Ends September 11
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Thursday, August 25, 2011
Monday, August 22, 2011
Sunday, August 21, 2011
In Case You Missed It ...
I'm having a giveaway. :)
Help me name my "new" Singer 401, circa 1958 or thereabouts. Leave me your suggestions in a comment on this post. Feel free to suggest more than one name in one or multiple comments - it doesn't matter. I can't wait to go shopping for the prize - it will be a surprise (right now it's even a surprise for me... haven't decided what I'm giving away yet!). I'll leave it open until August 31.
I've had fun the past few days, trying her different stitches and playing around with tension, etc. I'm really glad it came with a manual - I'd be lost without it! The manual for my newer Singer 2210 (about 20 years old) says nothing about adjusting bobbin tension, so I've never done that before. Anyhoo... I'm very glad to have found this 401. Some consider it the best machine Singer ever made.
Remember - don't comment on this post, but here.
Toodles!
robin
Saturday, August 20, 2011
Friday, August 19, 2011
I'm very pleased to introduce...
... my "new" Singer 401 sewing machine!
(Giveaway at the end of this post.)
I've been reading a lot lately about these very durable machines that were made in the 50's. (See: http://blog.sew-classic.com/2008/10/25/singer-401-401a-403--403a--404--sewing-machine-review.aspx). They were the top of the line back then, and in today's money would have cost $2,600. After having some trouble with my Singer 2210, I began looking around for a 401 on E*bay and Craigs*list. A well looked-after machine can sell for hundreds on E*bay. I put a wanted ad online locally, and got a couple of responses.
Yesterday we went to look at this one. They were asking $50. I don't think the family wanted us inside their home, as the machine was plugged in with an extension cord and demonstrated on the threshold of their front door! But the owner, who seemed about 20 years old, was quite nice and pleasant. She had no needle, so I had no way of seeing stitch quality, but the motor sounded good, and she said it stitched well and that it had belonged to her grandfather. She mentioned a little problem with the bobbin thread, which she thought could be fixed "with a little tune-up". Though a bit of a risky purchase, it seemed too good to pass up, so the transaction was made. Included: manual, cord, foot pedal, box of 5 cams, 5 bobbins, tools, another throat plate, and several different feet. I was pleased as punch and couldn't wait to get home to try it out.
Once we got home, I gave it a little cleaning - it it was already quite clean. No visible "gunk" anywhere inside that I could see, and very little dust. Only very light surface scratches. Even the light works. The needles from my other Singer fit, so I put one in, threaded the machine, and eagerly tried stitching. Not good. I soon realized I forgot one step in threading it. Much better! Then the bobbin issue became apparent. I decided I should oil it, so spent some time doing that and tried stitching again. Stitching was even better - and after fiddling around with bobbin tension, straight stitching and zig zag look almost perfect. Tried a few decorative stitches, and they look quite good, so I think it will be just fine. I may contact the other person who responded to my ad. He services old Singers and had mentioned that if I found a different machine, he could take care of it for me. I'd like to have him look it over and check everything. I think there may be a little problem with the foot pedal, because sometimes it doesn't seem to want to "go" when I press the button on the pedal, and then all of a sudden it races forward. Also - one of the dials for the decorative stitches is hard to move so maybe he could fix that for me. And I think it may be dirty between the tension disks; I don't want to take that apart myself. I don't have any lubricant either - according to the manual, the gears should be lubed now and then.
All in all, I'm pretty thrilled about this purchase. :)
And now... for those who have stayed with me thus far... I need to name this old girl. I'm taking submissions from my followers. If one of you can come up with a name that I love, I'll throw together a little something for you as a thank you gift. This is for followers only - all 62 of you (hee hee). Open to US and Canada only. This will be my very first giveaway. I'll make a decision at the end of the month. Have fun!
Monday, August 15, 2011
Giveaway at Quilting Block Swaps Australia
http://quiltingblockswapsaustralia.blogspot.com/2011/08/growing-growing-lets-reach-100.html
She's celebrating 100 blog followers. :)
Not sure when this one ends...
She's celebrating 100 blog followers. :)
Not sure when this one ends...
Giveaway at Hand Quilting
Help Violette celebrate 4 years of blogging by participating in her giveaway. When you visit, please tell her I sent you! :)
http://handquilting.blogspot.com/2011/08/blogaversary-drawing.html
Ends August 31
http://handquilting.blogspot.com/2011/08/blogaversary-drawing.html
Ends August 31
Thursday, August 11, 2011
Saturday, August 6, 2011
I really like this quilt... Squared Inside and Out...
... and am posting the link to the pattern here so I don't lose it!
http://www.rileyblakedesigns.com/cutting-corners/2011/07/26/squared-inside-and-out/
See ya!
http://www.rileyblakedesigns.com/cutting-corners/2011/07/26/squared-inside-and-out/
See ya!
Friday, August 5, 2011
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
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