Melissa and Mike surprize the pants off me! Not quite...

Oh boy - did I get a wonderful surprize from Melissa and Mike! On Friday night, they called to say they had found an antique Singer sewing machine at a local thrift store. I was a bit skeptical because all the antique machines I have seen have usually been too far gone to actually use - which is what I plan to do.

When they got the machine home on Saturday, I was shocked to see that they had found a 1928 Singer Model 99 in absolutely beautiful condition! The pics don't do it justice, but all the gold filagree is intact and barely worn. The sewing arm is graced with a beautiful silver filagree piece that is gorgeous!

The electrical cords are original, fabric wrapped cord that is frayed slightly. I am going to have the machine restored so that I can use it. I would like the cords to be replaced, and perhaps a foot pedal control added instead of the knee control that the machine has.

If the machine sews like I think it is going to, then this machine will become my "piecing" machine, the large Baby Lock will be for my quilitng, and the new Baby Lock will be used for travelling and decorative stitches.

I am so excited! I'll keep you posted on my progress restoring this machine!

K

Dear Janiac

For several years now, I have been awestruck by the civil war era quilt. So, I decided to make one and have become a Janiac! The blocks are tiny and there are 5606 pieces to the quilt! Hope I make it! I'll keep you posted!

There are 13 vertical rows and 13 horizontal rows. Each horizontal row is given a letter A-M and each vertical row is given a number 1-13. Using a grid, each block is then given a code. For instance, the upper left block is A-1, the next one is A-2 and so on.

When I first got the materials a couple of weekends ago, I made A-1 and !-2, which were tough, but not too bad, even for a small block. Over the weekend, I prepared A-3 for hand applique (which I will do in the evening while watching TV with Fred) and completed A-4.

How much fun!!

K