The White Whale Work Truck: A Work in Progress

I had a momentary break from the Work Truck to sew a wheelchair bag, but it's back to getting my hands dirty again. When it comes to working on this truck it never ends.

The White Whale (as I like to call this truck) has been taking up all our time and energy so that I have not been able to get back to the sewing machine.

I thought I would show you some photos so you can see what we're working with. I did talk about the truck a little bit in this entry on T &T, and I've been keeping friends updated on our progress on my Facebook page. Just friend me if you want to follow me on Facebook.

Here is the truck Mr. Sprocket purchased the day after the Spector verdict was read.


In these type of trucks, the body is aluminum. That gives you an advantage of a lightweight truck that you can load up with product. However, it also means that there isn't an internal shell for mounting anything like shelving or toolboxes.

So what we've been doing (ever since Mr. Sprocket rebuilt the rear transmission and brakes)


is getting the inside of the truck ready to mount his toolboxes, shelving, equipment and various other items, like a worktable.

But before we could do any of that, we had to remove the inadequate shelving brackets that were welded on the inside of the truck.


That involved taking a drill and grinding down the rivet in each side of the bracket you see above, so that the weld came apart. There were about seven of these shelving stanchions on each wall, and about six welded brackets on each of those. Once we got those removed from the truck we started installing "C" channel, deep strut.

Here is the truck with the old shelving brackets removed and before we started installing the C channel.


And here is one side of the truck with with the C channel mounted to the side of the truck.


This heavy metal strut comes in 10-foot lengths. Each piece has to be cut, and then the burrs on the end ground down and smoothed before it can be installed. Here is Mr. Sprocket grinding down the burrs.



My help would be to stand on the strut while he cut it with a metal cutting blade. All while we were working on this phase of the truck, we had a family of nestlings in the bird box high on the peak of the house.



I tried to get a photo of Momma Bird feeding her nestlings but she would not perform for the camera.


The babies have all left the nest now, and I think Momma Bird has laid another batch of eggs.



Here you can see where we have more cross bracing strut installed. In this photo you can also see the strut up close as well as what are called "strut nuts" and a metal strap with bolts that go into the strut nuts to "tie" the pieces of strut together to make a more rigid framing inside the truck.



Yesterday, we got the wood floor of the truck completely installed. Over 225 screws later, it's tied down pretty solid. Here is a current photo of the inside of the truck while we are working on getting the toolbox situated.


The problem with the toolbox is the fact that it's actually four separate boxes resting on top of each other. Each one has to be bolted to the other, and then everything mounted to the wall of the truck. The problem is, the place where we want to place the toolbox is right behind the door pocket panel, and you can't drill into that. So, we have to work around that and devise solutions.

One solution is to add strut to the bottom of the toolbox and from that strut, bolt it to the floor. Below you can see a piece of the shallow C channel strut that Mr. Sprocket added.



And here is the door pocket with a piece of foam board over it. The foam board is to cut down on the noise.



And here is the toolbox that's going in this space.



The toolbox will be bolted to the strut pieces on either side of the door pocket. Once we get to that phase, I'll upload some more photos on the progress.

Tonight, we have to do some prep-work on the kitchen floor to get it ready to lay the vinyl down. We have to make a template of the floor and fill in all the nail holes and seams with "Bondo." But at least the kitchen is coming together. The walls have been repaired today and hopefully on Wednesday, the new floor will go down! Then, I'll be painting, painting, painting the kitchen white, and eventually the cupboards red for a black and white and red kitchen!

A New Wheelchair Bag

I can't believe it's been six months since I've done any serious sewing.

My girlfriend Julienne with transverse meylitis has been bugging me for quite some time to make her a new wheelchair bag. Now that I'm not glued to the bench in Judge Fidler's courtroom anymore, I had no excuse.

I've made her several bags for her two chairs over the years, usually out of a heavy tapestry fabric. The bags I've made for her have been multi-purpose. They act as a small handbag and also as a place to keep her water bottle. My construction of these bags has evolved over the years, but one thing that hasn't changed is the fact that they go through a ton of wear and tear. I've repaired almost every bag at least once before I make her a new one.

When her children were still young, she needed zippers on the bags to keep their little hands out. I usually had to hand sew these in. Later we tried velcro but because it can wear out quickly we eventually settled on the magnetic snaps.

When designing a wheelchair bag, you have to think about function from a sightless person's point of view because when they reach or feel for something in their bag, it's all behind them. Oftentimes they can't turn around completely to "look" inside the bag.

Although I had recently made a wheelchair bag in December for a new client, it was made from tapestry and did not include a water bottle carrier.

About three weeks ago, I stopped by Julienne's house to talk to her about what she wanted for her next bag as well as to take measurements for a new bag for her husband's chair. We talked about the wear and tear issue and I suggested that maybe we should make this next bag not from upholstery fabric, but based on my Market Bag design: stiff canvas glue-bonded to cotton. I have Market Bags I've made for myself five years ago that are still standing up to the wear and tear. I thought this might be the answer to making her bags last longer.

When designing a wheelchair bag, you have to accept the fact that each bag will be different because all wheelchairs are not alike and not everyone needs the same thing. Julienne needs to be able to reach around to her bag, but it also needs to have easy access, hold it's shape and not add too much weight to the chair. Another concern Julienne had was the fact that the lighter shade of fabrics we've used in the past showed the dirt so she wanted to choose a darker fabric this time. (I chose not to put my label on the bag this time for this reason.)

I brought Julienne a large selection of black based fabrics to choose from. She picked two prints for two bags, and her husband picked a neutral print for his bag.

This bag would have two outside pocket overlays, a water bottle carrier able to hold a bottle with an 11" diameter, two inner pockets on the back side, three magnetic snap closures and D-ring holders. The size of the bag is based on my medium handbags. The base of the bag is made from two rectangular pieces 14" wide by 12" high. The bottom of the bag will be 4" deep. Her husband's bag will be wider (larger chair) and much shorter.

My Market Bag Line is a unique, hand bonding process that glues heavy, stiff canvas to a beautiful cotton print. Once the cotton is adhered to the canvas, you have a fabric that is almost as stiff as a lightweight piece of cardboard. The disadvantages of adhering two fabrics with glue sheets is the finished product is difficult to iron down seams and turn right side out.



Since I had not made one of these bags in so long, I was almost in uncharted waters as I tried to remember which step came first after cutting out and gluing the base of the bag. I realized that before I could even sew on the overlay pockets (that was quite a chore getting the tiny pocket fabric to be a perfect overlay to the print below it) I had to construct the water bottle holder.

The water bottle holder was designed to hold a specific size drink cup that Julienne uses when she's driving. It's 11 inches in diameter. I found a large bottle close to that size and determined how long the fabric piece needed to be to hold the carrier. I then calculated the spacing on the strapping that holds the bottom of the bottle, and sewed the three straps to the carrier piece. After that I sewed the strapping to the base of the bag and then the side of the carrier that goes underneath the bigger overlay pocket. Every seam is triple sewn.


Once the water carrier was constructed I could place the left side of the carrier fabric underneath the overlay pocket and sew the pocket pieces onto the base of the bag.

The next step is placing the front bag-base piece and the back-side piece right sides together; pressure mark, fold over and iron press the top edge of the bag then triple sew the side and bottom seams. Once the two sides have been sewn together then the seams have to be pressed open. The bottom square of the bag is then marked, 4" wide, and triple sewn.

The bag is then ready to turn right side out and the inside corner flaps glued down.



Once the bag is at this stage, I'm home free. Before the liner is made I install the magnetic snaps. Making the liner is no different than any other bag; the liner is custom fit to the bag. The inside pockets are made first, pinned then sewn to the liner piece. The sides of the liner are sewn together, the corner flaps measured, sewn and then sewn to the bottom of the liner. The liner is then fit into the inside of the bag so it will hang perfectly. After the liner is in the straps with D-rings are sewn into the top sides.

Here is the finished bag hanging on Julienne's chair.



Julienne at her office, where she sells wheelchair accessible vehicles.

Chenille Totes & Large Purses: Part I

What are these you might ask? Well, this is my next big project I'm tackling. It's the beginning forms of 7 large purses and 19 totes in 17 different chenille, suede and upholstery fabrics.

I had cut out these pieces about four years ago or more. And then I got sidetracked with the home improvement project and they got put in a box, almost forgotten. My goal over the next few months will be to finish these bags and put them up on the web site and sewing blog.

Here are some pictures of a few of the fabrics that are coming.

This is an exceptionally rich textured chenille upholstery fabric. I've made about four totes out of this fabric over the years and this will be the last one. Ten years ago I was willing to spend $60.00 on a yard of upholstery chenille if the design caught my eye like this one did. This bag will be one of a kind with black upholstery velvet straps.

India Gold

This has been a favorite upholstery chenille fabric of mine for years. It is an in-stock fabric. I have about 5 yards of it left and have made several different items out of it: handbags, totes, wall hangings, table runners and placemats. I still have my own oversized tote made out of it. It is a somewhat stiff, low nap chenille.

Chenille Asian Calligraphy

This fabric was very difficult to photograph. It's light to medium weight chenille upholstery. It's a deep dark green with an interesting swirl of red and light gold woven design. The design is harder to see than what you see in the image. I've got about a yard and a half left and this will be the first large purse and tote made out of this fabric.

Inspiration Green/Red

As I progress on getting these bags made, I will put up more images of the fabrics.

Throw Blanket Sale!

THIS SALE HAS ENDED.
See the 2010 Throw Blanket Sale HERE!

Update!
The Throw Blanket Sale has been extended through January 31st, 2009!

NEW! Fleece and flannel throw blankets are now on sale too! Regularly $49.00 plus shipping, any fleece and flannel blanket from in-stock flannel prints is only $40.00, shipping included. (Excludes patchwork throws.)

Colors Shown:
Rose, Medium Green, Country Blue, Burgundy

I've had people tell me that my fleece and panne throw blankets are their favorite blankets, ever! From now until December 31st, you can order one of these gorgeous blankets at a great savings. A standard fleece and panne throw is 44" x 59."

Regularly, the standard fleece and panne blankets run $45.00 plus shipping. In stock panne colors are now on sale for $35, and shipping is only $3.00, no matter your location! A double size is also available at a reduced cost. Email me for prices and shipping on double sized blankets 59" x 90."

In Stock Panne Colors

Lavender, Dark Purple*, Lilac, Purple

Zebra, Brown Snakeskin, Pink Paisley, Dark Gold

Midnight Blue, Bright Yellow, Navy (more muted)

Gun Metal, Peach

Rose, Baby Yellow, Baby Blue*, Baby Green

White, Hot Pink,* Black

Sky Blue*, Baby Blue*, Country Blue

Forest Green, Deep Red

Colors not shown: Olive Green

*Limited quantities

Hurry! To guarantee delivery by December 25th, I must receive your order by December 10th.

HOW TO BUY & PAYMENT:
To purchase, email me @: sprocket.trials @ gmail.com

I accept PAYPAL @: customerservice @ betsyrosslinens.com

Fabric Shopping on Black Friday

Do you know Kim of Darwin? Not only is she a fabulous sewer and knitter, she's also hysterically funny. She recently wrote this entry about shopping at Jo-Ann's on Black Friday and how crafty you have to be to get the best fabrics. I've never experienced shopping like Kim describes at Jo-Ann's! It must be a fight to the finish in a small town where there is only one store for miles. Each year on the day after Thanksgiving, Jo-Ann's has a blockbuster sale on flannel from 6 am to 12 noon. In years past, the flannel was on sale for .99 cents a yard. This year the price went up to $1.49. That's still a tremendous savings on fabric that can sell regularly for around six dollars a yard.

Since I live in a big metropolis, I have quite a few Jo-Ann's to choose from. There are two within six miles of me and another three within fifteen miles. On the day before Thanksgiving I had scoped out four stores, just to see which ones I wanted shop at on Friday. I thought I would "try" to get out the door before six am to visit as many as I could but I was up late Thanksgiving evening trying to get some sewing orders finished and in the mail. Consequently, I didn't leave the house until 7:30 am. Even so, I was able to make some great finds at the Porter Ranch store and the Reseda store on Friday.

My shopping spree.

Usually, I'm looking for interesting prints to make my oversized Christmas stockings or animal prints for fleece and flannel throw blankets. For the first time, I was shopping for baby themed flannel prints. I was shopping to build an inventory. My goal is to work next year on making some patchwork baby throw blankets. Many people have told me they are very easy to make and I thought I would see if I could tackle a patchwork blanket.

I've made a few patchwork blankets before, but I bought the patchwork fabric already made that you see in the images of this blankie.


It's a great print with different prints of blue and a chenille blended into the patchwork. Jo-Ann's has some great patchwork fabric in a few pink, green, or blue themed colors but the regular price ranges from $13 to $17 a yard. I need two yards to make a 42" x 59" throw which means just the fabric alone will push the materials cost of the blanket close to forty dollars. I have to wait until it's not on sale and use a coupon to make the price affordable.

Here is a close up of some of the baby flannel prints I will use when I start work next year on making some limited edition, patchwork baby throws.

I also wanted you show you the big roll of cotton chenille I scored a few days ago with a 50% off coupon. This is regularly priced at $12.99 a yard. I will use this fabric in making the the flannel patchwork blankets.


In the mean time, I am sewing, sewing, sewing every moment I am not writing up my coverage of the Phil Spector retrial. I am getting sewing orders about every other day, and it's been an interesting balancing act trying to get to court on time, sew orders, blog on the trial and keep my house clean. As you can probably guess, the clean house is losing. We won't be having anyone over until long after the holidays have passed and the Spector retrial has a resolution.

Ornaments/Package Toppers Part III

(These ornaments were offered in 2008. See the current sale for 2009.)

Here are four more Ornament Collections to decorate your tree or packages. You can save even more by ordering a mixed bag (you will get a selection of different ornaments) of 13 ornament/package toppers for only $5.00. Shipping is free on all Ornament orders of $5.00 or more. These items are a terrific savings. The Ornaments normally sell for $1.00 each. Click on the image to see a close up of the Ornaments.

Small Santa Stamps $3.25 (5 Sets Available)

Gingerbread $3.50 (5 Sets Available)

Five Doggies $2.50 (2 Sets Available)

Large Santa Stamps $3.75 (5 Sets Available)
HOW TO BUY & PAYMENT:
To purchase, email me @: sprocket.trials @ gmail.com

I accept PAYPAL @: customerservice @ betsyrosslinens.com

Sachets!

These sachets are filled entirely with a blend of lavender flower tops and peppermint leaves. They smell heavenly! If you order an Ornament Collection set with any sachet order, shipping is free! Click on the images to see a close up of the sachets.

Garden Cats Sachet Collection $10.00 (4 Sets Available)

Dogs & Bones Sachets
Complete Collection $11.00 (3 Sets Available)
4 Dogs & Bones only $8.00; Large 2 Dogs Sachet only $5.00

Christmas Pets Sachets
Complete Collection $8.00 (5 sets Available)
Christmas Dogs only Sachets $6.00; Christmas Cats only Sachets $3.00

Dog Pack $4.50 (2 Available)

Special Cats (2 each Available)
Branch Cat $3.75 (2 Available); Tail Wave Cat $3.75 (1 Available)
Crouching Cat $3.75 (1 Available); Two Cats $3.75 (SOLD OUT)

Special Cats (one-of-a-kind each)
Ledge Cat $3.75 (1 Available) Log Cat $3.75 (1 Available)
Fat CAt $3.75 (1 Available)

Kitty & Doggie Hearts (4 of each, Available)
Small Kitty Heart $3.50; Large Kitty Heart $5.00
Small Doggie Heart $3.50; Large Doggie Heart $5.00

HOW TO BUY & PAYMENT:
To purchase, email me @: sprocket.trials @ gmail.com

I accept PAYPAL @: customerservice @ betsyrosslinens.com

Ornaments/Package Toppers Part II

(This is the 2008 sale. See the new sale for 2009.)

Here are three more Ornament Collections to decorate your tree or packages. You can save even more by ordering a mixed bag (you will get a selection of different ornaments) of 13 ornament/package toppers for only $5.00. Shipping is free on all Ornament orders of $5.00 or more. These items are a terrific savings. The Ornaments normally sell for $1.00 each. Click on the image to see a close up of the Ornaments.

Cat Faces $4.25 (4 Sets Available)

Dogs & Bones $3.25 3 Sets Available)

All Hearts Christmas $10.00 (5 sets Available)*
Large All Hearts Christmas Sachet available separately $6.00 *(All Hearts Come Home For Christmas Ornament is single sided)


HOW TO BUY & PAYMENT:
To purchase, email me @: sprocket.trials @ gmail.com

I accept PAYPAL @: customerservice @ betsyrosslinens.com

Distal Biceps Tendon Rupture Update

While I was in court yesterday, Mr. Sprocket had another follow-up visit with his surgeon. It looks like he is going to approve physical therapy sooner than the December 18th date. The surgeon told Mr. Sprocket that if things go well, he "might" be able to go back to work by the first of the year. This is exceptionally good news for us.

When Mr. Sprocket's son was here, he did all the work of putting the HVAC package unit on the roof back together while Mr. Sprocket supervised. Now that it's back together, Mr. Sprocket is working on wiring up a slew of different operating controls for the economizer. That doesn't involve any lifting of weight, just attaching the right wire to the relay in the attic and then to the control panel or thermostat on the wall.

All that wiring involves a lot of rotation of his forearm at the elbow joint, (pronation and supination). It's been painful at times, which is why this is taking such a long time. He will work on wiring the control panel a day, then rest his arm a few days.

The thermostat is a top of the line Honeywell model, that lets you do all kinds of programming. The personally designed extra control panel that Mr. Sprocket installed just below it, looks like it came from part of cockpit control board. Switches and timers and lights that go on or off, depending. He even installed sensors to determine if the outside air temperature is lower than the inside air. When that happens, the economizer will automatically open and the house can be cooled with the outside air. I can not wait until everything is finished and working and the control panel mounted on the wall.

Ornaments/Package Toppers Part I

(This is the 2008 sale. Please see the new sale for 2009.)

I've started making these little ornament/package toppers. They are made from cotton prints and are filled with lavender, peppermint and polyester stuffing. They are little decorations you can hang on your tree that are kid friendly and won't break. You can also add them to a present to top off your package. And, they smell wonderful!

Normally, these little items have sold for $1.00 a piece at a craft show but as you can see, I've really cut the prices. You can save even more by ordering a mixed bag (you will get a selection of different ornaments) of 13 ornament/package toppers for only $5.00. Shipping is free on orders of $5.00 or more. Click on a photo to see a close up of the collections.

There will be more collections coming in the weeks ahead.

Snowtime $4.00 (Four Sets Available)

Four Snowmen $2.00 (Ten Sets Available)

Five Cats $2.50 (One set left)

Christmas Bears $2.00 (Four Sets Available)
Christmas Mice ($1.50 (Five Sets Available)

Six Doggies Collection $3.00
(Sold Out!)

Blue Angels Collection $4.00
(Five Sets Available)

Holiday $4.50 (Five Sets Available)
HOW TO BUY & PAYMENT:
To purchase, email me @: sprocket.trials @ gmail.com

I accept PAYPAL @: customerservice @ betsyrosslinens.com