Snow Day, Slow Day, Sew Day

   It snowed all day yesterday and the temps hovered around zero or below.  Perfect day for sewing.  Church was cancelled due to weather, so I spent the day making Quilt of Valor blocks for our guild project.

These are Half Log Cabin blocks.  If set on point they look like hearts, but I like the top setting.  They are fun to sew also.  I cut another pile of 2 1/2 in. strips last night and so am ready to make some more.  I decided to finish packing away Christmas decorations today, but those strips were sure calling to me, all day long.  Tomorrow for sure!

And now for the latest addition to the family.  

I remember my grandmother sewing on one of these.  She had moved on to an electric by the time I was old enough to sew, but I have always wanted to try one and actually sew something on it.  During a recent "picking" excursion before Christmas, I happened onto this in a antique/collectibles shop in a nearby town.  The shop owner said she was told it was in working condition except for a belt.  The timing certainly wasn't right as it was about two weeks before Christmas, but I just kept thinking about it.  Needless to say, my willpower wasn't up to the task and here she is in all of her glory.

She definitely needs some TLC plus elbow grease, but that will have to wait until warmer weather.  It is even too cold to work in the garage.  I have been researching the restoration and have ordered a belt and a book about treadles.  It has the vibrating shuttle type bobbin, so that will be a learning curve.  According to the serial number, she was manufactured in 1888, so she has a few years on her.   

As a bonus, there was an old Christmas card and some ribbons and fabric in the drawers.

Look at the cute little tilt out drawer on the front.  

I'll post some progress pictures as progress is made, but would welcome suggestions from anyone out there reading this.  

Keep on stitchin'

Judy