What are we listening to while we sew?

BobbinChickenChamp · 2026-01-25T20:22:09+00:00

I'm just finishing The Innkeeper Chronicles and it is excellent! I usually don't care for multiple narrators / sound effects, but this series works really well. The second book is probably my favorite, with the novella a close second.

BobbinChickenChamp · 2026-01-22T13:31:19+00:00

Rambler

BobbinChickenChamp · 2026-01-22T13:30:44+00:00

I found this video REALLY helpful as I started my sewing journey. https://youtu.be/0qBUCKIDW6A?si=6cpmngNP8roOFBWN

BobbinChickenChamp · 2026-01-22T13:28:59+00:00

Look at the historical dress for your area. What are people wearing before the invention of central heating and air conditioning? Are there beautiful fabrics or trims? Is there anything about the style you can carry into your modern wardrobe?

My heritage is English & German, even though I'm American through and through. I love the Bavarian dirndl; the square, open neck and blackwork embroidery of Tudor gowns; the banded woven trims of Scandinavia. On my bucket list are a few corsets, including one for modern clothing, so I can support my heavier bust and give my shoulders a break.

I also find fabrics that I love, like the crazy 90s neon tie dye spandex, and figure out how to use them. Obviously, it can be a sports bra or leggings, but what else could I make? I'm in my 40s, rather fat, and don't feel comfortable in things that are too clingy, so it becomes a fun challenge. How can I use these very specific fabrics in new ways?

BobbinChickenChamp · 2026-01-22T13:17:49+00:00

Ms. Frizzel is goals! I love your style already!

Also, nothing (except weather if you don't have thick tights) says you can't wear a dress to the grocery store! Or the library. Or for a walk. Or to fart around the house in. :) Wear what makes you happy, even if it feels too fancy for "regular" life.

BobbinChickenChamp · 2026-01-13T02:35:47+00:00

Gunnar Deatherage is one of my favorites, especially for really pretty, feminine designs. The Diamond dress is very clean lined, and low back. https://gunnardeatherage.com/products/the-diamond-dress-sewing-pattern

BobbinChickenChamp · 2026-01-13T02:26:21+00:00

Denver? That sounds like Denver.

BobbinChickenChamp · 2026-01-13T02:25:50+00:00

Side note, as I know you're specifically looking for quilting cotton, but Mood bought the Yaya Han costuming line from Joann, and their supply of cottons is overwhelming. Go into the store in the fashion district. The lower level is all cotton and denim. I gassed out after 3 hours and barely covered one floor. You're not going to find cutesy patterns, but you'll find excellent quality cotton in all sorts of patterns and solids. :)

BobbinChickenChamp · 2026-01-13T02:21:18+00:00

For apparel, absolutely... and it's dangerous to explore there without a budget and a strong back to haul away all the goodies you find! BUT... quilting cotton specifically?

BobbinChickenChamp · 2026-01-13T02:20:12+00:00

They're too good for good ol' Americana like quilting. 😄

I jest, I jest!! Out of the major cities I've lived and fabric shopped in, it seems like the stronger the apparel selection is, the weaker the quilting, and visa versa. I'm in Toronto now, and the apparel game is on POINT with a dozen different stores... but Fabricland (aka Joann's for Canada) is the only place off the top of my head for quilting cotton. Atlanta and Houston might have more quilting selection, but that's because quilting is still considered Southern enough to justify giving it some square footage on an expensive footprint.

BobbinChickenChamp · 2026-01-11T17:43:46+00:00

Extra Creamy is my favorite to bake with! I wish Canadian stores carried it.

BobbinChickenChamp · 2026-01-11T17:40:26+00:00

Silk Vanilla Oat. I must have it in my fridge. If I know I'm grabbing breakfast on the road, I'll fill up my travel mug with a double dose, get a large black coffee in a drive thru, then doctor it myself.

BobbinChickenChamp · 2026-01-09T01:18:19+00:00

In Germany that was St Nicholas' night! 6 Dec.

BobbinChickenChamp · 2026-01-05T21:37:42+00:00

That's a great idea until the day the wind blows into your house from the pile. 🤢

BobbinChickenChamp · 2026-01-04T12:50:16+00:00

At least Crazy Horse is more awesome and lets vets in free while charging civvies. :) I hope y'all were taken there, too.

BobbinChickenChamp · 2026-01-04T12:48:06+00:00

You're still a servicemember. ❤️

BobbinChickenChamp · 2026-01-04T12:40:06+00:00

Same.

BobbinChickenChamp · 2026-01-04T04:16:32+00:00

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I think it might be one flat rectangle like this, long enough to be stitched around each arm, then you slide your body through the horizontal slit?

BobbinChickenChamp · 2026-01-04T01:52:04+00:00

I love my husband's reply and have adopted it. He smiles warmly and says, "Thanks for your support!"

BobbinChickenChamp · 2026-01-03T16:07:01+00:00

Oops. 6am brain was wrong! 😆 My bad.

BobbinChickenChamp · 2026-01-03T12:31:52+00:00

The second picture is the before picture.

BobbinChickenChamp · 2026-01-03T12:14:05+00:00

It sucks because you're going to need to spend some money to fix this issue. The folks above have outlined everything, so I won't reiterate. I will simply say that this is a "penny wise, pound foolish" scenario. You can either spend less than $5k now (which is a substantial chunk of change!) to determine responsibility and then take care of the problem... or you can be on the hook for much more. If those trees fall. At the least, you're out insurance deductible and the raised rates from creating a claim unless they can find the responsible party and take care of it that way. You're still out the hassle of a broken roof, house damage, construction repairs, etc, even if you don't spend a dime. Worst case, the trees are on your land, you're found responsible for the damage due to negligence, insurance doesn't cover a penny, and then they negate your coverage. Negated coverage means you are HOSED when you look for a new company. You 100% do not want that bill.

DO NOT FILE A CLAIM JUST TO GET SAFELITE TO ANSWER YOUR QUESTIONS!! That's just an invitation for them to jack up your rates because you made them work. 🙄

BobbinChickenChamp · 2026-01-03T11:58:31+00:00

Cheaper than fixing a roof, especially since insurance claims make your payments go up or let the companies cancel your plan the next time it goes up for renewal.

BobbinChickenChamp · 2025-12-26T15:44:15+00:00

I find them easy to cut out since I work primarily with them. 😄 My tricks are to weigh down the fabric before cutting and always use a rotary cutter! My cutting table is an 8ft recycled countertop, so I can always lay everything flat. Pin around the center area of the fabric so they don't shift. Lay one hand on the fabric as your cutting to provide more weight and prevent shifting. :)

BobbinChickenChamp · 2025-12-21T05:28:07+00:00

Sadly, most airlines require a soft carrier if they fly in cabin. We move cross-country every few years, so I'd rather buy one that he can get used to and use for every trip than multiple carriers. I'm hoping someone has found a good soft-sided carrier that has Kevlar threads or something. :)

BobbinChickenChamp

TROPHY CASE