Fluffbuff

Today was a very good day. My friends Theresa and JoShell came by for a few hours and we got a lot of stuff done. Theresa had some Columbia fiber to card; beautiful white wool with bouncy crimp but some naps that we were hoping to get rid of. We tried hand cards, combs and flicker, but the naps resisted all attempts. Carding seemed the most effective method of preparing the fiber; still, I think Theresa has accepted that the naps won't go away. Maybe someone else in the guild will come up with a clever way of solving this problem. We'll see.

JoShell helped me figure out how to make a needlecase for circular needles. Actually, she did all the figuring out, pattern and measurements. She then cut and put together her piece and helped me cut mine and got me well on my way by the time she left. I was doing a decent job when I made a couple of mistakes that kept me busy for over an hour. If only the sewing machine had an undo button!

I did manage to finish my needlecase, though, and I am rather pleased with it, in spite all the imperfections. This was only my third attempt at sewing something in 7-8 months. The first time, I tried to make a soft toy following a Burda pattern. Of course, without any sewing experience (manual or otherwise) and having never seen a pattern before, I failed miserably and got myself in such a state that I thought I'd never touch the machine again. A few weeks later, around Christmas, Theresa came by and spent the better part of a day showing me how to sew a pattern that was stll a bit over my head (my fault again). So I am really happy that today I managed to make an object that I think I'll be able to duplicate on my own. Maybe this time I'll start sewing for real. I have many small projects that I'd like to make.

I still have to find a button for the closure. I made the loop too small; and to think that I had made it too long and hid the extra tails inside. Grrrr.

The flap came out skewed on one side, but I managed to fix it… I think. Seeing the project being done completely before or in parallel to mine was a huge help that saved me from at least two major mistakes.

I feel that I've learned a lot today. Now I have to make another needlecase soon, so I don't forget how.

Theresa had brought a small basket for her rollags and as soon as she put it on the table, our little pumpkin lept inside. He spent most of the morning napping in the basket.

I meant to take pictures of the rollags and also JoSHell's needlecase, but being the monotasker that I am, once I started sewing I was so stressed out about doing things right that I forgot. Next time.

Thanks girls!