The Featherweight

It has arrived!

After a few days of stalking my mail lady, she finally emerged from her little truck with a big box with my name on it.
I opened it up, examined all the treasures* and then put the FW to work.
Immediately I encountered a problem...
The bobbin winder was so tight that when laying against the belt it wouldn't turn. I scoured the internet (with no real luck) and finally decided to try oiling it with Singer All Purpose Sewing Machine Oil ($2.50 @ Walmart). Amazing. It loosened right up and works perfectly now.
My next roadblock was the buttonholer. After a few stitches (which I'll admit were very nice stitches) it would get hung up and the thread would break. I changed bobbins, I changed bobbin cases, I changed fabric, all to no avail. Then I decided to try changing thread, oiling the buttonholer (bc oiling worked so well with the winder), and adjusting the tension on the machine (I think it likes to be around 6 or 7). Voila! Works amazingly.

I have a feeling I am going to be busy sewing and getting to know my FW today.

Sewing Tip:
When in doubt, oil the thing.

*Treasures include some very odd needles, the key to the case, a cleaning brush, bobbins, a 2" scallop measurement ruler, Vintage tube of lube, the name tag of the previous owner (A Mrs. Author Auger), 5 Extra buttonhole templates, and a crazy screwdriver.

Here is a little guide to using the right needle.

List of skills:

1. Facings.  
2. Zippers. 
3. Sleeves. 
4. Button holes. 
5. Bias Tape. 
6. Rolled Hem. 
7. Interfacing. 
8. Linings. 
9. Pattern Alteration.
10. Cording.
11. Scalloped Hem.
12. Lace Insert.
13. Fagoting.
14. Embroidered Details.
15. Pin Tucks.


While the list is diminishing it is simultaneously increasing! Admittedly I need to continue to practice these skills to perfection.


I was going to take a styled photo of my completed Sorbetto top, but it poured today so I thought I'd wait until I can have some sun to compliment it. I did however spend the afternoon pouring over sewing blogs. Colette, one of my favorites, shared this photo of an embroidered & scalloped hem. I am obsessed and will be attempting something like this tomorrow featuring Sorbetto top modification.