Learning curve June 8, 2009
Posted by Karen Joy in Random Stuff, Sewing.8 comments
I like change. I really do. I get bored if things get in a rut. Usually.
But, it often takes me so long to learn “X New Thing” that it makes it not worth it.
A small example might be, say, a new grocery store. One opened up fairly near to me recently, a Wal-Mart Neighborhood Market. Maybe this isn’t a fair comparison, because I’m really not a fan of Wal-Mart anyways. (I heard on the radio the other day that Wal-Mart is the largest private employer in the state. I found that somewhat disturbing.) However, I’ve only been in the “Neighborhood Market” twice, both times to pick up one “quick” item. I will not return. I like “my” grocery stores, and the time it takes to learn where everything is located, and all the ins and outs of shopping at a new place, well, it’s just not worth it.
I’ve made a few crib bumpers in my sewing days, and I make them pretty much the same. However, in one I’m making currently, I decided to inspect the (store-bought) one that I’m using in Fiala’s cradle. I saw that they sewed the two short sides, the bottom long side, then bound the top with… umm… a strip of enforced fabric (I don’t know what the term is). I thought, “How clever! What a time saver!” Previously, I’ve sewn the two long sides, one short side, then turned the whole thing right-side out. I thought this new way would save so much time.
Well, I won’t go into the reasons why, but I’m now about to rip-stitch out the binding. For the second time. The first time, I was only about 1/4 done. This time, I was about 7/8 done. Hmph. It has not been any kind of time saver, due to my mistakes and unforeseen problems.
I’ve learned a lot, like all the things that can go wrong with such a technique. And, each time I attempt it, I am doing it better. But, I’m finding myself really wishing I had done it the “old” way in the first place.
However, having a contrasting bound bit across the top is really appealing to me now, and even though I could alter the bumper to do it the old way, I’d lose the contrasting binding, and I really don’t want to do that. I like the way it looks with contrasting binding.
So… rip stitch it is.
Camping (with friends??), Birding, Sewing, more on Fiala’s skin June 8, 2009
Posted by Karen Joy in Allergies, Arizona, Babies, Celiac Disease, Dairy-free, Friendships, Parenting, Sad Things, The Kids, Travelling, birding, gluten-free.13 comments
- If you know me IRL and want to join us on a camping trip around Labor Day in Oak Creek, north of Sedona, let me know!!
- I’m a bad birder. Well, not really. But, my kids have destroyed all three of my pairs of binoculars — none of them were super-expensive — binoculars can be INSANELY expensive. But, I now have no binocs to use, and there’s a pair of some sort of yellow and black warblers in my back yard that must be nesting close by, because I see them flitting about, almost butterfly-like every morning, chipping almost as high and tinkly-like as hummingbirds. But, I can’t get a good enough look at them to really identify them, and it’s driving me nuts.
- I’ve been sewing stuff for my friend Erin’s baby’s room (and the cradle, which will be in their room, not the baby’s room). I’ve had a lot of fun with it. I feel awful, though, because I should have been done way before now… It seems like Erin isn’t concerned; the baby is due at the end of July. But, I envisioned myself being done way before now. I’m using this fabric, along with coordinating solids:
- Fiala’s skin is worse than ever, especially on her face. It looks like chemical burns on her face. I’ve been having problems with my pediatrician — nothing they have suggested or prescribed has worked, and they want me to come in yet again (for the FOURTH consultation about it), which is another $25, before I go to an allergist or dermatologist. They also mentioned “stronger” medications. I’m not opposed to medication, but I’d rather find the source. I also don’t see the sense in seeing the ped again before I go to an allergist or dermatologist, especially when I have a PPO and don’t need a referral. However, all the dermatologists I’ve found either a) won’t see babies as young as Fiala, b) aren’t covered by my insurance, or c) are way too far from my house. And, we have historically had really bad luck with allergists, but I’m considering trying to find a new allergist. I know a great doctor that is both an allergist and dermatologist, but… he’s not covered by my insurance. I’m considering biting the bullet and just seeing him. I called his office, and he doesn’t usually see patients as young as Fiala, but he is willing to take her on. Fiala’s skin problesm likely stem from something I’m eating. I’m already gluten-free. I went back to being 100% dairy-free, and that hasn’t helped. So, as of Saturday afternoon, I’m taking out tree nuts and eggs, which are both big parts of my diet. Big. I probably eat a dozen eggs and literally a pound of nuts each week.
