My Singer 404 machine

 Many of you may know that I love my vintage sewing machines. I've just gotten 2 new (to me) machines in the last month. So I thought I'd share some about each of my machines over the next week. Today is my beige Singer model 404. It was manufactured in Elizabethport, New Jersey in 1958. The machine is made out of die case aluminum and weighs 18 pounds. This one only does a straight stitch, but it's so quiet and makes such a nice stitch and is heavy duty. This is the one that I bring to retreats, unless I'm bag making, then I bring a zag zag machine. My mom purchased this machine new in 1958. She used to carry the machine (with the wooden/vinyl case - 24 pounds) on the elevated train in Chicago to work so she could take her free sewing classes after work. And she gave this beautiful machine to me. I named my machine Martha, in honor of her.

 

 

Redwood Tote - salmon flowers

 So I finished the third Redwood Tote bag that I had started a few weeks ago at a retreat. Like I said previously, in each of the totes that I've made, Ive been experimenting with different materials and fabrics. In this tote, I used a canvas/linen exterior. Cork strap, strap anchors and base. Then I used rose gold hardware. For a fusible interfacing, instead of the normal Shapeflex, I tried using thin fusible fleece. It worked really well. Gave a much softer feel to this purse. This was also the first time I tried making a strap out of cork. It was difficult to work with and extremely thick. Even my 1967 Singer was struggling. And on the strap, I taught myself how to put rivets in. I'm extremely pleased with how it turned out. On to the next bag........

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Strawberry Garden month 3

 Over the weekend, I was able to work on my Sauder Village block of the month. We're working from a book called "Strawberry Garden" by Fig Tree Quilts. We're on month 3, which multiple blocks per month. Some of the blocks are pretty small, but the results are better when I take my time.

 

 

Redwood Tote Bag - oriental fabrics

 While I was sewing with friends last week, I made another Redwood Tote Bag. For this one, I used some oriental fabric. Also, instead of the regular interfacing, I tried fusible foam. It worked great! The only issue is that when you quilt the foam sandwich, it shrinks. So net time, I know to quilt the pieces first, then trim them to the correct size. I even tried some fussy cutting - notice I got the crane in 2 different optimal places. I used antique gold hardware by Sallie Tomato. And I used waxed canvas for the strap, bottom and strap handle attachments.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Redwood Tote - blue flowers

This week I was sewing with some friends. I made 3 more Redwood Tote Bags. The first one took a while, but now I'm getting faster. For each of them I'm trying different materials and techniques and learning a lot. For this bag, I used a cotton/linen fabric for the exterior. For the fusible on the back of the exterior and lining fabrics, I used fusible fleece. Then I used rose gold hardware by Sallie Tomato.

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3 zippy strippy bags

 I had a little time last week and whipped up 3 Zippy Strippy Bags in a neutral colorway. I'm pretty happy with how they turned out.

 

 

Christmas Wishes

 A few weeks ago, I also finished this quilt top, called Christmas Wishes. The quilt pattern is by The Pattern Basket. I've been working on it for a few years. I'd work on the trees for a couple retreats, then I'd work on the presents for a couple retreats. I finally got it all put together. This is a king sized quilt for us. Fortunately, I've timed this right, so I have plenty of time to quilt it before Christmas!