I visited my friend Rain last weekend. I finally delivered his 223 to him. I also took along some other parts in a tote bag I had made. He tried to give it back to me. I told him he could keep it that I had plenty more at home that I had made.
"What machine did you use?" he said as he scrutinized the stitches. Only someone who works on machines cares about the stitch quality.
I admit, though, that when I am at craft shows I look at the stitches on the various for sale sewn items. I am a stitch snob.
So tonight I was pleased to be sewing on the 201-3 transformed to treadle. It makes a lovely stitch. I don't know what is up with that 237. Maybe it just doesn't make a nice straight stitch. My 201-3 TTT (transformed To Treadle) does.
This project is another tote bag. I loved the bright colors of a linen kitchen towel map of the Caribbean.
I wanted to preserve as much of the original design as I could. I thought that I had secured the edge under the seam. I hadn't. I tried Steam a Seam but it wouldn't hold. So I gave in and used the Kenmore. I know it is an electric machine. I know that my vow was to only treadle until the TOGA. I failed. So shoot me.
I like this stitch in this application I think it will hold the edges together well and will bear up as this bag is used.
The handles come next. I was thinking of using that bright yellow. I would rather use more green. Just don't have it. I might have some blue.....
It's hard to compete with the precision of a 201 straight stitch. But now you've made me want to take my 237 out of mothballs - never noticed problems with the SS, but I mostly used it for ZZ. I've never seen a 223 before. Checked out pics online. Very good looking - bet it weighs a ton.
ReplyDeleteIt does weigh a ton. Surprisingly, more than a 201. I actually worked on a 223 at the Ray White Class. I wasn't impressed. I think the seeds and nuts that spilled out when I opened the bottom dissuaded me from going further with it.
DeleteI just want to treadle and handcrank comfortably in case I ever have to rely on those for all sewing-doesn't mean when the power is on I am obligated to do all things on them. You are forgiven. Why do we impose restrictions on ourselves as we are fond of doing. If I want to machine embroider, I am not picking up a needle and a skein of hand floss as I once did. I know how if need be and that is enough for that situation. Otherwise I'll plug up the electric when ziggy zags are calling out to me unless I give in to your 237 treadle for lights out time that still speaks to me.
ReplyDeleteYou are so right. I could have hooked up the 319 to the treadle and used the three step zig zag. I still might try that. But I love that particular stitch on the Kenmore.
DeleteHas anyone tried out other ZZ machines on a treadle? Seems there a many potentials-Kenmores, Whites, Montgomery Wards, Pfaffs and others - the ones that have short beds at the handwheel end so that they can be mounted on a treadle stand.
DeleteIs there such a device as a light with a tiny battery that is also powered by the treadle?
I have a Japanese ZZ on a different treadle stand. I don't know about a light that can be powered by the treadle.
Deletelol - I've heard of chocolate snobs (me being one!), now I know I'm also a stitch snob - great!! Learning something new here about myself everytime!
ReplyDelete