Did you wonder if there was a #2 (new/old) sewing machine? Why, yes. When my mother moved to a smaller apartment, the idea of having three sewing machines seemed ludicrous.
This Singer Featherweight is identical to the one she grew up sewing on, my grandmother's. My mom bought it for parts and as a back-up. Now, it's living with me! When I mentioned that I might need to bring some portable sewing machines to Squam, my mother was in the process downsizing. Timing is everything, isn't it?
And now it's official: I am a collector of sewing machines. This featherweight makes my grand total: five machines... but whose counting, right? If you're going to collect something that takes up space, it certainly seems more justifiable if it's useful and will be shared by others.
Oh, and I've rarely mentioned the fifth... my old Kenmoore is up in the attic waiting for a tune up and my daughter's readiness. Thanks for your Elna tips yesterday. They were excellent! I guess I'll be researching Featherweights, too.
. Here's a picture in case you don't know this oldie but goody. It's a gem! I had to read it over again last night. Happy tears every time.
to my daughter for her 6th birthday. We had fun looking through it initially, but it's been collecting dust for months. "I don't like to sew," she said the few times I brought it up. CRINGE. I kept my reaction to myself... hoping she'd come around, because it's such a fabulous book. In fact, it's one of the best introductions to sewing for children I've seen. I was certain that she'd take to it, but I waited quietly. Tuesday night after dinner she picked it up. I held my breath. "Will you read this with me, Mama?" My casual "Let's" had a giddiness just beneath the surface. She realized instantly that her reading skills had improved immensely since the last time she'd opened it up. Being able to read the step by step instructions really excited her, but the speech bubbles filled with quotes from real young sewers sealed the deal. This page, in particular, got her itching to hold a needle and thread.
the moment I flipped through the first few pages. My six year old, who was at my side, began ooohing and ahhhhing instantly. In fact, she's never responded so enthusiastically to any of my "mama craft" books. We went through it cover to cover and were both equally inspired. Why? Big Little Felt Universe is beautifully organized into a wide variety of play accessories and soft toys that would excite any child and a clean, simple aesthetic that appealed to this very opinionated mother/crafter. The book contains 12 play sets with several components to make for each one.
