Still it is a cute little machine. It is quiet. The variable speed control is nice. the single step back tack is nice. And H likes it. So there.
But I couldn't help myself during the whole sewing lesson. I did try to NOT insult her machine. I really did. I mentioned how light it was. She replied that this is an advantage. When she is older she will be able to lift it. Before I knew it I was saying:
"When you are older this machine won't be around."
We struggled with the automatic needle threader. "Well, it will probably break today and then you won't have to worry about it anymore."
Gee whiz, couldn't I have kept that to myself? What is UP with me? So what if I had read about the needle threader breaking the first day. I was being a good teacher, right? I had done my research.
(I honestly hate my automatic needle threader on my Viking, but at least that one works)
OK enough with the machine. H was here to learn how to sew and she wanted to make an apron from a pattern she had brought along; a 1940s Vintage apron.
We cut it out. She sewed the pocket hems and sewed one pocket onto the apron sides, as directed. Time was short by now (All that time threading the needle. Really, the automatic needle threader was NO TIME SAVER ) so we reviewed the rest of the directions and closed the session I wish we had had time enough to finish the project.
Only because I had SO MUCH FUN with her. It is wonderful teaching someone to sew. H. caught on really quickly and graduated from very slow speed to fast speed in no time. She meticulously cut out the pattern. Plus, she brought a great project and is a great sport, and FUN. I had a really, lovely time. What a wonderful way to make a new friend (I hope).
I do hope that she can finish the apron. I warned her that she likely shouldn't sew anything heavier than the cotton weight we used today. I mean, by the time the apron is finished, it will weigh more than the machine. Really. I am serious.
I tried to make up for my lack of tact by calling her machine cute. She didn't take it to heart, I hope. Besides, when she left, she told me
"And that music? Get something different" (I had Pandora playing Windham Hill radio in the back ground)
"Oh I am so sorry, I said. I barely noticed."
"Ah, but when you are a musician, music is in the foreground."
"OK, when you come back I will play something else."
"Silence would be nice." I wonder if she is referring to the music or me?
Yikes, Windham Hill is one of my all time favorites. I got to see George Winston play a concert once, and he seemed the consummate musician to me. I had an automatic threader on the P machine I lost my shirt on. I had it replaced 3 times, and it took longer to thread with it. I thread a machine very easily and it is not an issue with me. Just like I can open and close my own van door without the automatic door opener for $$$ more.
ReplyDeleteYeah, I like WH, too. I think, though, that classical musicians like classical music.
DeleteI was teaching a couple of preteens how to sew and had to stop every ten minutes to fix their machine and told them it was a piece of junk and they needed a hand crank, did I mention they were my pastors' daughters? LOL And he did buy them a hand crank! LOL A couple of months later when their grandmother passed away the third daughter, 9 , was excited about finding an old machine for me to convert for them. When they brought it to me, it was a featherweight in mint condition, so I explained to them what a priceless (it was their grandmother's)machine it was and to leave it electric. I cleaned it up and oiled it for them and sent it home, took me 30 minutes!
ReplyDeleteI am constantly amazed at the variety of junky plastic machines that I see when I go on retreat. I bring my Featherweight and she just sews away. I also have an older Viking and Pfaff. Both are relatively heavy, but theVviking especially could probably sew through concrete.
ReplyDeleteMaybe H didn't want ANY music (classical or otherwise). She might find it too distracting or perhaps the rhythm and sound of the machine and music comes off as discordant/disrhythmic to her so she can't concentrate. I like teaching people to sew too.
ReplyDeleteI also own one of these Brother's. A couple of months ago, I knew nothing of sewing except with a needle and thread. My mom's Pfaff 360 I was told had tension problems so I decided I'd start with a new machine and maybe learn without machine issues.
ReplyDeleteMove ahead to a couple of weeks ago. A guy I knew from work saw the shirt I was making from a bed sheet and mentioned his wife was no longer sewing and had 2 Kenmore's they'd like to at least get their servicing expense back. I went over willing to give them $100 sight unseen to get their money back. By the time I left I had a 158.1781 taken out of a cabinet they promised I could have with all the accessories once they find them this spring. The other one is a 385.1254180 portable. They decided they wanted nothing for either one so I came home with 2 serviced Kenmore's that both work perfectly for free.
I think I found your site from MPB, not sure, but I am not sure how to feel about your site. I've been reading till my eyes glaze over, resting and coming back for more. I'm not sure if I should follow your example of being a collector or try to keep my collection to the 4 I have. I've found I'm dreaming of finding old Singers and such and being forced to bring them home because they owners want to get rid of them. You are either warning me off to avoid SMAD or showing me what I can expect if I jump in like you did. I suspect my will power is going to give in and I will follow in your footsteps (without the repair knowledge) and do my best to fill my house with more machines. I made a trip uptown yesterday just to check out Goodwill. (Nothing) I do enjoy this site and hope to get more skills and laughter from it.