Come Stitch With Me

Today, I got to attend the state educational technology conference. I really enjoyed meeting up with some of the library colleagues whom I almost never get to see and compare notes on lessons, books and what’s working/not working in our libraries.  As much as the “research” shows fixed schedule media centers are definitely not best practice, more and more Cobb elementary specialists are being placed into the specials rotation. It was rather disheartening to learn today that one of my colleagues was placed in the rotation at her school this year.  When my colleague reached out to our district supervisor for help, she shared that she was informed that it was “her [my colleague’s] own fault that she got put in the rotation.”  Ouch!  (I’m sure there’s a lot more to the story on both sides.)  That said, I feel her pain. It’s the same supervisor who responded to my sewing/maker club by commenting “how quaint.”  Now, you see sewing machines as a regular part of STEAM activities and maker spaces. 

At the end of the day, I realized that while my situation isn’t ideal, I certainly don’t have it as bad as some other folks.  Think I will focus on being a little more grateful for the current job instead of bitching about it all the time.

Grateful for:
1. A job that pays decently well.
2. A job I enjoy most days.
3. A certain level of autonomy with what and how I teach.
4. The opportunity to be creative during the day (maker space).
5. Colleagues I really enjoy working with.
6. Admin that encourages professional development and skill building.
7. Opportunity to give back/make a difference (even if the munchkins don’t appreciate it.)

Gotta love computerized sewing machines.  Actually, I really do LOVE this machine. 🙂

I have the regular model 8900 – not the SE version.  It meant that some of the specialty needle plates would not work in my machine – like the 3 hole straight stitch plate. In an earlier post, I showed how hubs had drilled the right needle hole and I switched out the little doodad on the back with the one for the all purpose needle plate.  Wonders of wonders, the little plastic doodad underneath is what tells the computer what kind of needle plate you have.  I purchased a 100% authentic 3 hole straight stitch plate and the sewing machine wouldn’t recognize the needle plate. Gave me some error message about not being compatible.  Yeah, right.  Out came the screwdriver and I changed the little doodad on the back.  Bought a little HP Professional Foot online for $6.99.  Don’t understand why I need the HP Professional Plate with a left needle position when my 3 hole needle plate works just fine. I image it will work fine with the 2 hole straight stitch plate that came with your machine, too!

What really interests me, though, is the HP2 walking 1/4″ foot. The regular single Accuflex foot is a pain for piecing because you can’t start right at the fabric edge due to the “grabbing mechanism” behind the foot.  I wonder if the HP2 foot has that same set up, or if the foot was redesigned to incorporate the grabbing mechanism is such a way that you could use it from the edge without having to “help” the fabric move forward until the “grabber” can pull the fabric.  If so, I have a feeling it will work on the 8900 with my modified 3 hole straight stitch foot – just fine!

Anyone have this foot and can post side by side pics with the Accuflex single VD foot for comparison?

Update 11/24/2018 – The new HP2 foot is very similar to the Accuflex single foot with the grabber behind the sole. Probably works well for chain piecing, but not so much for the way I sew.  If you need a 1/4″ presser foot with walking foot capability, take a look at the Pfaff Passport or the Singer Featherweight C240. 

Otherwise known as why I stopped making quilts for hire (except for special people).

I run a business – even if it’s on a part-time basis and not my primary source of income – it’s still a business. My goal is to make a profit.

As much as I enjoy turning treasured t-shirts into keepsakes for folks, I can’t do that for $75.00 ($300-$400 maybe but not $75) – but there are companies out there that can.  Will the workmanship be the same? Oh, hell no. However, the individual will be getting something that he/she feels will meet their need at a price they are willing to pay.   That’s what matters.

Switching my business model to primarily teaching and tech-editing has been very good for me. It’s something that I can easily do in tandem with the day job. If I’ve been on my feet all day teaching library classes, I can still edit a pattern on my computer that evening with my feet propped up.  It’s also fun to work with designers and help them bring new designs to market. I’ve learned new skills, as well. I’ve actually published one pattern of my own and have another in the works. Besides, I earn more teaching and tech editing than I do making t-shirt quilts.  It took me a long time to accept this.

Goals for 2019 include increasing the number of tech editing clients to a certain level. If you are in need of tech-editing services, or know someone who is – please drop me a line. I am currently accepting projects for January 2019.