" in general?).
  And I finished quilting the last quilts, bumping my quilted quilts total up to 45. I really wanted to have 50 finished but I think I might have to be happy with 45.
  Yesterday morning the two hours of sewing machine repair nearly had me sick over the idea that I might now be able to handle the problem on my own. I ran to the store since I couldn't find my sewing machine oil anywhere and then got to work. I bought a oil spray that coated all the sewing machine parts and it worked really well (it had been squeaking even once it was clean... which screamed "I need oil" to me). I've been asked for sewing machine tips, but I'm afraid I'm not much help in explaining how I actually fix my machines. I can tell you what I do, however. I'm not sure I'd recommend it as a strategy for anyone else, because I'm never quite sure if it will work, or if my machine is about to be killed by my attempts.
  I have a feeling I won't be finishing one of these in time... |
  I fiddled with the screw on the bobbin casing until it felt right when I pulled the thread. I readjusted the thread tension a few times because it felt too tight. And I recleaned and oiled everything. Finally my sewing machine started acting like a sewing machine again.
  I've had this machine for over a year now, and I am impressed with how it's held up to sewing. It probably averages 30 hours a week, sometimes much more, sometimes less and so far it's still chugging along. I have a commercial machine here (a Bernina from the 1930s that was my great grandmothers, that's just beautiful!) and I want to get it's power cord repaired this summer, because I think it might better stand up to the wear and tear and I would love to sew on it.
  Hopefully I'll have time for a few car rolls though! |
  I am amazed at what a workout sewing can be. I feel like I'm spending hours working out at the gym. My pedal foot is exhausted, simply from being in the pressing-on-the-pedal position. And the sewing and not snacking has meant I've actually lost weight from all this prep. 2 more lbs to my wedding weight. With this much work to be done I might make it by the weekend!
  Today I brave using the bias tape maker that I got for my birthday. I have a lot of binding to do now, and fast.
  My parents get here on Thursday. I'm hoping I can have everything almost done by the time they arrive. So now, off to sew!