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.

Meet "Kenny"...

I'd like to introduce you to the newest member of the Brynwood team. 

 I proudly present "Kenny". 

Kenny is the oldest member of my hardworking sewing support team. 

He was born in 1962 in Matsuyama, Japan. He's small, but extremely strong.

He's all steel and doesn't do a lot of fancy stuff, but he's willing to do what my

 "girls" won't. You see, they've been complaining about sewing through all those

 layers of fabric and stabilizers in my wallets. Frankly, I was tired of the whining. 

Miss Ellie and Cressie would stomp their feet and just skip across the fabric 

without linking threads. They told me they were meant for more complicated 

and genteel work - like embroideries and needle dancing. They're such divas!

I conducted a series of interviews, checked references and decided that Kenny

would fit in quite nicely. He's in excellent shape for his age, has had a full physical

and received a clean bill of health. He even came with examples of his work!

Kenny is a Sears Kenmore Model #148.295 (29) heavy duty, straight stitch (with

 reverse) sewing machine. He was used by one owner and was serviced every year,

 so he's been lovingly cared for all his life. I'm going to be looking for a special

table for him, too, but I'll wait until I can find just the right vintage-style one.

As you can see, he's ready to get right after the tough jobs. Yes. I think he'll do

quite nicely around here. I'm going to send each of the girls, Miss Ellie first,

to the spa for a little tune-up while I get to know Kenny a little better. They have

earned a rest, after all. They did give me their best effort, and I want to make sure

there are no hard feelings. I have some things planned for each of them in the

very near future and I want them ready, willing and able for their respective tasks.

 All I have to do is get better. Kenny is all shined up and waiting...along with ten  new wallets that are cut and waiting for his special talents. Just waiting on me.