I love to go to garage sales because you never know what you are going to find. This weekend, I hit the jackpot.
I have a soft spot for old machines. In another life, I was a history teacher. The history of other people and times always appeals to me. For example, we live in an old house and I like the history of our house . It's fun to think of other people living there, who they might have been, what they might have done, the crazy home repairs they made. . .but I digress. Its history gives our house character and we love that.
Old sewing machines are just built so strong and made to last. The machine I found is approx 60 years old and it is still faithfully chugging along. The best part is that it doesn't need electricity. Yep, this baby is a treadle. So fun to use. I'm hoping to use it to teach my kids to sew, but I can't wait to play on it too. I might have to learn how to quilt. It only has a straight stitch although you can buy an attachment for zigzagging. I usually just sew clothes because making a quilt seems so intimidating. Any easy patterns you can recommend?
That reminds me: I'm thoroughly confused about what a walking foot does. All quilters seem to say that if you are going to quilt a walking foot is helpful. What does it do? Do I really need one?
Old sewing machines are just built so strong and made to last. The machine I found is approx 60 years old and it is still faithfully chugging along. The best part is that it doesn't need electricity. Yep, this baby is a treadle. So fun to use. I'm hoping to use it to teach my kids to sew, but I can't wait to play on it too. I might have to learn how to quilt. It only has a straight stitch although you can buy an attachment for zigzagging. I usually just sew clothes because making a quilt seems so intimidating. Any easy patterns you can recommend?
That reminds me: I'm thoroughly confused about what a walking foot does. All quilters seem to say that if you are going to quilt a walking foot is helpful. What does it do? Do I really need one?
OOOH! You did hit the jackpot! Good job!That is a beautiful machine!
ReplyDeleteA walking foot has feed dogs on top to match the ones that are built into the base of the machine; that makes the top layer of the quilt move at the same speed as the bottom layer, so it doesn't pucker and stretch. You only need it if you are going to do machine quilting. For sewing the pieces together to make the pattern, you only need the standard setup. That's a beautiful old machine! Someone either took perfect care of it or reconditioned it. What a find!
ReplyDeleteTamar-Thanks for the great explanation. I'll have to look around for a great deal on a walking foot.
ReplyDeletei would love to know what you paid for that....just curious! you found a beauty!!!!!
ReplyDeletemelissa
I paid a whopping $50 ☺ Love garage sales!
ReplyDelete