I moved my improv stitching upstairs to the dining room so I could use my vintage Singer in the cabinet. I've had trouble with this machine and getting it to run with the foot pedal. I haven't stitched on it for a long time and had noted in my book that I needed to use an alternate controller. Sure enough, it resisted sewing at first but I fiddled around and finally got her motor going. It's a bit of a pain to move all my stuff and the table is really low, but it's great to be able to use this machine again.
I have put together a few more improv blocks, trying to trust the process and not think too much or too far ahead. It was nice to be able to pop into the room while making dinner or when the family watched t.v. and sew a few strips at a time. I love the sound the old Singers make while they stitch and this relaxed method of piecing makes it very fun to work on "Gladys". The blocks come together quickly (maybe too quickly - I don't want it to be over!) but since I really don't have a concrete plan I can continue to make them and have some options at the end.
Thanks to a recommendation from my quilty friend Maureen, I've ordered The Improv Handbook For Modern Quilters: A Guide To Creating, Quilting, And Living Courageously by Sherri L. Wood. I'm very excited to read about her process and perhaps get some inspiration and guidance for putting my blocks together in some kind of quilt! Until then, I'll continue to zip along with the old 1950s machine, using up my scraps, waiting to see what happens at the end.
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