In my experience, most people want the bad news first.
DD and I did not get eight blankets finished by 1st September. We tried but it just didn't happen. Sewing takes twice as long (or more) when you are working around a toddler and a demanding baby!
We wasted a few metres of thread (and precious time) by not checking the back of the blanket. If we had done so, we would have noticed the bobbin thread was making loops instead of stitches.
I didn't complete the knitted blanket I began last week. I have knitted about 70%. I've found that I can't sew and knit and the same time! LOL
DD has also not completed the baby blanket she is knitting.
But the good news is, we went on the Angels for the Forgotten website and they exceeded their targets of 3000 bags and 1000 blankies by 31st August - they did it without us making a single contribution! They actually received 3361 bags and 1297 blankies.
The problem with the bobbin stitching turned out to be a bent needle and an incorrectly threaded machine - easily fixed!
I have learnt a lot about working with flannelette and passed that knowledge onto DD. We have both learnt how to make mitred corners in order to tum the backing into the binding. And that knowledge is useful and transferable.
Seven of the eight blankets we planned to make are now complete and the last is well under way. It just needs the corners mitred and the binding (machine) sewn down. I'm sure Angels for the Forgotten will not reject a "late" contribution!
There is now less pressure on us to complete things so we can relax and just enjoy the process.
And the downright ugly:
On Sunday DD and family had guests for lunch. They came with bad colds. Older Grandson succumbed first. DD and the Grandboys visited here on Wednesday (in an attempt to complete the blankets). By Thursday, DD, both Grandboys and I had heavy head colds. A virulent strain indeed!
This is the third time I have had a cold since I "retired"; I was rarely sick when I was working!
Good news that they exceeded their target! I am sure they will be happy to accept the "late" blankets. Shame about the sickness in the family. It also makes it hard to get crafting done with a "thick head" from the congestion.
ReplyDeleteSuch a bummer about the back. I can't tell you how many times I've done that and stitched half a quilt madly making eyelashes the whole time. The only bright side is that the stitches come out quite easily when that happens. I'm sure they blankies will be loved even if they are late for the challenge. I'm sure the work will go more smoothly without the pressure of a deadline. Hope you are feeling better soon.
ReplyDeleteOh, I've had that happen with quilting before (the loops)! It's so unfortunate :( At least they got more blankets than they asked for - and there are still more coming from you!
ReplyDeleteI am glad you will still send them in-so many people just throw the goods in a pile when they miss a deadline! Sorry about the cold again-can be discouraging! Time for some knitting again...........!
ReplyDeleteNot a bad effort to finish 7 out of the 8 blankets. Yes, sewing does take twice as long or 4 times as long with little ones around. I should know. Hard for me to finish a project quickly.
ReplyDeleteGlad to hear the targets were exceeded, so many generous people out there like yourself and you DD to make and donate the blankets.
Hope you'll feel better soon.
I know from your posts that finishing those blankies was no easy task. Though you didn't meet your deadline you and your DD have done a wonderful thing. It is a bit rough when people bring their colds to your place. I have hardly been sick since I retired. Working as a teacher I picked up lots of bugs.
ReplyDeleteSo sorry you've caught a cold. I hope you feel better soon. Good luck on finishing up your projects.
ReplyDeleteLoopy stitches on the back is actually the top thread looping to the back and the cause usually is that the machine is not threaded properly. Glad you were able to get it up and going again.
ReplyDeleteLate deliveries can be in the next group they will distribute. I'm sure they will love to get them.