I know I'm not going to be ready to sew clothes on my new baby for some time. Plus, I'd still want to use my serger and/or coverstitch machine and they (and all my other sewing stuff) are in the other room. While I can see changing machines during a project, I can't see me going back and forth between *rooms* no matter how close they are to each other.
But, I do want to use my machine for something "real" now that it's clickety-clacking along so nicely. (What a lovely rhythmic sound it makes!) What more appropriate than a quilt, right? I'm not a quilter, really, but I did start two ambitious Fons & Porter quilt projects SIX YEARS AGO (OMG, where did that time go??) and then life took over and I never made myself go back to them.
I saw the "Stars and Stripes" projects on the F&P show and really liked them. I still love the look of the finished quilt and wall hanging and I've already got all the fabrics, with many pieces even cut out and waiting. So, that's what I'll be doing on weeknights when I'm too tired to sew clothing but still want to sew. I can vegetate in my bedroom with the DVR but instead of doing nothing else, I can sit at my treadle and make some progress on getting these two quilting projects done, little by little.
I'll have to sort out what I have and revisit the book/instructions, but I can do that while I'm waiting for my new bobbins and winder wheel.
To see what the finished versions should like and the rest of the blocks I completed in 2003, click here.
I'm so glad you're enjoying your new toy. It's such a lady's machine. So pretty and feminine. I think quilting is just perfect for your first project on her. But watch out, quilting can become as addicting as eating potato chips, you can't just sew one.
ReplyDeleteIt looks like you got a lot of blocks done already. What do you mean you're not a quilter. They look great. Seems like a great project for such a grand old lady 93 years young.Wonder how many calories you burn sewing on that old treddle.
ReplyDeleteBConky - I can technically make the blocks, it's just that it's not my primary love in sewing. I'm more a garment sewer at heart. But it will be nice to work on these projects over time with no deadline (and no fitting alterations!).
ReplyDeleteI've been working (OK, mostly ignoring) making throw pillows to go in a room that my dearly beloved swears I ripped off from his granny's house, circa 1909, the same year as my treadle machine. Of course, I'm using the treadle machine; it seems appropriate. Problem is, life gets in the way of doing other things, like treadling! And my 13 year old periodically bawls me out for ignoring what he considers HIS machine, since he did the cleaning through which you're now suffering. It is a fun item!
ReplyDeleteNow that I'm taking a quilting class, I can tell exactly how that lock was made! I feel so smart! LOL!
ReplyDeleteI have a vintage Singer that belonged to my mother. This may be the time to get some work done on her. Thanks for the inspiration.
Congrats on your new toy. I had an opportunity to sew on my grandmoms old treadle machine when I was a teen and while listening to the clickety-clacking as you called it, I could only think of how she must have felt using the machine. That sound will put you in a trance and take you back to times unknown. Be careful:)
ReplyDeleteI must work on getting my treadle cleaned and in good working condition this winter. I always have to think what life would be like if the power were out for an extended period and none of the fancy machines could be used and no computer either for entertainment. My aunt long ago sewed tailored adult outfits for my mother and herself and beautiful little dresses for me,and quilt tops on her treadle. I don't remember lots but that she used some attachments like a binder and tucker on that thing. I don't even know how to use a binder foot on my machines. I am already in awe of your sewing skills and now you plan to make a Singer treadle smoke. How nice that machine came to live with you. mssewcrazy
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