September 23, 2012
Equipping myself.
I’ve always wanted to sew better than I do so to assist myself in achieving this goal, I finally cracked and have replaced my old Singer 127. But let’s take a moment to appreciate my old machine.
It’s a beauty – built in about 1918, with no electric parts, just foot power. A work horse that never needs maintenance. However to even do something as simple as a zigzag stitch, a new foot has to be attached and mastered. There is not even a reverse stitch, so all things require a work-around.
Yesterday, I went out and got myself another Singer – a Fashion Mate (handpicked by Martha – how does she find the time to stand on the assembly line choosing these?)
Steve has kindly cut me a piece of pegboard to fit under the machine so it doesn’t fall into the hole that the old machine sits in (I’ll likely paint that to cheer it up a bit). I’m loathe to give up the singer sewing table, and the old machine will still be there for power-outages or zombie apocalypses. I’ve just got the new one up and running with a minimum of frustration (which is something for me) and am already gleefully trying out every single stitch it does. This 21st century stuff is magic, I tell you!
And of course this means that the vintage valise that Steve picked up for me while he was on Prince Edward Island can be painted and converted into a sewing case!
Stay tuned for this one.
I really do admire your old machine. It’s gorgeous and they sadly don’t make things like that anymore. The new one is pretty spiffy; I wish you lots of fun and skill with it. You should give it a name.
I LOVE that little valise…my Nan used to have one just like it that we stored Barbies and their gear in. It had a beautiful silk lining that made us dream of being rich and fancy.
I dub it Victory.