Tuesday, March 22, 2016
Zick-Zack progress
Almost there! I think another 8" or so will do it. This is being knit on size 3 needles so it takes a while. Must say I've been enjoying it thoroughly, such an easy pattern not requiring tremendous amounts of focus. And tons of color--my favorite! I think the results are pretty spectacular. I've utilized more than the 2 colorways called for by the pattern, going with 4 or 5 different variations. I love the variety.
Monday, March 21, 2016
1878 and all that ...
I wanted to hold this post until I re-made a video of my new sewing machine, but since I'm not getting around to that task, I'll post the original, very short video I made.
What is this new Machine, you ask? It's a Wheeler & Wilson sewing machine #8 from 1878. I got it for a steal after waiting several months--all the while watching it's asking price fall from high to "low enough". I'm quite surprised it wasn't snatched up earlier; I've seen these disappear the same day they are posted. I drove about an hour to pick it up. It didn't make a stitch at first so one-by-one, I checked the most obvious trouble spots.
I discovered so much lint build up in the feed dogs, and it had packed in so tightly as to have practically become felt. I cleaned that all out then noticed that the dogs moved up and down but not forward to back. For that, I had to check underneath and found some mechanisms gunked up with hardened grease which was preventing free motion. Eventually, they freed themselves and now work quite fine. In the video, I had not yet quite got them working at max, so the stitches are quite small in the video. All other parts appeared to be working as they should.
Still, it would not make a stitch. Thinking perhaps the tensions were wrong, I played around with both the top and bottom tension regulators--to no avail. I checked my threading. Luckily, the machine came with 2 copies of the manual, so I conferred within to make sure I'd threaded it correctly. Indeed, I had. A few words, however, eventually dawned on me. The manual mentioned the 'grooved' needle. Hm. I wonder if this needle has a groove in it? No, it did not. Wonder of wonders, there were a scattering of old needles in the bottom of one drawer of the cabinet and I found one with said groove. That did it! After I replaced the machine's needle with the grooved one, it worked! I was pretty happy about then.
Here is a picture of the machine and cabinet the afternoon I brought them home. You'll notice that all the moving parts are visible--nothing is hidden. Perhaps you'll also notice that the head is quite small compared to later machines. It's such a beautiful and elegant piece of machinery.
Here's the little video I made which is too short, and before I had the presser foot working completely smoothly. But I hope you'll get the essense of it...
Happy, happy!
Last week I made some quick & easy, everyday reversible placemats. All the sewing except the top stitching was done on this Wheeler & Wilson---I did that on the 1940s White Rotary because I have very good control of that machine. I like these placemats for their simplicity, yet they have a charming warmth. And easy to construct of scraps--and easy-care to boot, simply throw them in the washer when needed.
Happy sewing!
What is this new Machine, you ask? It's a Wheeler & Wilson sewing machine #8 from 1878. I got it for a steal after waiting several months--all the while watching it's asking price fall from high to "low enough". I'm quite surprised it wasn't snatched up earlier; I've seen these disappear the same day they are posted. I drove about an hour to pick it up. It didn't make a stitch at first so one-by-one, I checked the most obvious trouble spots.
I discovered so much lint build up in the feed dogs, and it had packed in so tightly as to have practically become felt. I cleaned that all out then noticed that the dogs moved up and down but not forward to back. For that, I had to check underneath and found some mechanisms gunked up with hardened grease which was preventing free motion. Eventually, they freed themselves and now work quite fine. In the video, I had not yet quite got them working at max, so the stitches are quite small in the video. All other parts appeared to be working as they should.
Still, it would not make a stitch. Thinking perhaps the tensions were wrong, I played around with both the top and bottom tension regulators--to no avail. I checked my threading. Luckily, the machine came with 2 copies of the manual, so I conferred within to make sure I'd threaded it correctly. Indeed, I had. A few words, however, eventually dawned on me. The manual mentioned the 'grooved' needle. Hm. I wonder if this needle has a groove in it? No, it did not. Wonder of wonders, there were a scattering of old needles in the bottom of one drawer of the cabinet and I found one with said groove. That did it! After I replaced the machine's needle with the grooved one, it worked! I was pretty happy about then.
Here is a picture of the machine and cabinet the afternoon I brought them home. You'll notice that all the moving parts are visible--nothing is hidden. Perhaps you'll also notice that the head is quite small compared to later machines. It's such a beautiful and elegant piece of machinery.
Here's the little video I made which is too short, and before I had the presser foot working completely smoothly. But I hope you'll get the essense of it...
Happy, happy!
Last week I made some quick & easy, everyday reversible placemats. All the sewing except the top stitching was done on this Wheeler & Wilson---I did that on the 1940s White Rotary because I have very good control of that machine. I like these placemats for their simplicity, yet they have a charming warmth. And easy to construct of scraps--and easy-care to boot, simply throw them in the washer when needed.
Happy sewing!
Thursday, March 10, 2016
The situation...
It looks, from the current vantage point, that this year may not see more than a post a month. I sincerely hope to muster at least one per thirty days. And who knows, maybe after this dry-ish spell I'll tap a flow once more. That would be my preference. Looking around at other personal blogs, I see I'm not alone in this experience, so there is that. I can guarantee a few posts this week: Progress is made on the zick-zack scarf and I'll have new pics to show about that; our spring concert is Sunday and I'll want to report on that; I have a new sewing machine and I can't wait to share that!; some quick and easy placemats and napkins in the works; spring is here?--to be discusssed.
Stay tuned. :)
In the meantime, a few pics from a recent walk...
Snow, pavement, and mud.
Old leaves, soil, melting snow. Renewal.
Upward corkscrew.
Halls Brook.
Stay tuned. :)
In the meantime, a few pics from a recent walk...
Snow, pavement, and mud.
Old leaves, soil, melting snow. Renewal.
Upward corkscrew.
Halls Brook.
Tuesday, February 2, 2016
New projects, another walk, and orchestra ...
I have veered off the piecing/quilting path for a bit to spend some time with my old friends, the knitting needles.
Picked up a bit of yarn yesterday for a scarf called ZickZack; I found the pattern at the store. I'm using size 3 needles and therefore expect the project to take some time, but it's a relaxing knit, not requiring too much attention. But just enough attention and counting to keep an internal mantra going, which I suspect accounts for it's relaxing effect. The picture of a finished scarf is quite appealing indeed.
I've also started a new hat in stranded technique. More to come on that, next time.
The program for our orchestra's spring concert has been set. It will consist of 2 Haydn Symphonies. #99 and #104. Both very beautiful. Concert is in about 7 weeks.
I took a short walk earlier this afternoon. We enjoyed a bright, beautiful, crisp winter day here. My favorite. The brook is frozen over in most places and the ice makes interesting formations.
To come shortly: a new weaving project, and this evening I found my next knitting project! :)
Picked up a bit of yarn yesterday for a scarf called ZickZack; I found the pattern at the store. I'm using size 3 needles and therefore expect the project to take some time, but it's a relaxing knit, not requiring too much attention. But just enough attention and counting to keep an internal mantra going, which I suspect accounts for it's relaxing effect. The picture of a finished scarf is quite appealing indeed.
I've also started a new hat in stranded technique. More to come on that, next time.
The program for our orchestra's spring concert has been set. It will consist of 2 Haydn Symphonies. #99 and #104. Both very beautiful. Concert is in about 7 weeks.
I took a short walk earlier this afternoon. We enjoyed a bright, beautiful, crisp winter day here. My favorite. The brook is frozen over in most places and the ice makes interesting formations.
To come shortly: a new weaving project, and this evening I found my next knitting project! :)
Sunday, January 17, 2016
Happy New Year!
Turning a new corner. Here's looking forward to a fine year--slightly less tumultuous than last is my wish! More often than not, 2015 felt like being hurled against the rocks at cliff's bottom, the unrelenting sea of life allowing little in the way of smooth sailing. But here we are, at the start of our trip around the sun once again. To everyone's health, happiness, peace, and comfort.
The past few weeks saw the finishing of the scarf which I knitted from the yarns I spun last summer. Actually, I finished it twice. I was so anxious to wear it, I allowed myself to cut it a bit short--and that, my friends, turned out to be a bit short sighted! Last night I undid the border at one end and removed an inch of i-cord edging so that I could add another 8" to the scarf. I just finished giving it a Eucalan soak and it's blocked out for it's second debut. I'm very fond of this scarf. Obviously, having spun the yarn myself makes it special, but also the design is my own. Nothing especially original, but still, I didn't use someone else's pattern.
I've made a few walks since 15 turned to 16. Most lovely walks. The surrounds here are so picturesque. I ventured a short ways down one of the "class VI" (unmaintained) side roads recently, because I knew that there must be a bridge spanning Halls Brook not too far along. I was right and it was beautiful there where the bridge spans, as other streams and brooks come flowing down into Halls Brook. This beautiful spot is only 10 minutes from my house on foot.
On my virgin venture down "Old Rumney Road"--another class VI path--a few weeks ago, to buy eggs from a neighbor, I discovered the foundation and memorial for the North Groton Church. It burned sometime in the 1940s. Back then, North Groton had a church and a general store! I think this coming summer I'll make an appointment to spend some hours at the Groton Historical Society which is housed in an old one-room schoolhouse down the street. I think it will be most fascinating to learn about this place's history.
It snowed again yesterday. Most beautiful. No where near the snowfalls we had last year and the year before, but I'm OK with that for this year.
I decided to make a Sunday drive up the notch this afternoon and the view did not disappoint.
I spent an hour in Lincoln looking at the skiers on Loon Mtn. while enjoying pizza, and then forayed into an antique shop where I found this old hooked rug. It has a pretty bad tear right in the center, plus another tear off to one side, but I think I can repair it. Being unsure I'd take it because of the tears, I decided to inquire about the price (it wasn't marked). The man behind the counter had to call his wife to find out asking price was $20. How could I refuse? I'm most certain it's hand hooked and I'm pretty sure I can mend the tears, and if I can't? I won't be out big bucks! I like the colors in it quite much.
I'm currently spinning some deep purple wool/mohair blend to end up in a new cap. There's also a new quilt top in the works but progressing a bit slowly since the holidays. Headway will probably pick up in the next week or so.
Here's Ciello--dear, sweet Ciello--helping me make pasta Friday evening. He was most interested in tasting! :)
I think it's going to be a good year.
The past few weeks saw the finishing of the scarf which I knitted from the yarns I spun last summer. Actually, I finished it twice. I was so anxious to wear it, I allowed myself to cut it a bit short--and that, my friends, turned out to be a bit short sighted! Last night I undid the border at one end and removed an inch of i-cord edging so that I could add another 8" to the scarf. I just finished giving it a Eucalan soak and it's blocked out for it's second debut. I'm very fond of this scarf. Obviously, having spun the yarn myself makes it special, but also the design is my own. Nothing especially original, but still, I didn't use someone else's pattern.
I've made a few walks since 15 turned to 16. Most lovely walks. The surrounds here are so picturesque. I ventured a short ways down one of the "class VI" (unmaintained) side roads recently, because I knew that there must be a bridge spanning Halls Brook not too far along. I was right and it was beautiful there where the bridge spans, as other streams and brooks come flowing down into Halls Brook. This beautiful spot is only 10 minutes from my house on foot.
On my virgin venture down "Old Rumney Road"--another class VI path--a few weeks ago, to buy eggs from a neighbor, I discovered the foundation and memorial for the North Groton Church. It burned sometime in the 1940s. Back then, North Groton had a church and a general store! I think this coming summer I'll make an appointment to spend some hours at the Groton Historical Society which is housed in an old one-room schoolhouse down the street. I think it will be most fascinating to learn about this place's history.
It snowed again yesterday. Most beautiful. No where near the snowfalls we had last year and the year before, but I'm OK with that for this year.
I decided to make a Sunday drive up the notch this afternoon and the view did not disappoint.
I spent an hour in Lincoln looking at the skiers on Loon Mtn. while enjoying pizza, and then forayed into an antique shop where I found this old hooked rug. It has a pretty bad tear right in the center, plus another tear off to one side, but I think I can repair it. Being unsure I'd take it because of the tears, I decided to inquire about the price (it wasn't marked). The man behind the counter had to call his wife to find out asking price was $20. How could I refuse? I'm most certain it's hand hooked and I'm pretty sure I can mend the tears, and if I can't? I won't be out big bucks! I like the colors in it quite much.
I'm currently spinning some deep purple wool/mohair blend to end up in a new cap. There's also a new quilt top in the works but progressing a bit slowly since the holidays. Headway will probably pick up in the next week or so.
Here's Ciello--dear, sweet Ciello--helping me make pasta Friday evening. He was most interested in tasting! :)
I think it's going to be a good year.
Tuesday, December 22, 2015
Messiah ...
We performed Handel's Messiah Sunday. Bliss, goosebumps, and tears. Our logistical arrangement at the venue was as such: Conductor, epicenter, facing out towards the audience surrounded by the string quintet which was, in turn, surrounded by we, the string orchestra with oboe, trumpets, and timpani. The whole instrumental ensemble was surrounded by the choir. Audience members sat on the sides, or in back of the choir. It's the first time I've seen or experienced playing facing away from the 'house' and it worked wonderfully in the setting. When the choir sang, their voices fell directly upon those of us in the orchestra, vibrating our souls and lifting our spirits. It was overwhelming at times--such as in the Hallelujah chorus--I could barely contain myself! I'm so grateful for having had the good fortune to experience this glorious, shattering elation.
The whole episode was wonderfully orchestrated (pun!) by the conductor and the choral director, who ensured the choir was upstanding and ready to lift their voices on cue. Soloists were ushered to the right of the conductor in time to preserve the continuity of the performance without undue hindrance. Soloists--local vocal students--were drawn from the choir--an ensemble of community participants--and I was most impressed by the polished efforts on all fronts. It was, again, most inspiring. Mind you, when we rehearsed it was just us, the string orchestra. We had not heard the quintet, or soloists, or choir until the actual performance! So it was as much a thrill for us as for the audience, I would venture to say.
Oh, it was tremendous! A very big congratulations to the instructors, conductors, and organizers.
This picture showed up on Facebook. If you look the the center, right, you can catch a glimpse of moi-self. I should note that this picture encompasses just a fraction of the choir and, in fact, it was a mighty congregation indeed!
Oh, what an event. What an evening! I shall never forget it, being my first Messiah performance. Very happy here.
Handel's Messiah by King's College, Cambridge Choir. Most definitely worth a listen to:
The whole episode was wonderfully orchestrated (pun!) by the conductor and the choral director, who ensured the choir was upstanding and ready to lift their voices on cue. Soloists were ushered to the right of the conductor in time to preserve the continuity of the performance without undue hindrance. Soloists--local vocal students--were drawn from the choir--an ensemble of community participants--and I was most impressed by the polished efforts on all fronts. It was, again, most inspiring. Mind you, when we rehearsed it was just us, the string orchestra. We had not heard the quintet, or soloists, or choir until the actual performance! So it was as much a thrill for us as for the audience, I would venture to say.
Oh, it was tremendous! A very big congratulations to the instructors, conductors, and organizers.
This picture showed up on Facebook. If you look the the center, right, you can catch a glimpse of moi-self. I should note that this picture encompasses just a fraction of the choir and, in fact, it was a mighty congregation indeed!
Oh, what an event. What an evening! I shall never forget it, being my first Messiah performance. Very happy here.
Handel's Messiah by King's College, Cambridge Choir. Most definitely worth a listen to:
Thursday, December 17, 2015
A walk... and a Christmas tree...
For the first time in several months, I took a walk yesterday. Out the drive, and right, down the hill. Stopped at my neighbors near the historical society building (which used to be a schoolhouse). They live in an 1800s Colonial and it is so romantic. I've purchased a number of items from the antique shop they run during the summer months. It was a nice day for a walk and it was a much needed walk. I need many more. Since the weather turned cool I've been spending much too much time sitting. Sitting at the piano, sitting at the cello, sitting at the organ, sitting at the computer. The calories don't know where to go! So they've been sticking around. In my case that means the midriff--something inherited. Walks will need to be on my schedule for a bit. I've been on the same size pants for several years and would just as soon keep it that way.
Took a few pics along the way. I do just love it here.
I put a tree up this week whilst the piano technician was in working on my antique pump organ. This year, a 'floor model'. :)
The LED lights on the ceiling I put up a month or so ago. Since there is so much wood in the room, and my windows are on the small side, I've been trying to think of ways to brighten things up a bit. One idea I have toyed with is whitewashing the ceiling--and I may eventually do it. In the meantime, I thought putting LEDs up would bring in some atmosphere and they sure do! Quite magical indeed!
I have another small tree upon which I've hung some vintage and antique "baubles" (as they say in Britain).
We had our last rehearsal for Handel's Messiah this evening before the concert on Sunday. My word! We had 3 basses, 4 cellos, and the violins and it sounded wonderful! I think it's going to be a special event. Joining us at the concert will be a string quintet, trumpets, timpani, and of course, the choir. I think it's going to be heavenly!
I ordered a bit of pork and a bit of beef from the farmer's market last week (along with a slice of smoked ham!) so I can make the ever-so-special tourtierre for Christmas. I can smell it baking in my imagination as I write. :)
Unseasonably mild temperatures. Oh yes. And no snow yet. Quite a departure from my first two years here. I can't say I mind terribly much this year. I'm looking forward to the exquisite beauty but for now, I'm in no hurry. After the holidays I'm sure we'll be blessed with some crystalline splendor.
An acquaintance of mine, married to a high school classmate, has a new children's book just out. Take a look, and order it for some special child in your life... Growing Up On A New Hampshire Pond. I've ordered mine; can't wait.
Took a few pics along the way. I do just love it here.
I put a tree up this week whilst the piano technician was in working on my antique pump organ. This year, a 'floor model'. :)
The LED lights on the ceiling I put up a month or so ago. Since there is so much wood in the room, and my windows are on the small side, I've been trying to think of ways to brighten things up a bit. One idea I have toyed with is whitewashing the ceiling--and I may eventually do it. In the meantime, I thought putting LEDs up would bring in some atmosphere and they sure do! Quite magical indeed!
I have another small tree upon which I've hung some vintage and antique "baubles" (as they say in Britain).
We had our last rehearsal for Handel's Messiah this evening before the concert on Sunday. My word! We had 3 basses, 4 cellos, and the violins and it sounded wonderful! I think it's going to be a special event. Joining us at the concert will be a string quintet, trumpets, timpani, and of course, the choir. I think it's going to be heavenly!
I ordered a bit of pork and a bit of beef from the farmer's market last week (along with a slice of smoked ham!) so I can make the ever-so-special tourtierre for Christmas. I can smell it baking in my imagination as I write. :)
Unseasonably mild temperatures. Oh yes. And no snow yet. Quite a departure from my first two years here. I can't say I mind terribly much this year. I'm looking forward to the exquisite beauty but for now, I'm in no hurry. After the holidays I'm sure we'll be blessed with some crystalline splendor.
An acquaintance of mine, married to a high school classmate, has a new children's book just out. Take a look, and order it for some special child in your life... Growing Up On A New Hampshire Pond. I've ordered mine; can't wait.
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