Monday, August 27, 2012

Quest for needles

In my manic Monday off, I was on a quest for needles.  My new, old treadle sewing machine came without any needles.  I've been doing some research and found that I, amazingly enough, had a needle that was reported to work.  It didn't.   Evidently all the standard needles are too short and I couldn't get it to take up the bobbin thread.  I tried to lower the needle but by the time I got it low enough there wasn't enough of the needle shank left in place to keep the needle steady.  I made a run to a local sewing machine shop because I know they have a guy who will actually service old treadle machines.  Of course he wasn't in and the guy there just wanted to run google searches (which I have already done exhaustively!) and wasn't helpful in finding the kind of needles I need to try.  I have found somewhere online that sells them but I may see if I will have time to run to a few of the quilt shops in Kalona to see if they have any ideas.  I would guess that with their huge Amish/Mennonite population that there are still treadle machines in use in the area.  But that trip won't happen any time soon.  Work beckons tomorrow and for the rest of the week.
We did have a lovely rain yesterday (1.2 inches!!) and this morning it was pea-soup thick fog out there. That interfered with my gardening plans so I just had to stay inside to sew.  Oh the hardship...  I got started on the quilting for Justine's Steampunk Airship quilt and I'm pretty happy with how it is turning out.

I did manage to pick tomatoes this afternoon and made a killer pasta sauce for dinner.  Sh... don't tell the boys that there was also zucchini in the sauce...
And now, for some reason, Mandy is attempting to crawl into my backpack.  Crazy cat.  She does the strangest things sometimes.  Ah, and now she is attacking my pincushion.  Hmm....  I think it is kitty wacky hour.  A little entertainment is always fun.
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12 comments:

  1. Bee LadyAugust 28, 2012 at 2:17 AM

    You might call Guarantee Vaccum and Sewing in Kokomo, Indiana and see if they have any needles. They are a specialty store.

    Cindy Bee

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  2. SusanAugust 28, 2012 at 4:00 AM

    Oh, she is going to love that quilt! I hope you can find some locally - I am always amazed at what you can find on the Internet, but then there's the shipping and handling, which can run four times what you are paying to have shipped!

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    1. Judy TAugust 28, 2012 at 9:28 PM

      I'm kind of counting on Kalona. Of course, I could be wrong but then there's always the internet.

      Delete
  3. AnonymousAugust 28, 2012 at 7:04 AM

    Love your quilt!! We have a Mr. Sewing Machine here that services trendle machines. If you can't find your needles, give me the number off of it and I'll see if they have any - if ya want. When will J be leaving for college? I might find out myself. I'm reading backwards to catch up with all the posts. Must be coming up soon....debbie

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    1. Judy TAugust 28, 2012 at 9:29 PM

      Our local shop will service them, they just don't carry the needles (he could order them if I was sure which ones I needed- which I'm not.

      Delete
  4. Mama PeaAugust 28, 2012 at 9:08 AM

    I, too, was lucky enough to get a nice treadle machine within the last year. I took it to an "old-fashioned" sewing machine repair shop in the big city nearest us and he did a great job putting it in top-notch condition for me. If you want, with your model number and particulars, I know I could get some needles from him for you . . . which I'd be happy to do. Just let me know if you can't come up with them.

    We've never had an indoor cat but hearing of the antics of those of our daughter makes me think about the possibility of getting one. (If only I could train it to either go outside to relief itself or . . . use the toilet! Don't wanna deal with a litter box. :o[ )

    Rainy days are GREAT for quilting! Glad you got a little time in on Justine's quilt.

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    1. Judy TAugust 28, 2012 at 9:30 PM

      Thanks! I'll keep that one in mind as well. And on this rainy day I actually allowed myself to quilt and not do the thousand other things that were calling to me. THAT is the hardest part.

      Delete
  5. JustineAugust 28, 2012 at 5:57 PM

    i love it :)

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    1. Judy TAugust 28, 2012 at 9:31 PM

      I thought you would! Of course you've seen the middle panel already. But it is so much nicer with the stitching. There is a better photo on the Dreams of Empires site.

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  6. JustineAugust 28, 2012 at 5:59 PM

    also @Happy Days I'm already here :) I've been in Philly for a week now, and am loving every minute of it. 3rd day of classes, and it's pretty awesome.

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