Introducing myself
 

Hello, my name is Lesa and I am very new to vintage sewing machines. In fact, I was never even taught how to sew. I got my first sewing machine when my daughter was born in hopes to learn how to make things for her. I have made tons of clothes and was working on a baby carrier for a friend when my great dane got spooked and ran through jerking my Singer off the table and shattering to the floor. I had to get the carrier done, but I didn't want to buy another basic sewing machine. I also did not have the money for the sewing machine I wanted. My mother had given me her grandmothers sewing machine/cabinet, but we had been using it as an end table. My mom told me she didn't even think it worked. I started cleaning all the stuff out of the cabinet and I honestly did not even know I had a treadle sewing machine until all my mother's old things were out. I googled and youtubed for a few days trying to figure out how to clean, oil, and thread my machine. Whoever used it last left me a full bobbin of thread that was in surprisingly good shape. I decided to jump in and try it out and it worked!!! I called my mom to tell her about my adventures and to ask her who the last person to use it was. My mom started to sob. Her mom used it right before she died to make an outfit for me. I immediately knew I had to make something for my mom with the thread my grandmother left behind. I am currently in the process of making her my first quilt with the thread. Man did I fool myself thinking a quilt would be easy! I'm pushing through though, and hope to have it done for Christmas. I do not know anyone who sews, especially on a treadle so look forward to lost of questions from me!

Welcome Lesa! What a wonderful story. I am sure your mom will love the quilt.

Welcome, from Texas! The story of your machine is beautiful!

Welcome to the board from PA, Lesa. I think it's GREAT that you are making something for your mom! I'm sure she will love it, no matter how imperfect you may think it is. It is being made with love and she will cherish it, no doubt. We have lots of treadle experts here who will be happy to help, and I've heard of a group called TreadleOn who prefer them too. You've come to the right place.

Good for you
And, welcome from New Hampshire

Sunshinemom,

Welcome to the Quilting Board.

I have 5 functional treadles. I have used them to make quilted cabinet covers for themselves and occasionally use them for other projects. There is something satisfying about making a quilt or clothes or what ever with your own power.

I think your mom will be pleased. And your grand mom is smiling right now.

Joe

Lesa, Welcome aboard. If you're looking for some treadling advice ~ my only advice is to post on the actual vintage machine shop sewing thread (don't stop to read all the pages at first) and there are lots of people on there who might be able to help you. I have like 5 treadles and all need work and space in my house before I can get to treadle on them. What brand of treadle do you have? Everyone is correct that your mom will love the quilt that you make her and there are no mistakes but only creative design decisions.
Chris

Hi Lesa, welcome from NE Ohio.

Thank you all for your warm welcomes!
http://www.fabricmom.com/2009/09/fre...quilt-pattern/ is the pattern I am using to make my mom's quilt but it will be double the size so she can cuddle up with it. My biggest issue so far is getting my seams to line up!
I have a Minnesota Model S, but I don't know what year. I do know they were made in the 1910s though. My needle broke today so I am just doing as much research until the new ones get here.

Welcome, Lesa from GA. I have several treadles, including my Grandmother's 1907 Singer 27. Every time I sit down at it, I remember what joy I felt as a child when I got to "sew", even thoug my legs weren't long enough to reach the treadle. That is such a special machine to me. I hope you get as much joy from your grandmother's treadle as I do from mine.