Sigh...yeah, I know, I will be bracing myself. Still got the bottom half to do. And doing the next one in a printed fabric...We do need to see this, I'm afraid.
Crafty Thread - what are you working on at the moment?
- Thread starter radio_atomica
- Start date
Saul Goodman
It's all good, man
I was asked if I could design and build something to enable a wheelchair user to get in and out of a John Deere Gator... one of these.
And I like a challenge, so I accepted.
It was done on the cheap, using whatever bits of metal were lying around, and repurposing the tipping ram from the rear of the machine.
It was the most challenging task I've taken on for years, and it really took some head scratching, because the ram didn't have enough travel, but when the it was moved close enough to the fulcrum to obtain the necessary travel, it wasn't powerful enough to lift someone, but I got there in the end, with a bit of spring assistance.
It needs tidying up and a lick of paint but it's just about finished, and it lifts me, so it'll lift pretty much anyone.
I put the 3D printer to work, and made a controller for it, so the lad can operate it from outside. Just waiting for a switch to arrive for it.
And I like a challenge, so I accepted.
It was done on the cheap, using whatever bits of metal were lying around, and repurposing the tipping ram from the rear of the machine.
It was the most challenging task I've taken on for years, and it really took some head scratching, because the ram didn't have enough travel, but when the it was moved close enough to the fulcrum to obtain the necessary travel, it wasn't powerful enough to lift someone, but I got there in the end, with a bit of spring assistance.
It needs tidying up and a lick of paint but it's just about finished, and it lifts me, so it'll lift pretty much anyone.
I put the 3D printer to work, and made a controller for it, so the lad can operate it from outside. Just waiting for a switch to arrive for it.
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So dress 2, using an old sheet and a pot of Dylon. This was all a bit more freeform (from an old dress)), chopping and hacking with impunity, I needed to practice pinucks as they are central to the next dress I intend to sew (Milenda by Tessuti). I also found that I was recalling long-forgotten abilities (such as side pockets). Cutting on the bias is my next project.
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wayward bob
i ate all your bees
I was asked if I could design and build something to enable a wheelchair user to get in and out of a John Deere Gator... one of these.
And I like a challenge, so I accepted.
It was done on the cheap, using whatever bits of metal were lying around, and repurposing the tipping ram from the rear of the machine.
It was the most challenging task I've taken on for years, and it really took some head scratching, because the ram didn't have enough travel, but when the it was moved close enough to the fulcrum to obtain the necessary travel, it wasn't powerful enough to lift someone, but I got there in the end, with a bit of spring assistance.
It needs tidying up and a lick of paint but it's just about finished, and it lifts me, so it'll lift pretty much anyone.
I put the 3D printer to work, and made a controller for it, so the lad can operate it from outside. Just waiting for a switch to arrive for it.
holy scrapheap challenge!
Saul Goodman
It's all good, man
The machine went back to the lad today. He wasn't there when I dropped it off but his mate sent me a video and he's happy with it.
It does feel good to know I've made the lad's life a little bit easier. It almost makes up for the rest of the time when I'm a cunt.
It does feel good to know I've made the lad's life a little bit easier. It almost makes up for the rest of the time when I'm a cunt.
wayward bob
i ate all your bees
a couple of years ago i hit a roadblock when i was kicked out of my studio space. scrabbled around to recover as well as i could but my mum was ill and keeping one thing bubbling over while prioritising something else entirely is so far beyond my natural skillset it's unreal.
since then have developed a proper panic-type avoidance of everything work-related, including anything even vaguely creative/crafty
this last week i've started making inroads into the utter chaos-tip that is my spare room/studio. it's fucking slow progress because it's piled high with alllll the random shit from my degree, every single bit of which "could" be useful in the future so i have to dither about whether and/or where to keep it.
inch by inch i'm recovering empty desk space, and it feels like i'm gradually peeling back some of the emotional overwhelm as i go
since then have developed a proper panic-type avoidance of everything work-related, including anything even vaguely creative/crafty
this last week i've started making inroads into the utter chaos-tip that is my spare room/studio. it's fucking slow progress because it's piled high with alllll the random shit from my degree, every single bit of which "could" be useful in the future so i have to dither about whether and/or where to keep it.
inch by inch i'm recovering empty desk space, and it feels like i'm gradually peeling back some of the emotional overwhelm as i go
Just finished dress number 4 and halfway through a man's shirt (so plackets, felled seams, yokes).Having a huge cutting table (instead of the kitchen floor) has been a game-changer. I will be making a dress for D-i-L and I have just dug out a can of Fabsil for a dogcoat I am going to sew with grand-daughter. Making your own clothes has so many advantages - I can't believe I stopped sewing for over 30 years. As well as making clothes which fit, there are a heap of different and exciting processes (such as silk screen printing, stencils, applique. embroidery, leatherwork, millinery and shoe-making). Making masks awoke an almost forgotten set of skills... so I won't be doing the usual frantic Christmas knitting this year - planning on making sheepskin slippers, brushed cotton pyjamas and canvas /leather tool rolls, bike panniers and axe-head covers (as well as the waxed cotton and wool dog-coat).
wayward bob
i ate all your bees
i got a fraction bit more the fuck over my mental block today - just going back to get my camera when i found something unusual on my walk - but enough of a decision to do a creative thing to feel like a step forward.
with shirl to the forefront of my mind - pocketing her encouragement/inspiration and taking it out there
with shirl to the forefront of my mind - pocketing her encouragement/inspiration and taking it out there
wayward bob
i ate all your bees
we had a dobermann that had her own waxed cotton jacket. she looked a tit but you wouldn't mention it to her face
Yuwipi Woman
Whack-A-Mole Queen
One of my great bargains of the last couple of years was a Singer featherweight I found for little of nothing I think it gets more use than my new machine.
Boudicca
Seaside Queen
wayward bob
i ate all your bees
i <3 felled seams
Still on sewing mania - knocked up another dress and a cotton/linen shirt for sweetheart. Have trousers and tunic lined up for me plus dungarees for daughter and grandaughter...O yeah, I also worked out how to do a Vogue pattern I had my eye on (but couldn't get on with paying £17 for what is a very simple pattern)
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How are things working out for you, Saul? You were in quite a nerve-wracking position recently - I hope things are looking up for you. Thinking of you and sending some internet, socially distanced, firm handshakes ( I avoid hugs at the best of times).
Saul Goodman
It's all good, man
The pump died in the well yesterday, and cuntlord said he'll fix it after I move out, as I should already have moved out, so now I have no water.
Things are a bit shit
The pump died in the well yesterday, and cuntlord said he'll fix it after I move out, as I should already have moved out, so now I have no water.
Things are a bit shit
O no...it's one bad thing after another. The prospect of becoming homeless is, I think, utterly horrifying. Don't vanish into misery. Can you bodge the pump yourself (you seem like a handy chap)?
Saul Goodman
It's all good, man
Unfortunately it's somewhere between 400 and 500 foot underground. I lifted one out in the past and repaired it, but I was much younger and much fitter then, and it nearly killed me. A 500 foot column of water weighs much more than I'm capable of lifting these days, so things are looking grim.
wayward bob
i ate all your bees
Are you going to restore that, Bob? Should be doable although probably not for exterior use. I love doing that sort of intensely careful, finicky work (kids and gardening taught me patience). Should think it's rather up your street too. (from what I have seen of your art)
wayward bob
i ate all your bees
that's stage 1- putting it back together. stage 2 is to patch & sand then stage 3 paint the repair gold 
the first one i did is doing fine in the garden, but that was a relatively simple few pieces rather than a full on floor smash
the first one i did is doing fine in the garden, but that was a relatively simple few pieces rather than a full on floor smash
I am wearing my newest dress - made from a curtain. £2.50 for a large pair of deep blue cotton twill (from Salvation Army shop). I have enough for some trousers too. Will post pics tomorrow. Although I am an avid seasonal knitter, it really isn't easy to source good yarn...and the options for recycling wool are very limited...mostly because it is vanishingly unlikely to find handknitted woollen garments to unravel while it costs upwards of £50 to buy new yarn (unless it is some vile acrylic rubbish)...and can edge upwards to several hundred £££. Fabric, otoh, is everywhere. I found a gorgeous Egyptian cotton duvet cover - enough for 2 dresses, plus 4 metres of linen...and even yarn shops have some bargains (such as a lovely light cotton/linen stripe for £3 a metre from the material equivalent to Poundland. And compared to knitting - sewing is fast. Can sew a dress over a couple of evenings (whereas my current Shetland jumper is going into its second year with half a sleeve still left to do.
Just want to send a grateful wave at my sewing sistahs, Boudicca and RubyToogood - support and inspiration.
Just want to send a grateful wave at my sewing sistahs, Boudicca and RubyToogood - support and inspiration.
RubyToogood
RubyTwobikes
I never ever find good fabric in charity shops sadly.
Yep, you have to sift through a load of polycotton and old Thomas the Tank or unicorn prints but I have found a few pieces of gorgeous faric - a deep red silk velvet destined to back a waistcoat (with olive green moleskin). I am not a person who is concerned what other family members wear but even so, I am hoping for a move away from the completely ubiquitous (and dull) jeans and T-shirt combo worn by sweetheart. So unfair as he oozes elegance from every pore without giving a fuck whereas I am a frustrated pudding.
Boudicca
Seaside Queen
I've bought a couple of good bits of fabric from charity shops but it tends to be dead old lady stuff, so good quality but dull. I got some nice pure wool but am not motivated to make grey trousers.
Going to have to get some sewing projects going, I don't know how else I will get through the winter.
Going to have to get some sewing projects going, I don't know how else I will get through the winter.
Sounds pretty good Boudicca. There are some really nice lantern shaped or high waisted trousers about at the moment. I am going to chop up the other curtain to make some slightly cropped , flat fronted ones with either a back zip or some elastic through the centre 10 inches or so at the back...with fishtail cuffs and contrasting topstitching. Grey wool is timeless (and looks fantastic with mustard/ochre/golds). Or soft pink..
Rebelda
Nearly as bad as Badgers
If you are a pudding then you're delicious
that is a great dress. I also like your shoes I'm itching to do some sewing lately, although lacking the time. I want to have a go at some dungarees, but Boudicca's scrubs are such a triumph that I should probably prioritise another few pairs of those. Keep browsing wax prints and giving up when I can't choose cos they're all so nice.
Boudicca
Seaside Queen
Scrubs would be a good thing to do as they are relatively simple. I traced the pattern off so can send it to you if you like.If you are a pudding then you're delicious
I'm itching to do some sewing lately, although lacking the time. I want to have a go at some dungarees, but Boudicca's scrubs are such a triumph that I should probably prioritise another few pairs of those. Keep browsing wax prints and giving up when I can't choose cos they're all so nice.
Three is a good new fabric shop in Brixton in one of the arches called Top Gift which has loads for £7, That purple stuff I used for your scrubs is 100% cotton excellent quality and I can't remember where I bought it! I've got another piece of 100% cotton but it is orange and green and a bit love it or hate it. I will send you a pic after the weekend (I am not at home at the moment).
