Well, That's More Like It!...

Feeling Better, Thanks!

The first thing I did yesterday morning was call my machine tech and ask if he had any insight into why my Jane might be giving me grief (without having to drive an hour away for him to look at her). After running through a short list - and me offering to text a few photos of the offending section of her undercarriage - he asked me if I had more than one bobbin for this machine. When I told him I did, he suggested I rethread the machine, insert a different bobbin, and see if that took care of the issue.

Guess what? It did! I admit, it never occurred to me that the bobbin might be the issue. With that being said, we were back off to the races. All the Nocturnes were finished by mid-afternoon. I spent the rest of the day cleaning up the studio and working on my list (which I admit has been shortened).

I'm so glad I had Kenny to help out in the meantime. It's amazing how a person can get so used to small amenities...like a knee lift and "reverse" bar on a machine. I kept trying to lift Kenny's presser foot with a non-existent knee lift. I giggled every time. Even so, if it weren't for Kenny, I would have lost a lot of time and sewing would have come to a halt.

I'll be making Kirby Crossbody and a few Ensemble Bags today. We'll see how much I'm able to accomplish. I need to get creative, as I'm running short on a few hardware pieces I use. What next?!

I think those who've suggested I need a spa day when this is all done might be right. I can tell you I'm sleeping like a log at night. I'm out nearly as soon as my head hits the pillow. 

Sooooo, coffee first. Studio for the rest of the day. It's a good thing I have a comfy sewing chair! Photos tomorrow. Have a great day!

Meet "Kenny"...

I'd like to introduce you to the newest member of the Brynwood team. 

 I proudly present "Kenny". 

Kenny is the oldest member of my hardworking sewing support team. 

He was born in 1962 in Matsuyama, Japan. He's small, but extremely strong.

He's all steel and doesn't do a lot of fancy stuff, but he's willing to do what my

 "girls" won't. You see, they've been complaining about sewing through all those

 layers of fabric and stabilizers in my wallets. Frankly, I was tired of the whining. 

Miss Ellie and Cressie would stomp their feet and just skip across the fabric 

without linking threads. They told me they were meant for more complicated 

and genteel work - like embroideries and needle dancing. They're such divas!

I conducted a series of interviews, checked references and decided that Kenny

would fit in quite nicely. He's in excellent shape for his age, has had a full physical

and received a clean bill of health. He even came with examples of his work!

Kenny is a Sears Kenmore Model #148.295 (29) heavy duty, straight stitch (with

 reverse) sewing machine. He was used by one owner and was serviced every year,

 so he's been lovingly cared for all his life. I'm going to be looking for a special

table for him, too, but I'll wait until I can find just the right vintage-style one.

As you can see, he's ready to get right after the tough jobs. Yes. I think he'll do

quite nicely around here. I'm going to send each of the girls, Miss Ellie first,

to the spa for a little tune-up while I get to know Kenny a little better. They have

earned a rest, after all. They did give me their best effort, and I want to make sure

there are no hard feelings. I have some things planned for each of them in the

very near future and I want them ready, willing and able for their respective tasks.

 All I have to do is get better. Kenny is all shined up and waiting...along with ten  new wallets that are cut and waiting for his special talents. Just waiting on me.