Snapped the 66 belt

During the move, my Singer 66's belt snapped.  The snapped one is on the right.

According to the owner of the  most awesome sewing machine repair store, Stitch in Time, my original belt was a temporary belt.  It is more flexible and is what someone would buy if they weren't sure what would fit. The new, intact belt is essentially "original" for my Singer 66.   Since my machine is from the 1920s, I find it a bit odd to speak of "original" item when it's obvious that the item is brand spanking new.

I'd thought that I should have detached the belt when I moved, but Paul, the store's owner,  attributed the breakage to the weakness of the belt itself.

Anyways, I just wanted to mention how awesome this sewing machine repair / vacuum / home decorating store is.  By the way, the branch of the store that I frequent is a bit of a quilting / fabric store, too.  They could easily ask me to bring in my machine so that their on site (the other branch of the store) sewing machine repair guy could repair my machine.  But, instead, they have always helped me, step by step, repair my machines myself.  Their customer service is SUPERB.

So, I should be sewing today.  If not, I shall have to unpack my modern Janome to get some sewing done.

We Moved

Wow.

Moving is tiring.

We've moved to a lovely new place farther into the countryside which is just delightful.

Today is just my second day back at work, and I still feel like I am spending all of my time unpacking.

Anyways, here's Bittle enjoying her patio.  

Easter Bunny 2013

This darling rabbit stood just feet from us on Easter.  Bittle, our dog, really wanted to play chase the rabbit.  But, she absolutely loves rats, but rabbits are for hunting.  The rabbit safely hopped away before Bittle got anywhere near her.

Easter 2013 - Peeps S'mores

We had Peeps S'mores for Easter and, of course, the rats had to share.

Disclaimer - S'mores are NOT healthy, but this is a treat.  Also, chocolate is not poison for rats.  Indeed, chocolate can be therapeutic.

 Sam and Carl are investigating the strange yummy.  Doc is lurking in the background.

 Here, Sam goes for the peep.

 I just love this picture of Carl.  He's like, "WHAT???  Where did it go?"

 Doc enjoying the chocolate.

And, here's a Peeps S'more going into the oven.

It's 2 squares of graham cracker, some chocolate, and a yellow peep.  Baked at 350 deg Fahrenheit for about 5 minutes.  For the rats, I made sure it cooled a tad so none of my guys would get burnt tongues.

Smudge - Happy Customer

Ain't she a doll?  This is Smudge enjoying her new custom hammock.  She's the lucky hamster who gets to enjoy the 2 pink hammocks I made.

I Still Fit in Here. Don't I?

   Hi, I'm Carl.  I've doubled in size over the past few weeks  BUT my favorite hangout stays the same size.  But, I still fit. 

Don't I fit?

Here's the rat cage for this week.













And, I put a triangular hammock in an unusual spot.  And, it's being enjoyed.

Beautiful Spring Custom Hammocks - SOLD

There's one very lucky hamster out there.  She's a purty little girl, too.  Her name is Smudge and her loving owner custom ordered her some purty spring and girly hammocks.  

 Here's the 2 hammocks together.  I liked how the pattern tricks you into thinking it's just one hammock.  Each hammock is 6" x 6"  Petite for a petite girl hamster.

The back is pink fleece.  And, as you can see, the hammocks are pieced and quilted and very PINK.

And, here's the second hammock on its own.   The solid squares are a light green.  I was so worried that the colors would clash, but they worked beautifully.

I thoroughly enjoy making custom hammocks.  Essentially, I was asked to make a 6" x 6" quilted and pieced hammock that was in pinks or purples.  

Through email, I showed the customer some fabric and design options.  And, she approved the choices.  And, I started to make the hammock.  I really enjoy the back and forth, working together to create an item.  It's a challenge because until the hammock is made, I don't really know what its going to look like.  I have to communicate the uncertainty or surprise of the creative process while simultaneously communicating confidence that we will make a beautiful hammock.

And, if I do say so myself, these hammocks are just scrumptious.

Here's the link to my Etsy Shop  If you are interested in a custom hammock, please click the contact button at my Etsy Shop.