Hobby Thread - March 22, 2025 [TRex]

Welcome hobbyists! Pull up a chair and sit a spell with the Horde in this little corner of the interweb. This is the mighty, mighty officially sanctioned Ace of Spades Hobby Thread. We gave the Ace of Spades Wheel of Hobbies(TM) a spin. Turns out, the Wheel got stuck and stayed on last week's theme of quilting. The Wheel must have needed a rest, so who are we to argue with the Wheel?

What are you hobbying these days? Does spring weather open up new options for your hobbying? As per usual Hobby Thread etiquette, keep this thread limited to hobbying. Your participation does not need to limited to the theme. All hobbying is welcome. However, politics, current events and religious debates can live in threads elsewhere. Play nice. Do not be a troll and do not feed the trolls. Pants, as always, are optional (but most of the quilters on this thread could probably make pants if needed).

A hearty "thank you" to those from the Horde that submitted the quilting photos you will see below. Amazing. Beautiful pieces and great stories.

It is fun to see Horde hobbying. Whether consistent with the theme or not, feel free to send photos of your hobbying. Happy to show it off. The Horde is always interested to see what other Horde hobbying is happening.

Top photo - courtesy of Annie Rose - She used this as backing for a Duckworth quilt (more below on that). She says there are fabric designers who are very popular in the quilting world. These fabrics are more fun than the limited cotton solids, calicoes, and muslins of forty years ago. Theresa-Rex is from designer Tula Pink's "Roar" collection. (Designer TRex? Naturally.)

If you don't like your TRex in pink, the "Roar" collection also offers a green version (Kermit Rex?)

If a triceratops is your dinosaur of choice, they have you covered.

They may have non-dinosaur patterns. Not sure. I got a little distracted once I saw the dinosaur patterns.

What's a Duckworth quilt?

From Annie Rose:

This is a Duckworth quilt named after the designer, Joanne Merrill-Duckworth, and is roughly Queen size. It's made from leftover fabric scraps and is very easy to make, as it doesn't require precise piecing or measuring to make the blocks. It's meant to use up the scraps that we continually have leftover from making all of our quilts. I guess I like turquoise, aqua, and teal fabrics a little bit! The best part is looking at each scrap and remembering what I made and who I made it for through all my years of quilting. Each scrap tells a story.

More from Annie Rose:

This one below is a gridded quilt design and measures 16" x 16". I learned this technique from a teacher, Cindy Seitz-Krug, at the annual AQS quilt show in Paducah, KY. Over 40,000 quilters from all over the world descend each year for the show and workshops. Using a grid made with a water soluble marker, you quilt designs in various patterns to fill in background areas of the quilt, going from line to line. Then you just remove the marker with a spritz of water.

I asked last week whether people really keep their quilting scraps in neatly organized shelving or whether that just happened in magazines. Apparently some do. Photo proof from Gouverneur Morris:

She made this bag, presumably to transport quilting supplies to her intended quilting location.

Are quilting bees BYOB? Just asking.

What does Gouverneur Morris make with all those scraps?

This is a quilt I started for my son 20 years ago, put in the UFO (unfinished object) pile, then finished for my grandson.

I love the UFO terminology in the context of hobbying.

She made this quilt for a next door neighbor.

These were made by her small group for chemo patients.

From SkyWch:

Designed and made this lap quilt for friends of mine who sail. I machine quilted it on my Juki, which I am still getting the hang of, but can no longer hand quilt.

From Lirio100:

My grandmother saved all the pieces her mother hadn't finished before passing away, and gave them to me when I started making quilts myself. This pattern is called Dresden Plate; it became popular in the 1920's and is supposed to be "reminiscent" of the crown trademark of the actual Dresden plates. My great grandmother was German so I guess it makes sense she'd pick that one! She had finished the plates (fabrics all 1930's and 40's ) but hadn't gone further. I appliqued them onto the squares and made the quilt. It ended up as an oversize twin bed quilt, with a couple of plates left over. I made them into pillows.

From Teresa in Forth Worth:

I made a quilt top for my little sister with 12 panels of cross-stitched flowers (they were all in a booklet with that as the ultimate goal). I made it for her college graduation, but once the top was assembled, doing the quilting was quite a daunting task.

Paul's grandmother quilted, so a few years later - with daughter #1 in tow - I journeyed down to her house, where she had set up a big quilting frame in her living room.

I had done some of the quilting already on each individual assembled square, so all we had to do was quilt the joining strips and the border. I found a pretty pattern for the stitching parts, so it took us about a week to complete the rest of the quilt.

When my sister passed away in 2012, I got the quilt back. It is now on the bed in our guest room, and I have already promised it to daughter #3 and her husband in lieu of a big cross-stitch wedding sampler.

From TecumsehTea:

She made this gift for her sister in law. It is a Twisted Pole pattern. 54x48 throw.

From KT:

Here's a clear example of quilting done on a long-arm quilting machine, from my quilting friend: "This charming Peter Rabbit fabric has been begging to be sewn into a baby quilt. The bunnies are so darn cute! Telling secrets, jumping rope, having a bath in the wash tub, a lullaby from mother rabbit, and doing their chores all framed in coordinating prints. A soft furry backing stitched in daisies is the perfect finish."

There was some discussion last week about quilting machines. I started to do some interweb searching, thinking that I was going to include a nice piece of helpful content on comparing quilting machines and sewing machines.

It quickly became clear that I am well out of my element. Gotta manage your throat space, walking foot dual feed, straight stitch needle plate, high shank or low shank, stitch regulator, and don't forget to calibrate your pivot feature. Jumbo bobbins sold separately. I gave up when the site I was looking at said the "stitch width dial" is self-explanatory.

For lack of anything else, here is a $8,000 quilt making machine for sale on Amazon. That seemed like a lot until I found one for $13,499.

My small dinosaur brain hurts.

Quilting museums? Yes, there are quilting museums (or at least museums with quilts).

Virginia Quilt Museum (Dayton, Virginia - between Staunton and Harrisonburg, near I-81)

The Textile Museum at the George Washington University Museum (Washington DC - Foggy Bottom)

The Quilters Hall of Fame (Marion, Indiana - between Indianapolis and Fort Wayne)

The National Quilt Museum (Paducah, Kentucky - 2025 Quilt Week is Monday, April 21 to Saturday, April 26)

The International Quilt Museum (University of Nebraska Lincoln, Nebraska)

The New England Quilt Museum (Lowell, Massachusetts)

The Rocky Mountain Quilt Museum (Golden, Colorado)

The Missouri Quilt Museum (Hamilton, Missouri)

Iowa Quilt Museum (Winterset, Iowa - southwest of Des Moines - June 4 to June 6, 2025 is the 2025 Iowa Quilt Festival. On June 7, the town of Winterset is turned into an art gallery adorned with quilts gracing the Covered Bridges of Madison County, churches, and historic buildings. The event is pictured above and called Airing of the Quilts.)

Any missing museums that are Horde favorites?
Has anyone been to events like the Airing of the Quilts?
When you visit any of these (or others suggested by the Horde), send me a note and trip report. Include a photo or two. I'll post on a future Hobby Thread.

Ben Had mentioned learning to weave on a loom last week. I'm skeptical that we'll have a Hobby Thread theme on looms in the near future, so here are two videos to ensure we don't leave looming out.

Looks like sorcery. No wonder weavers were accused of witchcraft in colonial times.

The Hobby Thread mailbox periodically receives business proposals. This one arrived yesterday:

Dear Purchasing Manager:

Hello, thank you for taking the time to read my letter amidst your busy schedule.

We are a manufacturer of knitted hats that integrates scientific research, production, sales, service, and culture. Our main products include various men's and women's children's printed knitted hats, fashionable beanie warm hats, double layer thick knitted hats, ribbed warm winter hats, knitted ski knit hats mask, knitted warm hats, scarves, gloves, and three piece sets.

Our company has excellent production equipment and a professional team with rich experience, strong technical skills, and serious and responsible work to ensure product quality.

The knitted hats, scarves, gloves, and other fabrics produced by the company are soft, comfortable, breathable, warm, and come in a variety of styles. We can provide you with the best products using the best craftsmanship.

If you are interested, please do not hesitate to contact me and we will provide you with product information.

We look forward to your reply

I'm glad the sender appreciates my busy schedule and the role of culture in knitted hat production. Who can object to comfortable, breathable, and warm hats that come in a variety of styles? But is the subject matter coincidence? or does the interweb spam universe know we're doing textile arts on the Hobby Thread? Hmmm...

This has nothing to do with quilting, but thought Hobby Threaders might enjoy.

Watch this two and a half minute video:

Then read this: "It was chaos": The history of San Francisco's most unforgettable TV ad

Once Fallon accepted the pitch, the reality of the logistical challenges began to sink in. First, they had to scour the country to acquire the 250,000 bouncy balls needed to create the critical mass.

"They bought every bouncy ball west of the Mississippi," said Ranahan.

"There was not a single bouncy ball in any machine in America for a couple months. I felt so bad for the poor children," said Fuglsig.

On the first day of the shoot, six cannons were mounted on trucks bolted into the ground at Filbert and Hyde streets. Another six were positioned at Jones and Union streets for a second blast. According to Fuglsig's memory, each mortar contained about 25,000 balls.

I want to know what happened to all those bouncy balls afterward. Some were saved by residents as souvenirs, but there a lot of bouncy balls involved.

With apologies to KT and the gardening thread, a discussion broke out on the overnight thread last night about vanilla. (The overnight threads are unpredictable and chaotic at times, but the rabbit holes of knowledge are impressive.)

I never thought of harvesting vanilla beans from home grown vanilla orchids. If anyone does that, that would qualify as a hobby. Does anyone do this or know someone how does? Fill us in.

Did you miss the Hobby Thread last week? We talked quilting. The comments may be closed, but you can re-live the content.

Notable comments from last week:

Words of wisdom:

"Because despite all our troubles, when things are grim out in that wide round world of ours, that's when it's really important to have a good hobby." Posted by: tankascribe at June 22, 2024 07:41 PM (HWxAD).

If you have trouble finding something in the content or comments that resonates with you, hijack the thread for your hobbying as you see fit. We will feature a different theme next time (or maybe we'll just keep doing quilting). What are you hobbying? We love showing off Horde hobbying. Send thoughts, suggestions and photos of your hobbying to moronhobbies at protonmail dot com. Do mighty things. Did ya catch the mystery click?

Comments

(Jump to bottom of comments)

1 Welcome Hobbiests

Posted by: Skip at March 22, 2025 05:30 PM (fwDg9)

2 I should have gotten a picture of one of my mom or aunt's quilts to post.

Posted by: Skip at March 22, 2025 05:32 PM (fwDg9)

3 I wouldn't have guessed that aos had so many quilters even though most of usage over 29.

Hopefully the next generation has shown interest and you guys are teaching them.

Posted by: Sebastian Melmoth at March 22, 2025 05:34 PM (VofaG)

4 They are beautiful, I know it's a lot of love in those

Posted by: Skip at March 22, 2025 05:35 PM (fwDg9)

5 usage = us are

my next hobby will be to hunt down the creators of auto correct

Posted by: Sebastian Melmoth at March 22, 2025 05:36 PM (VofaG)

6 1 Welcome Hobbiests

Posted by: Skip at March 22, 2025 05:30 PM
***
Hello Skip!

Posted by: Hobbiests at March 22, 2025 05:38 PM (IQ6Gq)

7 I found an antique shop that is interested in my mom's collection of Lenox and Fenton elephant figurines. I probably won't be offered what I think they are worth but selling piecemeal is something I don't really want to do.

Posted by: Sebastian Melmoth at March 22, 2025 05:40 PM (VofaG)

8 7 I found an antique shop that is interested in my mom's collection of Lenox and Fenton elephant figurines.

Posted by: Sebastian Melmoth at March 22, 2025 05:40 PM
***
Pretty specific niche. Any idea how she got started? Someone give her a gift and she went from there?

Posted by: TRex at March 22, 2025 05:42 PM (IQ6Gq)

9 A lot of very interesting work.

Posted by: BeckoningChasm at March 22, 2025 05:45 PM (CHHv1)

10 Pretty specific niche. Any idea how she got started? Someone give her a gift and she went from there?
Posted by: TRex at March 22, 2025 05:42 PM (IQ6Gq)

She had a couple of porcelain elephant figurines she inherited from her grandmother she really loved. People, including myself, thought gifting her other quality elephant figurines was a good idea and it snowballed from there.

Posted by: Sebastian Melmoth at March 22, 2025 05:46 PM (VofaG)

11 9 A lot of very interesting work.

Posted by: BeckoningChasm at March 22, 2025 05:45 PM
***
Speaking of interesting work, I watched your recent video. Do you storyboard a narrative or just make it up as you go?

Posted by: TRex at March 22, 2025 05:46 PM (IQ6Gq)

12 What beautiful quilts. There is a lot of talent among the Horde..

Posted by: ScaryMary at March 22, 2025 05:47 PM (wX56x)

13 I can't quilt, barely can sew repairs on clothing, well it passes at least.
But am working on fortifications for my miniature game. The Russians love to dig. I need maybe 10 linear feet of them.

Posted by: Skip at March 22, 2025 05:48 PM (fwDg9)

14 Messing around with an Olivetti Underwood 21 manual typewriter. This is as close as I'll get to a standard typewriter. I like ultra portables. This needs to have a few things fixed and a new ribbon. Don't know if it is a keeper yet. I will be cleaning a bunch of typewriters if the weather warms up and the wind drops.

Posted by: Notsothoreau at March 22, 2025 05:48 PM (cvWHI)

15 Ive been watching a lot of American pickers since I've dropped cable and gone to just streaming.

I learn a lot of things including learning about what people collect.

Everything except what is manufactured as 'collectibles'.

Posted by: Sebastian Melmoth at March 22, 2025 05:52 PM (VofaG)

16 Afternoon, Hobby Folken!

Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at March 22, 2025 05:53 PM (omVj0)

17 Today's hobby pursuit was going to be garden prep, but rain and dreary weather put the screws to that, so instead it's retro tech day. I have an iPod 4G from 2004 (that I still use regularly), but I also have another of the same vintage that wasn't working. Today I gutted it and installed an iFlash board and a new battery, so now it's rocking with 128GB instead of 20GB. Better than new.

Older iPods get finicky on newer Macs sometimes, so to load this one up the first time I'm using my still-running 2005 iBook G4. It's a powerhouse - 1.33GHZ PPC with a blistering 1.5GB of RAM.

It's a beautiful old computer and despite it being essentially useless on the modern internet, I still love it. I miss when technology was beautiful and stylish and fun and not just another in a line of tiny-upgrade digital shitboxes.

Posted by: Pennsyltucky at March 22, 2025 05:53 PM (QdGJh)

18 Spring means indulging in plant identification. I want to identify all trees, plants, and invasive weeds on my property. It is interesting to learn about the medicinal and culinary uses for native plants, even if I don't put it into practice.

Posted by: ScaryMary at March 22, 2025 05:55 PM (wX56x)

19 I love those old G4s! I had one that worked for awhile. I don't think I've ever had an Intel based Mac. I really like running the old desktop publishing software on them. I have an ibook somewhere that I use for my Palms, since that software is obsolete.

Posted by: Notsothoreau at March 22, 2025 05:56 PM (cvWHI)

20 My great-aunt made quilts. I recognized the Dresden Plate design immediately. She also had one with butterfly appliques and one pieced with only small triangles. These were just the ones that were at my Mom and Dad's house. I have no clue how many were scattered among other relatives. She taught me how to embroider, knit and crochet. She also raised her brother's 5 children (my dad, aunts, and uncles) after their mom died in childbirth during the Depression. Her husband died in the first World War. She was a very strong woman. I admired her a lot.

Posted by: NoLongerintheBellyoftheBeast at March 22, 2025 05:57 PM (OpLc2)

21 Reqt 'em? It nearly quilt 'em!

Posted by: Doof at March 22, 2025 05:58 PM (RFPHU)

22 15 I learn a lot of things including learning about what people collect.

Everything except what is manufactured as 'collectibles'.

Posted by: Sebastian Melmoth at March 22, 2025 05:52 PM
***
Bingo. True authenticity is move valuable than manufactured "authenticity."

Posted by: TRex at March 22, 2025 05:58 PM (IQ6Gq)

23 Posted by: Pennsyltucky at March 22, 2025 05:53 PM (QdGJh)

In the movie Jobs that subject is a small part of the movie .

Posted by: polynikes at March 22, 2025 05:58 PM (VofaG)

24 What a wonderful pictorial! Thank you TRex!
I am thrilled and honored to be in this company and always proud to be a Moron.

Posted by: Gouverneur Morris at March 22, 2025 05:59 PM (J8OCH)

25 do quilters knit ?

Posted by: Sebastian Melmoth at March 22, 2025 06:01 PM (VofaG)

26 24 What a wonderful pictorial! Thank you TRex!
I am thrilled and honored to be in this company and always proud to be a Moron.

Posted by: Gouverneur Morris at March 22, 2025 05:59 PM
***
Thank YOU!!

Posted by: TRex at March 22, 2025 06:03 PM (IQ6Gq)

27 Looms,eh? The mother of a friend of ours, living in a farmhouse not far away, had a loom permanently set up in one entry room. Looked formidable to learn to use.

I guess you could start with tatting or something instead.

Posted by: KT at March 22, 2025 06:03 PM (KzxSg)

28 Some knit but they are different crafts.

Posted by: Notsothoreau at March 22, 2025 06:03 PM (cvWHI)

29 The Texas Quilt Museum is in La Grange. I've driven by but have never visited. Apparently, it is very nice. It will go on the To-Visit list.
www.texasquiltmuseum.org

Posted by: ScaryMary at March 22, 2025 06:03 PM (wX56x)

30 Speaking of interesting work, I watched your recent video. Do you storyboard a narrative or just make it up as you go?

First of all, thank you. I *should* storyboard because otherwise I end up with tangents that go nowhere and no idea how to continue the "plot"...as is the case here.

Always have an idea of your destination, kids!

Posted by: BeckoningChasm at March 22, 2025 06:03 PM (CHHv1)

31 the quilts are absolutely beautiful, what works of love. I'd be thrilled if one day I can make something nearly as stunning.
do quilters knit? I am not yet a quilter, but I crochet, embroider and do counted cross stitch.

Posted by: Grateful - the range bag lady at March 22, 2025 06:04 PM (IQ6Gq)

32 I dabble in weaving enough to know the vocabulary and how it's done. I have a few small backstrap looms and pin looms.

Posted by: Notsothoreau at March 22, 2025 06:05 PM (cvWHI)

33 Bob's Burgers had a hilarious episode on quilting. lot of funny punning.

Posted by: Sebastian Melmoth at March 22, 2025 06:06 PM (VofaG)

34 27/
KT, good to "see" you here. Are you feeling better?

Posted by: Grateful - the range bag lady at March 22, 2025 06:06 PM (IQ6Gq)

35 Many quilters also partake of other fiber/textile hobbies, especially knitting. Shops have become more specialized, usually stocking only quilting or knitting supplies.

Posted by: Gouverneur Morris at March 22, 2025 06:06 PM (J8OCH)

36 I have the Dark Souls board game, and I am painting the figures. It will take all summer at this rate. I have not played the video game but I have seen it.

Posted by: BourbonChicken at March 22, 2025 06:07 PM (lhenN)

37 19 I love those old G4s! I had one that worked for awhile. I don't think I've ever had an Intel based Mac. I really like running the old desktop publishing software on them. I have an ibook somewhere that I use for my Palms, since that software is obsolete.
Posted by: Notsothoreau at March 22, 2025 05:56 PM (cvWHI)
------------

Me too. My G4 iMac "lamp" was the coolest computer of all time. If I had time and money and skill, I'd modernize one like this guy did:

https://tinyurl.com/i4g4ht322

Posted by: Pennsyltucky at March 22, 2025 06:09 PM (QdGJh)

38 Probably will never have one of my paintings in a museum but it would be fun to have one anonymously featured on the morning snark thread, I mean art thread to see the comments.

Posted by: Sebastian Melmoth at March 22, 2025 06:09 PM (VofaG)

39 38 Probably will never have one of my paintings in a museum but it would be fun to have one anonymously featured on the morning snark thread, I mean art thread to see the comments.

Posted by: Sebastian Melmoth at March 22, 2025 06:09 PM
***
Happy to post here if you'll settle for the Hobby Thread.

Posted by: TRex at March 22, 2025 06:10 PM (IQ6Gq)

40 I am amazed at the quality and creativity of the horde's quilts and some times amused. The dinosaur quilts are funny compared to the more common patterns. Thanks to all for sending in those photos and stories. This thread is amazing.

Posted by: JTB at March 22, 2025 06:11 PM (yTvNw)

41 34/. Feeling good after my first test. Raspy throat will go away. Another procedure in the morning.

Posted by: KT at March 22, 2025 06:13 PM (RFoC2)

42 I've taken up oil painting. Having anything I painted featured on the Art Thread would break my spirit. So far, I don't have anything with dogs, snipers or boobs.

Posted by: ScaryMary at March 22, 2025 06:13 PM (wX56x)

43 41/ Good to hear KT. You're in our prayers and will stay there.

Posted by: Grateful - the range bag lady at March 22, 2025 06:15 PM (IQ6Gq)

44 Happy to post here if you'll settle for the Hobby Thread.
Posted by: TRex at March 22, 2025 06:10 PM (IQ6Gq)

Too nice when they know you are a regular. The morning art thread has no filter about what someone thinks. That's the best good or bad.

Posted by: Sebastian Melmoth at March 22, 2025 06:16 PM (VofaG)

45 Oh my gosh, those are some beautiful quilts, Horde, this place is just overflowing with talent at one thing or another.

Posted by: Debby Doberman Schultz at March 22, 2025 06:16 PM (0nHVk)

46 ScaryMary, after reading your comment at 42, I can assure you that you will totally fit in at the TX MoMe. Can't wait to meet you.

Posted by: Grateful - the range bag lady at March 22, 2025 06:16 PM (IQ6Gq)

47 Keep your spirits up KT

Posted by: Skip at March 22, 2025 06:17 PM (fwDg9)

48 I finally broke down and bought Portal/Portal 2 on Steam.

Both are very weird games. The first half of each game is fairly easy, but they get more challenging towards the end of the game.

Portal 2 reminds me of the short story "I Have No Mouth and I Must Scream"

Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at March 22, 2025 06:17 PM (cweKM)

49 I know there are sophisticated quilting machines out there. I wonder if there is a subset of the hobby that concentrates on doing it all by hand. It would be like the smaller group of shooters that use traditional style black powder guns and the gear that goes with them. Or whittlers who only use one or two tools to do the carving. More hands on.

Posted by: JTB at March 22, 2025 06:18 PM (yTvNw)

50 BeckoningChasm that was awesome, see there are lots I never saw on YouTube

Posted by: Skip at March 22, 2025 06:19 PM (fwDg9)

51 48 I finally broke down and bought Portal/Portal 2 on Steam.

Both are very weird games. The first half of each game is fairly easy, but they get more challenging towards the end of the game.

Portal 2 reminds me of the short story "I Have No Mouth and I Must Scream"
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at March 22, 2025 06:17 PM (cweKM)
------------------------

Both of those (and the Half-Life 2/Ep1/Ep2 trilogy) hold up really well. Hard to believe Portal is nearly 20 years old.

Posted by: Pennsyltucky at March 22, 2025 06:19 PM (QdGJh)

52 I have a suede bag, done by a guy that did free motion quilting using a treadle . He was a hand quilter too.

Posted by: Notsothoreau at March 22, 2025 06:21 PM (cvWHI)

53 41 ... KT,
Prayers up for your continued recovery. Please keep us informed as you can.

Posted by: JTB at March 22, 2025 06:21 PM (yTvNw)

54 42 So far, I don't have anything with dogs, snipers or boobs.

Posted by: ScaryMary at March 22, 2025 06:13 PM
***
What about dinosaurs?

Posted by: TRex at March 22, 2025 06:22 PM (IQ6Gq)

55 This is a really thoughtful post, TRex. Thanks for all the quilters sharing the pictures and each story.

Posted by: scampydog at March 22, 2025 06:22 PM (v8mAi)

56 I know there are sophisticated quilting machines out there. I wonder if there is a subset of the hobby that concentrates on doing it all by hand. It would be like the smaller group of shooters that use traditional style black powder guns and the gear that goes with them. Or whittlers who only use one or two tools to do the carving. More hands on.
Posted by: JTB at March 22, 2025 06:18 PM (yTvNw)

You reminded me of an event they should have for archery in the Olympics.

Just the person and their recurve bow. No add ons, sites, counter weights, etc.

its boring watching the competition now as its almost all tens and you are just waiting for the rare miss.

Posted by: Sebastian Melmoth at March 22, 2025 06:23 PM (VofaG)

57 After a costly winter of re-powering and reconfiguring, the Good Ship Aurora just passed its initial sea trial with flying colors. Now that the power side of things appears to be functional, replacing fraying sheets and halyards comes next.

The great thing about a boat is, you never need to wonder where your surplus funds are going to go.

Posted by: Cicero (@cicero43) at March 22, 2025 06:26 PM (3P1PE)

58 56/ we were at Round Top one year, and one of the vendors had exquisite quilts. She was quick to point out that each one was hand stitched - so, to answer your question, yes I do believe there is a subset that concentrates on doing it all by hand.

Posted by: Grateful - the range bag lady at March 22, 2025 06:27 PM (IQ6Gq)

59 55 This is a really thoughtful post, TRex. Thanks for all the quilters sharing the pictures and each story.

Posted by: scampydog at March 22, 2025 06:22 PM
***
Woof woof! Woof woof.

Posted by: TRex at March 22, 2025 06:27 PM (IQ6Gq)

60 My mom was also a trained seamtress from Lubeck, Germany. She brought her foot-pedal Pfaff sewing machine with her when she was sponsored by a tailor here in the US. We still keep it as a family heirloom.

Posted by: Halfhand at March 22, 2025 06:28 PM (IbUt8)

61 Never heard of a dinosaur barking, but my uncle always said if you live long enough you'll eventually hear everything.

Posted by: Grateful - the range bag lady at March 22, 2025 06:29 PM (IQ6Gq)

62 Posted by: Cicero (@cicero43) at March 22, 2025 06:26 PM (3P1PE)

I forget, do you live on your boat?

Posted by: Sebastian Melmoth at March 22, 2025 06:29 PM (VofaG)

63 The Texas Quilt Museum is in La Grange. I've driven by but have never visited. Apparently, it is very nice. It will go on the To-Visit list.
www.texasquiltmuseum.org
Posted by: ScaryMary at March 22, 2025 06:03 PM (wX56x)


Is it in a shack outside La Grange? They got a lot of nice quilts there, a how how how.

Posted by: haffhowershower at March 22, 2025 06:30 PM (NMT5x)

64 Pfaffs are good machines! Keep it oiled and it will dew for another hundred years.

Posted by: Notsothoreau at March 22, 2025 06:31 PM (cvWHI)

65 17 Today's hobby pursuit was going to be garden prep, but rain and dreary weather put the screws to that, so instead it's retro tech day. I have an iPod 4G from 2004 (that I still use regularly), but I also have another of the same vintage that wasn't working. Today I gutted it and installed an iFlash board and a new battery, so now it's rocking with 128GB instead of 20GB. Better than new.

Older iPods get finicky on newer Macs sometimes, so to load this one up the first time I'm using my still-running 2005 iBook G4. It's a powerhouse - 1.33GHZ PPC with a blistering 1.5GB of RAM.

Posted by: Pennsyltucky at March 22, 2025 05:53 PM (QdGJh)

I also still use old ipods, but I'm not nearly tech-savvy enough to try upgrading/modifying them...

Posted by: Castle Guy at March 22, 2025 06:32 PM (Lhaco)

66 Off the quilting topic. We found out there is a vendor at the local farmers market selling locally produced organic grains (within 100 miles) for baking. She has the berries, if that is the term, and offers to grind them fresh. As in right in front of you. Picked up some Rouge de Bordeaux hard red winter wheat, spelt, danko rye, and Appalachian herd white winter wheat. Since there are no preservatives and more of the bran, we'll keep them in the freezer until needed.

As I learn more about bread baking as both an art and formula, I'm looking at it as a hobby, not just a household chore. I'm looking forward to seeing if the local flour makes a difference over the King Arthur we normally use.

Looked at the price of good grain mills. Think I'll just stick with what the vendor offers.

Posted by: JTB at March 22, 2025 06:33 PM (yTvNw)

67 62 Posted by: Cicero (@cicero43) at March 22, 2025 06:26 PM (3P1PE)

I forget, do you live on your boat?
Posted by: Sebastian Melmoth at March 22, 2025 06:29 PM (VofaG)

--------

At 27 feet, living on this boat would be like living in a trailer, so no, it's just a costly extravagance.

When the marina finally has a 35-ft slip available, me and the missus will move up to a larger vessel that will be roomy enough to spend weekends on. We'll still keep the house as long as I have an office in L.A.

Posted by: Cicero (@cicero43) at March 22, 2025 06:36 PM (3P1PE)

68 66/I have a younger cousin who is into all of this. Her tiny apartment has rows of large glass jars, which hold the various grains. She gets very excited when discussing it, most of which goes over my head - so I just smile and nod. But I will be interested in hearing your experience with it.

Posted by: Grateful - the range bag lady at March 22, 2025 06:37 PM (IQ6Gq)

69 What incredible quilts! Theresa-- your quilt is just gorgeous!

Posted by: Ladyl at March 22, 2025 06:40 PM (+4oV5)

70 does anyone collect advertising ? That seems to be one of the most desirable things that the American Pickers look for. Its then also broken down into advertising related to specific genre. Transportation, gas & oil, etc.

Posted by: Sebastian Melmoth at March 22, 2025 06:40 PM (VofaG)

71 >>The great thing about a boat is, you never need to wonder where your surplus funds are going to go.

My best friend was also owned a boat sales/service company and he took care of my boats. I put at least one of his kids through college.

Posted by: JackStraw at March 22, 2025 06:41 PM (LkLld)

72 I have a Nutrimill, which makes nice flour. I get wheat from Belle Valley Ancient Grains in South Dakota.

Posted by: Notsothoreau at March 22, 2025 06:42 PM (cvWHI)

73 A hobby thread on grains and bread baking would be interesting.

Posted by: Gouverneur Morris at March 22, 2025 06:44 PM (J8OCH)

74 68 ... "I have a younger cousin who is into all of this. Her tiny apartment has rows of large glass jars, which hold the various grains."

Hi Grateful,
If your cousin is local, the lady we dealt with this morning goes to several farmers markets in northern Virginia. Her company is Kaze Grain House.

My interest in this comes from us trying better ingredients for healthier cooking. Like using better herbs and spices, top grade olive oil and vinegars, lacto-fermenting, etc. Fun to learn about and to do. And since it's just two older folks, we don't have to make huge quantities.

Posted by: JTB at March 22, 2025 06:47 PM (yTvNw)

75 A hobby thread on grains and bread baking would be interesting.
Posted by: Gouverneur Morris at March 22, 2025 06:44 PM (J8OCH)

I would have to just read and learn as I only get my wheat products from the grocery store. At least I understand it doesn't just magically appear in the store like the Left.

Posted by: Sebastian Melmoth at March 22, 2025 06:47 PM (VofaG)

76 74/ Thanks JTB. She is not local, she and her husband live in the Boston suburbs. But she dreams of moving to VA and buying land for a farm. And I dream of erasing all of her liberal upbringing and converting her to sanity!

Posted by: Grateful - the range bag lady at March 22, 2025 06:49 PM (IQ6Gq)

77 We've started a year or so long project of restoring Mrs fd's 95 240SX. Engine and transmission are coming out to rebuild, glass, doors, hood, etc are coming off for paint. I'm not going to paint this one myself though because she would never be satisfied. I'll do most of the prep work and take it to someone who does it all the time to spray it.

Posted by: fd at March 22, 2025 06:55 PM (vFG9F)

78 72 ... "I have a Nutrimill, which makes nice flour. I get wheat from Belle Valley Ancient Grains in South Dakota."

Notsothoreau,
The lady we dealt with used a Mockmill lino 200, which I think is about their top of the line. Went to the website, all sold out. Same with the Nutrimill site, sold out. Lehman's apparently has trouble keeping their better mills in stock. Seems there is increasing interest in grinding one's own flour.

Posted by: JTB at March 22, 2025 06:55 PM (yTvNw)

79 77 We've started a year or so long project of restoring Mrs fd's 95 240SX.

Posted by: fd at March 22, 2025 06:55 PM
***
Gonna be a drift car?

Posted by: TRex at March 22, 2025 06:56 PM (IQ6Gq)

80 T Rex, want your brain to really cramp?

I just went down a rabbit hole that is still making my brain hurt and also despairing if you Humans will ever be worth saving.

Identity theft has come to VTubing. These two male vermin decided to impersonate one of the most popular independent VTubers out there. They used her model, set up an account name very similar to her name, even used the same platform for payments.

They were raking in between $18,000 to $20,000 a month until the payment site shut them down. But they persisted because all that money was calling them. And have now gotten exposed for the con-artists they are. With names like Vexey and Devious, how could anyone expect them to be scum? Right? /sarc

But have all the people rallied around the aggrieved VTuber? Nope some are saying she deserves it for using a free model, she makes so much she can afford a custom model, and well her mistake last year over her model and not reading the fine print from the model creator. But that got sorted out but here it is being brough up again. *sigh*

Humans, how did you get to the top of the food chain?

Posted by: Anna Puma at March 22, 2025 07:00 PM (LtcB8)

81 "Gonna be a drift car?
Posted by: TRex"

No. It's going to to be stock like the one she had that she had to sell after we got married and had a kid, except for the color and interior.

Posted by: fd at March 22, 2025 07:01 PM (vFG9F)

82 Ah, late to the party again. Just as I opened this up our son and granddaughter surprised us with a visit.

The quilts are BEAUTIFUL!
Annie Rose -- so pretty, and the time you put in on the gridded quilt, that's a real investment of time, wow.

Gouverneur Morris -- love the variety of patterns, beautiful

Skywch, what a good eye you must have for color, to imagine those fabrics and represent so well the sky, sand and water in the sailing quilt. Nice!

Lirio100, I love the Dresden Plate. I recognize the fabrics as being from the 30-40's, I have a quilt from my grandma made with fabric from that era -- different pattern, but immediately I felt connected to your quilt through the fabric!

Posted by: TecumsehTea at March 22, 2025 07:02 PM (Eo96p)

83 Humans, how did you get to the top of the food chain?
Posted by: Anna Puma at March 22, 2025 07:00 PM (LtcB

It does boggle the mind, at times.

Posted by: Dash my lace wigs! at March 22, 2025 07:02 PM (h7ZuX)

84 64 Pfaffs are good machines! Keep it oiled and it will dew for another hundred years.
Posted by: Notsothoreau at March 22, 2025 06:31 PM (cvWHI)

OLD Pfaffs are fantastic. I bought a hobby Pfaff in high school, said it was made in West Germany so you know how old it was, and pretty much sewed it out. That thing made tons of clothes, curtains, banners, quilts, repairs, you name it. It was not an expensive model and I think it did its duty.

Now I have a 1959 Singer Slant-O-Matic. It also sews just about anything and everything. The instruction book tells me that I am a very modern women for owning the latest technology for home economics. The drawings of that modern women are lit.

The thing about Singer is that you can still get parts for all of them, no matter how old, and people know how to work on them. The new ones are all computerized, which doesn't really lend itself to longevity. I get mine professionally cleaned and tuned up every five years or so, but it otherwise runs like a charm.

And the buttonhole attachment works beautifully, better than the new computerized ones.

Posted by: tcn in AK at March 22, 2025 07:03 PM (LweC0)

85 Humans, how did you get to the top of the food chain?

Posted by: Anna Puma at March 22, 2025 07:00 PM
***
Head shaker. If thievery is more lucrative than honest work, thieves will find creative ways to leech on others. The sympathetic comments are dispiriting. Always easy to spend someone else's time and money.

Posted by: TRex at March 22, 2025 07:04 PM (IQ6Gq)

86 Humans, how did you get to the top of the food chain?
Posted by: Anna Puma at March 22, 2025 07:00 PM (LtcB

I expect that most of the devious shit-workers out there are perfectly willing to blame the victims for their nefarious horsecrap. Very psychopathic behavior.

Posted by: tcn in AK at March 22, 2025 07:05 PM (LweC0)

87 Teresa -- you are such a talented lady. The quilt you made for your sister reflects your gifts and your love. What a wonderful, wonderful gift. And how lovely that your daughter wants it. So special.

KT -- can't go wrong with bunnies. Such a cute quilt that will likely be a favorite. Is that Minky on the back? I have heard its a bear to work with.

I love seeing the handiwork of the horde, or any hobbying, for that matter. Thanks for sharing, and thanks to TRex for featuring these treasure.

Posted by: TecumsehTea at March 22, 2025 07:05 PM (Eo96p)

88 76 "... "She is not local, she and her husband live in the Boston suburbs. But she dreams of moving to VA and buying land for a farm. And I dream of erasing all of her liberal upbringing and converting her to sanity!"

That made me smile. And if she and her husband do the Virginia farm move, any liberal inclinations will likely vanish. Real farming and liberalism are mutually exclusive.

Have to admit, if I was 40 or 50 years younger, it would be tempting to try farming here, especially as there is a growing (no pun intended) interest in sustainable, regenerative farming in the state.

Posted by: JTB at March 22, 2025 07:06 PM (yTvNw)

89 81 No. It's going to to be stock like the one she had that she had to sell after we got married and had a kid, except for the color and interior.

Posted by: fd at March 22, 2025 07:01 PM
***
Got it. Preserve as stock now for daily use. Save for the kid who will turn it into a drift car down the road. Good plan.

Posted by: TRex at March 22, 2025 07:08 PM (IQ6Gq)

90 Thumbs, made grabbing and throwing spears easier

Posted by: Skip at March 22, 2025 07:09 PM (fwDg9)

91 Humans, how did you get to the top of the food chain?
Posted by: Anna Puma at March 22, 2025 07:00 PM

* dons posing trunks *

* flexes *

* crab pose *

Posted by: David Hogg, Harvard graduate at March 22, 2025 07:10 PM (a3Q+t)

92 "Save for the kid who will turn it into a drift car down the road. Good plan.
Posted by: TRex "

This car had been slammed and was riding on 20" wheels. It rode like a furniture dolly.

Posted by: fd at March 22, 2025 07:11 PM (vFG9F)

93 Now I have a 1959 Singer Slant-O-Matic. It also sews just about anything and everything. The instruction book tells me that I am a very modern women for owning the latest technology for home economics. The drawings of that modern women are lit.

Posted by: tcn in AK at March 22, 2025 07:03 PM (LweC0)

I have one, too! Not sure if it's 1959--if not, it's within a couple of years of that. 1950-something. The manual is a delight!

Posted by: Dash my lace wigs! at March 22, 2025 07:12 PM (h7ZuX)

94 A hobby thread about bread baking would be great. Can't contribute much, yet, but judging by past food threads there would be a wealth of information to garner.

Posted by: JTB at March 22, 2025 07:13 PM (yTvNw)

95 I also have an old Necchi, but it's frozen up tight, and I really don't know how to fix it. I oiled the dickens out of it, but it still doesn't move.

I suppose I can start with a screwdriver and a manual and start taking the thing apart, but I never seem to find the time for that.

Posted by: Dash my lace wigs! at March 22, 2025 07:14 PM (h7ZuX)

96 Glad I already ate, now just to keep it down.

That was a very disturbing image.

Posted by: Anna Puma at March 22, 2025 07:15 PM (LtcB8)

97 I also have an old Necchi, but it's frozen up tight, and I really don't know how to fix it. I oiled the dickens out of it, but it still doesn't move.

I suppose I can start with a screwdriver and a manual and start taking the thing apart, but I never seem to find the time for that.
Posted by: Dash my lace wigs! at March 22, 2025 07:14 PM

A hammer can be your friend.

Posted by: Paul P. at March 22, 2025 07:15 PM (a3Q+t)

98 Good evening to all you creative and talented people. The quilts are gorgeous.

Posted by: Ben Had at March 22, 2025 07:17 PM (j6NlC)

99 I also have an old Necchi, but it's frozen up tight, and I really don't know how to fix it. I oiled the dickens out of it, but it still doesn't move.
***
Marvel mystery oil?

Posted by: TRex at March 22, 2025 07:17 PM (IQ6Gq)

100 100?

Posted by: Grateful - the range bag lady at March 22, 2025 07:17 PM (IQ6Gq)

101 100 100?

Posted by: Grateful - the range bag lady at March 22, 2025 07:17 PM
***
Boom!

Posted by: TRex at March 22, 2025 07:18 PM (IQ6Gq)

102 Good evening Ben Had...I was hoping you'd stop in....do you have any updates on how Mr Eromero is doing?

Posted by: Grateful - the range bag lady at March 22, 2025 07:24 PM (IQ6Gq)

103 Mrs. JTB inherited her mom's Singer, circa late 60s. She used it to make the drapes we still have up and some clothes. There is a sewing machine service business in town and we took it in for a check up and tuning last year. He's an older guy and we've seen plenty of small businesses close when the owner retired so we took it in just in case it needed any servicing.

Posted by: JTB at March 22, 2025 07:24 PM (yTvNw)

104 OK party people. Time to say thank you and good night before the next act takes the Ace of Spades stage. Thanks for being here and special thanks to those who shared their quilting. Hello to the lurkers too. The Hobby Thread emailbox is always open for your hobbying correspondence (or just to say hello).

Back next week. In the meantime, see you in Club ONT later tonight.

Posted by: TRex at March 22, 2025 07:25 PM (IQ6Gq)

105 Sunny skies, abundant wine, sea lions, and young ladies on paddleboards drifting by in their shockingly-immodest beachwear. Does it get better than this?

I think not.

Posted by: Cicero (@cicero43) at March 22, 2025 07:27 PM (3P1PE)

106 My hobby is Garage Banding to Iron Maiden with an RG550 and a Boss Katana on Sunday afternoons.

Posted by: jsg at March 22, 2025 07:28 PM (UJ+K5)

107 Cicero - if you're able and willing, can you interrupt nirvana briefly to send me an email? Thx.

Posted by: TRex at March 22, 2025 07:29 PM (IQ6Gq)

108 TRex,
Thanks for another fun thread. The knowledge, talent, and interests of the Horde is amazing.

Posted by: JTB at March 22, 2025 07:29 PM (yTvNw)

109 For lack of anything else, here is a $8,000 quilt making machine for sale on Amazon. That seemed like a lot until I found one for $13,499.

The high end long arm machines with computer control can go for $30 or $40 thousand.

My hobby surprise this week. Threw a President Grant XL on the bench that I bought as "parts only" a few years back. Everything works perfectly. I think the seller got confused and gave me the wrong one.

Posted by: Blanco Basura - Z28.310 at March 22, 2025 07:31 PM (lUFok)

110 Grateful, I don't have any updates at the moment. I'll know more tomorrow.

Thank you all for your prayers and concern.

Posted by: Ben Had at March 22, 2025 07:34 PM (j6NlC)

111 Please tell that man:
1. He is in our thoughts and prayers, and
2. Don't be scaring us like that. [No worries, I will follow up on this with him in-person in Oct. In TX]

Hope you are doing well, and thanks for the info and updates.

Posted by: Grateful - the range bag lady at March 22, 2025 07:37 PM (IQ6Gq)

112 Grateful, spring has sprung with a vengeance around here. Life is good on the farm.

Big hug to both of you.

Posted by: Ben Had at March 22, 2025 07:47 PM (j6NlC)

113 *Looks at quilt
Looks at nic*
Checks out

Posted by: vmom deport deport deporte at March 22, 2025 08:19 PM (0JWOm)

114 Many, many decades ago, my mother made me a quilt. It was a wedding quilt. I broke off the engagement. It was beautiful. About 15 years ago. I took it to the dry cleaners. I forgot about it. When I realized I had forgotten about it, I went back to the dry cleaners. However, it was under new management and the quilt was no where to be found. It was a sad day.

Posted by: Jos at March 22, 2025 08:41 PM (rzwGB)

115 @50 Thank you Skip, sorry I missed your comment earlier.

Posted by: BeckoningChasm at March 22, 2025 08:55 PM (CHHv1)

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