As I was organizing my projects for the New Year, I happened upon my nine-patch quilt. Pieced by hand, a little over five years ago, and patiently waiting its turn to be hand quilted. I love the simplicity of the nine-patch block and would say it is one of my favourites. The border fabric added a bit of elegance to this uncomplicated block.
I have been without my sewing machine for three weeks now and probably will be for another week or two, as it needs a new electronic touch pad, a pricy item indeed. Buttons 0 to 3 are not working and my needle is locked in the left position. Due to a backup of machine repairs, the service man just looked at my machine last week. The order for my new keypad went in yesterday. So, my plans of finishing off a few more quilts, by machine, before the year ends will have to wait until next year.
Being without a sewing machine got me thinking about my grandmother's Singer 301, manufactured in 1956, and last used by my mother almost six years ago. Weighing about five pounds more then the Singer Featherweight 221 and is referred to as the featherweight's big sister. All that is required now is a little TLC (a good cleaning and oiling) and then I can take her for a spin.
Until next time.....happy quilting!
Karen
I bought a 301 at a thrift store last year and it does a nice job of piecing and purrs right along. The feed dogs do drop for quilting, but I haven't had much experience with that (yet). Oil her up and have fun!
ReplyDeleteOh, that machine brings back memories for me! Looks so much like my mom's...the one I learned to sew on so many years ago. Wow, thank you for sharing that. I could just kick myself for not making sure her machine stayed in the family. She doesn't know what happened to it. Anyway, your 9 patch is very nice...that's one thing I haven't tried yet....hand quilting! Some day.
ReplyDeleteOh I'm in love with your machine...so stylish and sleek.
ReplyDeleteNice Nine Patches too
It looks like my first Singer sewingmachine I got from my DH, which wasn't my DH then, in 1964. I'm sorry I sold it some years ago, for it was a really good machine. Your nine-patch quilt looks lovely!
ReplyDeleteGreetings, Cisca
Love your machine.
ReplyDeleteAnd the ninepatch quilt,so sweet,hope you will quilt it now.
I would hate to be without mu sewing machine - but it looks like you have one there... All those UFO's are just waiting for its return :)
ReplyDeleteI too love 9 patch quilts, they have such a nice homey look about them. Goodness, you must be having withdrawls being away from your machine so long. At least you can do hand work and keep the quilting muse happy :0)
ReplyDeleteCrispy
The border fabric does give the nine patch some elegance. Shows what good fabric selection can do for simple piecing.
ReplyDeleteThat border is wonderful and sets of the simplicity of nine patches wonderfully!
ReplyDeleteThe 301 is a great machine. Have fun. Love your nine patch. The border fabric is fabulous!
ReplyDeleteI will be interested to see how you end up hand quilting the quilt. The borders do add a special touch. I have been working on drawing hand quilting patterns for a quilt. I am always interested what hand quilters choose and why
ReplyDeleteLove the nine-patch Karen. The border fabric is gorgeous.
ReplyDeleteA cute nine patch quilt!
ReplyDeleteI hope you get the Singer going again! It is great you still have your Grandmother's sewing machine!
I have a 301 as well, great work horse machine! It will do your straight stitching wonderfully for the time being. Hoping your other machine comes home sooner though.
ReplyDeleteLovely little quilt Karen. It really deserves to be quilted. The Singer is a gem. It could be a great help while your own machine is away.
ReplyDeletePretty, pretty little quilt! I haven't done any hand quilting for a long time now. Probably won't anymore, but I am glad that I did a lot of it in the past. I'll bet you have a great time using your little Singer 301. Sewing machines are good values and last for a long time! Have a great weekend, Karen. Carol
ReplyDeleteHello Karen....This comment isn't about this post but I have a question. I have been looking around yours and other blogs and seen the klosjes that are being made. I would really like to try them...but I can't seem to understand is they are hand sewn or machine and if hand which stitch..(running or whipped) Is there also a pattern for them? Can you help me any please. I am still working on my hexie flowers but would like something different sometimes.
ReplyDeleteIt looks like the sewing machine my grandmother once had. I bet it will bring you many happy sewing hours!
ReplyDeleteDid your grandmother's sewing maching like the little TLC? Did she work after that? Love the ninpatches, indeed!
ReplyDeleteShe looks like an oldie, but a goodie!!! The best machine I have is a 25 year old Kenmore that doesn't have all the bells and whistles, but really is an awesome workhorse!
ReplyDeleteI, too, love the simplicity of the nine-patch. Yours looks like it could have come from another era, a look which I adore
ReplyDeleteBeing without one's machine for so long is tough! It's a good thing you have so many wonderful hand projects to choose from in the meantime. :)
ReplyDeleteLovely 9-patch! One of those is on my "list". The borders on yours are wonderful.
It is lovely. Thanks again for a one flower Wednesday day.
ReplyDeleteYOu are thinking about next years sewing already. Whew.
ReplyDeleteI love that sewing machine. I really need to take mine in but every time I think I can I need it.
I agree with you, the beauty of the nine-patch. The simpleness makes you actually see the pattern and fabric.
ReplyDeleteI bought one of those old Singers on ebay 5 years ago. I have yet to use it!
ReplyDeleteGuess I better dig it out and take her for a run. Thanks for reminding me about her.
My mom has that machine! I learned to sew on it :)
ReplyDeleteFunny, my machine is almost exactly like yours... it's a Singer 401a. :) I love it, and it was handed down to me by the quilting ladies at my previous church, I helped them do a lot of quilts and they really appreciated that and knew I didn't have a quilt so yay! :)
ReplyDelete