Well, Saturday, hubby and I went to Ulos, one of the many shopping areas here in Ankara. We somehow communicated to a store clerk that we needed a new adapter (mostly by pointing to the broken adapter). Luckily, the man spoke just enough English to tell us, "Light...signal...right...elektrik." Okay, got it. Off we went, got the adapter, walked around some, I got prices on some inexpensive machines should the adapter still not work and I found a fabric store that carried some cottons! I bought a few gingham-type checks and got a few colors as fill ins for a few projects I had. ;) And then home. I tried the new adapter with my Janome Jem and still nothing. I get power and then an error display message so it must need some work or it's just not taking the 220v power.
I've been cutting "kits" and pinning project pieces together so I was staying busy during the day. I'm not sure but I must have had the most pitiful look ever on my face because on Sunday night, hubby told me I should go back to Ulos on Monday and get myself a new sewing machine. Saturday they had a Singer for around $200 US dollars. I really didn't want a Singer but hey, I didn't want to complain. I'm unemployed now, you know. lol
So, on Monday, I got out the English/Turkish dictionary and wrote down a few phrases like "left" and "right" for the taxi ride and "how much". :) Before I was ready to leave, I called one of the wives that I've become friends with, Debbie. I told her my plan and she eagerly said she would go with me. I almost climbed through the phone line to kiss her!! lol I would've gone alone but she's been here for three years and knows a little Turkish, how to get to Ulos and is just knowledgeable about things here. Talk about relief!!
This photo is behind the main street. The shops go for blocks but the "main street" is where the sewing machine stores are. They have Pfaff, Juki, Singer, Janome....just about anything you would want. A lot of friends and family have asked if I have to wear a scarf or keep my head covered. There are many Muslims here, from the full black dress with just their eyes showing to ladies who wear the trench coat and scarf to just a head scarf. I know there are names for all of those garments but I don't know them. If I take time to look it up, I'll never get my post done! lol
So, below is the machine I got. It's not a Singer and it wasn't $200. lol I'm telling you, it's a wonder Richard even lets me come to visit him! :oD This week I blew up the iron!!! lol Anyway, this hobby machine was just over $400 US dollars so it's not horribly priced and I'm hoping when I come back in September, toward the end of that visit, I'll be able to sell it on the expat site since it's 220v and I won't be able to use it at home. So far, she's been doing a great little job. Since I had some of my "kits" ready to go, I was able to start sewing strips together for a Yellow Brick Road quilt. She's nice and quiet and would've been a nice extra machine if she wasn't 220v.
I've been cutting "kits" and pinning project pieces together so I was staying busy during the day. I'm not sure but I must have had the most pitiful look ever on my face because on Sunday night, hubby told me I should go back to Ulos on Monday and get myself a new sewing machine. Saturday they had a Singer for around $200 US dollars. I really didn't want a Singer but hey, I didn't want to complain. I'm unemployed now, you know. lol
So, on Monday, I got out the English/Turkish dictionary and wrote down a few phrases like "left" and "right" for the taxi ride and "how much". :) Before I was ready to leave, I called one of the wives that I've become friends with, Debbie. I told her my plan and she eagerly said she would go with me. I almost climbed through the phone line to kiss her!! lol I would've gone alone but she's been here for three years and knows a little Turkish, how to get to Ulos and is just knowledgeable about things here. Talk about relief!!
This photo is behind the main street. The shops go for blocks but the "main street" is where the sewing machine stores are. They have Pfaff, Juki, Singer, Janome....just about anything you would want. A lot of friends and family have asked if I have to wear a scarf or keep my head covered. There are many Muslims here, from the full black dress with just their eyes showing to ladies who wear the trench coat and scarf to just a head scarf. I know there are names for all of those garments but I don't know them. If I take time to look it up, I'll never get my post done! lol
None of the fabrics I brought with me looked good with the YBR monkey fabric so I sure was glad I picked up those ginghams on Saturday. The brown seemed to work just fine. It looks kind of crazy in the photo but it's just a small check.
I also sewed my granddaughter Emily a little soft counting book. It was an easy panel and it was all cut and pinned together. I just had to sew it up. I can't wait to see her and give it to her. I'm sure it'll go right in her mouth! :)
Well, it's raining heavy hear and it's after 10:00 a.m. and I'm still in my jammies! Love, love, LOVE days like today! TGIF!!
No comments:
Post a Comment