An epiphany of sorts - the Elna Press transformed.

I adore my Elna Press acquired about 10 years ago from a market for $20. I use it to press fabrics and dyed textiles and very occasionally a pillow slip or two. The only drawback was the cover on the pressing plate had seen better years. An eyesore in the new laundry - but where else to put it? I used to cover the lower plate with an old sheet when in use. So this morning's "job" (one task each day since we moved) was to make a new cover for the Elna Press. She deserved it. So I measured carefully, made a template and cut two from thick muslin. There'd be a master pattern ready for another time. Next, to source new foam underlay. The IKEA mini ironing board. It's useless for ironing but hangs neatly in the wardrobe. What do you expect for $7? The underlay was a perfect fit. Quite impressed, I commenced stitching the new cover Then the Morgan Freeman thing happened. "It was at that moment, Ali knew she had missed something big." Here I was, staring at a perfectly good Ikea cover while stitching almost the same thing. Sheesh. I've had both the Elna Press and the mini ironing board for about the same time. I think the "hack by accident" is perfect and as they say, "better (a decade) late than never".

Comments

Making progress Trees #2

Repurposing quilts

I made a king sized quilt many decades ago for a friend and after many winters she returned it because of wear and tear. Instead of faithful service, stories and history, she saw something that no longer held value. There were tears and wear points, and the only other option if I couldn't repair it, was to throw it away. I suggested she give it back and I'd turn it into bags. Fifteen so far, and that used one of the side panels. Two side panels and the top of the quilt to go. I'll try to find some other ways of giving the quilt a second or third life, ever so glad it stayed out of landfill.

The Move Part I

Moving fortnight, rather than a day. We've loaded the vehicles and made the round trip each morning until only the heavy things were left for those with younger backs a.k.a the removalists. The advantage seemed to be in unpacking each box each trip so that when the "big day" arrived, everything was in its place except the studio. Not sure how the majority of boxes, crates and cases were labelled "studio" and it felt like the Sorcerer's Apprentice - never ending boxes from seemingly nowhere. Unpacking is a chance to renew an old acquaintance with materials and objects not seen since they were stored 2+ years ago. It begs the question about whether I need any of it given I've managed to create in a confined space while we waited for the build. Everything is being reviewed for the joy it brings, why it is in the box, what I will do with it, or can I thank it for its service and find a new home? A long, hard and muscle-wearying experience, but one that the ...

Ali George Artist

Search This Blog