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Across the Fence:  Daughters, Sewing Machines, and Other Musings  |
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Clare
True Blue Farmgirl
2173 Posts
NC WA State
USA
2173 Posts |
 Posted - Jul 04 2005 : 07:34:24 AM
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On my recent visit to my daughter's family, she and I took some time to go alone to Goodwill and Value Village among some other errands. We had some nice talks on the drive and it's so good to reconnect this way. On our stop at Value Village (my first visit ever there - reminiscent of Goodwill), I spied a late 1940's-1950's White sewing machine. It reminded me very much of my mother's Kenmore model. Since my daughter has been having all sorts of sewing machine woes with her $99 Brother models, I decided for $14.99 that I would get her this heavy-duty model. It was returnable if it did not work. (Got it home and SIL reattached the motor and belt, printed out a manuel for it from the web, and good to go!)....
But that made me think!!! Just recently I purchased a treadle sewing machine that is one year older than my own mother. With the purchase of this White, she now has a sewing machine that is probably older than I am. And, when I pass down my own 1971 sewing machine to my grandaughter, she will have one that is older than her own mother! We've got a cycle going here!!!
In addition to that, on the drive home Christy said to me, "Mom, do you ever think you were born way too late? Wouldn't you have liked to live in a simplier time? I sure do." Well, y'all know what my answer to that was!!!! She really misses being able to go to our farm and spend time in the country - it imprinted on her forever, and wishes to return to that quieter life, along with the associated hardships. I think I may have my daughter join in with the Farmgirl Chapter idea!
****Gardener, Stitcher, Spiritual Explorer and Appreciator of all Things Natural****
"Begin to weave and God will give the thread." - German Proverb |
Edited by - Clare on Jul 04 2005 07:39:14 AM |
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mollymae
True Blue Farmgirl
694 Posts
Molly
Visalia
California
USA
694 Posts |
Posted - Jul 04 2005 : 07:59:49 AM
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Hi Clare! I have an old Singer that belonged to my grandmother, she used it for a sewing business she had in the 50's. It's the kind that when not in use, it folds underneath the cabinet and the top can be used for a table. I have it in my kitchen, next to my stove, to hold all my cookbooks :)
Cead Mile Failte,
Molly
"I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately, to front only the essential facts of life, and see if I could not learn what it had to teach, and not, when I came to die, discover that I had not lived." --Henry David Thoreau
**When life throws scraps your way ~ Make a Quilt!**
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Nana Naomi
Farmgirl in Training
41 Posts
Mary
Tyler, Texas
TX
USA
41 Posts |
Posted - Jul 04 2005 : 09:52:51 AM
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Howdy!
You made me realize that I have an old Viking that I got in around 1973! ( I'm an old first time mom.) It's 20 (!!!!) years older than my daughter! I need to have it serviced and teach her to sew this summer. She's really tall for an 11 year old and T-shirts are a snap to sew. With current styles being what they are, none of them are long enough for her. This way she can choose her own fabric and then we can learn differnet ways to decorate them! |
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westernhorse51
True Blue Farmgirl
1681 Posts
michele
farmingdale
n.j.
USA
1681 Posts |
Posted - Jul 04 2005 : 3:20:29 PM
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Hello Clare, my sister just GAVE me an old treadle sewing machine she had in her basement. She said she had no use for it and thought it would fit with me and my "weird old ways". I love it, Im still trying to clean it up a bit, it's a singer, I think, writing is still blurred, they had all kinds of things spilled on it. Was in the basement for YEARS. Your conversation with your daughter hits home. It is sweet she has those memories, they will never leave her. I try everyday to do what we talked about a few months ago, bring the farm to our home, and I do in every way possible and in every way that I know how. But, there is an ache so deep inside me, I cant explain it to anyone. Why or how I long for this so badly, I dont really know. My granparents had a farm when I was very young, I dont even remember it. I want it so bad but I also NEED it just as bad. I will do all I can to achieve this. Michele
"she selects wool and flax and works with eager hands". Prov. 31:13 |
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Aunt Jenny
True Blue Farmgirl
11381 Posts
Jenny
middle of
Utah
USA
11381 Posts |
Posted - Jul 04 2005 : 10:54:28 PM
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I have aquired lots of really neat old stuff from family members who think I am a little weird..BUT..one of my favorite great Uncles (he died about 3 years ago) who was my beloved grandma's brother..they were the oldest two of 12 children..made sure that out of all the zillions of aunts, cousins and all that I was the one who got my great grandma's things he had...2 kerosene lamps that she took with their family to CAlif during the depression, her big washboard, some doilies and small stuff and a few little things that belonged to my great grandpa too. I feel really honored to get to have these things. He knew I would treasure them. If that means I am weird...so be it!
Jenny in Utah
The best things in life arn't things! |
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westernhorse51
True Blue Farmgirl
1681 Posts
michele
farmingdale
n.j.
USA
1681 Posts |
Posted - Jul 05 2005 : 05:32:09 AM
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Jenny, I feel the same way. my sisters tease me so much but I dont care either. When they dont know what to do w/ something OR how to do something, who do you think they turn to?? ME!! "old things" have history, they have at least one story to tell. The've been touched by others before us. I collect old books, I've got one book, an old english hymnal dated 1704. The story that book could tell! One of my favorites is "Little Women" it's dated 18-something, cant remember BUT what I love is the inscription inside; It's from a mother to her daughter on Christmas. Everytime I look through this book I can imagine this child who's name was Katherine, being so exceited to receive it. Her mothers loving words to her with the date and xmas day written in it. You can feel it somehow. It still lives. Michele
"she selects wool and flax and works with eager hands". Prov. 31:13 |
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Sheryl
Farmgirl in Training
11 Posts
Sheryl
TX
USA
11 Posts |
Posted - Jul 10 2005 : 2:05:47 PM
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I am so glad to be a part of a group of women who value those who came before us.
Sheryl |
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FloralSaucer
True Blue Farmgirl
156 Posts
Australia
156 Posts |
Posted - Jul 28 2005 : 11:54:10 PM
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| I have an old machine too, I have had pressure to get rid of it, but I like it. |
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CelticCoyote
True Blue Farmgirl
111 Posts
Heather
Illinois
USA
111 Posts |
Posted - Jul 29 2005 : 07:18:07 AM
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Oh, what a sweet thread! I too have an affinity for antiques, especially linens (like aprons & hankies) and books. I don't have any quite as old as Michele's, unfortunately, but I do have a good deal from the turn of the century. I also have my grandmother's sewing machine, a big Husqvarna in a large sewing desk with four drawers, and like Molly's, it folds into the desk so that the top is flat when not in use. I sure wish I knew how to use the darn thing.  |
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Photobugs
True Blue Farmgirl
363 Posts
Pamela
Post Falls
Idaho
USA
363 Posts |
Posted - Jul 29 2005 : 3:33:41 PM
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I have a few old sewing machines. One I bought at a yard sale for $35.00 and it is beautiful. It is oak has carving on the drawers. But the leather cable is missing...so I need to contact the guy MJ mentions in her book in Washington to get it replaced. I am just dieing to use the machine. I have another one that was my gradnmothers. It is in a case because it was an old portable. The case is wood and in pretty good condition. Another one is just the wood cabinet. I got it for $5.00 at a yard sale. My hubby refinished it and it is a beautiful place to hold my sewing machine. The treadle is still in tact, even though I do not use that part of this machine. I have another old machine that just sits around and looks good. It has no cabinet.
I have seen other ones around, but it seems I have no room for them.
Pamela
"I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice scream!" |
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ladybugsmom6
True Blue Farmgirl
128 Posts
Tami
Horicon
WI
USA
128 Posts |
Posted - Aug 17 2005 : 8:17:42 PM
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I was just at the local thrift shop, and found an old treddle machien. I was so excited! I had to show my girls who are just getting as excited as I about sewing how it worked, my oldest was so excited because it looked just like the one in Laura Ingalls Wilders book. It was not quite that old but it was fun to share with the girls. The store is gearing up for the big sale in september and are holding this item for the big auction. I want to go just to see how much it goes for. I love old things and when my grandmother gave me all her vintage sewing stufffrom her sewing buisness, I knew I had to have a display someday. Her thimbles almost talk to me. Our home is much too small right now, but I told my dh that we needed a bigger house just so I can collect old sewing stuff. He said I collect enough as it is! 5 50 gallon drums of fur cant be too much ....is it???
-Tami
livin' right and loven' life! |
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FloralSaucer
True Blue Farmgirl
156 Posts
Australia
156 Posts |
Posted - Aug 17 2005 : 9:33:22 PM
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| Something will happen one day and you will get a place for your display. I finally have somewhere to display my cream cans, by accident. |
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Mumof3
True Blue Farmgirl
3890 Posts
Karin
Ellenwood
GA
USA
3890 Posts |
Posted - Aug 20 2005 : 05:11:47 AM
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Ah, my favorite subject. I have driven both of my sisters to jealousy because I have our great-grandmother's Singer featherweight machine.
It's the best machine that I've ever used. Beats out the "new" Singer my huband bought me! But, I don't tell him that. There is a connectedness with "Gram" when I sit down to sew. I can picture her making clothes for my grandfather and quilts to keep them warm. As a single mother in the early 1900's, she was an amazing example of thrift and content. When I hear about what all of my grandmothers were like from my parents, I see the things in me that came from them. What a gift that is. And to be able to use the items they did is a gift that I can pass on to my daughter. |
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Morning_Dew
Farmgirl in Training
17 Posts
Karen
cottageville
sc
USA
17 Posts |
Posted - Aug 20 2005 : 05:49:49 AM
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when my hubby and i moved to SC my mother in law gave me her old singer, no clue when it was made. but it will sew just about anything.and i found the table to house a sewing machine but no machine in it. got it for a song. i used that old singer and taught myself to sew. i made a quilt for my hubby that folds to a pillow, and one for my mother in law also. i gave her the site so she can come check everything out. hope you all love her as much as i do.
every gardener should make time for the humming BIRDS and honey BEES, stop and smell the flowers. |
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teresa
Farmgirl in Training
17 Posts
teresa
marysville
wa
USA
17 Posts |
Posted - Aug 21 2005 : 07:14:24 AM
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I also love antique sewing machines and started to collect them when I realized they do require space! I've stopped at 3 but would love to have more. I have a 1901 'Red Eye', a 1926 Singer in it's cabinet and a 1934 Singer also with cabinet. I keep my 1901 on top of a beautiful old White treadle cabinet that I intend to restore and put to use! If you go to the Singer site on the Web (or whatever brand your old machine is) and look for the serial number you can determine the year of your machine and where it was made!
The best is yet to come! |
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quiltedess
True Blue Farmgirl
296 Posts
Nancy
Priest River
ID
USA
296 Posts |
Posted - Aug 21 2005 : 09:27:25 AM
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I have a 1870-ish Willcox & Gibbs treadle in a parlor cabinet. It is a chain-stitch machine and doesn't use a bobbin. It makes the most beautiful stitch! I found it at an estate sale a few years ago. It came with the instruction manual and there are no pictures or diagrams, just words, though there is a drawing on the cover that is of a Civil War era costumed lady sitting at the sewing machine. I have wondered many times about the history of that machine. Who owned it and where did it come from?
Nancy |
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CityCat
True Blue Farmgirl
198 Posts
Catherine
Toronto
Ontario
Canada
198 Posts |
Posted - Aug 21 2005 : 1:50:34 PM
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I think I've missed out on something all these years... My Mom had this abnoxious, tempermental Singer sewing machine that would work for her and no one else. In Home Ec class, I brought a sewing project home and totally wrecked it on my Mom's machine. I don't think I got a good mark, and that ended any sort of relationship with machine sewing. My Mom had no trouble with that sewing machine making tea towels from old rice sacks and making us school bags. It was my Mom's youngest sister who excelled at sewing, and until I was in university, I thought for every special occasion, you had to go to Fabricland, flip through endless catalogues to find a dress/skirt/shirt pattern you liked, find the fabric, get enough of it cut, and all delivered to my Aunt weeks before the event for her to make. When my Granma died last year, my Mom got her old sewing machine. I think I might just be brave enough to borrow it for a while and take another crack at machine sewing....
Cat |
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FloralSaucer
True Blue Farmgirl
156 Posts
Australia
156 Posts |
Posted - Aug 21 2005 : 7:13:37 PM
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What a shame about your school sewing. I am not sure that I tried using Mum's machine for my school sewing. The girls have been machine sewing lately on other people's machines.
How wonderful about the rice sacks. That is something I didn't know. What is the material like? |
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FloralSaucer
True Blue Farmgirl
156 Posts
Australia
156 Posts |
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CityCat
True Blue Farmgirl
198 Posts
Catherine
Toronto
Ontario
Canada
198 Posts |
Posted - Aug 21 2005 : 9:51:48 PM
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| My Mom never did anything as elaborate as embroider her rice sack tea towels! Most of the stamped on logos are long gone now, washed off from repeated washings. Uh, I'm not familiar with cloth types. To the touch it was fairly rough at first, but with more washing became smoother to the touch. I guess they're made of cotton. Back in the day, we got our rice in cloth bags. I don't remember when it stopped. Early-mid 80's? Now the rice comes in re-enforced paper bags. My Mom stores rice in a large rectangular metal container. When she found out I just had rice in a bag, she also got me a large rectangular metal container. But I digress... |
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FloralSaucer
True Blue Farmgirl
156 Posts
Australia
156 Posts |
Posted - Aug 21 2005 : 10:40:38 PM
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| Digress away. We have had ugly polythene type bags for our rice for as long as I can remember, and I'm in my early 40s! |
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Julia
True Blue Farmgirl
1949 Posts
Julia
Shelton
WA
USA
1949 Posts |
Posted - Aug 22 2005 : 9:05:06 PM
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I learned to sew on my grandma's Singer Featherweight machine. Before she passed away she gave it to me. My youngest, who will be starting 9th grade next month, has asked me to teach her how to sew (we homeschool). TOday I bought a sewing table at the local thrift store for $5 and set up grandma's machine on it. And so it goes on!
"The gloom of the world is but a shadow; behind it, yet within our reach is joy. Take joy!" Fr.Giovanni |
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Across the Fence: Daughters, Sewing Machines, and Other Musings |
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Daughters, Sewing Machines, and Other Musings
