It has been a beautiful first day of spring.
After enjoying the morning outdoors, I met my former teaching partner at school for lunch.
It felt so good seeing her and the children again.
The last students I taught are now fifth graders.
I got to visit with them, and I promised to return for their graduation.
I spent the rest of the afternoon making rope products.
I had just enough black and white strips and rope remaining to make this ring dish.
It takes a bit over 2 yards of rope for this size bowl.
Then I started a project that is more time consuming than I thought.
It’s a Wrap by Susan Breier has directions for making a coiled plate.
There are two versions.
The first is a fabric covered coiled plate.
The second is a whole-fabric coiled plate. This plate is just the coiled rope, covered by a top fabric that is quilted.
I chose to do a fabric covered coiled plate, because I am using up my stash.
It takes 15 yards of rope, and 3/4 yards of fabric or stash.
I like the end result, but it takes up time. The thought of making a set of 4 is making me wish I had not started this.
I self-imposed some timelines and rope projects.
I want to get through these projects so I can continue working on the quilt for my grandson.
I also want to get back to some more thread sketching.
When I finish the quilt for my grandson, I will start on an improv quilt.
Now I wish I had two sewing machines.
If I had two, I could have one set up for the rope products, and one for the quilts.
It is too much hassle changing needles, type of thread, and the presser foot when switching projects.
If I had two machines, I could split my time and work on both types of products.
I have a running list of the pros and cons for getting another sewing machine.
Right now, the pro list is winning.
Love your rope work!!!
As for having 2 machines … I won’t tell you how many I have – but I do have 2 set up at all times. One is for quilting and the other for piecing. It’s great because I find it difficult to quilt for more than an hour at a time and when I need a break, I go and piece.
Go get your 2nd machine! You won’t regret it! 🙂 🙂
Thanks. As soon aaa I find the space I will get another machine.
If you have the space I think a second machine is a great idea, you could find something used. I loved the coiled plate!
Thanks. Space is a problem. I’m trying to figure out how to rearrange the room.
Well my room is like 10 x 12 (or smaller) and is also my home office, so I understand about space. I am challenged to fit another person in when I have a sew date 🙂
I have a huge desk and hutch that used to be part of my office while I was teaching. It is a beautiful piece of furniture, but it is now not what I need. I could get rid of it and use a lap top and then have a whole wall of space. I have to think about this. The hutch holds photos and mementos. I want the photos, can get rid of the mementos…but…I am stuck.
Ok It is time for me to share with you my favorite Marie Kondo (Japanese Art of Tidying Up) quote: “The space in which we live should be for the person we are becoming now, not for the person we were in the past.” 😀
Bam! This quote is spot on!🎯My space still reflects the person I was in the past. Thank you , Tierney! I have some thinking and rearranging to do!!!
Your rope plate is fantastic! I have two machines set up and it makes everything so much easier when you want to vary activities. Go for another one if you can.
Thanks. I will be getting another machine as soon as I can find a good working space. Maybe I need a new house also?
I absolutely love the dish and plate! You are so talented with the rope. I think a second machine would be a great addition to your equipment…I vote YES! 😊
Lots of my friends have multiple machines; I don’t really have room for a second one.
I don’t have room. I’ve been trying to see how things can be rearranged but so far, it isn’t happening.
I love your rope bowls and this new plate. A second machine is definitely needed so you can continue, changing needles and feet takes up too much sewing time 😮 I’m helping with your pro rational 😉
It’s nice to hear you had a wonderful first day of Spring! Today we had a foot of snow, the neighborhood kids sure enjoyed it though and helped us shovel too!
So far, thanks to my blogging friends, the pro column is winning! Sounds like you made the best of another snow day. We are enjoying one more fresh spring day today. Tomorrow is predicted to be hot and muggy. Our spring is cherished because in Texas, it is a very short season!