Back to the Beginning, Again. Day 26.

Yeah. Hooray! Well, I knit myself back up to the point that I had to start frogging yesterday. I still have another inch to go before I can start knitting the arms into the body. For some reason I thought that I could get this sweater done in a week. I think this was contributing to my disappointment and lack of feeling inspired last night. This pattern is more tough than any other that I have followed—while it is easier than the pink sweater, as I created that pattern—so why am I setting really, really unrealistic expectations on myself? I mean, setting un-realistic expectations is normal for me, but lets try to use at least a little common sense here.

With the sewing machine gone, I will have all weekend to work on this sweater, and maybe get it done. (There, that is more realistic).



So, what happened to the sewing machine? Ramon was kind enough to spend an hour looking at it with great intensity, even after having one margarita at the Mexican place down the street. When you walk in, and they place your Margarita order for you, correctly, before you even get seated at your table, you can't say no! Ramon concluded that there was a "Timing Issue" with the bobbin assembly and the needle. No Mom, it does not have a timing belt. Apparently it has no timing. So, I asked Ramon how it could be fixed, and he said "By using its warranty" with a sad face.



Well, the place I bought the machine from is full of rude sales people who, after buying my machine, insult it and say it is not a "real Bernina," because it is part of the Bernette Series. So, I did not want to go back there. Instead I followed Nicole's advice and went to a different place.

You know that sinking feeling you get when you realize that you have made a huge mistake? Well, that is the feeling I got when I walked into the new sewing machine shop. I realized that I should have bought my machine from them. Man, were they nice, helpful, and knowledgeable. They quickly moved my machine into triage, and the sewing machine surgeon came out, and identified that the problem is, in-fact, a timing issue (now you must imagine Ramon grinning like the Cheshire Cat). Upon explaining that I bought the machine on May 31st of 2010, the sewing machine doc reacted in pure shock. I guess this is uncommon for a machine that is so new. Silver lining?

And, most importantly, how long will it take to get the machine back? I was speculating 6-8 weeks, because what do I know. Ramon looked at me like I am crazy when I said this. The sewing machine guy said ... drum roll please ... by the end of the week!

By the end of the week, does that mean this week, or next week? The last time I was in a similar situation was when I pre-ordered my iPad+3g at the beginning of the year. As April began, Apple updated my online order to say it would ship at the "End of April." On Thursday, April 29th, I called Apple to inform them that my order said it would ship at the "End of April," and that it was in-fact the "End of April," and that I was just extremely excited, could I please have my iPad? I got it the next day.

So, with the sewing machine out of commission I headed into the sewing lab for a while yesterday afternoon. I finished, and submitted my homework to my professor, who had completely forgotten our conversation from the day before when I explained that I may have Jury Duty next week, and wanted to turn in my homework early. She also used this as an opportunity to ask me if I had an previous sewing experience. I told her about my BFA from the Academy of Art, and that I taught there. She just started pointing with a European siren like "Ah" noise coming from her mouth.

Then, I did the unthinkable. I used the incredibly frightening industrial sewing machine to finish sewing the lining for my wool-blend test skirt. The very lining that broke my Bernina. Cheating? No. Scary. Yes! There are 22 steps to thread these son-of-bitches, and once you get them threaded properly they can still cause you a world of hurt in a fraction of a second. They have the ability to go really, really fast. The pedal is huge, and not very well modulated. In-fact, the pedal is VERY much like Ramon's s54ti throttle pedal right now. Nothing happens in the first 90 percent, but in the last 10 it is incredible sensitive. These machines go so fast that if you are not careful they will break your spool and bobbin thread, break the needle and tear your fabric. Sounds like fun, huh?

Somehow I managed to make it through the lining with great success. Maybe it had to do with me being slightly less caffeinated for the experience and the afternoon. I planned ahead.