The frequency of my bouts of insomnia seem to be increasing.
But at least last night’s bout had a few benefits: I was able to finish up two more Kiss blocks and I was able to see the lunar eclipse.
I took my sewing machine to the repair shop yesterday morning … I was met by their resident machine repair person who told me that it would be 2 weeks before she’d be able to get to my machine as she was going to be on vacation for 2 weeks … thankfully she offered to take a quick look at my machine to see if she could find a quick and easy fix. The only thing wrong that she could find was that my bobbin case was a bit loose, so she tightened it up. I brought my machine back home, hoping that would be the cure.
Sunday afternoon when I was growing increasingly frustrated with my Bernina’s bobbin stitch issues, I got out my old Janome and thought that perhaps I could switch machines. Since I couldn’t find its bobbin case (??), I thought I’d go ahead and take it to be serviced as well … and get a replacement bobbin case (of course, we all know that once I’ve purchased a new bobbin case, the old one will turn up!).
Unfortunately, the bobbin case fix didn’t solve the Bernina bobbin stitch issues … but I think I may have finally figured out what might be causing the problem. I noticed yesterday afternoon that the broken stitches were where I had placed a pin. I can’t remember if that was the case Saturday and Sunday, and yesterday afternoon there wasn’t a broken stitch at every pin. But it occurred to me that if I can place the pin so it’s buried in the bottom piece of fabric, perhaps I can avoid the broken stitches … I know it’s not a permanent solution, but it would at least allow me to use my Bernina until the repair tech returns from vacation and will allow me to give her a clue on what is happening. I stitched a couple of seams with the pin buried on the bottom with no breaking. I plan to do a good bit of sewing today … we’ll see if my theory holds up.
It was 30 degrees when I got up this morning … 30 degrees! In the middle of April! That’s just plain crazy!
I attended the guild meeting last night. I think overall that this guild just might work. I liked the idea of monthly challenges (especially the challenge for the April meeting where participants were given 2 color chips and a quilt block name … and were challenged to create the block using those two colors as the primary colors). I also like the fact that they have two retreats/year and a biennial 3-day retreat where they bring in nationally-known quilters to present classes (so far Mickey Depre and Pat Speth are lined up for the 2015 Quilt-Away).
Have a terrific Tuesday!
Kathy
I feel your pain with the insomnia thing! I have it almost every night, these days. The only way I get a good night's sleep is to take an over the counter sleep aid, which I hate to do.
ReplyDeleteI hope your sewing, today, goes smoothly :)
It's raining here, with the cold expected to move in tonight :(
I woke up at 1 and my husband had opened the blinds so he could watch the eclipse from bed ... if he was awake. I went back to sleep and missed it.
ReplyDeleteOf course you will now find that bobbin case!!!! I hope the pin issue is the solution.
ReplyDeleteHmmm....interesting that the thread 'breaks' at those spots where there is a pin. How does the machine pick up the bobbin thread again and carry on? It's a mystery!
ReplyDeleteSorry to read about your insomnia. My good girl friend suffers from this too and honestly it sounds just horrible. Not usually an issue for me. I am more likely to nod off when I am TRYING to stay awake. lol You got a good pic of the eclipse. Hubby was awake and got some too. I snoozed on through. Do you sew over your pins? I usually don't. Every once in a while if I have something I consider to be VERY critical I leave them, but I usually pull them out as I go (if I've pinned at all...I am horrible about pinning) That might be the issue. I am as curious as you are to what the problem is so guess I will stay tuned, lol. I have had so much garment sewing I have wanted to do recently that quilting is taking a back seat, but I am planning out my next project there in my head. Enjoy your day!
ReplyDeleteThe eclipse was pretty cool! I watched it as I sewed and woke DH up when it was at its peak.
ReplyDeleteNo other sewing machine techs around? There are three places where I can take mine and I have my preference, but if they aren't available, there is always a back-up.
I hope your theory works for you, and like Debbie, I am curious if you sew over your pins. I don't usually, but if I have to, I use those very thin shank glass head pins.
Hi there, It was 30 degrees here this morning and felt nice to get out and walk. As for being awake during the night-yes, I often fall asleep only to wake up an hour later and stay awake til around 3:00 a.m. I've gotten some new herbal teas to try to see if that helps. I do take a benedryl every night and also know that helps and keeps vertigo away.
ReplyDeleteLove that you got your machine fixed so quickly and easily.
Hope you have a wonderful day my friend!
Noreen
I would have loved to have seen the eclipse if it would have happened at a more convenient time. LOL
ReplyDeleteI hope you get both machines working properly!
Glad you got to see the eclipse - that is the good part of insomnia! Good luck with your machines - what a headache. I am battling computer issues - similar headache! Yes, the temps were way too cold this AM and the ground was white - ugh! I really hope the guild works out - it's so much fun to have quilting friends. ~Jeanne
ReplyDeleteWell at least you saw the eclipse. We set our alarm and got up and went outside to see it.
ReplyDeleteI really think sewing machine problems are the worst. I do hope burying your pins will work. 30 degrees!!! Well I am just the opposite. 90 degrees in April!!
I think for us it feels more like late May or early June. I think yours must feel like late Feb or early March.
I would gladly trade. The guild sounds wonderful.
Insomnia is the worst. Mine seems to have gone away with drinking lots of water and having a PowerZero (for the electrolytes) each day. All those Dr. appointments and that has cured the insomnia and vertigo! Although.... I had to get up around 11:30 because I was too hot last night. I know, you don't want to hear it =).
ReplyDeleteI was so bone tired last night that I passed on the lunar eclipse...wish I hadn't now! We're supposed to have a low of 29 degrees tonight...good thing I didn't take our electric blankets off our beds!
ReplyDeleteHope your "fix" works! Glad You enjoyed the guild. It will be fun making new friends...and it sounds like they will encourage you to keep learning! We are getting our cold snap before Easter...cold and windy today...in the 30's tonight. Brr¡ Will be happy when spring comes to STAY!! :-)
ReplyDeleteUg! Hope you are sewing again soon and that this fix works until you can get her fixed for real. Glad you got to see the eclipse! Too snowy here :(.
ReplyDeleteI hope you sewing goes smoothly today without any "breaks". I did not even know about the eclipse until I read your blog. I have not been keeping up with the news lately. I know about the insomnia. I usually just get and stay up, it seems easier than trying to fight to go back to sleep. Might try some Power Zero!
ReplyDeleteThat is a great photo and I got to see it too! Sorry about not being able to get your machine fixed yet but glad you have come up with a solution in the mean time.
ReplyDeleteIt is so frustrating when our machines get ill. Hope you can continue to manage to sew the next couple weeks. That's great you found a nice guild. Sometimes it takes awhile to get comfortable.
ReplyDeleteWhen I can't sleep, I usually read. Maybe I should get up and be a little more productive, like you. :)
ReplyDeleteSounds like a great guild Kathy! So many just have "business meetings" - they're no fun at all. But this one sounds like they do some fun things, and they sure know who to bring in for some extra fun!!! Hope your machine behaves for you until you can get it fixed properly. There are few things more aggravating than a sewing machine that wants to act up!
ReplyDelete