Thrifty Find!

I took a little stroll through the Value Village Thrift store a couple of weeks ago with Bean and look what we found!

1950 Singer 301

A 1950 Singer 301.  The "Big Sis" of the Featherweight that Hazel gave me last year. She is in pristine condition, not a thread or wisp of lint to be found anywhere.  Just a minor scratch or two if you really look close (excluding the dust she has collected this week in my sewing room after sewing a flannel housecoat!).  The cord was in excellent shape and after I oiled and greased her she purrs like a kitten.  The nice thing about her is that she fits in the same table that the Featherweight came in.  Although, when I sewed the housecoat, her top speed causes that table to shake!  I was looking for a machine to do free motion quilting on because none of mine will comply. Many of the quilting sites suggest this 301 was "made for quilting".  Imagine my surprise when I found her laying on the floor all dishevelled in her case at the thrift store!  Button holer and several interesting feet all intact in the original boxes as well. And, you will never guess at the price!  The sticker read $14.99.....and I had a coupon for 30% off!  So all in all, she cost me $10.00 and $11.00 at the local shop for a check up for the tension.  Now I need to find a free motion foot for her and see if all those quilting ladies are right.
Hope your weekend was great!
Penny

Getting Back at it!

 I guess I have been sharing the "after the season slump"  that some bloggers have been speaking of.  Not that I am in a funk or anything but this last year the ideas of what to make for whom did not come easily.  My brain hurt!  So for a week or so I have not sewn anything, which kind of makes me a little sad.  I do however want to share my favourite thing that I made last year. 

This is a journal cover that I made for one of my sisters for Christmas.  I just love how it turned out!  So much so that she almost didn't get her gift!  I used a pattern in  The New Handmade book.  I love this book and have made many items from it but this is my favourite so far.

This sheet was a thrift store find that I just had to have!  I had these exact sheets when I was little and they hold so many memories.  I really didn't like them when I was little though because the green was not my favourite colour.  I used pieces of the original sheets in a baby quilt for the sister who used to share the bed (and these sheets) with me when we were little.  Her oldest son still has that quilt!

I thought that I should show this little treasure that was given to me by Hazel as well as her stash of fabric!  It is a 1948 Singer Featherweight.  It is beautiful and it runs like a dream!  I have oiled it and cleaned it and stitched just a few lines on it.  My son loves it because the control of the foot pedal is exquisite!  When you push softly...it goes slowly, when you push harder....it goes faster!  Hopefully no more stitching through fingers for him!



In between everyone being sick through the Holidays we found a little time for comfort food! This is our favourite Monkey Bread recipe.  It goes really fast!  I had a hard time getting a picture as those tongs are in motion going in for the last few bites!                                          

Hope you have a fabulous 2011!

Button find!

There is a store in our little town called The Queen's Cupboard which sells antiques, vintage, retro and remakes of all types, plus a ton of other cool stuff, some by local artisans.  One of my patients was in the other day and mentioned to me that they had a selection of Vintage Buttons that I may be interested in (I love how my patients know me so well!)  So after work I popped in to see what was there.  I chatted to the owner as I looked at the beautiful buttons in the case and she informed me that there is a local lady who has a collection of buttons numbering around 10,000!  She collects them from all over and has many very old and unique buttons. Some with quite a history behind them!  Anyway, I chose 7 buttons from the collection in the store and the owner was kind enough to give me the collectors name and number so I can call her myself to set up a visit to see the buttons!  Once I get her permission, if she is willing, I will post contact information so all of you with a passion for buttons may connect with her and discuss your hearts desires! So here is what I picked:

The smallest button is about an inch in diameter.  The two square ones are shell and are very think and heavy.  I love them and think they will be lovely for purses or coats.  Hmmm, my Amy Butler Style Stitches book has a great pattern for a Cosmo Bag that requires one gorgeous button! OK, button: check...Fabric: well of course I have fabric, but is it THE fabric?  I don't know yet I'll have to see.  We can't get Amy Butler fabric here in Northern Ontario unless it is internet ordered.  I must check the stash to see what would be suitable.  

But for now, it has been a long day.  Both kids are having a sleep over and I think everyone is finally down for the count. So I believe that it is my turn....my pillow is calling....zzzzzzzz.....