It Was Just One Of Those Days...

Kenny To The Rescue

I hit a wall. It was bound to happen. My Babylock "Jane" decided to be a diva. Things were going along nicely, when she just "bound up". I did the cursory "rethread", check the bobbin, all that, but the problem is in the basic mechanics of the machine, not the removable parts. So, with 3/4 of each bag finished, she decided to go on walkabout. 

Destiny is not the machine to use for these projects, so I went to my vintage machines. I have the beautiful Kenmore Model 54 that my dear Florida friend, Ellen gave me. That machine worked great, until I needed to refill the bobbin. The fly wheel that I need to loosen to allow the machine to do that function was frozen solid. I couldn't loosen it, no matter how hard I tried. "54" obviously needs a spa day. With no other viable way to reload a bobbin, I had to set her aside.

I pulled out Kenny, and without complaining that I'd ignored him for too long, he rose to the occasion and did everything I asked. I got as far as sewing on the swivel clamp tabs, and decided I was done for the day. Too much drama for this old girl. I was gassed.

So Close...

 

So, this is what I have to show you today. I'll finish the side tabs, add the handles and make the shoulder straps today. Then, these will be done.  Obviously, I'm going to have to revisit my "To Do" list. Thanks, Jane. I've learned my lesson. From now on, Jane will go to the spa before a marathon production session. Next time.

Kenny's New Girlfriend...

Brynwood Needleworks - Sears Kenmore Model 54 (158.540)

When I got to Paneras last night, my friend, Kathy said she had some things to give me. I was surprised. She told me that when our mutual friend, Ellen, moved back to Maryland, she left these things behind to give to me when I returned for a visit. (Did you follow that? lol) Because Handsome got sick at Christmastime last year, our Florida trip was cut short, and I didn't get to see her. Now that we have plenty of time to visit, Kathy could keep her word to Ellen.

Ellen had left her lifelong sewing machine behind to give me to me! It's beautiful, heavy, and came with all its original accessories, book, and even guarantee (and service records)! There are buttonhole attachments, multiple sewing feet, all the cams, bobbins, bobbin cases (new), and tools, too!

She's beautiful! The center trim on the knobs is pearlized lavender that remind me of the pearlized snaps you used to be able to purchase to use on garments and such. I can't wait to sew on her.

Brynwood Needleworks - Ellen's Sewing Chest

 

Then, Kathy said, "This was Ellen's sewing chest, too. She wants you to have it." Seriously?! For me? It's in mint condition, and is filled with her threads, buttons, trims and zippers. Everything will go back to the farm when we return, and then I'll sort through all the treasures she set aside for me to have.

I think I'll turn the cabinet into my stitching cabinet, which will sit next to my favorite chair. I'm going to give "54" a name, and we'll see how she and Kenny get along. It's going to be hard not to have her sitting out all the time, because she's so darn pretty! I'm such a lucky girl.