Currently Stitching: Hurdles in the Studio
We're joyously entering Fall here in Iowa! I know, at least here in the midwest, after the first evenings that require pants or a sweatshirt, and the first sign of the icy winter winds, everyone begins lamenting summer. After two or three blissful weeks of enjoying crisp leaves and pumpkin spice drinks and snacks, everyone complains heartily that winter is the devil and should not exist. I, however, am enjoying the cool Autumn winds, the changing leaves, and the clear blue skies! I hope, wherever you are, there is beautiful weather welcoming you into the new season.
Despite my joys over the Fall season, this week in the studio has presented me with several hurdles. I had previously promised the premier of a fun, spooky, Halloween embroidery project. This was as far as I got...
Alas, my machine started giving me fits! I was unable to complete any of the projects that I had set out to get done. It started out that the pumpkins gave me trouble, and then I would reset the machine, top thread, bobbin, and restart the pattern. I tried other patterns and designs, changed the bobbin casing, changed thread, and more. Nothing! I was pretty distraught, to tell you the truth, and I did melt down...
While I was quite sad that it fought me so heartily, I must say I am proud of myself for trying to troubleshoot the issues. I learned how to safely take apart my machine to ensure the pieces are aligned, and how to look for damage. I learned where to order more parts for the next time I need them. I learned that threading this embroidery machine is challenging and extremely important to get correct.
There are so many moving and fickle parts! While I am finding myself extremely challenged by this, I want to stay the course and learn this art! Thus, my machine and I are alive and well and will try again another day! Tears, knots and all.
On a positive note, they let me practice on one of the embroidery machines at work. It's much different than mine, but it was nice to see a project come together. But it did take me a full 7 hours to complete... There are just so many steps!
Another trial, for those of you who remember, was this custom two-tone quilt. A customer requested these colors, in a specific size, with a classic stitching pattern. The first time around, a product I used bled through the fabric and ruined the entire project. So I had to start over.
But I finally finished the new one! And today it will be delivered to the very kind and patient folks that commissioned it. I learned a lot about quilting products, materials, and methods through this. I was quite upset about the process! But I am ultimately happy with how it turned out! I am doing my best to view it as a learning experience.
Here it is displayed in their guest bedroom! The colors matched so perfectly! And they loved it, which is what really matters!
Because I spent so much of this week working through issues, it is an extremely short episode. I'd like to think that some of you will be able to learn from my struggles or at least find comfort in the fact that I too have to start over. Good luck with whatever you're working on! I hope your fabric, machines, and products behave themselves for you!
