Friday, April 7, 2017

Clipper Ship Update & Rug Is Finished

The hubs is workin' away on the ship model.
He's moved all kinds of tools, big and small to his side of the 
loft.  Varnish, paint, paint remover, paint thinner, drills, 
grinders, sand paper, even the portable shop vacuum now 
resides in the loft.  I don't think he remembers we have a 
handy central vac system........but if you never use it!
He drills, sands, grinds, hammers and makes continuous 
noise all day long, often into the late evening. 
The quiet peaceful sewing loft is now dusty,
stinky and I have to navigate a littered
path to get to my desk.
On numerous occasions (too many to count) 
I've heard mumbled exasperated groans 
and the occasional swear word coming
 from his side of the room.
This usually happens when a teeny tiny minuscule piece
he's been meticulously working on for the last 45 minutes, 
 jumps out of his hands disappearing into thin air.
Similar to most occasions when the hubs
opens the refrigerator.
 At which point I lay down the miniature knot
rug, reach for the flashlight I keep on my 
desk now and commence searching.

My recovery rate up to date is 100%, the hubs......zero.
He's too busy wringing his hands in despair and
delivering an oration on how it's mathematically and 
physically impossible for something that small to
bounce that far! 
 The hubs was apoplectic when a tiny water bucket
he was painting mysteriously disappeared.....
till I suggested he check his shirt sleeve.
It may sound like I'm complaining, but 
I really don't care if the loft is stinky and
dusty and cluttered......it's a small price to
pay for all the laughs we're sharing.
I am amazed at how much patience the hubs
has for such tiny work and the ship is looking
wonderful.
I often go to his side of the room, just
to check on his progress.
He comes to my side of the room to see
how my projects are coming along.
We've having so much fun.
The hub's was very encouraging with my work
on the miniature rug.  At 30 knots in an inch straight
line, he informed me that's 2,000 french knots per
 square inch.  He kept a running estimate of how many
I had left!  The directions estimated it would take 3 to 6 
hours per square inch.  I figure with all the interruptions
 and "search time" it took me about 8 hours per square inch!

When I took it out of the embroidery
 hoop, I trimmed the edges.
Folded it toward the back and
stitched it down.
Ironed it.
I ironed Wonder Under onto one side of muslin.
Wonder under is paper backed fusible web that
turns any fabric into fusible fabric.
 (sticky on both sides)
I cut out a circle the size of the rug, then peeled off the
paper backing on the other side.  Placed the sticky side
on the back of the rug....
Then ironed it down.  It looks a bit bumpy,
but it lays flat and doesn't look near as messy
on the back.  Sew easy too.

I'm pleased with the rug, it was worth all 
the effort and I enjoyed it.
That's what's been happenin' in the cabin!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
This was actually my Valentine's card
this year.  The hub's is such a romantic!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I hope you are enjoying a sunny spring.

11 comments:

  1. Well, you got it...my vote for best post, anywhere, of the year, so far! I enjoyed every picture and every single word. Two great people...two great projects, and a happy, happy ending! I love, love the little rug...just beautiful!!!

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    1. Thank ya', I'm glad you enjoyed this. We have been having such fun. Of course, nothing makes me happier than finding something that Steve is sure will not be found and he will have to re make! It's not often I can "out do" the hubs! He is like a kid when his lost piece is found!

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  2. Fantastic work from both of you!! I'm not good at minuscule work. It's hard for me to see especially if there are dark fabrics/materials. LOVE the card and oh so true! The same thing happens at my house. You both keep us entertained. How many hours does he have in the ship and is it close to being done? Keep us posted!

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    1. Howdy Cinders, I really don't know how many hours he's spent working on the ship. It's certainly more than 40 hours a week. I'll have Steve figure it up for the next post. See you soon.

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  3. My oh my you are both so involved with such intricate projects! The Ship is coming along well. I laugh about how you and hubby work together! I too am my husbands eye's and ears at times. Your knot rug came out amazing and I imagine you are happy to have it completed. Now to see what you add to the room the rug is in. I have never seen anything like this rug before. A true treasure.

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    1. Oh Sandra, we are having so much fun. I have a feeling lots of husbands depend on their wives for ears and eyes. I hope you are doing well and feeling much better.

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  4. Oh Sherri waht wonderful projects and great stories you do tell. It is very gratifying when such time consuming projects are finished but well worth the patience. I love the ship and I love the tiny rug, congratulations to you both..keep having fun,♥

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    1. Thank you Judi. We are having so much fun sharing our projects. I will keep everyone informed of Steve's progress. I'm glad I enjoyed making the rug......I bought 4 kits!! I had no idea they would take so long, but it has kept me in an easy project for my stiff finger. )I finally had surgery and they put a screw in. My needle pushing finger no longer bends, but I am using it!

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  5. It is wonderful you and your husband are enjoying your time working in the same room. He is doing a fantastic job on the ship and you are doing a fantastic job helping him keep going, finding the little pieces that fly across the room.the little rug is very pretty. I will like seeing what else will go with it too.the card is great. So true. I really enjoyed all your comments and the pictures. Funny and sweet.

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  6. Cute story...sounds like you two are enjoying that loft! Interesting that both of you choose to indulge in miniature projects. The rug you completed is beautiful....all those French knots!

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  7. That's two votes for best post. I can just imagine you two working along together...and it makes a beautiful picture. Your rug is incredible, but it makes my eyes cross to think of doing work that tiny. What a treasure!

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