I leave in just over 4 weeks to work on Twelfth Night in Hartford. Lots to do between now and then: prepping the garden, prepping the script (when I get it) and researching everything that needs to be researched, more items to be finished for the Etsy shop, perhaps finishing my bed quilt. There are other projects that I might not be able to work on here, but perhaps I could take them with me? Which brings me to my lightbulb moment:
Miss Mabel, the ultimate in lightweight portable sewing machines, can go with me! After all, she is a Featherweight. I spoke to her about it and she seems excited. What girl doesn’t like to travel?
When I’m on the road working there are days that are packed and busy with no time for anything but work. But there are also days, depending on the rehearsal schedule, where I have big chunks of free time. I’d much rather be doing something productive than simply killing time or surfing endlessly on the web.
I found these charm packs of Moda fabric in a box in my Craft Closet. I’d completely forgotten about their existence. I bought two of these packs when I was in San Diego 4 years ago, no doubt planning to do something with them while I was there. Since I made two quilt tops during that 6 month period, I was on a roll. Anyway, I obviously didn’t get to them, so I’m thinking I’ll take them with me.
I put some of them up on the mini design wall the other day. Hmmm. Any ideas?
I’m also taking this project with me.
I’m excited at the thought of traveling with my Mabel! Her lovely presence will instantly warm up any temporary housing. She’ll bring a touch of class to the most mundane of spaces.
Laptop. Camera with lenses. Books to read. Mabel. Check.
Wait a minute. I haven’t named my camera. Suggestions?
Gosh, I haven’t received my emails of this post – Feedburner seems to be acting up again.
Happy Wednesday.
Iris!
Great idea, Shanna!
I love the colors of Mable. So pretty!!
Thank you, Elaine!
Seymour…because it allows you to see more! I couldn’t help myself.
Oh ho! Another great idea!
I just realized that there is also a theatrical connection with the name Seymour- Little Shop of Horrors. Now I’ll be singing that song for hours. LOL!
If you take your machine, your camera and books – that will be more of a vacation than a business trip!! Did you see my McCoy rooster yesterday? I always think of you when I find a piece of McCoy.
Have a great day.
Judy
Well, Judy, I have to make my work trips into a vacation as well or I’d go nuts! I didn’t see the rooster, I’ll go over and check it out.
That’s a beautiful machine! :D
Thank you, Brae.
Hi Claudia,
I have a hint for you. If you have trouble keeping that large spool of thread on Mabel cut a drinking straw taller than the spool of thread and place it on the spindle then your thread won’t bounce off. A Singer repair man told me that.
What a great idea, Claudia. Thank you!
My camera’s name is Iris. But I see Shanna has already suggested that name.
My sewing machine’s name is %$@! …Because it’s computerized and I am always cussing at it. I would love a featherweight.
My Elna is computerized – so far so good.
Claudia, you are all set! What a great idea to take Mabel along for company! I just bought my first set of Moda charm packs last week…the quilting bug is hitting!
Yay! Did I see that you posted about The Fighting Prince of Donegal today? I haven’t had a chance to read the post yet, but I have to tell you that the Disney movie was a favorite of mine – had a crush on Peter McEnery. And I read the book – we are eerily alike.
xo
A brilliant idea to take Mabel with you! And I must say, I chuckled when you described how you “spoke” with her about taking her along and she seemed excited. I have conversations with some of my favorite things too! :)
You and all of your projects and activities are such an inspiration!
Thank you, Deb!
I agree with Iris! Clever name, and it goes well with Mabel.
Iris or Lucy – not sure yet.
You need a modern name for your camera. I’m glad that Mabel gets to go with you. Did you do Amy Power’s Favorite Things needlework class lass year. If so I must not have found you yet. I saw your sampler. I had so much fun with that class.
No I didn’t do that class – but I was in on her very first foray into a sampler. I did it about 2 years ago.
That is such a great idea, Claudia! Being creative is always a great way to spend time!
Absolutely!
I have an idea that you and Mabel are going to be wonderful traveling companions. I am thrilled for you- xo Diana
Now if I could just take all my dolls and my dress form, Letitia. Oh, and my dog and husband….
I love the idea of taking Mabel with you! In fact, I think I have her twin.
You could name your camera, ‘Cindi-with-an-EYE’ :-)
Very cute!
That’s a wonderful idea, Claudia! Mabel (and soon to be Maggie) will be great company. My suggestion for your camera is LUCY….. since Lucy means Light and St. Lucy is the patron of eyes and seeing well…. and you need YOUR eyes to use the camera, and the camera uses HER eye to help you remember where you’ve been. How about placemats for your lovely kitchen (or a table runner?) with those squares you have? Either would be more manageable to bring along on your trip.
I like the name Lucy…..I’m pondering that one, Haworth.
Iris is nice, too! And another “eye” reference. :) If you name her Lucy, will you be Ethel…..???? (When my mom and I start a project that is bound to be madcap, she always says, “Okay .. before we start, are you going to be Lucy or Ethel?”
I was just getting ready to type ‘Seymour’, and I saw that Kim beat me to it!
I like it, but I think it has to be a female name. Not sure why – it just feels right.
Claudia – it will be so nice for you to have all the comforts of home going with you when you are away!! I am happy Mabel is going and you will have your camera!! There have been so many great names suggested. I think I see the camera as an “Iris” so that name has my vote!! Francine
I think it will be either Iris or Lucy.
Oh, Mabel must accompany you. Such a grand opportunity for her to see our country.
Claudia, I love your workspace. It is so reflective of you.
Yes, Mabel needs to see the world, Beverly. Thank you for the compliment on my workspace!
I agree that Mabel will make any temporary housing more homey. And the bunny kit will be a great pastime when you’re away from home. ((hugs)), Teresa :-)
I can’t wait to make Maggie.
Yes, feed burner is indeed late today! You could make a table runner with those squares. Sounds like you are almost packed. Someone said Seymore for a name…that’s really cute, but is your camera female?…maybe she is indeed an Iris! ;)
I have to tweak the settings, I think. I’m far from packed yet, Donna! Just thinking ahead.
It’s not just your blog that is late…everything is several hours late. My coffee drinking is all out of whack! ;)
Love your Moda fabric. I don’t know how much you have and how big your quilt will be – I’d like the blues, pinks and reds together and then another with the greens and sand tones. Hope you have a good time in Hartford. J
There aren’t that many blocks to make two different quilts, Julie. Maybe I’ll separate them with some other fabric.
Oh, I think taking your featherweight is such a great idea. Much better than mindlessly surfing the web. Can’t wait to see the finished bunny.
Hugs,
Laura
I know. I don’t want to end up surfing the web to fill time.
I think your camera needs to be masculine as you need some male company on your extended trip. Fred. I think taking Mabel along is an excellent idea and Fred can capture all the fun you two girls have in your downtime. Ann
I love “Iris”!!! it wasn’t my idea ofcourse, one of your first commenters, but what a cool name for a camera!
I vote for Iris..It just sounds right to me..It’s nice that you are taking things to occupy your spare time..I will be looking forward to seeing your bunny Miss Maggie!
I think Mabel will be good company for you on the days you have some ‘down time’.
Sounds like a great plan.
As to the Camera– Iris is nice. I also like Seymour … that gave me a chuckle. I’d have to say …I’ve never thought of naming my camera; but if I did, I’d name it ‘Eye-gore’ after Marty Feldman’s character in Young Dr. Frankenstein. Why?
because You see how I take pictures… they’re not great. It makes me think of the line in that movie…
” Damn Your eyes! “… ha ha ha !
Pat
No matter where I go for whatever reason I need to bring some kind of hand work or something to do for times when I get that “itch”..nice you have a friend to tag along! ~Hugs, Patti
Hi there, what fun!!!Reminds me of the trip we took with our family we had it mapped out on our laptops mapquest whom we called Beatrice…anyway Beatrice sat between us the whole way:)) by the way LUCY is a wonderful name…wink, wink!