An addition to the herd

It seems that even when I am not looking for new sewing machines, they find me. Last month a friend gave me a Singer 27 with the hard-to-find Persian decals. Then a couple of weeks ago I brought home a Singer 128 which had been looking pitifully at me for months at a local thrift store.

Singer 128 before cleanup

The 128 has LaVincedora decals and had a motor and really bad wiring. With that and a price higher than I was willing to pay, I was able to walk on past when I first saw it during the summer. As I stopped by the shop every couple of weeks, occasionally I thought someone had bought it, then saw it again in a new location, each time looking more mournful.

I happened to stop by the store on the last day of September and learned that they sold everything half price on the last day of the month, so as November drew to a close I decided if it was still there on half-price day, I would bring it home.

Singer 128 after cleanup

And, sure enough, it was. My first look found everything was there except the rear slide plate, even some attachments in the bin to the side. Everything moved and the decals were in pretty good shape. I didn't bother trying out the motor, just got t home where I could use my socket set to remove  the non-standard bolt holding on the motor. I discovered the motor was a regular Singer motor, but the off-white light was definitely jerry-rigged, as someone had drilled a hole through the back cover plate to screw it on.

Nice case after cleanup

Today's job was cleanup and I was thrilled that the dust and dirt came off easily, leaving a nice, fairly shiny surface behind. Much better than I expected. Even the bentwood case cleaned up well. A good cleaning, some oil to all the moving parts and I installed a handcrank on it. And as a bonus, I found the case would fit with the handcrank installed.

 I haven't tried sewing with it yet, but have decided this one will be my portable machine for demonstrations, when I don't have space or feel like hauling along a treadle. And it will be nice to use for the children's project I'm planning at our next art show.

Now it's time to get back to the studio. More later.

It's a wrap! December Tybee Arts Association Show

After participating in three of the Tybee Arts Association's shows, and serving as vice-chair for this one, I've learned how much work is involved in putting on an art show. But what a thrill when you see it all put together and people start coming in the door. And of course it's a thrill when people buy your work.

A few of the high points for me:

Seeing the excitement of a first-time participant as she sold her first piece.

Everyone dressed in their holiday finery for the opening reception.

Hands-on art activities where visitors helped make a mosaic and learned about clay sculpture.

Meeting people from around the country who are visiting Tybee.


Talking to visitors about old sewing machines and hearing everyone's story about their mother or grandmother's machine.

Meeting, in person, for the first time a long-time friend on an email group.

Explaining how the sewing machine works to a youngster who wants to learn to sew.

Seeing all the beautiful work artists brought in for the show.

Seeing the artists do demonstrations, and watching visitors get excited as they see art made.

Getting a copy of a local magazine with a nice article about the November show, including a picture of me at my treadle.

Seeing photos and videos posted online!

More later.

Photo Friday - fog on Tybee

It's been a while since I did a photo Friday, but there was an amazing fog on Tybee Island a couple of weeks ago, and I couldn't resist getting some pictures. So, here they are, and don't be surprised if some turn into inspirations for new quilts!

More later.