How Slow Can I Sew ... ?

I often start a project and lose my sewing mojo mid-project.  A current example is the mid-length shorts project in progress.

Last weekend (OK, so it Was a Long Weekend) I started work on a new pair of shorts using Kwik Sew 2806. I have used this pattern before for short-shorts and long pants.  I traced the pattern pieces sometime last weekend, then set them aside - of course!

Anyway, all I got done by Monday night was the cutting-out of the front pieces.  The back pieces have not yet been cut.  Here are pictures to show what I have done so far:

Do you like my pattern weights?

Does Your Sewing Machine have a Free-Arm Function?

Mine does!

I got the idea for this post from Gwen's blog After the dress...

I have a Viking 500 from about the mid-'90s, and it has a free-arm function.  It also has a bed extension which I usually leave on.  Here's what the machine looks like with the bed extension attached:

Here's what the machine looks like with the bed extension removed:

Here's what the machine looks like with the back of the machine bed removed to reveal the free arm: