Friday, March 27, 2015

Black Beauty

Remember me???? I'm now considered a "lurking blogger". I occasionally lurk around blog land, leave a comment once in a while and then disappear again! I'm amazed/intimidated/humbled by those of you who can put together a post once a week. Now those of you who post every day - do you even sleep!!!!!

I have been stitching and have several finishes to share, but first I wanted to share the new addition to my sewing room. Her name is "Black Beauty" and she was "born" March 31, 1891. She was originally a treadle machine, but was converted to electricity later in her life. We are just getting acquainted but I'm am very excited she is here with me. I have wanted a Singer Featherweight for a couple of years, but really haven't pursued finding one, just occasionally perusing flea markets, antique fairs, etc, so when I saw Beauty, I had a nice conversation with the gentleman who had her displayed at his flea market booth. I walked away, but I couldn't stop thinking about her. I did some research on-line and found that she was really a treasure and I would love to do some piecing on her. It was a full month before I returned to the flea market (it is open two weekends a month) and imagine my dismay when Beauty wasn't sitting on his display table. But I asked if him if he remembered me and if he still had the machine and he said "of course" on both counts. We traveled to the gentleman's home the next day and tried her out. She needs the electric cords replaced, but let me tell you - she purrs like a contended mama cat!










I really didn't realize that sewing machines from this era had such beautiful decals until I pieced a jigsaw puzzle of sewing notions that my daughter gave me for my birthday. After I pieced it, I mounted it in a frame and put it in my sewing room. It isn't a great photo, but you can see the four machines in the puzzle.



Her carrying case isn't pretty, but very sturdy and functional. I really don't plan to carry her around much, as I was to build a table cabinet just for her. 



Blessings and hugs to each and every one!