Thank goodness for modern science

Where would we be without modern inventions ?
I have recently been playing around with sewing onto PVC plastic. (Inspired by an article in Stitch magazine, Dec 08/Jan 09.) I have used two layers with pieces of fabric between, then free motion sewing them together, technically a quilt I think, as it has three layers put together.
My sewing machine drops the feed dogs, allowing the free motion but I kept finding the free motion not so free - upon close examination, I realised that the plastic was sticking to the machine.

In comes the modern invention - teflon.  (Actually, it is only relatively modern, I looked it up and it was invented in 1938. Wouldn't you know it, there is some thought that it might cause cancer!)


I had bought this handy looking thing a few years ago, when I was visiting my friend in New York and had visited the City Quilter shop and HAD to buy something - but I hadn't wanted to buy anything bulky that would take up room in my suitcase.  So there it was, this thing that looked like it would be ever so useful.
This is the first time I have used it, at least three years since I got it, if not four.  It is actually rather fortunate that I remembered I have it.  Anyway, it worked a treat, the plastic slides around on it beautifully. So now I am happily sewing on the plastic.

Well, that's annoying

Yesterday, after our visit to Heide, my friend and I came home and I showed her how to do free motion sewing. It was a fun afternoon and I had got out some of my samples to show her different uses and techniques. I haven't done a lot of it but I do have a few bits and pieces.






I found some half finished work that I realised I would like to finish. All of the above samples were done in classes and so I had tried to design my own piece but life interfered and I hadn't finished it.

So today I got out the machine, ready to have a play but first I was going to whip up some napkins for another friend, using New York themed fabric that we bought at The City Quilter in New York. So I had to change the foot. That was when I discovered that the shank has fallen too low and I couldn't put the new foot on - how annoying!




Of course the repair shop is not open on a Sunday, so I will take it in tomorrow. Fortunately I had another small sewing machine, useful for taking to classes. It doesn't do free motion but I have been able to play around with the napkins, so it hasn't been a totally unproductive day. It is getting hot now and so staying indoors is the preference. I'll have to try to whip up the enthusiasm for the free motion work another time.

Yet another exhibition

Today my friend and I found our way to the James Cohan Gallery to see the tapestry exhibition. I didn't know what to expect because I had read that it was all work by artists who do not usually work in this medium. Wow, they were fantastic!!!
They were big, amazing art pieces. And I don't know what other mediums the artists usually use but they are good at tapestry. We were allowed to take some pictures too, I was quite surprised by this. I will try to put some up in the coming days, we are determined to work out what the problem is with the computer recongnising the USB. But just follow the link above to see professional pictures of the works.
There was a variety of styles and sizes. Some were huge. They also mostly used wool and silk, and something called artificial silk. I haven't heard of this so will have to look out for it.
As we were near The City Quilter we called in there on our way. There were some interesting fabrics with New York specific patterns that we were taken with. They had packs of fat quarters that we got one of, not sure what we are going to do with them yet but we will think of something.
I used their website when I was planning my visit because it has links to other stores that might be of interest in the vicinity. I also like the store, it has some wonderful books - but I controlled myself and didn't buy any. However, I am planning a few hours in Barnes and Noble in a few days, before I leave New York.