Quiltingboard Forums - Hello New to the board and from SW FL!

Good Day fellow forum members!

I came across this forum via google while trying to look for some information on a machine i picked up today. figured it looked informative and decided to register!

I am a 29 year old Silk Screen Press Operator by day and a freelance illustrator/hobbiest by night! i enjoy working with my hands and in the past two or so years i've tried learning how to sew. i still have a LOT to learn! I have no professional training other then what a friend of mine has shown me. I started sewing because one of my many other hobbies is doll collecting and i wanted to be able to sew for them. I have sewn a little (recently i made a case for my Kindle and a protective blanket for some of my dolls to use when traveling with them.)

The machine i am sewing on right now is a Brother LS-1217. We currently have a love hate relationship...im sure due to user error on my part. but we are always fighting. the bobbin hates me, and is always giving me fits... but then my friend (she is also the one who gave it to me, as it was an extra machine that she had just in case) takes a look at it and then it works fine again untill something else happens. (tonight i was sewing a new kindle case, and it stopped picking up the bobbin thread! Grr!)

But i am currently on an antique sewing machine kick! three weeks ago i went to an antique mall, for curiosity sake and in search for a vintage doll. I turned the corner and saw this adorable little sewing machine sitting all by itself in a corner. She looked worn and used, but her cabinet was in good condition. I jotted the name down and went on my way. But the machine was stuck in my head. i was in love with it, i did some research, joined a message group (treadleon) got information and went back a week later and bought it. Brought it home and i've been slowly restoring her. It is a Willcox & Gibbs Chain Stitch machine. She is so adorable and wonderful. she runs like a dream and i am so in love with her! (i'm still missing the treadle belt so i havent actually been able to sew on her yet!)

I nicknamed her "Eleanor"

I've since polished her up, but its a work in progress. I love that she looks like shes seen use and is worn. almost all her decals are missing, and some paint is missing, but all her innards work and she purrs perfectly! im still working on cleaning her up as i wait for the last remaining parts for her to come in. She was built in 1896, and is a 116 years old! I cant believe that she runs as well as she does! she runs better then my 95 car! Hahaha! :D

I joined the forum because today i picked up a Necchi 544 sewing machine. She was 5 dollars in a thrift store... missing her foot pedal/power cord and looking as if she hasnt been touched in a while. (and belonging to smokers because shes a smelly girl.) I am hoping i can find some folks who are knowledgable in necchi can help me. i knew she was missing parts, but i couldnt bare to leave her behind. im really hoping the repairs needed are simple once i find the elusive foot pedal! (none to be found on ebay as of yet!)

Sorry for the chattiness!