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Sunday, March 2, 2014

Because I can....

 (For the sake of historical accuracy, the following events actually took place on Friday, February 28th.  It was Frigid Cold (FC) that day.  I had computer problems and am just able to complete the post today when it is a balmy 20.3 outside)

Dear Readers.  I am overwhelmed.  I brought home all those sewing machine parts and stuff and it has me beat.  I admit it.  I made a mistake.  What was I thinking?  I have way too much stuff now.

Mom called today while I was in the shop.  I admitted to her that I had too much stuff.  There wasn't even a pregnant pause at the other end of the line.  It was just plain silent.  She had nothing to say.

This morning my intent was to make a concerted effort to organize the stuff.  I was in the shop early, likely by 9 AM.  Steven had started a fire so the shop was above 40.  I dressed in the warmest clothes I could find and set to work. (The Polar Pig has returned.  It is now 1.9 degrees outside)

First I pulled out my own stash of foot controllers and motors.  I sorted through them and even trashed one motor and a light fixture.  I just don't have the energy to delve into re-wiring an old Singer light.  The keeper rings are a PITA.  Out it went.  A very old motor joined it.  Oh, that felt GOOD!

Then I found a Singer motor that likely came off of an old Vibrating Shuttle (my Women's Health colleagues laugh when I talk about that particular model of machine).  Or, maybe the motor came from a 66.  I can't remember.

I looked at it and wondered.  Is it worth re-wiring?

I opened it up.....


 ...and decided that I could.  So I did. Because I can.

BUT, to distract myself even further, with the above motor recently  disemboweled, and not yet repaired, I took this little antique foot controller apart.
I was relieved to see how easy it was to get apart...

Just two small screws (1) in plain site.  (2) is on the back of the controller.  You can't see it, but I know it's there.

However, when I saw the cracked piece, I feared the worst.
Five minute epoxy to the rescue
I had a terrible time crimping on new connectors.  Steven claims it is easy.  I just couldn't seem to get them to hold.  Finally, I did something right, after several tries and a hissy fit (yes, I shed tears). The motor and the foot controller are ready for a machine.  I must wire a power connection.  That is for another day.

So my big organization effort for the day was hanging up all of the hand wheels.  It got them off a shelf and out of the way, freeing up shelf space for another machine. (No I did not buy another.  I simply put one from the floor, onto the shelf)






17 comments:

  1. Have you tried leaning your forehead on your arm against a door frame and moaning "whyyyy do I dooooo this!"? I've found that if I am melodramatic enough, I can (almost) make myself laugh (a little).
    Lillian

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    1. So Lillian, the hissy fit and shedding of tears wasn't melodramatic enough? I also threw the wire across the room. Today is better. There is some order out there now.

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  2. GREAT handwheel storage solution, an idea I am stealing right now! Hope spring arrives soon.

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    1. One more week of FC. then I think we will have some about freezing temperatures.

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  3. Some of us just get in over our heads with our hobby and projects. My answer is I need more space which is laughable as I won't mention the couple of 40 ft shipping containers behind dh's farm shop that hold mostly my blanks and fabrics out of the wazoodle often rolls and bolts. Of course my house is filled wth machines, thread, and all sorts of embroidery and sewing stuff,modern machines and now several vintage machines (ok 7 not several) that I disguise(that;s my story) as end and occasional tables since I insist they have the appropriate cabinet for their era. Honestly the more one curbs one area , I think we gravitate to other collecting. Oh well so far there is a path through the house and I am not climbing over things and the toilets are all functional unlike those tv shows..
    Some of us just love sewing things and that's the way it is. I have always said if I didn't amass the sew hoard , I would be very organized and tidy.But I suspect I'd be overboard collecting other things. Some days like yours I think what in the hey dey am I doing with all this stuff and my late mother would be horrified as she was so not a collector so don't even express the thought to a mom in that category. Lol!

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  4. Seems I made a similar mistake with sewing machines/parts acquisition a few years ago. Still haven't gotten to the bottom of it. Don't cry. One day at a time...

    Like the wheels on a dowel. What is a keeper ring?

    I'm sick of winter too... they are still predicting sub zero temps this week and it's already March!

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  5. I do like the stenciling on the motor casing, and the controller is way too darling to sit around being useless. So, day well spent!

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  6. Funny how it feels almost 'tropical' when the temps get to 20 or above this winter. Hopefully it will end soon. Cool foot controller.

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  7. I am glad you are at least doing well! I was worried when you didn't post for awhile! I was afraid you got ill.

    Maybe you could find a college student to work on shares to help you post and sell some of it on ebay. You just never know. How about a business student that wants a real education?

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    1. Having someone who likes to sort, organize and list on ebay (I am not one of these but could also benefit from their help) come over seems like a very good idea, especially if you prefer to make things and fix machines.

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    2. Thanks Ann. It's a thought.

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  8. You sound like me. Overwhelmed. I haven't been working on many machines lately. Seemed I got burned out fixing so many machines for the Sewing Machine Project. I hated having so many machines sitting in my garage. Right now I have about three to fix, and I need to get them done and out of here. Sometimes we just need to relax and breathe! Hang in there! Hopefully warmer weather will get here soon.

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  9. Some verbal support from the Netherlands ;-)
    I am PROUD to blog-know a sewing machine obsessed sister, who has a true workshop with so many spare parts. Just think about the time when you have no regular job anymore. Being able to potter in your workshop the whole day.
    Like the FlyLady says: one (baby) step at the time and in due time you will have everything in order. Remember (again the FlyLady) "You are NOT behind!!!"

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  10. Looks like your readers/friends have said so many supportive things that you don't have need for mine.... I suppose it's just best to do it one step/day at a time. I liked what Ann from KY said though.... it's a thought. There may be someone out there who would just love to learn all you have to teach them. I think it's amazing what you have learned and shared here on the blog. Hang in there.... as they say....."When you get to the end of your rope, put a knot in it and hang on!"

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  11. Betty Tyler is right - that controller was well worth rescuing. Someone will want it to go with their antique machine. Your posts are educational , in both "how to do things" and "what's too much for me to tackle" categories. Also, don't knock moaning - it actually can help.

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  12. This is awesome, thanks for the detailed pics!!

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