 |
| The end of an era? |
(Thats happy new year. Welcome back to Handmade Monday )
I thought today I would show you some of my crafty tools that I received as Christmas presents, but instead I would like to share with you the sorrow and joy of this weekend.
Saturday night my sewing machine broke down, no panic just disappointment. Sunday I phoned the repair man, but disaster, disaster, disaster, he told me he couldn't get the part for less than £85 and recommended choosing a new machine instead.
It was a double-whammy, not only was I desperate to continue sewing, but there he was, telling me I could never sew on my machine again. We had been together since birth (well, since I was 14).
To add insult to injury, my mum traded in her Jones machine to buy it - and Eleanor's Attic, sends her Jones machine to the same man to be serviced.
Well I was not prepared to listen, so I trawled ebay, I put a plea on freecycle and I think I may have found the part for £25.
However, in a need to continue sewing, I texted a friend. My friend would never describe herself as a domestic goddess, but she is woman of a certain age. And surely, all woman of a certain age can sew?
Sure enough the response came back, saying her machine was in the porch and I was welcome to keep it!
I rushed round, and collected the great lump, clearly good quality. I rushed back home and opened the lid ...
 |
| A brand new start, for a brand new machine |
Oh, dear, not what I had hoped for, but the story doesn't end there. As I looked at the machine, it began to dawn on me, that there in front of me, stood a brand new machine... never used...all bobbins empty... no fluff anywhere. Complete with the original 3 needles in the packet, the instruction book, the factory release card, etc. (I told you my friend was not a domestic goddess, but to have never used the machine in 50 years?)
The urge to sew was too strong and so the domestic goddess (as I've named it), was soon been put through its paces. Tune in again folks, to hear how it is fairing!
What a gorgeous machine but not sure I could manage all I do on a hand machine now. :-)
ReplyDeleteA x
ps do pop over to my blog to join in my celebration fun
Happy New ear. Amazing to find such a machine in brand new condition - well done. I remember we bought one donkey's years ago and it was brilliant.
ReplyDeleteI am sorry for your loss... sniff.
ReplyDeleteHowever I have a 90+ year old Singer and it still runs like a dream... if you want to find out the age of your machine, try here http://www.singerco.com/support/machine-serial-numbers
Oh wow! I would not have a clue where to start on it, but isn't it beautiful :)
ReplyDeleteKim xx
Ooohhh we used to have a Singer machine complete with table and treadle then my mum decided to give it away :( My brother and I used to sit on the treadle and pretend it was a sew-saw for one. Hehehe childhood memories.
ReplyDeleteA sad story of such loss - but what an absolutely beautiful machine!!
ReplyDeleteI don't know anything about sewing machines but that one looks like a rare find. Such a shame you had to lose your old one to find it. x
ReplyDeleteGreat post, what a find! I bet it sews like a dream. I think a lot of people buy sewing machines and rarely use them. Such a shame ... but in your case such a blessing. Hope your now on track for a good 2012.
ReplyDeleteI can attest to the fact that many an older machine is barely used. I passed my old machine (bought in the early 1980s I would have to say) that had probably not been used more than a few hours total, since all I ever did was make halloween costumes and do some mending with it. When I decided I wanted to learn to sew I opted for a whole new machine (since my husband was willing to buy me one as enticement) and so I had that one cleaned and adjusted and gave it to my daughter in law. She got a nearly new (altho older) machine that the man who cleaned and adjusted it said was in perfect working order. I also was able to order a brand new manual and new bobbins (I had some but thought extras are always nice to have).
ReplyDeleteEnjoy yours. BTW as an aside, you could always sell yours and buy a newer one if that suits you better. I suspect someone would love to have your beautiful older one just for it's stylish looks. I have to admit that while I love the look of the old machines, I love all of the things my brand new one does.