Tuesday, September 15, 2009

Oh, My Aching Back!

I just have to show you the result of the last 3 days of sewing.  It doesn't look like much, does it?  My back sure feels it, though.  At least all the arcs are completed, if my count is right.  The rest of the work is easier on my back, but is actually more difficult sewing.

The thing is, this was the simple part of the sewing process with short, straight seams.  My sewing machine, however, has started to act up, breaking threads and driving me to distraction.  Of course, the faster I sew, the worse it gets.  I've had to really slow down. I'm not sure what is causing the problem, but I've cleaned out the dust and changed needles, and I'm not sure what else to do other than take it in for a checkup.  Before I do that, though, I want to try another type of thread and see if that's the problem.  What type of thread do you use?  I've noticed a difference in the quality of the thread that's readily available, and feel like I need to find something better.

To give my aching back a rest, I worked on some Dear Jane blocks.  Two of them have some applique which I plan to finish this evening, but here are the others.  They're not really as wonky as the picture makes them look, but I'm not very happy with the red one.  The background fabric I'm using really shows the holes when you have to take out stitches.  Also, my applique isn't very good.  We'll see...

6 comments:

Barb said...

Sorry about your back...

love the blocks

Unknown said...

wowsers on all that sewing, I can't wait to see that double wedding ring quilt completed.

Pat said...

I've been using Gutermann thread lately. What brand is your sewing machine? (I'm the one having terrible trouble with my Janome, so I'm just curious about your machine problems.)

Dena said...

I feel your pain as my back starts to lock up on me after I've been sewing for several hours. I purposely set my ironing board about 10 feet away from my sewing machine so I'm forced to get up and walk around periodically. It helps a little.

I've been using Mettler and Gutermann threads because I've had some issues with some of the others. I hope you're able to correct the problem. Just a thought... did you take your bobbin assembly apart? Sometimes a small piece of dust or thread will get stuck and create all kinds of havoc. Good luck!

Searchfamilies said...

I fully understand where you are coming from with your back, i find if i cut that all i can do that day.
Well done one the DJ blocks very nice & the arc ones look nice
Hugs Janice

Needled Mom said...

Ouch. I think we can all relate.

I use Guterman on the top and a bobbin thread for the bottom. There is nothing quite as frustrating as a out of sorts sewing machine.