I set goals all the time. But a goal without a plan is just a dream and I have lots of dreams. At the start of every year, I write so many goals and make some plans but do not always follow through on many of them. Now to make an effort to stop shoulding on myself and beating myself up for not getting things done. One of my 12 Things for 2019 is Treadle Machine. I thought I should finally learn how to use the treadle machine without catching my fingers in the hand wheel.
First thing is to get the clutter off the top. Then to dust it and set it up. Make sure I have the bullet bobbin case and a couple of bobbins. When I bought this thing a dozen years ago, it came without either. So I located them. Later I discovered that I had no less than 2 other machines here that had those bullet bobbins and cases.
The next thing is to learn how to wind the bobbin. One quilter years ago said she could not figure it out so just wound them by hand. I want to avoid doing this if I can. When I first got it, I practiced sewing without thread. That is when I kept getting my fingers caught. My mother had one of those, but replaced it with a fancy new 222K Singer Featherweight in 1958 and that is what I learned how to sew on. Still have it. I love to do foundation piecing with a Featherweight.
So I have decided to follow through on this goal and learn how to use the thing. It might be fun to get the little girls involved for the fun of it. When I was in India in 2010, I spent several days teaching a group of young former prostitutes, then I asked them to teach me how to use their treadle. I decided to hem up one of my house dresses. I sat on the bench and several girls hovered about helping. In the end, the only thing I actually did by myself was pump the foot thingy. I got my fingers slapped when I did something backwards and they carefully changed the needle when I broke it both times. We laughed a lot and had fun. And I did get the hem sewn on though not very straight.
Blessings,
Chris
First thing is to get the clutter off the top. Then to dust it and set it up. Make sure I have the bullet bobbin case and a couple of bobbins. When I bought this thing a dozen years ago, it came without either. So I located them. Later I discovered that I had no less than 2 other machines here that had those bullet bobbins and cases.
The next thing is to learn how to wind the bobbin. One quilter years ago said she could not figure it out so just wound them by hand. I want to avoid doing this if I can. When I first got it, I practiced sewing without thread. That is when I kept getting my fingers caught. My mother had one of those, but replaced it with a fancy new 222K Singer Featherweight in 1958 and that is what I learned how to sew on. Still have it. I love to do foundation piecing with a Featherweight.
So I have decided to follow through on this goal and learn how to use the thing. It might be fun to get the little girls involved for the fun of it. When I was in India in 2010, I spent several days teaching a group of young former prostitutes, then I asked them to teach me how to use their treadle. I decided to hem up one of my house dresses. I sat on the bench and several girls hovered about helping. In the end, the only thing I actually did by myself was pump the foot thingy. I got my fingers slapped when I did something backwards and they carefully changed the needle when I broke it both times. We laughed a lot and had fun. And I did get the hem sewn on though not very straight.
Blessings,
Chris
My treadle looks very similar...except I still need to get the cord on it. I bought it in 1980. I think it's time I learned to use it :-) I will be interested to hear how your process goes!
ReplyDeleteMaybe we could start a Treadle Machine QAL.
DeleteGetting fingers caught in the wheel is something I never thought about. Obviously, I've not used a treadle machine, though I have one. My husband found it in an alley and brought it home, but it needs some help, which I haven't yet given it. One of these days. (I haven't put that on my goals/to do list yet. Haha.)
ReplyDeleteI love my treadle machine... thanks for reminding me I should treat myself to some treadling more often!
ReplyDelete