T-Shirt Quilts for Graduation

This month's project is a Memory Quilt made from t-shirts.  A friend's son is graduating from High School this month, and I volunteered my services.   My friend has gathered 30+ t-shirts, of which we are using backs and  fronts to make the blocks.  It is going to be quite a large quilt.  Egads! The last block has been cut and have lightweight interfacing attached to eliminate stretch.  They are cut 12 1/2" blocks (for 12" finished).   Tomorrow a few of us are gathering to do the layout.

Following the layout session, I went to work putting the blocks and sashing together.  I put the pedal to the medal and zoom zoom zoom I had the quilt together.  I ended up with a larger outer border than planned as the piecing we added was larger than the original 4" border. 

The quilt top, batting and backing are now sandwiched and I am working on the quilting.  Finished photos to be posted shortly.

Congratulations 2010 Graduates!

Another Old Singer Acquired - Singer 66 Godzilla Finish

Acquired another old Singer sewing machine locally.  Not yet out of the van, but so excited!  Finally a godzilla (crinkle) finish - 1950's era.  More details to come.

Photos courtesy of Mike H. of Sioux Falls SD.

Stiching up a little dress - literally.

Have picked up a couple of embroidery design sets made for sewing doll clothes.  Picked up the 18" doll clothes pattern (ie American Girl) via internet download, but purchased the 11 1/2" doll clothes pattern (ie Barbie) from Nancy's Notions.  You can find the creators at  Sisters In Stitches. 

Took on the 18" doll clothes.  It was a breeze.  You stitch out the bodice, collar, sleeves and corresponding facings - stitch them together using a 1/4" seam - hem and gather the skirt - attach the skirt and you're done.  I used my serger to do a rolled hem on the sleeves and skirt. 

Kit is dressed and ready to play.  What a fun project!

Reweaving A Sweater : A Lost Art

This week I am doing some alterations and repair work for friends and family.  The usual - hems, zippers, patches, etc.  But one unique project is the reweaving of a worn spot on a friends sweater.  When you have a favorite sweater, it's hard to throw it out, but can't be worn if the elbow is bare.   What to do?  You find someone who has the skills to re-weave your sweater.  Hopefully you have a friend who knits or live in a metropolitan area that stills has weavers for hire (sounds funny doesn't it).   In searching the web, you find the re-weaving is quite expensive and there are not a lot of crafters around still offering this service.  For small re-weaves, I found quotes ranging from $25 - $100.  And be ready to wait - most have at least a month turn around time. 

Here we go:

I began by CAREFULLY cutting out the worn area, being sure to only cut through stitches necessary.  In this instance it is a worn elbow spot.  One of the common wear spots, especially if you are in a desk job and use a mouse most of the day.   With machine made sweaters, each of the stitches are connected to the next. This means a little extra work. My intentional cuts have broken the line or bond.

If your sweater owner didn't keep the extra yarn that came with purchase, here's a tip.   I took the "cut out" with me to the yarn store to find a close match for the repair.  I didn't find a match in my first stop.  Luckily my town has several stores that stock a variety of yarns.  My third stop, I found a close match.   Whew!

So as to not lose the stitches I used a darning needle and thread to hold the lines.  Here is a closeup view for reference.

 In order to re-weave, I need to pull out some more stitches.  I am actually going to make the hole larger.  The "hanging threads" will be woven into the garment at the end to create a seamless patch.

I have used # 4 sock knitting needles to hold the stitches and bobby pins to hold the loose threads. 

Now it is time to knit up a piece to fit into the hole.  Use the sweater gauge as a guide.  You may have to knit up a couple different patches before you have the right gauge.  If you are an advanced knitter you can measure the stitches on the sweater to calculate your gauge.  ie x number of stitches per inch = a certain size needle.

TO BE CONTINUED....

Another Vintage Sewing Machine Find: Singer Model 128

Have another vintage sewing machine to add to the herd:  A 1923 Singer 128. a 3/4 size electric sewing machine with knee control.  Found her on Etsy, a great little auction site for crafting and original creations. 

Other than getting the hubby to use Mother's Polish on the "shiny" parts and a small adjustment to the shuttle tension, she was working out of the box.  The before (left) and after (right) picture don't do the pieces justice.  While they were in good condition upon arrival, the liquid wrench and mother's polish have them looking like new.  What shall I sew today?

She came in an original Singer Bentwood Box in fair condition.  The botton veneer has come off due to water damage.   It's on my list of things to fix.  Handle is solid and intact, but no key.  This case takes a Singer Flat Cabinet Key, so will add that to my treasure hunt.

Decals, 'La Vincendora' , are in great condition.  A bit of wear, but still bright and beautiful.  I will be putting on a coat of Turtle Wax to help fill in the lines and keep her looking nice.

She is an electric with a knee control.  She however does have a spoked handwheel so can easily mount and hand crank if desired.   Will sew a bit with the knee control and see what I like.

Now what shall I name her?   Victoria? 

Trash to Treasure: Singer Model 66 Treadle Sewing Machine

Came across a listing for a "Vintage Singer Sewing Machine" on Craigslist.   The seller was asking $25, so sent an email.  After a few back and forth questions, we arranged to meet at the local grocery store for the exchange.  We joked about how covert we felt when making the exchange.  Me pulling the heavy old sewing machine from the backseat of the seller's car and her taking the cold cash.

The seller told me the machine belonged to her grandmother, who lived in Mitchell, SD.   She was keeping the cabinet and installing her own new machine and didn't have a use for the old machine head.   Another treasure saved from the dump.  

Once home, I went to work researching the machine.   As is common with many of the Singers, the bobbin cover plate was missing.  A quick email to seller found she had the plate, along with misc feet and bobbins still in the cabinet.   In the meantime, I robbed a bobbin cover plate from another 66 I had and set to work.

I first wanted to date the machine.  In order to find out how old your machine is, as well as what model it is, you can utilize the Singer website.  It  has a wealth of information, as well as manuals for download and/or purchase. Many of them free, so if you are looking for a Singer Manual, check out their website first before forking over $10 or more for a photocopy off the internet.

Based on the serial number for this machine, AB 313591, I found her to be a Model 66 born on October 26, 1926 in Singer's Elizabethport Factory in Elizabeth Town, New Jersey. 

Although she came with a motor, based on the spoked handwheel, I would assume she was originally bought for a treadle.   I removed the motor, power cord and light, installed the reproduction hand crank and went to work.  After a thorough cleaning, setting the frozen bobbin winder assembly  in a pan of Liquid Wrench and a good oiling, she is stitching beautifully.  

But don't worry, the motor, power cord and light won't go to waste.  I have another Model 66 (1950's era) in need of a new motor, power cord, pedal and light.   He is next on my list to refurbish.

Now you've seen the shiney bobbin winder assembly in the photo above...here's what it looked like before I cleaned it up.  Uck!

She's all ready for a new home.  Visit my Etsy Store and take her home today.  She is ready to take her place in a treadle cabinet, have a hand crank attached, or even be motorized. 

Super Bowl Mystery Quilt 2010

Today is a me day.  I've signed up for a Super Bowl Mystery Quilt gathering at one of our local quilt shops, http://www.heirloomcreations.net/.   I've chosen three fabrics by Nancy Halvorson.   Completed my preliminary cutting and initial sewing of 32 half-square triangles.   Am packing up the sewing machine, notions, usual tools and will be on my way to the shop shortly.  Can't wait to see what the day brings.   Stop back for a play-by-play of today's project.

Happy Stitching!