In the Aftermath of Irma

I know many of us woke up this morning to instantly turn on the news and see what Florida’s outcome was.

Boy, this has been a shifty storm.  And it just goes to show how unpredictable storms like this are.  The path seemed to change again overnight.  Where it looked like the path was going to track west of North Carolina, it now looks like it is going to come right up through South Carolina and into my own area, so I am packing quickly and bugging out of the cabin to head home.

I have a stop to make in China Grove, NC first…I need to do it before winds get gusty.

this post is a bit late this morning because I have taken in all of the patio furniture, secured everything and made the cabin ready for leaving. 

I spent yesterday watching intermittently what was going on. 

Time to switch out machines.

I had finished a couple of projects, and felt the need to give the 500a Rocketeer a rest while bringing out Spotty Dotty, my 2 toned 301 a go through and a workout.

I finally remembered to bring this extra 301 cradle from home.  It fits this cabinet, and why I’ve not done this before I’ll never know.

Ready to fit right in.

With the cradle in place, the machine easily pops in and out of the cabinet for sew-away time as well as in-the-cabinet home time.  It was probably one of the coolest features that Singer did for the 301 short beds.  They are dual purpose this way.

This cabinet is fairly trashed.  Really it is.  And I like it that way.  I don’t have to worry about pin or scissor scratches, I can give this table a beating and smile at the fact it only cost me $35.00 – machine (a different one) included.  I had to remove the black metal side spring that had a hole through it in which the class 15 machine cords ran –and once it was out it now fits all of my Singer machines except for featherweights.

Trashed up cabinet at perfect height!

Could I paint this cabinet?  Certainly.  Do I want to?  No.  I’m not a fan of chalk paint or milk paint or whatever other kind of shabby chic paint trend is out there.  Besides, if you paint it, then you have to worry about the pin scratches and scissor gouges thing all over again.  I’m a fan of natural wood.  Trends come and go, but wood is always in style for me.

Why do I love this cabinet so much?  I don’t know if you can tell but it is a couple of inches taller than the table top to my right, and the folding table behind the cabinet.  It’s the perfect height for this tall girl.  It keeps me from back aches and neck aches after many hours at the machine.

The little rolling cart under the table extension was a TV cart that was left at the OLD NC Cabin. (Still not sold, but it will, I know it will.) and  I love its multi-purpose portability. I would buy another one of these in a heartbeat if I found one.  It is so easy to roll around the room from Accuquilt table to cutting table.  I can use it to hold block parts or supplies, or even put a pressing pad on it.

Cradle Clips.

Wow, I really should have taken a brush to these!

If you are going to install a 301 cradle to an existing cabinet you need a couple of things….THESE kinds of clips for one.  If you purchase a cradle via EBay as I did this one, make sure it comes WITH the clips.

My project at hand.

Making a plethora of units for a border.

There is a secret to nesting these!

Just as with our Lozenges Leader & Ender Challenge from a few years back found under the free patterns tab, Press your first two opposite sides IN toward the center square.  Press your past 2 opposite corners OUT.  As you sew the units together, seams will oppose each other for a good nest.  It really helps distribute the bulk.  Give it a try!

Yes, oh yes, oh yes --- oh NO!

Somehow I am short about a dozen units or so, and I don’t have any more of the Shweshwe indigoes up here at the cabin with me. This whole project is going to have to go home with me so I can continue on it there.

This border is destined to land HERE.

When I get enough pieces made.

Quiltville Quote of the Day.

Today's Quiltville quote is especially for friends and family dealing with the aftermath of hurricane Irma. Today is a new day. We are here to help you clean up and rebuild.

It also has not slipped my mind that it is 9/11.  This quote also applies.  We will never forget, and we are hopefully stronger now than ever before.

Take time to remember today.

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