It has been mentioned numerous times that I have a Featherweight sewing machine that wasn’t working. About 4 or so years ago I had some problems with it and I just didn’t want to spend money getting it fixed once again – this machine had been found on Ebay some years ago 10+ and I had to bring it in to get tension issues fixed on it 2 times and it cost a bit – I just didn’t want to do it one more time when I had other machines to use. Well yesterday I got it out and threaded it and tried to see if it could be figured out just because I felt like it – well I couldn’t but Mike sat down and fiddled with it for less than 5 minutes – really – and got it working again by adjusting something – so that means I have two antique machines to play with now, and my Babylock that I won last year – a small Janome in the closet that works and a Juki straight line with tension issues that has already been in the shop once only to come home and have it start to act up again within a couple days. I never in all my years thought that I would have so many machines considering I do a lot of my piecing and quilting by hand. So where do I put my machines so I will use them LOL
For now I decided to have these three out – they are out of the way at the back of the tables when not in use.
I have a feeling these antiques will probably be used the most – I think I even have Melanie talked into learning how to use them. I should make a dust cover for each of them so they stay clean but they are pretty to see so I don’t know if I will cover them up. That featherweight is so tiny next to the other one isn’t it.
I got two more blocks made for the flannel quilt and have decided on the name “Crossroads” I don’t remember who suggested it.
And a little more quilting on Tumalo Trails was done. I am linking to Beth at Cooking Up Quilts MCM# 123 today and Love, Laugh, Quilt — Small Quilts & Doll Quilts — and Em’s Scrapbag, Moving it Forward —
This much left to do
Wow! You are machine rich! I loved our old Featherweight growing up. As a teenager I would take it apart and put it back together again, and it sewed so smoothly. Dad rewired the foot pedal a couple of times, too. I was heartbroken when I learned Mom had sold it in a yard sale. I have my newer Elna and my old Viking 100, and those are really enough for me. I keep the Viking in a rolling case I take to classes as it’s really just for back up.
so sorry the family featherweight was sold – I bet they just weren’t thinking how much you would have liked to have kept it. It is amazing at times to hear of machines sold. My grandma had a treadle machine and I don’t know which kind as I really don’t remember what it looked like but I learned how to sew on it. When I was 13 grandma moved in with my aunt and her family and a lot of her stuff was put in storage and then eventually sold I suppose – sure would have liked it if someone had kept that machine and that I could have it now!!
I love your vintage and modern machines all in a row there Karen! So nice that the fw decided to come out of time out working too 🙂
I love Crossroads as a name… wouldn’t have thought of it but it is an appropriate name for sure!
Congrats on getting almost to the end of the quilting.. take care of that thumb… I have been known to get too excited at this viewing and stay up late to complete it… you were wise to stop and savor the ending of this quilt! And save your thumb from hurting too <3
Hope your weather cools this week so you can at least enjoy the morning on your porch before humidity or heat or both overtake the fun of it! Kathi
I was close to finishing Tumalo Trails last night but didn’t push it – I think it has at least another hour or so before it is complete – plenty to work on tonight still before it comes off the frame. – I need to get a label ready and some binding – some to think of it I’m not sure if I have made a label for the last two quilts!
I’ve noticed lots of bloggers showing Featherweights and talking about how much they enjoy sewing with them! Glad you have yours figured out! I’m pretty sure my mom had one, too, when I was a growing up. Of course, back then I was not interested and now it is long gone!
I know what you mean so many of us had grandma’s or mothers that had old machines and wonder what happened to them – grandma had a treadle – I don’t know where it ended up wish I had it now
I love working with vintage machines. They are great for piecing.
they do piece very well don’t they and usually they are easier to fix than the modern computerized ones that have to be taken to the specialist and cost $$$ to fix usually
I love your new flannel project. I just got a Singer 66 red eye treadle. Tom cleaned it and it took me a bit to adjust the tension but it’s finally working. I was amazed that we could order a leather belt for it on Amazon
it is amazing what all can be ordered. I wonder if I could find the decals for the machine – the top is in good condition but the paint and decals on the bottom are worn completely off in places
You are really chugging along. Great progress on all projects. Cute machines all lined up.
too many machines LOL – no more for me
I enjoy sewing on my featherweight until I want to do a zigzag stitch — which doesn’t happen all that much. I have a little bigger singer that I call the heavyweight. My mom bought it used in the 50’s. I should pull it out and get it working again. It probably would sew as well as the featherweight.
yes the little featherweight does sew pretty good – I rarely ever use more than a straight stitch too
It’s so neat that you got the Featherweight up and running. I love the look of the machines all lined up and ready to sew. I use my Featherweight so much and enjoy using it. It really is a workhorse and never gives me any trouble. I like the name Crossroads for your flannel quilt, it suits it nicely. You’ll be finished with Tumalo Trails in no time, you are so close to a finish. Have a happy stitching day!
I should finish Tumalo Trails tonight unless something comes up
I’m sorry but te sight of those machines lined up makes you a collector! ???
nope not a collector just lucky they work!
Love your little machine parade! They look so happy, waiting there to be used!
who would have thought a quilter who does most work by hand would have so many lol – and to think one on the table (the most expensive) I won and the oldest was only $41
Many years ago I came across an old GRAYBAR at the mission store. Couldn’t resist…..weighed a TON though. It’s on display. A year or two later I bought a Featherweight but while I could sew with it awhile, the thread kept getting caught under the bobbin and it would take me half a day to use tiny little tools to try to fix that and honestly, I’ve not the patience to do that over and over again. I think that after about 3 times, I’d had it. It is a display piece only now.
the featherweight has given me tension issues in the past so I do wonder how it will work now – but the Red Eye so far even though it is heavy beyond believe works like a charm – the Babylock being my most expensive machine but cost me nothing is already giving me a few problems!
I am so glad I stopped by today to read this post as you–inadvertently, I’m sure–helped me solve the mystery of how you get so much done. I’ve been wondering about it for some time now! Thank you for showing me those three machines. Now, I just need to figure out how you’re able to keep them running all at the same time!
oh how funny you are 🙂 one at a time is it for me – I guess I am just fast LOL