I have an old treadle I can use if our electric goes out. we are in the country too but have been lucky not to loose power for much time. If a person had some binding to put on, that would be great to snuggle up to a quilt that needs the finishing touch. I may make nylon crocheted scrubbies or look at some of my old quilt books. Like you we have alternative heating sources, but great idea to have something to work on.