~~~SEWING my way to POFQ ~ American Girl outfits & Custom Park Bags! ~~~

[cogero]

D~ that machine is absolutely beautiful

 

[Piper]

D~you could call him Rocky--because it seems like he had a somewhat rocky start, but is headed for the good life now. You need to watch him and Patience--they could get into some shenanigans!

 

[VBAndrea]

Love the new machine!

I love vintage machines too! You got such a great deal! They are never that cheap when I go to goodwill! Lucky Duck!

I think it must be the parts of the country we are in. I occasionally can find a thing or two at the Salvation Army, but I went into Goodwill twice and the kids clothes cost more than I pay for new and they even had a plastic tote with an original tag on it ($1.99) that they were selling for $2.25! And most of their clothes were scummy!

OK Andrea... Did I miss the fact that you got a new machine? I haven't been on the Disbou thread in a few days - I've had a super busy week. I should probably go stalk it today and catch up.

Oh - and get that machine out of it's box.... What good does it do in there????

D~

I though I posted it on your PTR -- who knows where I posted. One of the opticians at work gave me her Singer. It's approx 20 years old. She has been married 23 years and thinks she got it when she was married for one or two years. It has no manual and no accessories (like feet). It does a zig zag and straight stitch. It looks very modern compared to your new find! I just hope it's sturdier than my machine. And it's staying in the box until the laundry room gets cleaned -- I'm working on it.

 

[DMGeurts]

D~ that machine is absolutely beautiful

Thank you! I am lovin' it... even though I can't sew anything with it right now. I need to get a new bobbin winder tire (ordered it), so I only have the one bobbin I wound earlier on my Brother, that's now packed away... So, the Rocket will have to wait...

D~you could call him Rocky--because it seems like he had a somewhat rocky start, but is headed for the good life now. You need to watch him and Patience--they could get into some shenanigans!

Hmmm.... Rocky....

I think it must be the parts of the country we are in. I occasionally can find a thing or two at the Salvation Army, but I went into Goodwill twice and the kids clothes cost more than I pay for new and they even had a plastic tote with an original tag on it ($1.99) that they were selling for $2.25! And most of their clothes were scummy!

WOuld you like me to keep my eyes open for a machine for you?

I though I posted it on your PTR -- who knows where I posted. One of the opticians at work gave me her Singer. It's approx 20 years old. She has been married 23 years and thinks she got it when she was married for one or two years. It has no manual and no accessories (like feet). It does a zig zag and straight stitch. It looks very modern compared to your new find! I just hope it's sturdier than my machine. And it's staying in the box until the laundry room gets cleaned -- I'm working on it.

Oh - yes, you did, I remember now. Ok, first you need to post pictures, so we know what machine you got... then you need to get it out of the box - clean laundry room or no clean laundry room... Snap to it Missy!

D~

 

[karebear23]

Your machine looks great! What did you use to clean it??

Sorry about working the Thanksgiving weekend. My DH works retail. I won't see him much the next couple of months!
I used to be a store manager as well...and that stunk since I was always stuck working on holidays!

 

[mommy2mrb]

.

OK... I had a dream again last night... You all know what my dreams mean... I've come up with an idea, and I need some help.

I need a tester!

Requirements: Must be a female child between the ages of 5 & 12 (walking in the park with out a stroller age), must like princesses and getting autographs, and must be going to Disney in the next few weeks...

If you fit this criteria - please send me a PM.

Lisa, maybe Megan and DLR??? (ETA: I think I already found a tester).

Oh - and just so you all don't think I am lazy... I am working on an actual sewing project, which I am almost finished with. But I can't post pictures, because even though this person knows I am working on this project (Marianne) - she is willing to be surprised when it shows up in the mail... So, I can't post pictures until she receives it.

D~

do you still need a tester? let me know!

 

[DMGeurts]

Your machine looks great! What did you use to clean it??

I use a lot of different cleaners... Kerosene to clean the old grease and oil off.

Liquid Wrench to loosen screws, and it also cleans off some of the old grease and oil.

Go-Jo (non pumice) cleans the entire exterior, and gives it the shine.

All of the silver pieces I can get off are soaked in a solution of HOT water, salt and baking soda to remove the tarnish. On the parts I can't get off, I use toothpaste.

Brasso to clean the brass pieces.

It's also important, when using some of these cleaners, to try not to get it on other parts of the machine.

Sorry about working the Thanksgiving weekend. My DH works retail. I won't see him much the next couple of months!
I used to be a store manager as well...and that stunk since I was always stuck working on holidays!

I know I shouldn't complain... I am just really annoyed about the way it was handled by corporate.

do you still need a tester? let me know!

I will send you a PM.

In between working in my sewing room yesterday, and cleaning Mr. Rocket - I was also cleaning our house... trying to get a head start on my deep cleaning for TG. So, yesterday was the upstairs hallway... dusting, vacuuming - putting away everything that was on our catch all table up there. It's nice to have that done. Today is the downstairs/girls' bathroom... I think I am gong to empty out every drawer and reorganize it. Every time I have them clean in there, they open a drawer and swoop the entire contents of the counter into it... So, it seriously needs to be reorganized!

D~

 

[NiniMorris]

I use a lot of different cleaners... Kerosene to clean the old grease and oil off.

Liquid Wrench to loosen screws, and it also cleans off some of the old grease and oil.

Go-Jo (non pumice) cleans the entire exterior, and gives it the shine.

All of the silver pieces I can get off are soaked in a solution of HOT water, salt and baking soda to remove the tarnish. On the parts I can't get off, I use toothpaste.

Brasso to clean the brass pieces.

It's also important, when using some of these cleaners, to try not to get it on other parts of the machine.



I know I shouldn't complain... I am just really annoyed about the way it was handled by corporate.



I will send you a PM.

In between working in my sewing room yesterday, and cleaning Mr. Rocket - I was also cleaning our house... trying to get a head start on my deep cleaning for TG. So, yesterday was the upstairs hallway... dusting, vacuuming - putting away everything that was on our catch all table up there. It's nice to have that done. Today is the downstairs/girls' bathroom... I think I am gong to empty out every drawer and reorganize it. Every time I have them clean in there, they open a drawer and swoop the entire contents of the counter into it... So, it seriously needs to be reorganized!

D~

I have been cleaning the kitchen cabinets and drawers out this weekend! Since we are having somewhere between 20 and 25 people it really needs to shed a few pounds of grime!

My 10 year old DD was helping me...I now get to redo every one of the cabinets she did. She did a good job of taking everything out, washing down the cabinets and throwing out all the expired stuff...bu the reorganization skills she has must have come from her father...they certainly didn't come from me! LOL! If I now want a cup of coffee I have to go to three different cabinets to get the essentials!

The kids bathroom is on my list for this week....


Nini

 

[DMGeurts]

I have been cleaning the kitchen cabinets and drawers out this weekend! Since we are having somewhere between 20 and 25 people it really needs to shed a few pounds of grime!

My 10 year old DD was helping me...I now get to redo every one of the cabinets she did. She did a good job of taking everything out, washing down the cabinets and throwing out all the expired stuff...bu the reorganization skills she has must have come from her father...they certainly didn't come from me! LOL! If I now want a cup of coffee I have to go to three different cabinets to get the essentials!

The kids bathroom is on my list for this week....


Nini

ROFL about the coffee! I can see where that's a problem... My eyes don't even open until I am on to my second cup - I have no idea how my first cup gets made every morning.

We aren't having a lot of people - just out of town people - or out of country people - actually out of state people too. I think we are the only ones from our state. LOL

D~

 

[cogero]

I am having the inlaws. Have I ever told you I really don't get along with the in laws. Thing is they want to spend the holiday with DH since it is his birthday.

I decided it was better for J if they eat here. MILs is just not child friendly.

So we are 7 adults and my 2 kids. Fun Fun Fun.

 

[WDWCP96]

Your new machine looks great. My Singer is a little older than yours, it was my grandmothers and the copyright on the manual says 1978 so I am assuming that is the year it was manufactured. Also going by what you said about the plastic, the entire outside is plastic although not the inside parts.

Where do you get your replacement parts?

 

[DMGeurts]

I am having the inlaws. Have I ever told you I really don't get along with the in laws. Thing is they want to spend the holiday with DH since it is his birthday.

I decided it was better for J if they eat here. MILs is just not child friendly.

So we are 7 adults and my 2 kids. Fun Fun Fun.

Chiara... That is really a bummer about MIL - it's too bad she isn't more understanding. I agree about having it at your house then - it's just easier.

Your new machine looks great. My Singer is a little older than yours, it was my grandmothers and the copyright on the manual says 1978 so I am assuming that is the year it was manufactured. Also going by what you said about the plastic, the entire outside is plastic although not the inside parts.

Where do you get your replacement parts?

Thank you!

OK - I am a bit confused (really, it happens all the time) - LOL. So, is it a typo that your machine is from 1978? Did you mean 1878? But then I read further and you said the outside is plasitc - so you must have meant 1978? LOL

My Singer 15-91 (Patience) is from 1952 and my Singer 503A is from 1961. But because of the black cast iron machines still being in production and demand in the 50's, they look like they are decades apart in styling, even though it's less than 10 years. It's kind of funny seeing them side by side knowing that. LOL

I order most of my parts from www.shop.sew-classic.com. She is super fast and super reliable - and it's really nice to have all the parts I need for both of my machines in one place. Jenny has an amazing blog and just a huge, huge website of information for restoring machines - and she really has done some beauties. However, she doesn't go into huge detail about some of the restoration process, but you can find that information elsewhere on the web. I love reading her blog, although, she doesn't update it much anymore.

I still chuckle at myself, only a year ago - I was deathly afraid of digging that machine out of the closet, and here I am ripping them apart and fixing them up. It's amazing what you can learn if you just put your mind to it.

I had a busy weekend. I didn't get much sewing done, unfortunately. We had to go out and get the girls new winter coats yesterday. And we are a family on a budget... so finding GOOD winter coats with in our amount allotted was no small task. We are not real happy with what the girls got - but we are not dis satisfied either. They don't make good winter coats like they used to, with out spending $250-$500 on one... but you want them to be warm and durable. Grrr.... And we are kind of picky on brand names - normally we are not like that - but like Josh said - there are some things that you just need a brand name for... Winter coats and winter boots are among the top items. So, the girls ended up with The North Face down jackets... V doesn't need boots this year, but A does... So, now I am trying to find her boots - which is no small task either.

I hope to devote a good portion of my week to sewing, inbetween my cleaning spurts for Thanksgivng.

D~ <---Who forgot to set her alarm clock back on Saturday - so it work her up and hour earlier than necessary today. Happy Monday!

 

[dianemom2]

I love your new machine. I think it is amazing what you did with it. I wouldn't have any idea how to take it apart and clean it. Much less put it back together again. If I took it apart, I think it would still be in pieces! It is interesting to see such a radical change in style between a machine from the early 50's and a machine from the early 60's. My mom's machine is much more similar to your newest machine. She hasn't used it in years so maybe I will inherit it one day. It is in great condition. I probably made a mistake in giving up my MIL's old Kenmore from the early 60's. But it was making some horrible grinding noises when I used it and my DH is not exactly handy with fixing things.

Did you check 6pm for boots and winter coats? I ordered my older DD a Northface winter coat from them and spent quite a bit less than they were charging in the store. We didn't need boots this year. Thank goodness that the Lands End boots I bought them last year will still fit. I am sure you really get quite a bit more winter weather than we do so buying quality winter items is important. I lucked out with my younger DD's winter coat this year. I was in the Columbia outlet during the summer and found a great jacket for her on the 75% off clearance!

Can't wait to see what you need a tester for. My girls would qualify but we have no trips planned right now. I hope that you are able to find somebody than can do the job for you.

 

[mommy2mrb]

bummer about having to buy new coats for the girls....but you definately need good, warm coats in your neck of the woods....I lucked out, Megan still fits into her's (always buy them a bit big!)


sounds like you are going to have a house full for Thanksgiving! we are going to my mom's, then decorating the house the rest of the weekend! my older DB and his family usually stay with us that night and he will help me bring all our boxes up the stairs from the garage!

hope you get a lot completed this week! I have to finish up my friends album I'm scrapbooking for and then start my holiday cards and order my holiday photos today too!

 

[VBAndrea]

In between working in my sewing room yesterday, and cleaning Mr. Rocket - I was also cleaning our house... trying to get a head start on my deep cleaning for TG. So, yesterday was the upstairs hallway... dusting, vacuuming - putting away everything that was on our catch all table up there. It's nice to have that done. Today is the downstairs/girls' bathroom... I think I am gong to empty out every drawer and reorganize it. Every time I have them clean in there, they open a drawer and swoop the entire contents of the counter into it... So, it seriously needs to be reorganized!

D~

Cleaning drawers? I'm so glad to see I'm becoming a good influence on you I just cleaned my two bathroom drawers last week. I also cleaned out a cabinet in the laundry room that housed lightbulbs and extra toiletries. I found a new home for the lightbulbs so I was able to get an entire new shelf to store..........you guessed it........fabric!

I really had to restrain myself at Joann's today. They had their clearance bolts at half price. They had a few cute fabrics that would have been nice for BG's that would have ended up costing a little over $2 a yard, but I was a good girl and just purchased the flannel that I went in their for (burp cloth gifts and GKTW pillows). It was hard to resist, but I did it!

Hoping to get my new machine out tonight or tomorrow. The box says Singer 13302 and I can buy the manual on line, but I'm hoping I can just figure it out and save myself the 15 bucks. It is a very modern machine with just the basics -- nothing like what you have. I'm still excited though. I should ask my mom to watch for a 401 -- she's a thrift shop junkie.

And as for winter coats, I always buy them on clearance at the end of the previous season. I can't do that with shoes as much anymore due to sizing issues, but I still have good luck with coats. Of course here we don't need anything as major as you would in MN.

I am having the inlaws. Have I ever told you I really don't get along with the in laws. Thing is they want to spend the holiday with DH since it is his birthday.

I decided it was better for J if they eat here. MILs is just not child friendly.

So we are 7 adults and my 2 kids. Fun Fun Fun.

Ick! Sorry We are trying to sneak away to the mountains over Thanksgiving to avoid family. Just my mom and sister are here, but my sister's boyfriend is like her dh (she will never marry again) so then his whole family becomes involved and my dh can't stand it. I am looking for a reasonable cabin and the best one I can find is an hour further than I wanted to travel and $150 over my tight budget. If only Marianne would buy our house in RI all would work out!

 

[babynala]

I'm not sure why all these stores feel the need to open at Midnight. It is crazy. Obviously the workers are not able to spend time with their families when they have to be at work when the store opens or before to get ready. It is so unnecessary. People can shop just as easily at 6 am as they can at midnight. I was never a black friday shopper but the last few years I have gone out with my husband in the morning - mostly to electronic stores (fun). I would never have gone when we lived in Michigan because it is just too cold but I can handle being out early now that we are in Georgia. We don't get up crazy early and don't wait in lines but I'm not sure we will go this year. I mostly go to get out of the chaos of having about 8-10 extra people in my house.

Your new machine looks so much better all cleaned up and shiny. It is funny to see the different looks of the machines since they were only made 10 years apart. During our last visit to my mom's house she said I could have my grandma's machine. We went up to the storage room to look at it but it was burried in the corner and since it was summer it was way too hot to get to it. I'm hoping that I can peak at it over Christmas when she has moved her decorations. I can't remember what it looks like and I'm not sure how old it is but I know it is electric. She had a foot operated machine that I saved from my grandma's house but my parents tossed it when they moved to NC

I'm bummed we missed the chance to be a tester for you but we just got back a few weeks ago. I can't wait to see what it is!!!

 

[mphalens]

Sounds like lots of fun! Of course, how would I sneak all the fabric I'd buy past my husband and into my sewing room????? I need a new spring "girls" weekend. Now that my in-laws are living in their Florida house full time, there are no more girls get aways for me!

You wouldn't have to sneak it - as part of the package we'd arrange shipping in plain boxes marked in a special way so DH's wouldn't suspect

Hey, Mary Jos is 4 hours, 11 minuertes, With Bathroom breaks from me...and only 43 min from my youngest DS at Winthrop U. in Rock Hill,SC.
Also if you are making a trip there I want in! There is a store about 10 min farther west, still in Gastonia, from Mary Jos that sells threat, tons and tons of thread, and interfacing, and embrod. stablizer...MJ's has the card for the store near the check in counter where you get your cutting slips.

And I have been told there is a ribbon place up there. Sew Creative fabric/quilting store is very,very nice, it is a little NE of Charlotte, and there are several different fabric warehouses up there.
However, they have proved a lot elsive to me! I spent a few hours in the libary with the state bussiness directory looking for fabric mills, ribbon mills, and so on. It was for S.Carolina, and N.Carolina has one, but I haven't gotten my hands on it.

I will ask DS to ask his Costume Prop in the Theater Dept at Winthrop where there are outlets, IF they know...they wouldn't let him use one of the Hus.Viking Designer 1's in the shop 'cause they told him " you don't have the skills to know how it works"..so I took my spare one up to him and he took it to class....so not sure how much they will tell him. But I am going up in a few weeks so I can ask them. I am a lot more forcefull when seeking fabric then any 20 yo male kid...

And add me to the pattern list for the bag! I did some a long time ago, but never made a pattern...but I have a ton of leather and some Disney Resort fabric from MouseSurplus. Had/have bags and stuff planned...in my spare time- insert wild manic laugh here....

Um - HELLO! When are you arriving and can I tag along? I think we need to discuss these stops as part of the "girls weekend" we're trying to plan here Information such as you are talking about is absolute GOLD!

OK... So, as I was taking pictures off my camera of my new machine, I realized that I am a horrible Diser and I forgot to recognize my Pixie Duster, and show my gratitude.

So, first of all, I want to apologize to Lisa and Megan for taking so long to post pictures...

So, the other day, I get this cute little envelope in the mail. I hadn't ordered anything on Etsy recently (that I hadn't received yet, anyways) - so I wasn't sure what it was.

Well, I opened it up, and here was this ADORABLE Donald Duck pin... He is so cute... I bottom half of his body is on a spring, so if you move him around - he does a little dance. Uuuuber cute!!!

And I found the perfect place for him... Which is where he will stay, until I locate my locking pin backs, then I will lock him on for good. Isn't he cute???

D~ <--- Who is just flattered that Lisa and Megan thought of her while on their trip - so, Thank You So Much - and Thank You for being such a great friend to me.

So cute!!!! I love his new home!

Yup - I only need to find one more good deal on a machine for Victoria, and then I will have bought all the vintage machines I am ever going to buy. However, then I will have to break down and get a computerized embroidery machine... I wish those came in "vintage".

I'm thinking about "Mr. Rocket" LOL... Let's just see if he lives up to that name first.



Thanks! Yah - I couldn't believe the Goodwill guy, because there were 3 machines there (SUPER EXCITED)... The one has been there for weeks - don't want it, not even interested. The second one, I didn't have any interest in either. But as I was trying to lift the second one out of the table to get a look at it, the Goodwill Guy came over to me and told me about the other one that just came in that day, he said it "worked" - which means nothing to anyone that doesn't sew. People see the needle go up and down and they think it "works" - but does it actually "Sew"??? That's kind of why I am in a hurry to get this done, because I have 7 days to return it if it doesn't work. And I am going to have to order a few parts for it - which I don't necessarily need to order before I test it out - it definately needs a new bobbin winder tire. I should have it fixed up enough today that I'll be able to see if I am keeping it or not.

OK... I had a dream again last night... You all know what my dreams mean... I've come up with an idea, and I need some help.

I need a tester!

Requirements: Must be a female child between the ages of 5 & 12 (walking in the park with out a stroller age), must like princesses and getting autographs, and must be going to Disney in the next few weeks...

If you fit this criteria - please send me a PM.


Oh - and just so you all don't think I am lazy... I am working on an actual sewing project, which I am almost finished with. But I can't post pictures, because even though this person knows I am working on this project (Marianne) - she is willing to be surprised when it shows up in the mail... So, I can't post pictures until she receives it.

D~

First of all - I am loving the larger pictures of the Rocketeer! He's spiffy!

Second - you KNOW you were my good luck charm on Friday, right? I know if you hadn't found The Rocket I never would have found my buttonhole attachment! The lady at the sewing store couldn't even believe she had one!

Third - I do NOT fit the age requirements (although Phalen does) but I love princesses and can walk and will be in the parks in the next three weeks - just sayin'

Fourth - I cannot WAIT to see it!!! Send me that invoice so I can pay you

Just a small machine update...

I cleaned out the rest of it this morning, oiled and greased it, movement seemed good with the handwheel. I plugged it in, and the motor made noise - but didn't move anything. So, I went outside to tell Josh, he said he would look at it "later". So, 5 minutes later (to my delight), he was sitting at it, pressing the petal and the machine was sewing. It's definately a MAN.

I am going to run upstairs and wind a bobbin for it, and we will see if it actuallly SEWs... if so - it's a keeper.

Josh did say, if we keep it, he will replace the plug - the rest of the wiring looks good.

D~

woohoo!

Just wondering...

Did anyone see my request for a Tester in this post? I promise, it won't cost you any $$ and you'll have the opportunity to try out a SerendipiD~ original.

See above

I use a lot of different cleaners... Kerosene to clean the old grease and oil off.

Liquid Wrench to loosen screws, and it also cleans off some of the old grease and oil.

Go-Jo (non pumice) cleans the entire exterior, and gives it the shine.

All of the silver pieces I can get off are soaked in a solution of HOT water, salt and baking soda to remove the tarnish. On the parts I can't get off, I use toothpaste.

Brasso to clean the brass pieces.

It's also important, when using some of these cleaners, to try not to get it on other parts of the machine.



I know I shouldn't complain... I am just really annoyed about the way it was handled by corporate.



I will send you a PM.

In between working in my sewing room yesterday, and cleaning Mr. Rocket - I was also cleaning our house... trying to get a head start on my deep cleaning for TG. So, yesterday was the upstairs hallway... dusting, vacuuming - putting away everything that was on our catch all table up there. It's nice to have that done. Today is the downstairs/girls' bathroom... I think I am gong to empty out every drawer and reorganize it. Every time I have them clean in there, they open a drawer and swoop the entire contents of the counter into it... So, it seriously needs to be reorganized!

D~

LOL - sounds like how I used to clean MY bathroom as a kid. . . my mom and I were just talking about how I had a serious addiction to buying beauty supplies . . . she said she's 99% sure I was married before she and my dad ran out of the stockpile I had of shampoos and conditioners

I really had to restrain myself at Joann's today. They had their clearance bolts at half price. They had a few cute fabrics that would have been nice for BG's that would have ended up costing a little over $2 a yard, but I was a good girl and just purchased the flannel that I went in their for (burp cloth gifts and GKTW pillows). It was hard to resist, but I did it!

Ick! Sorry We are trying to sneak away to the mountains over Thanksgiving to avoid family. Just my mom and sister are here, but my sister's boyfriend is like her dh (she will never marry again) so then his whole family becomes involved and my dh can't stand it. I am looking for a reasonable cabin and the best one I can find is an hour further than I wanted to travel and $150 over my tight budget. If only Marianne would buy our house in RI all would work out!

Just ask Michelle - I did NOT restrain myself at Joann's on Saturday. She was AWESOME enough to share coupons with me and I found what I went looking for PLUS some other great finds! I'll post in my PTR in a bit - DH washed them all for me today

I would buy your house in RI - but Amber would put a serious hurtin' on you. She found out today that her absolute FAVORITE teacher at the kids' school is leaving THIS THURSDAY and is a wreck. She has made it quite clear I am NEVER allowed to move away from Charlotte. . .
Add to that the fact that I had a lovely re-occurance of my lovely childhood allergy this weekend (I'm allergic to a mold that grows on oak trees or something like that) where I lose my voice for about a week (hasn't happened since I moved to Charlotte and I'd forgotten about it until I woke up Saturday and realized I was in big trouble) and I don't know that I can live full time in RI anymore . . .

 

[DMGeurts]

I love your new machine. I think it is amazing what you did with it. I wouldn't have any idea how to take it apart and clean it. Much less put it back together again. If I took it apart, I think it would still be in pieces! It is interesting to see such a radical change in style between a machine from the early 50's and a machine from the early 60's. My mom's machine is much more similar to your newest machine. She hasn't used it in years so maybe I will inherit it one day. It is in great condition. I probably made a mistake in giving up my MIL's old Kenmore from the early 60's. But it was making some horrible grinding noises when I used it and my DH is not exactly handy with fixing things.

That would be awesome if you got your grandmother's machine... I could only dream of having a machine that had a family connection.

You probably didn't make a mistake with the old Kenmore - if it was grinding - no telling what was wrong with it. It could have been as simple as needing oil/lube or it could have been a stripped gear... So, it's probably best you passed on it.

The more I look, the more I find these machines everywhere... People just give them up because they assume that they're old and don't work - when just the opposite is true. They just fascinate me - if only they could talk - they'd tell me stories of what they made... I know - I'm weird.

Did you check 6pm for boots and winter coats? I ordered my older DD a Northface winter coat from them and spent quite a bit less than they were charging in the store. We didn't need boots this year. Thank goodness that the Lands End boots I bought them last year will still fit. I am sure you really get quite a bit more winter weather than we do so buying quality winter items is important. I lucked out with my younger DD's winter coat this year. I was in the Columbia outlet during the summer and found a great jacket for her on the 75% off clearance!

I did check 6pm, I've been checking there periodically since you told us about it... I just haven't had any luck. I think I've checked everywhere on the internet... I will keep looking though.

Can't wait to see what you need a tester for. My girls would qualify but we have no trips planned right now. I hope that you are able to find somebody than can do the job for you.

I will be showing you all this week... I don't want you to think I haven't been doing anything.

bummer about having to buy new coats for the girls....but you definately need good, warm coats in your neck of the woods....I lucked out, Megan still fits into her's (always buy them a bit big!)

Normally, I buy everything of the girls' big... but they just grew too fast these last few years.

That, and the last 2 years, I've purchased Allison's coats from Kohls - which sells good brands (Columbia) - but not nearly warm enough for our winters - pretty useless actually. I thought I got her a better coat last year, and it just wasn't enough. Finally, we just bit the bullet and got them down coats... They can always put the shells over the top of them on the coldest of days.

sounds like you are going to have a house full for Thanksgiving! we are going to my mom's, then decorating the house the rest of the weekend! my older DB and his family usually stay with us that night and he will help me bring all our boxes up the stairs from the garage!

Sounds like you will have a TG full of family, as well. That's good, and that's awesome the db will help you carry all the boxes up. I just love the holidays - and I love decorating... and I HATE taking it all down - which is never more evident than when I go to unpack it the following year, and it's all just thrown into the boxes.

hope you get a lot completed this week! I have to finish up my friends album I'm scrapbooking for and then start my holiday cards and order my holiday photos today too!

I hope I do too... I am really struggling with this one thing - and it's just being a roadblock for the rest. I just need to get over it. Sometimes I just wish I wasn't so particular.

Cleaning drawers? I'm so glad to see I'm becoming a good influence on you I just cleaned my two bathroom drawers last week. I also cleaned out a cabinet in the laundry room that housed lightbulbs and extra toiletries. I found a new home for the lightbulbs so I was able to get an entire new shelf to store..........you guessed it........fabric!

Yay! More room for fabric... I know you need it. Do you have that machine set up yet... I'm about ready to go google image it, so I can at least see what it looks like.

I really had to restrain myself at Joann's today. They had their clearance bolts at half price. They had a few cute fabrics that would have been nice for BG's that would have ended up costing a little over $2 a yard, but I was a good girl and just purchased the flannel that I went in their for (burp cloth gifts and GKTW pillows). It was hard to resist, but I did it!

Good job resisting... although, you now have that extra cupboard for fabric.

Hoping to get my new machine out tonight or tomorrow. The box says Singer 13302 and I can buy the manual on line, but I'm hoping I can just figure it out and save myself the 15 bucks. It is a very modern machine with just the basics -- nothing like what you have. I'm still excited though. I should ask my mom to watch for a 401 -- she's a thrift shop junkie.

Well, there are several awesome models your mom should watch for... All Singers...
66
99
15-91 (Patience) - really, honestly, the best machine ever.
301 (i love the look of this machine... The black one reminds me of a gangster tommy gun from the 40's movies)
401a... One of the best machines that Singer ever made
503a... Another one of the best

There are several others - but these are the ones I can think of off the top of my head.

As long as she can turn the hand wheel, and there's a bobbin case in the machines that need one - then it can be saved. If the bobbin case is missing - you can expect to pay big bucks for a replacement - usually much more than what you'd buy the whole machine for. Just a friendly FYI.

And as for winter coats, I always buy them on clearance at the end of the previous season. I can't do that with shoes as much anymore due to sizing issues, but I still have good luck with coats. Of course here we don't need anything as major as you would in MN.

I know, I used to get so lucky when the girls were little. Now I'm paying for it. I will never forget the year that my bff found the most WONDERFUL Columbia down winter coats at a store for $16 each... She got 2 of them in the biggest size possible for the girls to grow into, and my girls wore them for 3 years... and Victoria got an additional 2 years out of Allison's... LOL, the one coat got 5 years of wear - THAT was a deal. And honestly, that was the best coat they ever had - they were so warm, and the material was the perfect tear resistant fabric (part of the issue we were having the other day... all the down coats are made of fabric that doesn't look durable). I still have the one coat, it's in pretty poor shape - but I do try to hold on to a couple of smaller items here and there, because we live in the country and you never know who it going to come visiting and want to go sledding...

Ick! Sorry We are trying to sneak away to the mountains over Thanksgiving to avoid family. Just my mom and sister are here, but my sister's boyfriend is like her dh (she will never marry again) so then his whole family becomes involved and my dh can't stand it. I am looking for a reasonable cabin and the best one I can find is an hour further than I wanted to travel and $150 over my tight budget. If only Marianne would buy our house in RI all would work out!

I agree, Marianne should buy your RI house... that makes perfect sense.

I hope you are able to find the perfect mountain cabin for TG - that just sounds so romantic and wonderful...

I'm not sure why all these stores feel the need to open at Midnight. It is crazy. Obviously the workers are not able to spend time with their families when they have to be at work when the store opens or before to get ready. It is so unnecessary. People can shop just as easily at 6 am as they can at midnight. I was never a black friday shopper but the last few years I have gone out with my husband in the morning - mostly to electronic stores (fun). I would never have gone when we lived in Michigan because it is just too cold but I can handle being out early now that we are in Georgia. We don't get up crazy early and don't wait in lines but I'm not sure we will go this year. I mostly go to get out of the chaos of having about 8-10 extra people in my house.

I agree... I just can't even talk about it anymore. I was talking to my BFF today about it - and it was just making me mad.

Honestly, I would not be mad if Target had treated us like human beings with families. And I would not be mad if they had made an honest effort to accomodate the fact that it's a family holiday. And I would not be mad if I worked at a hospital where I would understand that patients need care every day... But I work in RETAIL - and there is no reason - besides the dollar (which isn't worth anything right now) for us to work on a national holiday.

ACK!!!

Seee..... I just can't talk about it.

Your new machine looks so much better all cleaned up and shiny. It is funny to see the different looks of the machines since they were only made 10 years apart. During our last visit to my mom's house she said I could have my grandma's machine. We went up to the storage room to look at it but it was burried in the corner and since it was summer it was way too hot to get to it. I'm hoping that I can peak at it over Christmas when she has moved her decorations. I can't remember what it looks like and I'm not sure how old it is but I know it is electric. She had a foot operated machine that I saved from my grandma's house but my parents tossed it when they moved to NC

Thanks, I really can't wait to get my bobbin winder tire in the mail (it shipped today) so I can really give this new machine a work out... I am anxious to try my first applique on it.

Oooh - I really want you to get up in that attic and check out that machine... you probably have a really awesome machine up there, that's begging to get out and sew something.

Bummer about the treadle (I'm assuming that's what you meant about the foot operated machine)... some people love them and use them exclusively, and others have never had the chance to try... I would be part of the latter. However, I do have the desire to make something on a hand crank machine someday.

I'm bummed we missed the chance to be a tester for you but we just got back a few weeks ago. I can't wait to see what it is!!!

I am sorry... I have lots of ideas floating around in my head... They just keep popping in there. So, I am sure there will be many opportunities to test something out.

So, I am going to finish this project tomorrow, even though I don't have enough fabric that I want to use - I have tons of other fabric that coordinates and matches, so I will just have to use that, and get over it, so I can move on to the next item. This is taking too long and I am quickly running out of days.

D~

 

[WDWCP96]

Oops sorry I meant to say your machine is a bit older than mine not the other way around. Your "new" machine looks similar to the one my friend has.

Thanks for the information on buying replacement parts and for listing what you clean your machine with. I need to lubricate mine but was scared to do it since I had no idea what to use.

 

[DMGeurts]

You wouldn't have to sneak it - as part of the package we'd arrange shipping in plain boxes marked in a special way so DH's wouldn't suspect

Yes, I do this for Marianne all the time... I label the boxes as "car parts" - her dh doesn't suspect a thing.

First of all - I am loving the larger pictures of the Rocketeer! He's spiffy!

Thanks, I think he's a purty handsome feller myself.

Second - you KNOW you were my good luck charm on Friday, right? I know if you hadn't found The Rocket I never would have found my buttonhole attachment! The lady at the sewing store couldn't even believe she had one!

Actually - you KNOW I'm your good luck charm every day -right?

Third - I do NOT fit the age requirements (although Phalen does) but I love princesses and can walk and will be in the parks in the next three weeks - just sayin'

I know, I did consider that... but the car parts box I am sending you is already full.

Fourth - I cannot WAIT to see it!!! Send me that invoice so I can pay you

I am on my way to PP right now.

LOL - sounds like how I used to clean MY bathroom as a kid. . . my mom and I were just talking about how I had a serious addiction to buying beauty supplies . . . she said she's 99% sure I was married before she and my dad ran out of the stockpile I had of shampoos and conditioners

Well, if your parents have any left overs, they can send them our way - I swear my girls go through a bottle of shampoo and conditioner per week - it's insane!

Just ask Michelle - I did NOT restrain myself at Joann's on Saturday. She was AWESOME enough to share coupons with me and I found what I went looking for PLUS some other great finds! I'll post in my PTR in a bit - DH washed them all for me today

I updated your PTR for you a few times while you were gone. Can't wait to see what you got!

Add to that the fact that I had a lovely re-occurance of my lovely childhood allergy this weekend (I'm allergic to a mold that grows on oak trees or something like that) where I lose my voice for about a week (hasn't happened since I moved to Charlotte and I'd forgotten about it until I woke up Saturday and realized I was in big trouble) and I don't know that I can live full time in RI anymore . . .

I hope you get your voice back soon. I didn't realize it was an allergy - I thought you had gotten sick.

I'll never forget the year I lost my voice while Josh was in Iraq... and he called home and I couldn't talk to him - and the girls were being rowdy - so he couldn't hear me. I remember getting off the phone and just bawling like a baby... I couldn't tell him what I needed to tell him, he couldn't hear me and I didn't know when I'd get to talk to him again. Sorry, every time someone loses their voice, I always think of that.

Oops sorry I meant to say your machine is a bit older than mine not the other way around. Your "new" machine looks similar to the one my friend has.

Got it. I had to read your post a few times this morning, then I read it again after my second cup of coffee. And I was still confused. Totally understand now.

Does your friend use her machine like mine???

Thanks for the information on buying replacement parts and for listing what you clean your machine with. I need to lubricate mine but was scared to do it since I had no idea what to use.

Any time... Just make sure you use sewing machine oil and lube - not all purpose - because that will gum up and eventually wreck your machine. Just Singer oil and lubricant (two seperate bottles, do seperate things) available at any walmart sewing section. The oil for moving parts... the Lube for gears (but not for plastic gears - only metal - so if you only have plastic gears on your machine, you won't need the lube). Did I just ramble too much???

D~