MAGPIE'S MUMBLINGS

A blog about my interests, which include fabric landscapes and various and assorted other artsy pursuits and sometimes known to contain mumblings of a random nature.

Wednesday, October 16, 2019

More on the book...and yet another rant

Here are a couple more pages I completed for the quiet book...


The lights are removable and the
beads slide up and down for counting


Now I'm at a complete standstill because PMS Albatross has thrown the biggest hissy fit yet.  Now she's decided that her take up lever for the thread ought to just throw it out of the slot at will.  I'm at my wit's end to know what to do to fix this particular issue - she's determined to thwart me every step of the way.  The closest repair shop is nearly two hours away and their 'person' keeps insisting that there's nothing wrong with it.  Of course she performs admirably for him and then the minute she comes in my door she says 'I'll get you" and comes up with something new.  As I've said before, do NOT even consider buying a Bernette (or a Bernina either - I've read a ton of reviews for the top/best sewing machines and guess what - not one Bernina is listed).  I know there are Bernina 'people' out there but you're the lucky ones.  Seems like you're few and far between.  

Today's quote - "Speak to your children as if they are the wisest, kindest, most beautiful and magical humans on the earth, for what they believe is what they will become.

22 comments:

  1. I understand your frustration with the machine. Hope things work out.

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    1. I've been wrestling with it for over two years and it's just getting worse...and different issues all the time. Would that I could win the lottery and be able to afford a new one!

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  2. I would give that PMS Albatross of yours a stern talking to! In the old days, Bernina, was a very dependable brand. There are those that always say and have said they are the best. I picked up a little 1970 one at a market and she runs like a dream. She doesn't do anything fancy, just beautiful straight stitching and never misses a beat. I guess I was lucky finding 'her'. Now to your new pages of your book. Both are such fun, Mary Anne. I am loving the pages your fabulous imagination dreams up. Fingers crossed that crotchety machine of yours does what she is told. =)

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    1. Hah - stern talking to - swearing at - I've done it all. Yesterday I threatened to throw it over the balcony (and would have had I not been worried that someone might be walking below and sue me!). It's a constant mystery just what it will come up with to frustrate me next.

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  3. The beads for counting idea is great. This whole book is full of good ideas. Fun to make, when the &-&--& machine works, too.

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    1. Unfortunately these books require a lot of zig zag stitching to hold the edges of the fabric in place - and at the moment PMS is mutinying over everything.

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  4. Two more fun pages, great work!
    And your sewing machine is messed up, I'm sorry, nothing easy about that!
    The scrappy quilts in the link look like stained glass windows and are beautiful.

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    1. Yep, PMS is definitely messed up - and she's messing with me every chance she gets. I loved those scrappy stained glass quilts - wish I owned one (but not enough to go and buy all the fabrics I'd need to make one!).

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  5. I'm so sorry you're still having bad luck with the Bernina. Without a machine the projects can mount up.The additions to the quiet book are great. Love the abacus.

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    1. I am totally lost without a machine - right now she's in a long time out and maybe, just maybe, she'll think better of her actions. As if!!

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  6. Love your new pages Mary Anne. So sorry that you are having trouble with your machine..... there is nothing more frustrating!! Hope the problem gets resolved for you soon!

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    1. Thanks Christine. Unfortunately the boating season here is pretty much passed, otherwise I'd offer up my machine as an anchor - that's about all she's good for.

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  7. Anonymous11:11 AM

    Don't know if this will help. You have probably done this already. Are the threads the same in the bobbin and and spool, same weight and fiber content, i.e. cotton to cotton? Your machine may be set up for only polyester and will reject other fibers. Change the needle maybe going larger or smaller number. Also a topstitch needle with a larger eye.

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    1. Thank you so much for trying to help! Yes, the threads are the same in both top & bottom. Needle has been changed (more than once)....cleaned out the bobbin area....tried other bobbins. I know where the problem is (the take up lever isn't holding onto the thread) but haven't figured out how to fix it. Some suggest tightening the lever with pliers which I would happily attempt, if only I could GET to it.

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  8. Hi Maryanne lovely work my friend great pages for the book.
    Oh dear hope your machine starts behaving its self soon for you xx

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    1. I was having such fun with the book, but will have to figure out the machine issue before I can do any more. I've been struggling for over two years with this machine so even if I manage to figure this problem out, I know there will be more.

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  9. How frustrating about your sewing machine. So sorry you have to deal with that. I do appreciate you sharing your experience and research. I don't know when I'll be in the market for a new sewing machine, but I have made note! Love the new pages in the quiet book!

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    1. Believe me, I'm sorry too! I don't know what to do with myself without a machine. I've resorted to downsizing my bulging binders of embroidery patterns....yawn.

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  10. I sympathize with your frustration, and I hope that machine heals itself. But I'm mostly sort of astonished to learn that there is a law against snowsuits in car seats...it's just something I know has never crossed my mind! There must be a good reason for it? And I'll feel like an eejit for not thinking of it!

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    1. I'm astonished too, but it seems that's the case here in Canada. Apparently there is a danger of a baby or small child 'squirting' out of a snowsuit if in an accident situation. (sorry about the 'squirting reference, but it's the best way I can describe it). Apparently the concern is over the puffiness of many of the snowsuits/coats that are marketed for children not allowing the seatbelt to be fastened tightly enough to hold them in place.

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  11. Good luck with the machine. I'm lucky to have two technicians close by in town. Love the crochet shawl pattern.

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    1. We have a guy here that supposedly fixes machines (notice I said 'supposedly'). Years ago I took a machine to him for cleaning and he refused - telling me the machine was garbage. Needless to say I haven't been back!

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Thank you so much for leaving comments! I appreciate you taking the time out of your busy life to talk to me. It's wonderful to know that someone is actually reading my mumblings and even more fun if I can connect with you and visit your blog.