February Unlocked

 

I have survived a long, wet January. I am thankful that I did not have several feet of Scottish snow, icy temperatures and probably power cuts but it seemed like every time I stepped out of my door I got very wet. It made a lovely change to wander into town on Nessie’s 6th birthday to see a spring-like display of crocuses. 

I had a different week at work - due to a last minute cancellation, I was able to be a pupil in the 4-day intensive B990 training course. There are interesting crossovers between the B990 and the computerised side of the Q24 longarm machines. As long as I practise what I learned by using the machine regularly, I will be able to do all sorts of projects and more importantly, explain how the machine works to other members of staff and customers.

I am hosting Matt Wilding again this week so I spent a whole day doing chores, even washing the floors by hand. I stuck some Hama bead shapes to the wall and framed up some prints in IKEA frames. I must be aware that there is a fine line between Cottagification and Hoarding. I was not responsible for cleaning the old house so I never noticed how much black fluff Nessie produces. The idea is that I can sew all day on Sunday, guilt free although now that the sun is out I should probably be outside pressure washing the green, slimy back yard. 

I visited Mel in Looe but it was blowing a hoodie so we stayed away from the sea. I showed her my French seam method of making puffs and she is now inspired to use her Liberty charm squares that she had been “saving”. I sewed a few puffs during the week which made me feel quite productive although I have realised that they end up smaller than the 4” that I was hoping for so I made need to make more puffs than I bargained for. 

I spotted a handy IKEA pegboard hack online - Bernina feet fit very nicely into the Skadis key hanger. Apparently, some people attach the pegboard onto the Raskog trolleys so everything is at hand. I was up in my craft / spare room the other night using my old iron when I was plunged into darkness as it tripped the electrics. Maybe it is finally time to admit that it has reached its sell-by date.