Week 47 of 2024

Last week I bought a 1924 Singer 127 treadle sewing machine-

I had been looking for one for a while, and this one had been for sale for a while. 

It had all the parts, the decals were in good shape, the cabinet had been refinished with an oil finish (probably in the 70's), the base didn't need to be repainted, and it was a fair price - I couldn't resist.

This one was made in St Jean-sur-Richelieu, Quebec, Canada, in 1924, at a time when electric machines were an option (this model has a spot for a motor).

It just needed a good clean - 100 years of hardened oil and grime. It hadn't been used in many years.

I was amazed how well it sewed after a clean and an oiling. Even when I machine quilted with a heavy hand quilting thread, I didn't need to adjust anything.

My first project was a little (9"x12") quilt, pieced, straight line machine quilted, and the binding, all on the treadle sewing machine.

I was so much fun to make - definitely a different skill than sewing on an electric machine (Janome makes a treadle sewing machine for people without electricity).

Millions of these machines were made, and they were built to last, so there are still lots around (the Sphinx/Memphis decal ones seem to be the most common around here). I can't imagine anyone will be sewing on my new/plastic/computerized machine in 100 years. Also, when something does one thing, it tends to do it well.

My Mom (who is an amazing sewist) learned to sew on a treadle sewing machine and now sews on a fancy computerized machine, I was impressed, but she told me it was because she was old (she did just turn 90).

Works in Progress - 

Still on track with my three year cross stitch project.

About 150 blocks, so about half way there on a Broken Dishes quilt.

Back to cold temperatures.

I started knitting a vest with some yarn that I dyed. The pattern is the Second Story Tee by Debbie O'Neill.

The yarn is Bare Capra Dk from Knit Picks (a soft Merino/Cashmere blend).

I am alternating skeins since the yarn is handdyed.

Photos from Around - 

Hopefully they are becoming friends! Sadly not yet!

Playing on a frosty morning.

They don't seem to mind the snow.

First time growing hydroponic cucumbers!

Beautiful sunrise.

All the best!♥︎

Week 46 of 2024

I finished weaving the "woven" towels this week-

 This one woven with natural 16/2 cotton for the tabby, and navy 8/2 cotton for the pattern weft. I hemmed this one on the reverse, compared to the other towels on this warp.

After cutting the towel off the loom, I spread out the warp in a different reed (original sett at 30 ends per inch, new sett at 24 ends per inch) to weave a sample with the rest of the warp. I wanted to see if the pattern would weave up with squares as opposed to diamonds, and if the width of the horizontal and vertical lines would be the same. The original pattern is made for linen threads that aren't readily available to me, so I needed a bit of experimenting to see what will work with regular cotton. I was pleased with how the sample turned out, and it was much easier to weave (quieter too).

Temperatures have been quite warm for this time of the year (over 200 days since the last snowfall!).

Photos from Around - 

Can you tell why someone gets stepped on occasionally - poor GingerSnap, the camouflage cat, always hoping for a treat in the kitchen.

Even sleeping by the food dishes, so he doesn't miss out.

A bald eagle down the road.

Sunset.

More interesting clouds.

All the best!♥︎

Week 45 of 2024

I finished a couple of projects this week -

An elongated Courthouse Steps mini quilt inspired by one on the Temecula Quilt Co blog. I used strips cut at 1+1/4", starting with a 5+1/2" long one for the centre. The quilt is about 12" x16".

Free motion quilted with an oak leaf and swirl design.

I had a little blank spot on the wall of mini quilts in my sewing room (I can see a few more blank spots!).

Also the hat I started last week (Lucy Hat by Carina Spencer).

It was a joy to knit, and I love how the colours came out (I spun a three ply yarn to blend the colours, it also made for a nice, round yarn).

One warm day this week that finished off another ball of yarn.

Photos from Around -

The hens are so friendly - Becka trying to get a closer look at the camera.

These two girls were keeping a close eye on me as I worked.

Playing their favourite game. GingerSnap will lay down on his back when he sees Molly half way across the yard - how does he know she isn't a predator!

Frosty morning walk.

Turkey tail mushrooms on a stump.

The sky full of geese.

All the best!♥︎

Week 44 of 2024

I started knitting a hat with the yarn I finished spinning last week-

The pattern is the Lucy Hat by Carina Spencer. It is one of my favourite hat patterns. I knit two, 10 years ago, but this will be my first one with handspun yarn.

Getting big!

Photos from Around - 

The clocks changed last night, the cats didn't get the memo and were wondering where lunch was.

These girls are always ready for a meal too.

A calm sunrise earlier in the week.

 

All the best!♥︎