tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1991166428290808171.post2687798650376176781..comments2023-10-20T08:27:40.314-04:00Comments on male pattern boldness: Sewing and the Impulse PurchasePeter Lappinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05109154527996679077noreply@blogger.comBlogger65125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1991166428290808171.post-60780799093234303462011-03-26T08:37:44.978-04:002011-03-26T08:37:44.978-04:00I adopted a cute vintage singer in a precious cabi...I adopted a cute vintage singer in a precious cabinet in about 60 seconds when another lady offered $20 as she was tossing the machine and wanting the cabinet to paint as a side table. Was that an impulse buy? Lol! It is so sweet with its little stool tucked under and sews beautifully. Sadly I owned a mint featherweight in my younger days and traded it in on a new lemon singer in a cabinet-still mad at myself for that stunt. Enjoy the cute machine. I don't even count the occasional thrift shopping I do as I figure it is helping the charity- if I decide it is not something I decide I can use or a mistake I donate it back so they can sell it again. I take stuff there regularly anyway which is how I find some sewing impulse thing so it can just go back on the next trip. mssewcrazyAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1991166428290808171.post-78120393811417666092011-03-25T17:21:50.981-04:002011-03-25T17:21:50.981-04:00Peter,
I can appreciate the vintage swimsuit infat...Peter,<br />I can appreciate the vintage swimsuit infatuation. but the featherweight will make you cry. for all the wasted time before you had that indestructible aluminium beast. And such a pretty featherweight. I have my grandmothers and love it. i use it every chance i can. i only use the modern machines for zigzags, stretch, and button holes.<br />I want to run a test to see if i could sew with only my serger (brother 1034d) and my featherweight. i love the reliability. it always works. never slips snags or fails. my only fault is i need a freearm sometimeAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11335450309729628931noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1991166428290808171.post-81745336462573037412011-03-25T17:08:58.870-04:002011-03-25T17:08:58.870-04:00Plus they take up such little space. I have a pret...Plus they take up such little space. I have a pretty cream one and love looking at it often in my sewing room. It puts a smile on my face and that is what is most important. if it makes you happy...and Happy Birthday to you...what a great gift you did well. I suppose Cathy will want a frock made on it.Laurie Louhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02082415851913937926noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1991166428290808171.post-36748799410465774752011-03-24T22:53:12.662-04:002011-03-24T22:53:12.662-04:00I have 3 featherweights - all bargain purchases an...I have 3 featherweights - all bargain purchases and even have 2 of the tables they go into. They're my favorite machines. I know you're gonna have a good time with the one you bought. Congrats!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1991166428290808171.post-33854690316638990042011-03-24T12:56:15.937-04:002011-03-24T12:56:15.937-04:00I wish we had good finds at the thrift stores arou...I wish we had good finds at the thrift stores around here. I work at a flea market, and alas... mine is not the treasure trove it should be. Mostly really bad self-mixed music, car stereos, and rugs. Lots of rugs.<br /><br />I splurge a bit on sewing things. I'm so conscious about every penny I spend on bills and necessities, but when it comes to the fabric store... I am helpless.Lindsayhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15693010249539310687noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1991166428290808171.post-55710049220105699062011-03-24T12:52:57.341-04:002011-03-24T12:52:57.341-04:00just found your blog. LOVE IT! Congrats on your ne...just found your blog. LOVE IT! Congrats on your new sewing machine. My birthday month is coming up, too, and i may choose to do the same thing...Pamela Zimmermanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11904926075031478539noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1991166428290808171.post-19443030801491128392011-03-24T12:36:05.717-04:002011-03-24T12:36:05.717-04:00Thanks for the tip! Any day now...Thanks for the tip! Any day now...Peter Lappinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05109154527996679077noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1991166428290808171.post-805199727380982822011-03-24T12:23:38.212-04:002011-03-24T12:23:38.212-04:00I forgot to mention, if your Featherweight arrives...I forgot to mention, if your Featherweight arrives with that musty smell in the case, replace the felt in the bottom of the machine and keep a bar of antibacterial soap (in the wrapper) in the case. It totally knocks out the smell. If it really has gone moldy, you can also air it out in sunlight for a few hours.lwhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08731797783816953087noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1991166428290808171.post-44476683954478304462011-03-24T08:26:53.975-04:002011-03-24T08:26:53.975-04:00I should add that when I bought that particular fa...I should add that when I bought that particular fabric, I was saying things like, "what in the world would this be used for?" because of the absolute border striping. It sat around for about five months before I decided that, no, it's not too much to make a dress out of and that the bright, cheerful colors are perfect for a child's spring/summer outfit.<br /><br />A lot of my whim fabric is bought to make it so I don't have to pay shipping at fabric.com. I figure that if I'm gonna pay $7 to ship something, I might as well get $7 of fabric and not pay for shipping instead!Laurahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07717835382469677601noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1991166428290808171.post-38382388407265088532011-03-24T05:37:44.205-04:002011-03-24T05:37:44.205-04:00Hi Peter, my name is ParisGrrl and I'm an ebay...Hi Peter, my name is ParisGrrl and I'm an ebay-aholic [Hi, ParisGrrl.] Although I'm not yet ready to admit I need help, haha, I love finding fabulous things online and then tweaking them as needed. Like buying those style-challenged TravelSmith dresses for the fabric, and then turning them into fitted minidresses, oh yeah. Or my latest obsession, hand-rolled vintage silk scarves...even to myself I won't admit how many I now own. And I've also bought two machines online: one was a mistake, a Pfaff coverlock that was in good shape but so hard to figure out how to use that I gave up on it. But the other made up for it...a Bernina Artista that continues to rock my world. I take time to think through the big purchases, but sometimes Buy Now is exactly what the doctor ordered.ParisGrrlnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1991166428290808171.post-37471997093200196662011-03-23T20:58:32.793-04:002011-03-23T20:58:32.793-04:00Love the sewing machine!
I am definitely an impuls...Love the sewing machine!<br />I am definitely an impulse shopper when it comes to sewing related things, but usually I always check the remnant bin first and that will satisfy my "have to buy fabric now" needs. I would love to come across some of that butterfly fabric - beautiful!Tiffanyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11178548660481990671noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1991166428290808171.post-15410885378543845492011-03-23T20:22:12.801-04:002011-03-23T20:22:12.801-04:00Those Opening Ceremony shoes are an amazing find(y...Those Opening Ceremony shoes are an amazing find(you know Opening Ceremony is a super-hip, $$$ store, right? I'm only asking because you didn't know who Jesse James was. Sometimes I fear that you're more up on 1940's pop culture than the 20teens). <br /><br />This score confirms it: New York has the best trash.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1991166428290808171.post-4098655181359418132011-03-23T19:57:15.887-04:002011-03-23T19:57:15.887-04:00Hmmm. Sewing machine impulse purchases? I have a...Hmmm. Sewing machine impulse purchases? I have a Featherweight that my mom talked me into buying once when we were at an antique fair. It took me years to get to the point of sewing but now it's the machine I'm drawn to the most, after supplementing it with a planned purchase of a 201, an impulse purchase of a 15-91, an impulse purchase of a 99K, an impulse purchase of another Featherweight (had to have a spare in case anything happened to Featherweight #1 you know), an impulse yard sale purchase of a non-working 1970's I-don't-remember-the-model Singer to get the cabinet, an impulse purchase of a 99 handcrank, and, most recently, an impulse purchase of a 66 treadle after wanting a treadle machine for years and finally finding one for $50 just 5 miles away. But I *really* restrained myself and refrained from buying another treadle when I saw one on Craigslist for a good price with a perfect cabinet and seller offer to deliver. That was hard to resist. Anyway, I'm sure you will enjoy your Featherweight. I can't believe it's taken you this long to get one! I sure am grateful to my mom for getting me started with the vintage Singer obsession with that little Featherweight purchase. I love sewing with it!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1991166428290808171.post-40217630216074944142011-03-23T19:32:23.431-04:002011-03-23T19:32:23.431-04:00I can stand for hours going through vintage patter...I can stand for hours going through vintage patterns, only to buy 1! But my weakness is new patterns, on sale. I bought all of Marci Tilton's t-shirt patterns when they were under $5. My stash of fabric is embarrassing and sometimes frightening. I plan to have a fabric swap party, as soon as I can bring myself to part with any of it!Ustabahippienoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1991166428290808171.post-18228227714643615322011-03-23T17:42:45.080-04:002011-03-23T17:42:45.080-04:00I can't buy any more sewing machines because m...I can't buy any more sewing machines because my poor table now has 4 machines plus a serger on it, and might just cry if I crammed anything more on it.<br /><br />I can't stop myself from buying fabrics, but always on sale or remnants. Really, if Fashion Fabrics Club wants me to try out a lovely silk chiffon, or some other pricy thing I'd never dream of, and they'll sell it to me for more than half off its regular price, how can I say no? And if Fabric Mart wants to offer me something special for $2 or $3 or $4 per yard, how can I refuse?<br /><br />I've spent the winter on the 12-step program: "Hello, I'm Marjie and I'm a fabriholic. I'm sewing down my stash. I'm sewing at least 12 yards per month. I'm staying firm in my resolve not to buy more...." But spring is coming, and my resolve is fading...as soon as I use those 6 springy pieces I bought in November!Marjiehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14950085029835332900noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1991166428290808171.post-73277519768600868742011-03-23T17:04:12.005-04:002011-03-23T17:04:12.005-04:00Congrats on buying the Featherweight I have one I ...Congrats on buying the Featherweight I have one I was lucky to find it in a council cleanup in pristine condition I love it! I did not know anything about these machines so I googled and this site is fab for parts and info<br />http://www.april1930s.com/<br />Have fun!JulieThttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04284419743769712682noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1991166428290808171.post-7302043669094717332011-03-23T16:40:46.447-04:002011-03-23T16:40:46.447-04:00Welcome, Lee! You are a very bad influence. ;)Welcome, Lee! You are a very bad influence. ;)Peter Lappinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05109154527996679077noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1991166428290808171.post-506723340672078552011-03-23T16:27:30.177-04:002011-03-23T16:27:30.177-04:00I really like your blog. I make hats--felt, straw...I really like your blog. I make hats--felt, straw, and buckram fabric covered hats, plus I do a little garment construction. So, do I have a problem when it comes to impulse buying? I certainly do. Fabrics, trims, vintage millinery supplies, it goes on and on. I also have a problem with sewing machines. I have two Singer 221s, a new (old) singer that has never been used, three millinery sewing machines, and one Willcox & Gibbs chain stitch sewing machine.<br /><br />I'm missing the Singer 222 freearm and that haunts me. I never have enough attachments for the machines; so, it's always something. Now do I have an impulse problem? I didn't even mention the child's Singer I had to have. <br /><br />Oh, if you really like the way the old sewing machines sew, you may want to check out the Willcox & Gibbs (with attachments). You may put the Singer 221 aside for eye candy. Plus, the WG is not hard to look at either. This is the best machine I've ever sewn on.<br /><br />Thanks for a beautiful blog.Lee Duncan is HatStruckhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03901392706213421170noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1991166428290808171.post-6845074441742689142011-03-23T16:22:41.614-04:002011-03-23T16:22:41.614-04:00Oh, you nearly have me inspired to look for a vint...Oh, you nearly have me inspired to look for a vintage machine with all your posting! At the moment I have and ugly old grey industrial stuck in the corner of my lounge - this would look so much prettier!Sheryllhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17460472835794108787noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1991166428290808171.post-13271747133330196042011-03-23T15:48:53.106-04:002011-03-23T15:48:53.106-04:00I also live in a "fabric wasteland," so ...I also live in a "fabric wasteland," so I feel the need to jump at a fabric deal wherever and whenever I can. I have a lot of trouble resisting a good online fabric sale (good usually means under $5/yard or 40+% off). I've also bought a lot of secondhand fabric, much of which I would not have bought if it were new. Getting over to Jo-Ann requires asking my boyfriend for a ride, so I also stock up on notions when I can.<br /><br />It's gotten a bit out of control, however, because I've only been sewing a year and am still very slow, and have waaaay too many projects in the cue!Alexhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17190106363987576967noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1991166428290808171.post-20713364318233038112011-03-23T15:47:57.524-04:002011-03-23T15:47:57.524-04:00I hope you fall in love with that mighty machine! ...I hope you fall in love with that mighty machine! As a matter of fact, my Featherweight was an impulse purchase, and I rarely buy items without weighing the pros and cons before committing.<br /><br />I'd toyed with the idea of owning a Featherweight, but one of my "sewing mentors" considered them to be substandard, so I remained on the fence.<br /><br />I purchased my Featherweight from eBay. One particular seller, crislon, often offers sewing machines for sale, and I usually check out the auction listings whenever the seller posted a new machine. I believe crislon acquires these machines at estate sales.<br /><br />One day, I received an email from eBay letting me know that crislon had a Featherweight to sell. Because the seller had perfect feedback and satisfied customers who often noted that machines arrived in better-than-advertised condition, I "bought it now." I think I was the third person to read the ad. <br /><br />In the ad, the seller noted that the machine would need servicing, and he explained that it would arrive without a case or accessories. The machine did need a bit of servicing, and luckily, my local repair shop doesn't charge much. <br /><br />I don't mind not having the machine's original case. I tote the machine in an insulated cooler, and I already had plenty of suitable presser feet. My Featherweight is a Centennial model and is in very good condition besides having a slightly bent bed extension.<br /><br />I so enjoy sewing on my Featherweight! It forms a beautiful stitch and sews for hours without balking. It's cute and it performs beautifully!<br /><br />I can't wait to see what you think about your Featherweight. I find that people usually adore or abhor the diminutive machines.<br /><br />I really enjoy your blog!Annehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03329011693199690744noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1991166428290808171.post-88330326202440820692011-03-23T15:41:32.405-04:002011-03-23T15:41:32.405-04:00Susan, Kristin is a terrible influence, particular...Susan, Kristin is a terrible influence, particularly on her fellow Canadians. ;)Peter Lappinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05109154527996679077noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1991166428290808171.post-9906600722334130902011-03-23T15:32:24.585-04:002011-03-23T15:32:24.585-04:00You mean you don't like the batman pattern?
I...You mean you don't like the batman pattern?<br /><br />I blame K-Line for my recent impulsive investment in 3 sewing machines. She's a bad influence on me, I know. But I'm totally having fun making stuff!Susan Tinerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11900811284963063686noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1991166428290808171.post-65125759820306009742011-03-23T15:25:31.056-04:002011-03-23T15:25:31.056-04:00Let's try this again for the third time. Fabr...Let's try this again for the third time. Fabric is my most frequent impulse purchase, as my black-hole-sewing-closet can attest to. Secondary is patterns, though I've been getting better about it. I'm likely to dither for at least a week or so before buying more patterns. <a href="http://www.fabric.com/quilting-fabric-shop-by-designer-moda-fabric-designer-cotton-prints-moda-girlie-girl-moda-girly-girls-stripe-aqua.aspx?cm_vc=756b1813-cbc1-43b3-84bd-29889bf8fb7b" rel="nofollow">This</a> is my latest impulse purchase, and it's destined to become <a href="http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&_trksid=p4340.l2557&rt=nc&nma=true&item=370477314475&si=mJrV%252B5vWzqv3BXJFTAopd79kyiw%253D&viewitem=&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWNX%3AIT" rel="nofollow">this</a> complete with a matching turquoise pinafore/sundress. 2 for 1 is always a good thing. I'm waiting on the woven ribbon to arrive for the finishing touch before I start!Laurahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07717835382469677601noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1991166428290808171.post-28329783956014518512011-03-23T15:21:22.061-04:002011-03-23T15:21:22.061-04:00Sewing-related impulse purchases are mostly done w...Sewing-related impulse purchases are mostly done when I don't have time to sew. I just bought 3 patterns today. And this was *after* I had already read your post this morning. Ahem.Debbie Cookhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03601675304884019607noreply@blogger.com