Friday, April 3, 2015

What Would You Do Without Your Sewing Machine For A Few Weeks?

     Would you go through withdrawal if you had to do without your sewing machine for a few weeks?  A part in my bobbin area broke off a few weeks ago but the machine could still be used if I was careful. There were several deadlines to meet and a workshop to attend so I didn't want to take it in to the shop right away. I kept on using it and luckily it kept on working just fine. Now the workshop is over and the deadlines are met so Tuesday I took it in. I knew they would probably have to order the part.  Plus it was time for its general cleaning and tuning. Usually it takes two weeks just for the general cleaning and tuning because it's a busy shop.  Here's a photo of the empty space left on my sewing table.
sad, empty space

     So I made plans on how to occupy my time for while my precious machine is gone. I decided to focus on sketching and painting for the next few weeks. I have a book called  "Drawing On The Right Side Of The Brain"  which I bought many years ago and learned to draw from it. I thought I would go through the part about portrait drawing again. Also, for Christmas this past year, my husband got me the book, "Art Escapes", and I thought I would do some of the fun things in that. Plus I have some nice views in my yard that I thought I might spend this time sketching.
     So after mentally preparing for being without my "friend" for an extended amount of time, the phone rang yesterday and the Bernina store told me my machine was ready for pick up! Hmmm. So I think since I don't have any deadlines and my drawing and painting skills could be improved, I'll follow through with my plans anyway. I wonder how long I'll actually go without sewing once my machine is back in its proper place. How would you use your creative energy if you couldn't sew for a few weeks?
     I'm linking this to Off The Wall Friday where you can find other art quilt blogs. Please make comments on their posts to let the artists know you stopped by. Thanks for visiting.

8 comments:

  1. I have a backup machine to use! I could probably occupy myself dyeing, printing, painting, batiking, etc., for a few weeks if I didn't have an extra one, but it would be tough.

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    1. Someday, I'll invest in a lightweight backup machine to take to workshops and classes. I do have a Westinghouse machine from the 40's (I think), but it's motor is shot and it is unusable. So for now I just have the one.

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  2. I also have a backup machine (if it still works) but I would so go into panic mode. Last time I had mine worked on it went in just before I went away on a trip so I didn't notice as much. You must have a good dealer to get it fixed so quickly.

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    1. It is a good dealer, but they've always taken at least two weeks before. This is really remarkable.

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  3. I have a several, actually many, many surface design techniques I've been meaning to learn. I might focus trying some of them out. It would also be a good excuse to work on designs or design concepts for future projects. I don't give myself nearly enough time to do zentangles or watch how to videos. I expect I would be out of sorts for a couple of days, but would soon get into a rhythm, so like you when the machine was returned it might be a struggle to give up the freedom of playing and learning to refocus on current projects and deadlines.

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    1. I hope I really do spend serious time drawing and painting for a couple of weeks before I get back to sewing. It will improve my design skills and may sprout new ideas, too.

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  4. I am finding that I don't use my machines every day any more. That is partly due to hand stitching, partly my travels, and the planning for a given piece often takes me many days of prep work. But, if I don't have access to my machines, I feel like something is missing, even if I am not stitching on them!

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    1. I do a lot of hand sewing now, also. But usually those pieces begin with machine sewing first. One of these days I'm going to see if I can convert the old nonfunctional motor Westinghouse I have into a treadle. That would be a cool backup machine!

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