A Stitch Across Time

I grew up around sewing machines. Some fancy, some plain, some electric some foot powered. Everyone I knew had one...and used it.  Many were quilters. All sewed clothes.  So, I did too. And didn't think too much about it.  Now, I'm starting to see a trend toward home sewing again.  Each new seamstress (or tailor) has their own reason for taking up the needle and thread.

Very seldom is it about economy anymore. Rather, if you are a DIY type, it's simply to say 'I did it!' (most of us never outgrew 2 anyhow!)

For some it's about creating something unique.  A dress or blouse that we can guarantee nobody else will have. Just the right fabric for those new curtains...

For others it's about remembering a craft that somebody special and close to us enjoyed.

Whatever the reason, whatever the project, sewing can be magic!
Now, add in a special machine...

This is my grandmother's Singer Featherweight. Oh my was I excited when she asked if I would like to have it. I'd heard my share of quilters speak of these machines in anything from hushed whispers to shrieking squeals! Until I saw the real thing, I couldn't quite believe it might be true, really mine. But there it was, a hidden jewel in its original black dusty box.  Inside were treasures I have yet to figure out. So many what's-its and thing-a-ma-jiggies. This machine is 60 years old and it has more options than my new one!

This is one of the Century Machines.  According to my research, based on the serial number,it was born between 1950-1951. Who knew sewing machines had a birthday - but that's what the site said?!

This machine also has a unique story. Apparently, my grandparents (home on furlough from their post as missionaries in Quito, Ecuador) were entered in a contest sponsored by a local Chicago radio station.  Somewhere I have seen the picture of them with the host to receive their bounty-including this fine new portable sewing machine.  Having something portable was a huge plus for grandma.  Any other machine would have had to be left stateside .  My father honestly doesn't remember his mother using the machine for much else than occasional mending. There are a few small scratches in the finish but not what you might expect from its international travels!

I have had a lot of fun lurking on some of the Featherweight sites. Lots of YouTube viewing for tips and to find out what all those extra pieces really are.  I love that all the parts are metal! I have taken much of it apart to get fresh oil and grease on every year moving part.  Someday I may work on the finish a bit, but for now I kinda like the look of experience.  And as for experience? Those quilters were not exaggerating! This sweetheart sews like a dream. Perfect little stitches making up a beautiful seam. I can't wait for a few spare minutes to stitch away...

I totally expected this to be a boring and possibly intimidating experience. Instead it was more like getting to know a new friend. I'm hoping to learn much more about what makes these gems shine.

Just a Bunch of Spring Chickens

At this time of year, a trip to the feed store is not a simple thing! As soon as the 'CHICK DAYS' banner starts waving in the parking lot, entering the actual store comes with grave risk to the backyard chicken keeper! And yup, I fell again.

With the best intentions of course. My cousins were coming to town for a couple days and between them they have 5 young children.  What better way to entertain them (bribe them to like you) than a tub full of baby chicks?

Now, not to disturb any of my 3 readers, but this is a small suburban farm I'm working with. Last year's layers still have another year of good production left (And boy are they starting to really lay again-finally!) So these are being affectionately called 'The Nuggets.'  This last Winter we butchered a bunch of Cornish Cross broilers with a friend of mine. It's been a long time since I'd done that. The meat was sooo good! Not really wanting that many birds in the freezer at a time, we decided to raise small batches of six at a time. Enough to enjoy but not too much to work up at a time or overload the freezer. 

This may sound cruel to some people. I have a lot of acquaintances that can't believe you could raise your own meat-let alone harvest it. That's fine with me. But really, I know how much these guys are cared for. Right now they are having a great time living in their little tub in the kitchen. They will get worms to eat soon, bits of lettuce tips thrown in their brooder as I'm making my lunch. For a chicken it's a pretty good life! Soon they will head out to the outdoor brooder and have a yard to play around in. And right now, my life is made richer just watching them grow.  Watching a bunch of chicks nestled together sleeping is about the best stress reliever around! I hope I never outgrow the joy in something as simple as raising chickens.

And they were a hit with the littlest cousins!!