HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Wishing EVERYONE Love, Peace and Happiness in 2010!

Sewing Machine Salvation

I collect sewing machines!  I love sewing machines AND I love to sew!

About a week ago, I picked up a treadle sewing machine.  Unfortunately, the base was rusted and broken; and the cabinet was beyond repair.  I was able to save the machine head...

The decals are silver and some are missing.

The wheel could not/would not turn.

All I can say is...Yuck!

And, after a couple of days of cleaning, so far she looks like this...

She looks so much better!

A great site for information on your vintage sewing machine is ISMACS.  I found a little info on her:  Minnesota Model A - manufactured by Davis Sewing machines and sold thru Sears & Roebuck thru 1910.  The "Minnesota" was a vibrating shuttle model manufactured by the Goodrich Sewing Machine Co., of Chicago, Illinois.  Made at the company's Kankakee, IL plant.  This 1890s machine used a New Home type shuttle, a Domestic styled bobbin winder and resembles a National.

The wheel turns now!

With a little more cleaning and some new decals, she could look like new!  Treadle On was a great resource on how to clean and repair vintage machines!

Now, all I need is to find decals and 'how-to' put decals on a machine.  And, a treadle base and table.  I had fun learning how-to salvage a machine in 'this' condition.  This was my first attempt, to this extent...EVER!  I hope to get as good as some other vintage machine collector's who clean, repair and restore machines!

Have a Blessed New Year!

Merry Christmas...

and thank you! Blessings to you, all and your families!

Alyssa and a Handcrank

As a lot of you know, I've been teaching my 6 year-old daughter to sew.  I originally had been teaching her on my Morse and New Home electric machines.  When I purchased my first handcrank and let her give it a whirl, that's the ONLY machine she works on!  My husband purchased another handcrank for Christmas for me and Alyssa replied, "that's great!  Now, you have one to work on!"

 

She made a fabric ornament for her teacher, all by herself!  This weekend she made her first patchwork project, a pillowcase!

Keep creating, Alyssa!

The BEST Christmas Present...EVER!

My beautiful grandson, Gabriel!  Born December 15, 2009!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

My Early Christmas Present

I've been wanting and waiting for this machine!  Isn't she pretty?!  She is a 1890 Frister & Rossmann, Manufactured in Germany.  A handcrank with a Transverse Shuttle.

 

It's an early Christmas present from my wonderful husband and I am so thankful and delighted!

The day she arrived, I literally jumped out of my seat when the delivery man rang my doorbell!  Just like the children on Christmas morn running to gather in the living area to open presents!  I was so excited!  She was wrapped and packaged very well!  So much so, that it maybe took me a good 20 minutes to get to her!  Really, I broke out in a sweat!

She runs like a charm!

Until next time....

Cozy Kitten

I Don't Wanna Leave...

Quick Gift Idea

 I made these little coin purses for my sister's stocking stuffers and Secret Santa gifts!  They measure approximately 7" x 3" and lined.  This is a good fabric scraps buster, also!

I used a shape from a stencil; cut two of coordinating fabrics each; sewed each piece, then inserted the lining  fabric into the main purse; pressed selvedge edges down and sewed all around the edges. I couldn't decide on a closure (velcro, button, snap, etc.).  No zippers...it will not work for this purse!  Anyhow, I need to have these in the mail today!

HAPPY GIFT SEWING!