In for a penny, in for a pound ( ... or why this is going to cost me a few bob)

Click click-itty click clack ... snap.

The loud noises and snapping thread are ominous. And perhaps inevitable. The poor sewing machine has never had a grease and oil change.

I try a new needle. Then a different bobbin. Finally I acquiesce and get the screwdriver.

Presser foot: off. Shank: off. Throat plate: off.
So far, so good.
Bobbin thingummy: out.
Wow ... look at all that felt. Oops, that's not felt. Out with the lint.
Better take a few more bits out - its looking ugly in there.
Two screws in the dogwhatsits unscrewed and out.
White whosywhatsit: out.
What's this screw for? Hmmm, its stuck. Can't go any further.
Give up. I have no idea what I am doing.
Better reassemble everything.
I'll just pop this screw ... arrrrggh.
The screw.
How did I drop that?
Right inside the bowels of the machine.
Oh %$#@^&.

So let's stop right there. What would you do at this point?

Would you pick up your machine and give it a jolly good shake, imagining this would magically dislodge the screw? Would you tip the machine upside down, hoping said screw would fall out?

You're right: what kind of imbecile would do that?

Perhaps the kind who would might go on to frantically undo screws that scream "warranty void if removed". Or who might attempt to jemmy open the side of their (computerised) sewing machine. Clearly the kind of imbecile who might think well, this is already going to be expensive, what have I possibly got to lose?

Now if you could excuse me, I must go and consult the Yellow Pages.

My creative space

I am joining in with Thursday's My Creative Space at Kootoyoo.

During the week I made a start on my first quilt top. Under the watchful eye of a craft buddy I learnt to how cut my squares properly. I duly noted the exacting methods - the right angles, the straight lines and the precise measurements.

Of course as soon as she had left the premises, I started taking liberties. (Warning: real quilters are advised to turn away now.) I stacked piles of fabric up and frantically sawed through their ample layers with my rotary cutter.

Predictably there were casualties. But it was all for the greater good. More squares; less time. See? All good.

So, this week I am going to begin piecing together the quilt top (with a selection of less-than-squared squares).

Oh hang on, it appears I already have. It seems there has been a bit of sewing prior to the finish of the cutting. Just a teensy bit (... but I think I got away with it). OK, I admit I did get a tad impatient with all those squares and wandered off to the sewing machine in the middle of it all. Talk about attention deficit craft.

So today its back to the cutting board and the squares. Maybe ...

Thank you very much Kirsty for hosting My Creative Space. Its great fun seeing what everyone is doing. To see who else is showing their creative space today (or to join in), head over here.

Run boys, run

There's been little sewing
Since the mister took his leave
He packed a bag the other week
and left for overseas

Its been pandemonium
I've had no reserves left
For projects needing thinking
Or requirements to be deft

A new approach was called for
And its a good one, I should say:
I yell "Run boys, run!"
Throughout every day

No rests or being stationary
Not even a few seconds
Wear em out by day's end
Because sewing always beckons

The sleep-in

Dear Argy and Bargy,

When I said I would like you to try and sleep in this morning, I really was thinking more about time than location. Deciding to sleep in ... front of the door, for example, is not really the restful respite that your mother was hoping for.

(Does anyone remember how many sleeps it is until your father gets home?)

Love Mum xx

Facing the truth

I found this picture by 3 year old Bargy this morning. Staring out from the Etch-a-sketch was an almost cartoon-like face. I love drawing, so it makes me happy whenever the boys sit down and create something of their own volition.

I was feeling particularly impressed with the overall proportion and arrangement of the features - perhaps even a little motherly pride ( ... you see a bit of naive scribble, but of course I see a portrait!). Then Bargy pointed out his error.

Apparently what I thought was hair was in fact legs. And as every kindergarten kid knows, these should be sticking directly out of the bottom of the face.

As they say, back to the drawing board.

Goodbye old friend

I'm sad. Today I farewelled my rusty trusty steed.

This was my first-ever car. With two decades and 248,969 km behind it, my little white hatchback had long exceeded its life expectancy.

I've been told that it is being "sent to auction". I think the car dealer might have meant auction in the sense of having its guts ripped out and being squashed like an ant.

My creative space

I am joining in with Thursday's My Creative Space at Kootoyoo.

I have been left in the lurch to my own devices for a couple of weeks while Mr Hoppo Bumpo enjoys a junket travels overseas on business - so what better pick-me-up than a new* project?

*Its best that no-one enquires - no matter how politely - about the status of various other new projects that have been started. If you do, I shall have to point and exclaim look over there! while running in the other direction.

Tomorrow afternoon I am cutting these prints up into 5" x 5" charm squares under the watchful eye of a craft buddy. The aim is to refashion a favourite vintage bed sheet (and a supporting cast of print purchases) into a quilt top.

I'm looking for a quick win here; nothing fancy. Especially after a number of previous false starts with quilts. The aim is to have the quilt finished and displayed as a couch throw rug before Mr Hoppo Bumpo's return.

In our house there is a direct correlation between soft furnishing proliferation and days spent on business trips. If Mr HB thinks there might also be cushions in the pipeline, maybe he will call off his trip in July.

Thank you very much Kirsty for hosting My Creative Space. Its great fun seeing what everyone is doing. To see who else is showing their creative space today (or to join in), head over here.

Embellishing your craft searches with Google

I love the idea of trademarked name becoming a verb. Take Hoovering the carpet. Or Xeroxing a copy. Or Cadbury-Dairy-Milk-Chocolating a bad day. (Okay, maybe that one is not common venacular, but its is most certainly common practice.)

Then of course there is the most universal: don't worry, I'll Google it.

Google [verb]
Googled [past participle]
Googling [present participle]

Have you ever wondered whether you can conjugate Google? According to the Oxford English Dictionary, the answer is yes. Google is the real deal - a recognised verb. And I have heard my mum talk about Googling. So that seals it.

But enough of conjugation - I have chanced* upon something far more exciting. Did you know that the Google search engine has its own secret language? Special stuff you can add to refine your searches - its magic.

* I mean "chanced" in the sense of following a comment left on my blog by someone called Generic Viagra. Its a long story. And possibly not easily explained. So I think I should stop now.

---

define:word/phrase

Use define: to search for definitions of the words listed after it it. For example if you Google ...

define:stitch in the ditch

... you will receive definitions for "stitch in the ditch" sourced from various websites. Each version is referenced back to the original source.

---

link:URL

Combine link: with a webpage address and you will see a list of webpages that have links to the specified webpage. For example if I wanted to see who links to Hoppo Bumpo I would Google ...

link:http://hoppobumpo.blogspot.com

---

related:URL

Combine related: with a webpage address and you will see a list of webpages that Google identifies as being similar to the page you have specified. For example, if you Google ...

related:http://www.sewing.patternreview.com

... the search will return a list of websites related to sewing patterns.

---

info:URL

Combine info: with a webpage address and Google will return some background information about the page. The information is usually about 23 words.

---

filetype:file type

Combine filetype: with a file extension, such as PDF or PPT to locate specific file types. For example if I Google ...

filetype:PDF "pressing ham"

... the search will return an excellent list of PDF documents that mention pressing hams.

---

site:domain

Adding site: to a search restricts the results to those websites in the domain you have added. For example if you Google ...

garbage site:hoppobumpo.blogspot.com

... the results will show all posts on Hoppo Bumpo refering to garbage (as opposed to showing all the posts that are garbage ... which would retrieve my blog in its entirety)

---

allintitle:keyword/s

Using this modifier ensures that only webpage titles are seached for the keyword or words you specify. The text within pages is not searched. For example, if you Google ...

allintitle:pattern alterations

... the results will show only pages that have the words pattern and alterations in the title. None of the page text will be searched. Allintitle cannot be combined with other search criteria.

intitle:keyword/s

This works like the allintitle modifier, but you can can combine it with other search criteria. For example if you Google ...

intitle:pattern alterations

.... the results will show all pages that have the word pattern in the page title and the word alterations somewhere in the text of the webpages.

---

allinurl:keywords/s

Using this modifier ensures that only URLs are seached for the word or words you specify. There's no search of the webpage text. For example, if you Google ...

intitle:dress pattern

... the results will only contain websites with both the words dress and pattern in the URL.


inurl:keyword/s

This works like the allinurl modifier, but you can can combine it with other search criteria. For example if you Google ...

intitle:dress pattern

... the results will contain websites with the word dress in the URL and the word pattern somewhere in the text of the page.

The curse of the sausage fingers

This is a little name tag I sewed for last weekend's Sew It Together.

I put it together for a lovely lady called Apple and Tangerine, who also goes by the assumed name of Tanya. I couched the shiny red name on a piece of stabilised white quilting cotton and then sewed clusters of seed and bugle beads and sequins into the background.

At inception, the plan for the tag was wall-to-wall bling. There was to have been a quantity of sequins that would have done Liberace proud. Sadly I was thwarted by a deficit in the dexterity department. (For which Tanya probably secretly thanked her lucky stars.)

Sew much fun

One weekend.
Sixty sewing and craft bloggers.
A million laughs.

This weekend I packed my overnight bag and sewing machine and headed to Sew It Together, which was held in Melbourne. The inaugural event was a resounding success - it was a such a treat to participate. Organiser and host, Sheridan from Chaletgirl did an amazing job. We were all spoiled with lots of goodies and prizes from the generous sponsors of the weekend.

There was plenty of time for craft and even a little fabric shopping. Now, whilst I can neither confirm nor deny participating in the latter, I openly admit to doing very little of the former. Despite carefully transporting several kilos of projects, my machine and some very good intentions, I made almost nothing during craft session ... except quite a lot of noise, a bit of mess and plenty of new friends.

I can't wait for Sew It Together 2011 ( ... next time I might not even make the pretence of taking sewing along).

My creative space

I am joining in with Thursday's My Creative Space at Kootoyoo.

This week's space contains my first go at McCalls M5522. To use an expression of disdain favoured by Mr Hoppo Bumpo, the outcome has really been a bit pants. But I mean pants in the sense of a not-a-very-good-shirt ... if you follow?

I'm working on View D, the least frilly and puffy version below.



This week I have sewn together the 10-piece bodice. I omitted the front placket, collar and sleeves for this first toile. While I see potential in the style (the empire line helps create a sort of inny-outy bit in lieu of having a real waist), there really are loads more alterations to be made before I continue.

The vertical drag lines coming from the shoulders mean there's not enough real estate in the bust department, so I have put an FBA on the list. I think the horizontal drag lines in the region-that-used-to-be-my-waist might be partly related to a sway back. I will need to consult Fit For Real People to see what alteration gurus Pati Palmer and Marta Alto have to say.

But that obvious gap in the centre front ... we all know what that means: yes, I shouldn't have eaten icecream for dessert last night.

Thank you very much Kirsty for hosting My Creative Space. Its great fun seeing what everyone is doing. To see who else is showing their creative space today (or to join in), head over here.

Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the clowns

I've been trying my hardest to ignore the Star Wars mania sweeping our household.

But Argy and Bargy are obsessed.

The house is littered with Lego re-enactments and dioramas (imagine Sir Alec Guiness with a removable yellow head and legs that yield only from the hip and you get the picture). Every rolled up newspaper is a light sabre; the cat is a wookie and the Dark Side is no longer just southern wall of the house where only moss grows. I fear we passed the point of no return when it became acceptable to refer to me as Jabba The Hut.

Unfortunately the boys' knowledge of the characters and story lines far outstrips my hazy recollection of a bunch of cuddly ewoks running about on the silver screen. I was completely sunk once I realised that the trilogy of my youth, was in fact a mere sequel to a longer, more complicated storyline. A storyline my children have somehow consumed and digested faster than than a kilo of sweets.

Today, for example: Argy asked me if I recognised what he was.

I had to admit that Boba Fett (who??) did not spring to mind. There was eye rolling, tut-tutting and exasperated exhaling. Apparently it was a durplast helmet not a Thomas The Tank Engine waste basket. And my guess of Winnie The Pooh backpack should really have been Mitrinomon Z-6 Jetpack. My mistake really.

I can see that its really the beginning of the end: the start of what-would-poor-old-mum-know? That small window of opportunity to dazzle my boy children with my omniscience is well and truly over. I'm trying to remain optimistic ... but frankly all I see just now is The Dark Side.

Nothing to see here ... please move along (to the Stitches and Craft Show)

Can you guess what this pile of pom-poms, sparkly pipe cleaners and googly eyes is? Squint very hard and use your imagination. Do you see the dragon fly yet?

I thought not. Frankly, nothing dents your confidence more than a craft project gone wrong. Especially when the kit says "Ages 4 and up" ... and you are clearly a bit older than 4.

Thankfully I can point you in the direction of some genuinely beautiful and inspiring craft and design instead. The craft event of the year - The Stitches & Craft Show 2010 - starts in Melbourne tomorrow.

Make sure you pop in say hello to my very talented friend Caitlin of Pippijoe. Her beautiful hand screen printed fabrics are just irresistible. (If she has side kick there on Wednesday or Saturday - one with brown shoulder length hair and glasses - please don't mention the dragon fly).

Then head straight on to look at the fabulous bag patterns at Nicole Mallalieu Design. I am looking forward to picking up one of Nikki's lovely brand new Party Purse patterns.

After that, grab your show guide and head post haste to see Jodie at Ric Rac, Sandra at Pepperberry & Co, Nic of Yardage Designs, Holly of Two Cheese Please, the girls at Ink & Spindle ..... and ....

Gosh, the list of craft talent is endless. Check out the show guide. Maybe you will need to go twice? I know I will be!

The Stitches and Craft Show, Melbourne 2010
Open daily 10am - 5pm
Wednesday 5 May - Sunday 9 May 2010
Caulfield Racecourse
http://www.stitchesandcraft.com.au/

Sew handy: some places where new sewers can find like-minded folk

www.sewing.patternreview.com
Established in 2001 patternreview.com boasts a membership of over 200,000 people from around the world. The site began its life as a place to collect people's experiences of and opinions about sewing patterns. The site has expanded to include expert forums, real-time chats, sewing contests, online sewing classes and more. Although it is a membership site (free and paid available), it is possible to browse as a guest. As at May 2010 there are nearly 70,000 reviews in the database.

www.seamingly.com
If you like reading sewing blogs and websites, this is a great place to go. With hundreds of listings, there's hours of reading fun and inspiration ahead. Each site is listed with a synopsis and a snap shot of the front page. The listings are displayed in order of popularity. Previews of recent posts from a selection of blogs are displayed on the front page and there search functionality if you are looking for a special topic. (At the time of writing there was news that a forum was going to be added.)

www.sewmamasew.com
Sew Mama Sew is an online fabric and pattern store, blog and forum rolled into one. The many thousands of posts in the forum, are the first indicator that this site attracts a huge following. Sew Mama Sew regularly posts fabulous reviews and tutorials, as well as hosting themed months and sew-alongs.

www.craftstylish.com
Taunton Press, publisher of reknown sewing magazine Threads, is the host of Craftstylish. Whilst not exclusively a sewing community, you will find hundreds of relevant posts once you look at the Sewing category. The website is described as being "a place to connect, discover and share with other crafters" and a "destination for fabulous inspiration and expert instruction on the latest trends, projects, ideas, and materials". Members can also showcase their work and post tutorials.

www.threadbanger.com
If you like internet TV you will love ThreadBanger. Branded as "the home of DIY fashion how-tos, home décor tips, and more", the site offers regular episodes that can be accessed at the site or by RSS subscription or podcast. With a contemporary, edgy blog and a forum with thousands of members, there's plenty to see and do here.

www.burdastyle.com
Burdastyle is the brainchild of pattern company, Burda. One of the greatest drawcards of this hub is concept of "open source sewing" - or copyright free patterns. The site provides patterns for download, sewing tutorials, discussions and places to share projects. Patterns and tutorials are shared by Burdastyle and its 349,720 members alike. The great sense of community extends to the 240 "real life" BurdaStyle Sewing Clubs (BSCs) throughout the world.

www.mysewingcircle.com
My Sewing Circle is the new kid on the block, having only been launched in February of this year. Its a place to organise your fabric stash and tools, browse fabrics and patterns, show off your projects and admire the work of others (for anyone who is a knitter or crocheter, the site was inspired by Ravelry.com). The community and its features are in their infancy, but it looks promising. To access the site you need to be a member, but membership is free.

Some other not-exclusively-sewing-but-wonderfully-crafty hubs:
www.whipup.net
www.oneprettything.com
www.craftzine.com
www.craftster.org
www.craftgossip.com
www.cutoutandkeep.net