Readers, it can no longer be ignored: it's almost you-know-what-mas again. I hope you've been good little girls and boys; I know I have been!
And speaking of Christmas miracles, just look what I found in the trash yesterday when I was doing laundry.
I call these suede beauties my Sally McGraws, though they're actually by Liz Clairborne. Might they be prominently featured in a loving visual homage to Sally-style and her fantastic blog Already Pretty sometime in early 2011? I know Cathy's game; if ONLY we could get Sally to appear as well. (Universe, do your thing!)
Meanwhile, you'll be happy to know that my back is much, much better, so much so that I was able to launder both my plaid cotton flannel and my leopard cotton velvet. Both came out beautifully and I couldn't keep myself from experimenting with a little topstitching on the leopard with my new Singer 15-90 treadle.
In even more electrifying news, I have begun to dismantle the wiring of my dearly beloved but dangerous Singer 15-91. I'm a little embarrassed to show you the state of this machine's wiring for fear you'll think I harbored a death wish.
I'm not sure a shock from an electrified all-metal sewing machine body could kill a person unless it were tossed in one's bath, but it could definitely make one's hair stand on end and result in mild-to-moderate memory loss if a calmer overall affect.
Brace yourself, kids:
I think I'm up to the challenge of this rewiring project and it's helpful to know that many MPB readers have done this themselves -- or at least have an opinion about it. I feel less alone.
Friends, that's it! I'm cautiously optimistic about the prospects of getting some real sewing done today. Sexy leopard pants by Christmas? We'll see.
Happy Thursday, everybody!
Any snow falling out there?
BTW, where does one purchase a solderer -- solder gun...blow torch? Will I need goggles?
Looks like it was already fried by someone. You can do it.
ReplyDeleteWhich is weird because it's mechanically fantastic.
ReplyDeleteI am so excited about your cotton velvet leopard print pants, I wish I could find such great material local to my home!
ReplyDeleteSadly, there is very little snow here and none in the forecast either. I like a white winter holiday and especially love to snow warm inside while the big fluffy flakes fall gently to the ground.
In other news, I've ordered a Brother HE-240 embroidery machine. It's the bottom of the line but got great reviews on PR, all I want to use it for is monograms and perhaps the rare occasional lavender sachet. I was lucky enough to get a seasonal bonus so I guess it's my bosses' gift to me. :D
Have a fabulous New Year and festive season!
Likewise, Sewsister -- Thanks!
ReplyDeleteAny hardware store should have a soldering iron. If you are not completely replacing the wires, you should consider getting something like this to coat the exposed areas: http://www.dxengineering.com/products.asp?ID=191
ReplyDeleteAgain, the folks at the hardware store should be able to steer you towards an appropriate product. Best of luck!
I think your 15-91's wires are in pretty typical condition--they are just old. For the soldering iron, think crafting, not home remodeling, like this one at Jo-Ann. I acquired one years ago to solder charms on bracelets (different solder). I'm glad your back is better.
ReplyDeleteGoggles are always a good idea for projects with hot liquid metal, keeps droplets out of your eyes! An old metal cookie sheet or other unloved metal object would be good to have too, to put the hot soldering iron on while you aren't using it. Their little kickstands never seem very stable to me, and if they do fall over I don't want them on something that might burn.
ReplyDeleteIt is - literally - always snowing in western Pennsylvania.
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas to you and yours (i.e. Michael and the pups).
Did you know that a wood burner is essentially a soldering iron? It's a fraction of the price of one marketed as such, and easier to find. Any craft store will have one.
ReplyDeleteAh, what a wuss! It's only 110v :-)..
ReplyDeleteNot snowing here, and we are doing an anti-snow dance. We are also doing all the opposite to what the kids do to make it snow: wearing pajamas the right side out! Snow? Bah humbug!
ReplyDeleteHappy Christmas and happy soldering, Peter! (The only advice I think I'm qualified to give is try not to burn yourself - I've learnt from past experience that soldering irons leave nasty scars...)
ReplyDeleteI really, really, really, really, really REALLY shouldn't tell you about this, but I'm a little evil sometimes, so I will ;)
ReplyDeletewww.shopgoodwill.com has tons of vintage sewing machines, I noticed a 15-90 on the first page.
I will try to behave myself in 2011.
Beth, you're my new best friend.
ReplyDelete