Well, That's More Like It!...

Feeling Better, Thanks!

The first thing I did yesterday morning was call my machine tech and ask if he had any insight into why my Jane might be giving me grief (without having to drive an hour away for him to look at her). After running through a short list - and me offering to text a few photos of the offending section of her undercarriage - he asked me if I had more than one bobbin for this machine. When I told him I did, he suggested I rethread the machine, insert a different bobbin, and see if that took care of the issue.

Guess what? It did! I admit, it never occurred to me that the bobbin might be the issue. With that being said, we were back off to the races. All the Nocturnes were finished by mid-afternoon. I spent the rest of the day cleaning up the studio and working on my list (which I admit has been shortened).

I'm so glad I had Kenny to help out in the meantime. It's amazing how a person can get so used to small amenities...like a knee lift and "reverse" bar on a machine. I kept trying to lift Kenny's presser foot with a non-existent knee lift. I giggled every time. Even so, if it weren't for Kenny, I would have lost a lot of time and sewing would have come to a halt.

I'll be making Kirby Crossbody and a few Ensemble Bags today. We'll see how much I'm able to accomplish. I need to get creative, as I'm running short on a few hardware pieces I use. What next?!

I think those who've suggested I need a spa day when this is all done might be right. I can tell you I'm sleeping like a log at night. I'm out nearly as soon as my head hits the pillow. 

Sooooo, coffee first. Studio for the rest of the day. It's a good thing I have a comfy sewing chair! Photos tomorrow. Have a great day!

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.