Great Looking Drawstring Backpack

Here is a great looking backpack to make with your young sewers or for teens to sew on their own. Lots of creative options for fabric and color combinations:

http://www.hopeyoder.com/shop/item.asp?itemid=187

It has two sizes so don't overlook the pattern thinking is it just for kids!

Another Thread Catcher

I finally got around to making the Lorelei a thread catcher. I didn't put a pincushion on it because I have been using my magnetic one. I should have put a pocket for my small scissors on the tile, instead.

If you like the thread catcher, see my December 12, 2007, entry for more details on where to go for the general instructions. I used a 4 inch tile so all the measurements were 33% smaller than Jane's.

TOGA Birthday Blocks

I am testing my fabrics for the 2008 Seattle TOGA Birthday Blocks. I had better get going on these. I want to have enough to exchange with everyone at the TOGA and perhaps a few of the TOBE's so I will have enough blocks to make a good sized lap quilt. I like to be warm and skimpy lap quilts just aren't practical! ;) Let me know if you think I need to get a darker signature block fabric. I prefer the slightly marbled effect over a solid.

I am making my blocks on the Lorelei, my White Rotary treadle. They are coming out right on, a perfect 4 1/2" by 6 1/2". I guess I won't need a template to cut the blocks from larger block.

Disappearing 9 Patch

I used the disappearing 9 patch for my baby quilt on the Lorelei. It is an easy and fun method for sewing both planned and scrap quilts.

The disappearing 9 patch quilt block is made from a 9 patch block that is split both horizontally and vertically and sewn back together as desired. There are many possibilities for planned quilts but as a scrap quilt, the blocks are great stash busters.

Check out the tutorial here for the pattern in a scrappy look:

http://quiltsatcs.blogspot.com/2007/04/disappearing-9-patch-tutorial.html

There are other possibilities below:

http://weetoesandnoggins.blogspot.com/2007/05/my-first-doll-quilt-i-actually-finished.html

http://maggi.typepad.com/photos/quilt_stitches/9patch.html

Check out more examples from this link (I love the red and black one by Sara):

http://www.webshots.com/search?query=disappearing+9+patch&new=1&source=chromeheader

Have fun experimenting!

Patchwork Pedaling

The Lorelei is up and running! I started a baby quilt to bond with my "new" machine. Learning to treadle and actually sew something is a little like learning to sew again. The quilt top has some imperfections that probably would not exist had I used my little Janome Jem Gold but considering, I think I did a pretty good job. ;)

I have to admit, I did use an old White Rotary 77 e-machine for about 25% of the work. I have my treadle on the main floor but my pressing station is downstairs. When I wearied of running up and downstairs, I set up the 77 for some of the piecing.

A Name for the White Rotary

The White Rotary has a name: Lorelei! She has already demonstrated her ability to call out and draw other treadles to her shore. I know the machine isn't made in Germany but I think she has a sturdy beauty like the rock she has been named after and she has a song she is singing to attract other machines like the fair maiden of the legends.

Yesterday, I remembered I had seen an ad for a treadle on craigslist in the city where I am headed to celebrate Christmas. I looked it up and there in living color was another White treadle in an oak cabinet. The price was $25! I emailed and asked the seller if I would be able to see the treadle the day after Christmas. He said, "Yes!" I can't believe it. The ad just expired tonight and I can't even link to it.

Lorelei's condition is much improved. I can now remove the needle and change presser feet. Also, the knob that adjusts the presser foot pressure is working. I have cleaned more green-brown lacquered oil off the machine. I think she will do more than sing. I found a nearly local source for reasonably priced treadle belts. Three are on their way. I should have them by the time I am back home from celebrating with family.

The New Member of the Fleet

Yesterday, I made another trip to see a treadle. This one was in a better place for viewing. We didn't have to stand in the rain to lift up a plastic cover. ;) A bit of history; I saw this treadle go up on craigslist on Tuesday. I asked for contact info and called the guy. I asked about some things that Katie Farmer recommended. She is the White guru on the Treadle On list. I was assured despite the missing oak plug next to the slide plate, that the cabinet was refinished and the machine would sew. The present owner had bought it from someone who was intending to sew on it.

When I saw the machine, the present owner said he had bought it as an intended gift for a relative but discovered she really wanted a Singer treadle. He found one and decided to sell the White. He said that the White had come up from CA with the previous owners. When he called, he got the husband and found out he knew nothing about the machine being for sale. Seems his wife had posted the ad without telling him. I guess he was a little irritated because he was working on the machine in hopes of sewing with it.

Now for some pictures. I have the machine on my workbench so you are just going to see the head. I will take more of the cabinet and irons later.

Okay, I know, this machine head is not going to win a beauty contest, but, hey, I can't afford anything in this area that might. Well, the truth is, I haven't been able to find much in the way of treadles in this part of the state. And besides, the handwheel and the working parts turn so easily. The handwheel just spins when I give it a good pull. I am really hopeful I can sew with this working wonder. The guy I bought it from wanted to sell it to someone that wanted it for its ability to sew. I think I was that someone. Now, I just have to get the tension right and do some more cleaning.

Back to the work bench. I haven't been able to get the presser foot off and there is a stubborn screw in the throat plate that is resisting me. Oh, I have to think of a name for this machine, too.