a Scrap of Life

A few photos from this weekend

2012-02-06T14:34:00.002-04:00

I had a couple of little get-togethers this weekend. The girls I knit with celebrated 3 years together with a pot luck on Saturday, and then the family got together on Sunday to celebrate my mother-in-law's 60th birthday. These are a few of my favourite shots from the weekend.

Josh, my 9 year old

Bree, 11 weeks, one of my knitting girl's baby

Molly and Sean, my niece and nephew

Asher, my 6 year old.

And a little collage of my (unsuccessful) attempt to get a nice photo of all three of my kids together at the same time LOL

A Few Recent Knitted Projects

2012-02-01T16:27:00.001-04:00

Since replacing my camera last week, I finally managed to find time to photograph a few of my recently completed knitting projects. They've been sitting on my Ravelry projects page, blank faces staring at me, making me feel guilty for not getting around to taking their photos sooner.

I also just purchased a new flash unit (Canon Speedlite 430EX II), and to be honest, I'm not sure how I lived without one up until now. The difference in my photos is amazing, and other than cropping and adding a bit of creative vignette I didn't even have to do any post-editing.

So, first up is one of my all-time favourite projects, a Montego Bay Scarf, knitted in gorgeous Hand Maiden Sea Silk. I found this yarn in a great little yarn store called Hip 2 Knit when we were in Regina visiting Jeff (my husband, who's out there working). I almost walked away without buying it due to the very intimidating price tag of $42 (!!!). Anyone who knows me knows that I am F.R.U.G.A.L. and I would never normally spend that much money on a single skein of yarn. But my wonderful husband practically ordered me to buy it, so who was I to refuse?!

Isn't it beautiful???

Then I have a Chunky Dean Street Hat, and a Cabled Cowl, both knitted out of Luxury Baby Alpaca (also purchased in Regina, at a store called Golden Willow Natural Fiber).

Next up, a Slouchy Hat and Chunky Braided Cable Scarf, done in Bernat Natural Blends Alpaca:

And finally, a BoysenBerry Cowl, knitted with MadelineTosh Vintage in a gorgeous green:

All of these pattern can, of course, be found on Ravelry. If you're a knitter and for some reason aren't on Ravelry yet, you really need to check it out. It's THE place online to find patterns and meet fellow yarn enthusiasts!

Have an Epiphanie?

2012-01-31T15:56:00.000-04:00

Well, I do. That is to say, a new Epiphanie camera bag! It arrived a couple of days ago, and I am in love. A friend of mine recently brought this awesome line of camera bags to my attention, and as soon as I saw them I knew I just had to have one. It helped that I've been increasingly frustrated with my current bag, a backpack/sling type bag that was awkward to carry and downright annoying to try and change equipment out of on the fly. It also didn't have room for the new flash unit I was coveting. After some discussion with my dearest husband, he said to go ahead and get a new bag as an early birthday gift. Woot!

After much perusing of the different styles available, and reading pretty much every review/blog post about them on the internet, I finally decided on the newest bag, Lyric. I even love the name. In the end, I was most torn between Lola (the original Epiphanie) and Lyric. They share pretty much the same dimensions, with Lola having an 8" deep base compared to Lyric's 4". I was worried Lyric might be too small... but also concerned about Lola being too awkward on my 5'0" self. Also, since Lyric is the newest in the Epiphanie lineup, there just weren't as many reviews out there that showed just what it's capable of. Now that I have it and have used it some, I'm going to add my 2 cents to the blogosphere :)

Right off the bat, I was delighted with the extra care that went into packaging the bag. It came in this branded box that had me grinning from ear to ear with anticipation before even opening it.

Upon opening the box, I came face-to-face with a lovely little epiphany in the form of a quote-on-a-sticker. Just how did they know I already love that quote? And how did they know I'm a knitter? Look at that lovely knitted cowl in the photo! Oh, and a great thank-you card, also.

After reading other reviews and seeing that the bags come in a great zippered dust cover that matches the interior, I was expecting one in grey. Instead, I was happy to see mine was the same gorgeous plum colour as the bag itself.

Of course, once I took it out of the box, my cat, Penny, had to jump in and investigate :)

I have to say, I love absolutely everything about this bag. The exterior leather-like material is sooo soft and supple, you'd swear it was real. Never mind the gorgeous colour. I was torn between plum and slate blue, and I'm really happy with my decision. The braided handle feels good on my shoulder, and even when the bag is packed full it carries the weight very comfortably. Using the included cross-body strap makes it feel almost like I'm not carrying anything at all. With either strap, it's really easy to just reach into the bag and grab whatever I need.

The only "negative" thing I could think of to say is in regards to adjusting the interior, moveable sections. I put negative in quotation marks because it's not really a negative. You would have laughed watching me try to get these dividers into the position I wanted them. The velcro sides are able to stick anywhere in the interior of the bag, which allows for a customized fit for your gear. What that means is that when you try and get the dividers down to the bottom of the bag, they catch and stick everywhere! While it was a bit of a pain getting them where I wanted them, in the end, I'm glad they were so difficult because I know those dividers aren't going anywhere. They're going to stay in place and protect my equipment.

Hanging out in my snow and ice covered yard!

Great camera bling! This photo also most accurately shows the true plum colour of the bag.

Now the big question: Just how much can this bag hold? Even though Lyric is the "baby" of the family, it can pack a LOT of gear!

Here's what I can fit in mine: Canon T3i body with 50mm lens attached. Attached camera strap, including wireless remote. 18-55mm kit lens. 100-300mm telephoto lens. Canon Speedlite 430EX II. Fidelity Versapod Pro tripod. Cross body strap. Wristlet (or wallet). Cell phone. iPod Touch.

The rear pocket is big enough to hold both my Kobo Vox tablet, and my Kobo Touch eReader. In interior zippered pocket holds my gray card, lens cleaning solution and cloth. The small front pockets hold spare batteries for camera and flash, filters and SD card case. Sorry for the crummy iPod photo.

Here you can see how it all fits inside. My camera with a lens attached fits sideways into the empty space in the middle, with the attached strap tucked underneath the lens. My wristlet/wallet sits on top, or in the camera space when I have my camera around my neck.

So there you have it, my little review of Epiphanie's Lyric bag!

Oh Baby!

2012-01-23T15:34:00.003-04:00

I was recently asked by a good friend if I would take photos for her at her baby shower, and of course I accepted.

It also gave me an excuse to knit something adorably tiny :-)

The pattern for this sweet little cardigan is called Concentric Stripes and can be found on Ravelry (of course!), and the little hat is the Little Boy Blue Ribbed Baby Hat. Knit with Cascade Eco Duo yarn, which is 50% baby alpaca and 50% merino wool, and is absolutely luscious yarn.

I also broke out my scrapbooking supplies for the first time in a long time, and remembered just how much I love papercrafting. I can't wait to have a dedicated craft room some day, with room to leave my supplies out for easy access/use. For now I took time to make a card to go with my gift.

So, that's how I spent my weekend :) I'm still waiting for my new camera and bag to arrive... the waiting is killing me!

Some new lovelies on their way to me!

2012-01-20T11:24:00.001-04:00

Sometimes I think there's nothing more fun than eagerly awaiting parcels in the mail. I've got some doozies on the way right now, and I can barely contain myself waiting for them to arrive.

First up is a biggie. A new camera! Woot! My old camera (Canon Rebel XS) completely fizzled out on me last week, when I went to change out my lens and discovered it suddenly wouldn't recognize any of my lenses. I took it into my local camera shop and they did their best to fix it, but determined it was something wrong with the internal circuitry and would need to be sent into Canon for repair. In their experience it would end up costing me several hundred dollars to have it fixed, so I decided that money would be better spent upgrading :-)

Although I'm a huge fan of supporting local business, I'm purchasing my new camera body online from B&H in the states instead of at my local camera shop this time. I just couldn't pass up the huge savings (almost $400 total for the camera body, external flash unit and 3 year warranty, including accidental damage).

After much back-and-forth between the Rebel T3i and the 60D, I found an excellent side-by-side review of the 2 cameras and decided to go with the T3i. The only differences between the two are that the 60D has a larger body (to accommodate the top LCD screen, mostly) and faster continuous shooting (5.3 vs 3.7fps). I have smaller hands and would prefer a smaller body, anyway, and I can't recall ever using the continuous shooting on any of my DSLR's. So the choice was easy.

*Photos courtesy of B&H Photo.

My other exciting purchase is a gorgeous Lyric camera bag by Epiphanie, in Plum!!! I just can't wait for it to get here. It's one of their newer bags, and I was kind of worried it might be too small, but I was worried the next smallest (the Lola) would be too big on me to carry around while shooting. Because it's newer, it was tough finding many reviews on it online that really showed what it could hold. I'll post my own review once it arrives!

12 in 2012

2012-01-18T15:34:00.000-04:00

So, it seems as though bloggers everywhere are participating in the Day Zero Project, where they create 101 goals they hope to accomplish in the next 1001 days. I love the concept, but honestly don't think I could come up with 101 ideas. So I've decided I'm going to do my own version: 12 in 2012. Twelve things I'd like to accomplish this year.

1. Post on my blogs more consistently. At least 2-3 posts per week between the two

2. Find time and space to get back to scrapbooking

3. Make myself a knitted sweater

4. Reach my weight-loss goal

5. Read at least one good book per month

6. Take a family vacation

7. Pay off our debt (credit card and line of credit), and have a month's expenses in savings

8. Bring my camera with me everywhere I go (and use it every day!)

9. Figure out a system to keep up with the housework

10. Start saving towards our own piece of land

11. Learn how to play the piano

12. Streamline our homeschooling to be more efficient

OK, there you have it. My 12 for 2012.

Some new project bags

2011-11-05T12:19:00.001-03:00

A few more of the knitting project bags I've made over the last few months:

Monsoon!

2011-11-03T15:12:00.000-03:00

That's the name of this funky new yarn I bought recently. I used the entire skein and got this fabulously long scarf out of it. The pattern is the Mile-a-Minute Scarf #2. The only thing that could have made this yarn better, would be if there was more than just the one section of the awesomely bright green.

Sheepy Applique: Free Knitting Pattern!

2011-10-27T11:29:00.002-03:00

I'm so excited to share my very first knitting design!

Isn't it cute?! I was inspired by a super adorable Sheep Hat in the book 60 Quick Baby Knits which I recently knit up for an upcoming baby shower:

The chochet-look stitch is called the Trinity Stitch, and it gives the sheep an awesome, puffy, sheepy look. I wanted to make a little matching sheep that I could add to a baby sweater to go with the hat. For the sweater, I chose a simple pattern (Striped Outfit for a Striped Knight, available on Ravelry) and knit it in colours to match the hat.

Here they are, hanging out like two sheep in a knitted meadow, lol:

To knit my little Sheepy Applique, you'll need less than 50yds of a worsted weight yarn in white, less than half that in a dark grey and some scrap black yarn for the eyes. Also, size 7 (4.5mm) needles.

Download the pattern for free! Perfect for adding to a sweater, bag, hat or just about anything that could use a little sheepy cuteness. If you make my little Sheepy, I'd love to see it! Feel free to use it however you'd like, but please give credit where it's due with a mention and/or a link back to me. Thanks!

Teardrop Bag and Key-Keeper Coin Purse

2011-10-25T14:03:00.001-03:00

Here are two more of the great bags from Amy Butler's Style Stitches book: The smaller sized Teardrop Bag, and the Key-Keeper Coin Purse. While I made them in matching fabrics, they're not really meant to use together, as the coin purse barely fits into the opening of the bag. When she calls it a key-keeper, she means it, you can easily fit your keys, a lip gloss, bank card and driver's license in this adorable little bag.

Speaking of fabrics, I just love these funky prinst I found at Fabricville a while back. I got them on clearance for $2.99/meter.

The bright lime in the remnants bin, just under a meter for less than $2. I used it as lining for both bags.

I didn't keep these bags, they were prizes during the Opening Celebration of a message board I help to run. I'm looking forward to using some of the fabric on a bag for myself really soon, though!

Eyjafjallajökull Shawl

2011-10-25T08:53:00.001-03:00

Here is one of my most recently finished knitting projects, an Eyjafjallajökull Shawl. The name means Island Mountain Glacier, and is the name of the volcano that erupted in Iceland last year. That volcano apparently inspired the designer to create this beautiful lace pattern.

This was my first time knitting lace, and it was much easier than it looks. I used stitch markers between each pattern repeat, which helped minimize the amount of tinking back I had to do. I gifted this to my sister-in-law for her birthday at the end of August, since I thought it suited her more than it does me.

The upper portion of the third photo shows the gorgeous colour of the yarn best. I knit this using Berocco Ultra Alpaca Fine, which was a dream.

A Design of My Own

2011-04-21T12:47:00.000-03:00

Several weeks ago, I went to my weekly knit-in and brought my current project in a little Japanese Knot Bag which I'd made from a Martha Stewart pattern a couple of years ago. It received a lot of comments. One of the members of my knitting group owns a yarn store (Trish's Crafty Corner, 77 Catherwood St, Saint John west side) and asked if I'd be interested in selling something similar in her store, on consignment. That following weekend, I sat down and drafted (my first!) patterns for two different knitting project bags. They're each sized to carry a smallish project... socks, mittens, a scarf or similar.

First up is a variation of the Japanese Knot Bag. They are usually circular/rounded, but I made mine boxier. Tall enough to accommodate circular or double-pointed needles, an interior and exterior pocket. The squared bottom allows it to stand up on its own, while the signature Japanese Knot Bag handles are perfect for looping over your arm for easy knitting while riding the bus or anywhere you'd prefer not to set your bag down. It's also fully reversible!

The other bag I call the Trapezoid Bag. This bag is wide enough to accommodate 10" straight needles. It has an interior pocket for notions, a magnetic snap closure and reinforced cut-out handles.

I have several more of each design in various stages of completion to bring into the store next week. Stop by Trish's and check them out if you're in the area, and don't forget to check out all her yummy yarn while you're there!

Finally! Blossom Bag Completed!

2011-04-08T11:30:00.001-03:00

So a few posts ago, I shared the awesome home decor weight fabric I had picked up to make Amy Butler's Blossom Bag. I had all my fabric cut, but was delayed due to not having any magnetic snaps. Then, once the snaps arrived in the mail, I discovered I didn't have enough interfacing on hand, so the project was set aside for over a week until I could get to the fabric store to buy some more. I was able to pick some up on Tuesday evening, and over the last three days I was able to finally complete the bag. It's a straightforward pattern, but it has a LOT of pieces to cut, iron and sew, so it's not a quick project.

After all that, I absolutely LOVE this bag. It's by far my favourite, and most professional looking project I've ever sewn. The home decor fabric made a huge difference in the quality of the finished look, and I'm happy I took the time (and extra fabric) to match up all the stripes... well, all the stipes in the front ended up matching perfectly, but apparently I wasn't great at visualizing the ones in the back LOL Oh well, the ones in the front are the ones everyone will see, right?

So here's the outside front of the bag:

and the back:

A couple of detail shots... The handle ties were the most fiddly part of the bag to work with, but even they weren't too bad, and I absolutely love how professional they make the bag look.

The great ruffled/tucked in sides, caused by pinching the fabric in around the interior divider panels. These I had to hand-sew in place. Because of the heavier weight fabric and all the layers, even my workhorse vintage Singer couldn't handle it.

The interior, with two divider panels, one zippered:

The only modification I made to the pattern was to add an extra small tuck on either side in the front. Without them, the front of the bag gaped open. I didn't like the look of it, and it made it difficult to get the flap closed properly. The extra little tucks fixed that issue perfectly.

The photos are deceiving, because the bag is actually fairly large. It's 15" wide across the bottom, 8" tall (not counting the straps) and 6" deep. The non-zippered divider pocket is the perfect size to hold my Kobo eReader and my iPod Touch, keeping their screens safe from potential scratches caused by keys and such things. My wallet and coin purse nestle perfectly in the center section, the zippered divider is great for keeping girly unmentionables tucked away, and there's still lots of space left for cell phone, keys and the numerous other things one manages to accumulate in her purse.

The pattern can be found in Amy Butler's Style Stitches book, but it's also available for FREE on the SewMamaSew blog!

Boye Needles + Options Cables = Love!

2011-03-30T15:28:00.000-03:00

I've been so excited to share this, I've been going nearly mad waiting for this tiny little package to arrive in the mail for the last month!

My very first set of interchangeable knitting needles was a brand new package of Boye Interchangeables I found on ebay for just $10. I used those pretty exclusively for a year or so, until I decided to give into the peer pressure (ie everyone raving about them) and try out Knit Picks Options. Since I couldn't afford a whole set, I just bought 3 sizes of needle tips and a set of two cables.

What I discovered was that the needles themselves were great, but I was just as happy with my Boye needles (plus they're so pretty with all their colours!). I also discovered, however, that the Options cables are far, FAR superior to the Boye cables. I instantly became spoiled, and found myself cursing the Boye cables whenever I had to do a project that I didn't have the correct size Options for. It didn't take long for me to try putting my Boye tips onto the Options cables, but the tips were just a little too small to screw on more than a half turn.

Once again, I turned to Google. First I found Fleegle, who had her tips converted by a gunsmith. Great! It could be done! But I wasn't about to spend $3+ per tip to have them done, I just knew there had to be a more frugal option. After much searching, I found Kat's story of how her father converted her tips for her, using a small handheld tap. I figured, I'm pretty handy, so why couldn't I do it myself, too? Kat helpfully provided the correct tap size, 3-56. Or for my fellow Canadians, if you're luckier than me and can find one locally, the metric conversion is M 2.5 x 0.45 I couldn't find one this small locally, but was able to get one from an ebay store called CoulterPrecision for just under $5 US, including shipping. They were great to work with, my only complaint being with Canadian Customs for holding my package up for several weeks.

With some help from Jeff, we rigged up a little vise grip to help turn the tap by hand. The round rubber grippy pad that came with my Boye needles (to help screw them in tightly) turned out to be perfect for holding the needle tip while tapping it. The trick with tapping them, is to go slowly, screw in the tap a few turns, then unscrew a few turns each time while blowing out the little metal shavings it creates.

With a little bit of patience, it will give you a join that is pretty near perfect:

There is a barely perceptible ridge at the join, and after knitting a few rows in both fingering weight and worsted, I didn't experience any snagging at all. I really couldn't tell the difference between knitting with the Boye tip vs the Options tip. Here are the two, side by side:

And here is my Frankenstein Options cable, with a Boye tip on one end, and an Options tip on the other:

I now feel like I have the best of both worlds. I plan to keep an eye open for a 2nd Boye Interchangeable set, so I can have two sets of the different needle sizes, and I'm going to stock up on the different sizes of Options cables. If you decide to attempt surgery on your needles, I love to know about it!

Sweet Harmony Handbag

2011-03-21T16:57:00.002-03:00

I haven't done any crafting the last couple of days, it seems like everyone in my house has been sick with one thing or another this past week. I did, however, finish a new handbag just a couple of weeks ago that I want to share. The pattern is Amy Butler's Sweet Harmony Handbag and Tote. I made the larger tote version first, as a gift for my MIL, who picked out the fabrics. I love everything about the pattern except for the handles:

There's only one handle, and between the length of it and the way it's attached, I found it really awkward to really get in the tote to rummage around for stuff.

So, I went on to make the handbag version. I really love the handbag version of this pattern! It's a great size for someone like me who always seems to have to lug around a ton of stuff. It fits my wallet, sunglasses, coin purse and Kobo eReader in the main compartment perfectly. Instead of the pattern handle, I made two simple handles instead, which easily fall open to the sides for easy access to the interior.

Inside, I added zippers to both interior pockets (the pattern called for one zippered and one not).

I made two other modifications. I didn't have any magnetic snaps, so instead I made a button flap closure. I also added an additional small pocket inside each of the exterior pockets (one on each side. The pattern called for just one small pocket on one side). They're perfect for holding a cell phone, iPod, small notebook, or anything else you need quick and easy access to.

The Sweet Harmony pattern is not included in Amy's Style Stitches book. It can be found in several different online stores for around $12.

Give a Hoot!

2011-03-18T22:14:00.002-03:00

In the spirit of my new owlie blog design, I thought I'd share a pair of mittens I finished last month. The pattern is called Give a Hoot, and it's seriously adorable.

This first photo best shows the actual colour, while the other two let you see more of the detail in the pattern. This pattern has the absolute best thumb gusset ever, they just hug your hand as though they were designed just for you.

You can find this free pattern directly on the designer's website, Kelbourne Woolens, and it also has a project page on Ravelry. If you're a knitter and you're not yet a Ravelry member, why not?! It's fantastic and you should check it out!

A New Look!

2011-03-17T19:28:00.001-03:00

Well, I couldn't get any crafting done today, really. Corban wasn't feeling well all day and was really clingy, so I spent most of my day on the couch with him snuggled up with me. Since all I could really do was use the computer, I decided to revamp my blog. I currently have a tiny obsession with cute owls, so I thought I'd incorporate some into my design.

The cute owls and branches are PhotoShop brushes from Theshelfs on deviantART and Pumpkins&Posies, and the clouds in the background are also PS brushes, from tomqvaxy on deviantART. Thanks to them for their awesome graphic design skills!

Today's Project: Blossom Bag

2011-03-16T11:06:00.001-03:00

Like I said in yesterday's post, I'm really loving Amy Butler's new Style Stitches book. Based on looks alone, my favourite bag from the book is the Blossom Bag:

I love everything about it. The shape, the size, the awesome details on the straps. And look at all the great compartments inside! I picked out some gorgeous home decor weight fabric last week, with this bag in mind. This fabric was on these big rolls right across from one of the cutting tables at the store, and it had been calling my name the last several times I was in the store. At $19.99/meter, though, I just couldn't ever justify the cost. Well, Jeff got a great tax refund this year, and we each got a bit of spending money AND the fabric store was having a big sale. I got my regular 20% member discount, plus an additional 30% off the pink lining fabric. And on top of that, I found a meter of the home dec weight white fabric (for the interior dividers) in the remnants bin for a measly $2.50 !!! Check it out, isn't it lovely?

Today I plan to get all my pattern pieces cut out, and my interfacing ironed on, at least. Then I'll try and get started on the sewing. I'm going to get stuck at one point when it comes to putting the exterior together, though, as I'm waiting on a mail delivery from Hong Kong of some magnetic snaps for the closure.

For anyone else who thinks this Blossom Bag is full of awesome, you don't have to buy the book. The pattern is available for free on the Sew Mama Sew blog!

Amy Butler's Style Stitches

2011-03-14T09:59:00.001-03:00

Wow, it's been almost a whole year since I've posted anything to this blog. It's amazing how quickly time goes by. In the past, this blog has kind of gone in all different directions and has been pretty random. Moving forward, I think I'm going to focus it on my hobbies.

With that, I'm going to start with a review of and sharing a project from Amy Butler's newest pattern book Style Stitches. I bought this book a couple of weeks ago and I simply adore it!

The tagline says "12 easy ways to 26 wonderful bags!", which basically means there are 12 bag patterns and most of them include some sort of variation. Most of these variations are in the size of the bag, ie a smaller handbag size and a larger tote size of the same pattern. Still, with a little imagination, almost every bag is easily customizable beyond just choosing your fabric, whether it be changing up the straps or closures, or adding your own embellishments.

The book itself has some really great features. First of all, it's spiral-bound, so all the pages lay open flat for easy use. It has lots of great photographs and diagrams, easy-to-follow directions and detailed material lists for each project. It also includes a pocket at the back filled with all the pattern pieces you'll need to make any of the bags.

Here's a project I just finished. The bags are the Teardrop Bag, and the Key Keeper Coin Purse.

These particular bags are being given away as prizes on the online forum I help run, Fresh Start Forums. I really like them, though, and plan on making a set for myself soon, too. First up for me, though, is going to be the Blossom Bag from the book. I've already bought the most gorgeous home decor fabric for it.

If you already have Style Stitches, or are planning to buy it, you might also want to check out the fun Style Stitches Monthly Bag Challenge sew-a-long happening over at JemJam!

How To Thread a Top Tension Sewing Machine

2010-04-28T10:15:00.001-03:00

I thought I'd put up this little diagram after having so much trouble finding any directions online of how to properly thread my top-tension treadle machine. As there don't appear to be any existing manuals for my machine, I eventually had to piece it together using old diagrams and bits of directions from manuals for different models of machines. That said, it appears that different top tension models were each a bit unique in their set up, but this should help get you started, at least!

With the thread coming off the back of the spool, pass the thread behind the tension screw (1) and through the slot/hole in the tension plate (2). The thread will then pass towards the front of the machine, between two plates. Mine has a small notch that the thread naturally slipped into. Next, slip the thread underneath the eyelet (3), then through the notch at the top of the little post (4).

This next bit was a little tricky to figure out. The easiest way to do it is to bring the thread straight down behing the little guard (5), then reach in from the front and pull a little loop of thread towards you through the guard and loop it over the hook (6). All that's left now is to thread the needle (7) from left to right. The few top-tension machines I've seen online so far have all threaded left to right.

That's it! I hope someone else finds this useful!

My Treadle: Restored

2010-04-26T20:54:00.001-03:00

I finally finished restoring the old treadle sewing machine I bought a couple of months ago. After doing some more research, I no longer believe it's a Davis made machine. Instead, it appears to be a US-made machine (possible a Free model) that was purchased by the Canadian based Raymond Sewing Machine Co. who made modifications to the design (such as the very Canadian maple leaf and shamrock decals, and the bobbin winder). There don't appear to be any records kept to date my machine based on the serial number, but extensive researching and the advice of several antique-sewing-machine-savvy individuals I've been fortunate to chat with online leads me to believe it was likely manufactured sometime in the 1890's. It's surely no younger than 1916, when Raymond sold to White Sewing Machine Co, who moved the company to Cleveland, Ohio.

I love that it's a Canadian machine! As many of the vintage sewing machine enthusiasts name their machines, I've decided to name her Marie-Colleen. "Marie-" on account of my Acadian-French-Canadian heritage (the maple leaves), and "Colleen" for my husband's Irish roots (the shamrocks).

Now, onto her restoration. This was a pretty time-consuming process, but it was well worth it for the gorgeous sewing machine I've ended up with. I didn't want to completely refinish the cabinet, since the original finish was in pretty good condition. I started out with a bit of carpenter's wood glue and some clamps to fix some loosened veneer in a few places. Then it was time to clean it up:

I started by clearing out a decade's worth of dust and sunflower shells (presumably left by a previous mousy tenant), then cleaned the entire cabinet with a solution of Murphy's Oil Soap and warm water. That was followed up by a rub down with some Trade Secret Scratch Remover for Dark Wood, which effectively covered up the worst of the scratches and stains and helped blend in some places where the finish had lightened due to sun exposure. There are still some bits that look less than perfect, but I prefer it to look "old and well cared for", rather than brand new. I finished it up with a good polish with Old English Lemon Oil, to give it a nice sheen and to protect the wood.

Also in line with restoring the cabinet were the treadle irons. These were rusty in spots, and had many areas with large portions of the original paint completely flaked off down to the bare iron. So, with Jeff's help, I completely took the irons apart and repainted them with Tremclad Rust Paint. Here they are after getting a primer coat, looking positively ghostly:

The cabinet before having any work done:

And after being restored:

Now, the machine itself was also in pretty decent shape. It had a layer of dusty grime coating most of it, and the metal bits had a fair amount of rust. The rusty bits I scoured with some super fine grit sandpaper and sewing machine oil, then once the rust was gone I shined them up with some metal polish. Then the inside workings got all the accumulated lint brushed out, everything sprayed with some liquid wrench to losen up the caked on old gunky oil, a dozen sheets of paper towel to clean that up and then fresh oiling on all her moving parts.

On her outside, she got a thorough cleaning with mild dish soap and water, which removed the layer of dusty grime. Then she got a coating of TR-3 Resin Glaze. This is a product which was often recommended by vintage machine enthusiasts online, and which I had to have an American friend buy for me and ship up here because it's not sold in Canada:

After that dried and got a good buffing, I gave the whole outside of the machine several rub downs, over several days, with sewing machine oil. And there you have it. Like I said, a lot of work, but totally worth it.

Before:

After:

Before:

After:

Before:

After:

*sigh* Isn't she beautiful? And she sews such a gorgeous stitch, too. I'm hoping to have some treadle-powered sewing projects to share really soon.

I also think I'll post a couple of how-to's sometime in the next couple of days. I had a bugger of a time finding directions anywhere on how to properly thread a top-leaf-tension machine. Now that I've got it figured out, maybe I can help someone else out with my new knowledge.

A New Project

2010-04-04T08:26:00.001-03:00

Check out my latest aquisitions!

This one is an 1890's Davis Model C:

And this is a 1904 Singer Model 27:

which came with this great antique Singer puzzle box full of attachments:

Aren't they beautiful?! They both need a little bit of repair to their front center drawers (nothing my carpenter husband can't fix) and loads of TLC in the cleaning department, but they both run! I'm so excited to get them cleaned up and start sewing on them. I remember my Memere sewing clothes for my Barbie dolls on an old treadle machine.