My planned project - and some questions

[Tobus]

I'm so glad you're putting all those tartan scraps to good use!!

Barb

Thank you again for making them available! This patchwork blanket is my attempt to get my proverbial feet wet with machine sewing (I really haven't done it since I took Home Ec, circa 1986). If I'm successful and don't feel like throwing the whole thing in the river when I'm done, then I might plan to do a more complex project after that, using the smaller scraps that you sent me. Mainly the pleat cut-outs. That would be a lot of smaller work and more complex patterns, but I have some ideas for some really neat patterns to make the best use of them.

Anyway, I got my treadle Singer all cleaned up, oiled, and seemingly functional yesterday. There were plenty of spider webs, dirt dobber nests, lint, and caked up goo in there. But after cleaning it out and liberally applying penetrant oil, all the parts move smoothly. The presser foot was frozen in place, but after some soaking and gentle nudging with a hammer, it's good too. When I spin up the treadle wheel with the foot pedal, it runs by itself for a good 60 seconds before rocking to a stop. I love seeing old machinery come back to life! And as an engineer, I love seeing the design of the internal works. Such simplicity of design, and such thought put into making everything robust and serviceable.

Alas, I can't try sewing anything yet because I still don't have the new treadle belt or any bobbins. When those come in, I'll string it up and see how she does.