Monday 28 July 2014

Something Old, Something New...

Today, I have two things to share.  Let's start with the new stuff.  As you know, I am a proud member of the Maritime Modern Quilt Guild.  Such a great group of gals (no guys... yet) and lots of fun.  A few months ago, we had our logo designed by Eric of Dartmouth Clothing Company (who may have a connection with one of our members). 



Now, we are working on our guild banner.  One of our members, Karen, has done a superb job on the main panel and everyone else was provided fabric to create a 6" block for the front, as well as a signature block for the back.  Of course, I can't remember any of these names, so I went to I went to Jenn's blog for a little help: Kona White, Pacific, Prussian, Aqua, Oasis, and Breakers.

Here is my contribution for the front:


Gees it's hard to take pictures of solid fabrics and get the colours right...

And here's the back:


I free-motioned my name in variegated thread using a light fusible interfacing for stability.  Here's a better look at the colours.


Love that colour scheme!

Now, about something old.  If you toured my studio, you may remember this antique sewing table which was a flea market find. 


It was a fine piece of furniture, but last week, I said goodbye and send it off to live in another home (with another member of my guild) so that I could have room for this one:


But, wait a minute.  Isn't this table smaller?  Weren't the legs nicer in the other ones?...  What gives?

Well, this one is the real thing.  It is not just a table.  There is an actual machine in it.  My grandmother's treadle sewing machine.




Isn't it a beauty?


And it works, too...



I find it fascinating to think that I could potentially sew in a power outage, with the power of my feet...


It came with the manual, a few bobbins and a box full of parts.  And check out those old fashioned wooden spools of thread.  And that "newer" plastic one there, with the 85c sign on the wrapper... 
 


I don't think it is a collector's piece or anything like that, but it is worth a lot to me.  I am honoured to have been given this little piece of my family's past.  It makes me smile every time I see it.

Have you ever sewn on a treadle machine?

8 comments:

  1. I just had mine refurbished for my birthday at the beginning of June, but I still have not sewed on it. I am intimidated by it!

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  2. Love your new Singer. I'd love to have one.

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  3. Thank you for sharing your new machine. So special to have a piece of your history.

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  4. Never been tempted to sew on a treadle machine.... but then again, I don't have one in my studio to tempt me! The banner blocks are looking good. So glad you included your blog name on your signature block... I wanted to, but didn't want to be the only one. Thanks for the shout out... I'm here to help with any and all Kona conundrums!

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  5. this machine is simply beautiful! Loving your banner blocks!

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  6. What a treasure! Did you try it, could you imagine making a whole quilt with one of those? Love the banner blocks.

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  7. Love your banner blocks. How special to own your grandmother's treadle. Have you dated it? I have my great-aunt's treadle and I am just in the process of getting it running. Needs a bobbin holder.

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  8. Such a treasure! Still can't get over that side plate -- the detail!

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