Tuesday, August 17, 2010

My Treadle

I am sure none of you will be able to relate to the pile of fabric that is waiting to be turned into something spectacular. I have been collecting sheets, pillowcases and tablecloths from thrift shops for some time now. I stand back and admire the growing, colorful pile and imagine how wonderful it will be to use my treadle and actually make something with it.

My first attempt at the treadle was at my great grandmothers knee when I was about five. All of the details of the instructions are not clear in my memory but I do remember her teaching me the rhythm of it and how if I lost track of that then..clunk it would go and no amount of pushing would make it right.

We hadn't been in the Little House long when we spotted a yard sale down by the beach and there she was just waiting to come home with us and show what she could do. Well I must confess that has been about five years ago and the poor thing has only been practiced on. Let me tell you that first time was a sad sight indeed. As I struggled with getting that smooth action going that is required, I could hear my sweet great grandmother saying...slow down and take it easy. Soon I remembered and started gliding along with that familiar clicking and all was well until little Sherri (it is always little Sherri when it is something naughty) wanted to see how fast she could make it go and then...clunk!

I must do this...I have to get started....I crave it and the need to create something and let my little treadle show what she can do. I have to stop letting things get in the way and give my creative self a place on "The List" so it actually gets done....May I ask how you all make sure you have a proper balance for this?
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I will be leaving for Portland/Van. tomorrow morning to be with my sister for her lumpectomy on Thursday. I will be staying down there until I am sure she is able to be her independent self. My laptop is being worked on but should be ready for me so I don't have to miss any of you while I am there.
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Have a great day!





11 comments:

ted and bunny said...

dear Sherri- would you believe that I actually got my sewing machine out at the weekend to have a play about with the HUGE pile of fabrics I've accumulated!
I found the easiest way to get the right balance is simply not to do the housework ;O))

Good luck with your sisters op, how lucky she is to have you for support
xx

Petie@inspirednesting.com said...

Thanks for stopping by!

I have to agree with "ted and bunny's" comment...DON'T DO THE HOUSEWORK :) I am putting it off this week in favor of painting some furniture. It will still be there. Enjoy your treadle :)

Good luck to your sister. Prayers your way!

Heather said...

Sherri, If you hear how please pass it on:) Nothing is ever completed here... it is just one big circle, and I guess that is okay. I like your list idea though because it is easy to get caught up and distracted by the little stuff... where you lead a dot to dot existence with nothing in between (I heard that somewhere).

I pray your sister's surgery goes/went well and that everything is removed. You have been quite involved in the medical arena for the last few months. I hope everything calms soon.

Heather said...

I'm back:) I would love to get your hot pickled bean recipe... if it's not a family secret, of course! I kind of combined recipes and am not sure how they will turn out.

Lola Nova said...

Oh dear, I don't know that balance is ever achieved 'round here. I get a couple of hours a week to work on the creative stuff, I enjoy every minute (but for the inevitable unpicking).
I'm afraid that I am having a naughty covetous moment over your collection of sheets and pillow cases, they are gorgeous! Can't wait to see what you make of them.
All my best to your sister and yourself. Thank God for family, the comfort and healing we can provide just by being there for each other.

Kami said...

Love the pictures and the fabric. I'm also loving the comments about ignoring the housework and being creative - it really is a very fine balancing act.

Life in Rehab said...

Sometimes a craft break is the best way to maintain sanity, and you have some really pretty possibilities there!

Heather Lee said...

I'm so glad I stopped in to thank you for visiting my blog. I love this post! My grandmother had a treadle sitting under her kitchen window, and I always loved to dust it and play with the pedal. I can hear the clicking it in my head now. On occasion my Nanny (grandma) would sewing on it, and I couldn't stand to be away from her while she did. I've also been collecting vintage sheets this summer. Isn't it a wonderful scavenger hunt? I just can't seem to get myself to cut them up even though that's why I buy them. I've seen groups that do fat quarter swaps and I've been thinkin' that could be a lot of fun...hint hint. Maybe that would motivate me to attack them with my rotary cutter.

God Bless Ya!
Heather

Laura Argelati said...

Hi...I'm Laura from Italy! Lovely blog!
I will link you on my blog and I'd like to invite you to visite also my blog :D

Laura from Italy

Princess and the Pea said...

I don't think there is a balance Sherri - you either do it and live in a pig stye (like me) or live in a show home but have no creative products to show for it! There doesn't seem to be a happy medium! I hope you do find some Sherri time to get sewing on that wonderful contraption and I want wait to see what you come up with! Are you thinking of a quilt? Kat x

p.s I hope you're sister is doing ok. x

Lori P said...

That is SOOO COOL! I love it. Didn't know what a treadle was that the pictures are awesome. Can't wait to see what you do with that gorgeous pile of fabric. Have tons of fun with it.

Be safe on your trip and I hope everything goes well for your sister. :)