Sticky and Wet With Clean Floors

DSC_0053In three days of work, I’ve got not even half the ruffles temporarily attached to the skirt. Wonder why? Read on.

If I ever finish this quilt, I’ll never use Steam a Seam 2 again--and probably any Steam a Seam product. I have been doing fused appliqué for decades. I love doing it. It’s easy and fun--sort of like working a puzzle. But Steam a Seam 2 has turned out to be one of those 2000-piece puzzles that are all one color. It’s driving me crazy.

In three days I’ve been able to accomplish this much on the skirt. But the process has involved moaning, groaning, and much foul language. I’ve had to cut several pieces twice, having fused the wrong side of the fusible to the ruffle piece. 

You would think there wouldn’t be that much difference in this project and the ones I’m used to (Wonder Under, etc.) At first glance the main difference is that Steam a Seam 2 has paper on both sides of the fusible, where Wonder Under and others have paper on only one side. Right off the bat that confuses me about which side to trace and which side for fuse. I think I finally have it worked out, but I’ll probably forget by the time I start back working on the quilt.

In addition, the paper is not easily pealed without getting sticky stuff all over one’s fingers. Not to mention one’s new, pricey Karen Kay Buckley scissors. 

I think all the convenience of being able to attach the pieces temporarily until they’re fused with the iron is offset by the confusion and mess. But I will press on and finish this quilt and never go near Steam a Steam again.

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I ordered background and border fabric for “The Dress” from fabric.com, and it came in today (photo above). I love it. I believe, in spite of the nightmare I’m having with the fusible, I’ll be hugely please with the finished product, once I ever get a finished product.

 

Roomba Report

I am delighted to report that I couldn’t be happier with my Roomba. I could kick myself for not getting it sooner. My floors have never been so clean. I sit and watch the little black disc zoom around my house picking up dirt, dust, pet hair, and what have you. And when he’s finished, I don’t have to take three Ibuprofen and lie down for the rest of the day.

Jesse has named the Roomba Alfred after Batman’s butler. I like that, but I tend to call him Fredo after the Corleone brother in “The Godfather.”  As I watch that mindless machine clean my floor, I think of Fredo saying, “I can handle things. I’m smart. Not like everybody says. Not dumb. I’m smart, and I want respect.” You got it, Fredo.

Im-smart-i-can-handle-things

Weather Report

Our trusty local weather guru, James Spann, tells us we’re in for a gullywasher during the next few days: The potential exists for a total of 12 inches of rainfall in coming days. That means flooding is likely in many areas. 

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On 02/19/2019, Denise in PA said ...

Hi Susan, I'm laughing when I read how you are not having a good relationship with SaS2 - not laughing because you are having a hard time - but that I feel the same way about WonderUnder and absolute LOVE SaS2. Different strokes, right? I always wondered about getting a Roomba. But, my Pekingese Lilly will probably want to fight it - LOL

On 02/19/2019, Barbara Anne said ...

Can you switch to using Wonder Under for the rest of the Dress project?

Qw live in a tri-level house so wonder if Roomba would fall down stairs? Will have to look into getting one.

Am glad your home is on a hill!

Hugs!
-----

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