What do you have to loose? You can get treadles for 50 to 100 bucks and they have lasted this many years a trial run down by the creek can't hurt :) The Idea of a hand crank is a great one as well, ans would be more portable.

Sounds wonderful. Go for it!!!

It sounds like a great idea, but I would have to think about lugging that treadle out every time I wanted to use it. Also, since the creek is there, what about mosquitos?

whay a great idea

Cool idea, but I have to admit that I like hand work outside. Its smaller, more portable and I don't have to deal with the setting up, tearing down part. But....now using a treadle sure would be fun occasionally! Maybe a hand crank!

You could make a heavy waterproof cover for it and cover it up when not in use. Add one of those moisture absorbing thingies so it wouldn't hold moisture.

I guess I am the only dissenting voice. What with heat/cold, bugs, storms, etc. I can't even IMAGINE sewing outside.

I can't think of any cons, but I'm still enamored and excited about the idea. It sounds like a small corner of heaven. And you're not doing anything permanent, like demolishing or building anything. Try it, and if it doesn't work out, no harm done to nature or pride.

And send pictures :)

Have you considered bird poop on machine, fabric or you? What about dirt blown into the gears of the machine or on your project. Your idea sounds romantic but just not practical.

I like the idea of a concrete pad and the screen for the bugs on bad days. What about a little portable shed type thing that you could put into when you aren't using it close by where you will be using it? That way you wouldn't need to have help moving it everywhere?

You have so many choices, good luck and have fun deciding what to do. You're so lucky to have this opportunity.

Love your mules. I grew up with mules.

Sounds peaceful and idlic,BUT no I wouldn't do it.
Not even counting all of natures little creatures out there,you would need another small area to put your sewing items on, because you couldn't put it on the floor.
What about the dew in the mornings ,or the humidity during the day, I think it would damage your machine.
Get yourself a nice little bench and set it on the spot you like and do applique or sew your bindings on.

My treadle machine is way too heavy to move around, plus I wouldn't want to risk it getting damaged by dampness in the air. Not only that, but it's 100 degrees here now! I am happy to have it placed between two windows where I can enjoy the view!

It sounds heavenly......be sure to post pictures!

I'll be thinking of you.....

Sounds wonderful. As longs as you can "put it away" somewhere safe. The other option would be to do some kind of handwork, hand applique or hand quilting.

Great idea! It sounds so peaceful and relaxing. :)

When you do this u will have every quiltors envy. go for it girl.

Treadle-ing outside is so relaxing -I lived in a converted school bus -no room for the treadle so She sat outside on a nice platform and at night I enclosed her inside a couple folding walls with a lid to fit down tight and the walls also made it nice for arranging blocks I really miss that old bus

my only thought would be make sure that when you are not using it, it is covered very well to keep dirt and insects out and off of it.....have fun creating in your quiet enviroment!!!...

How would the lighting be for sewing? Just a thought. The rest sounds perfect. Oh, watch out for ticks.

ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!?!?!?!? Outdoors in the summer, under a shade tree, next to a babbling brook, my quilt languishing on the grass as I pedal my ancient machine
OK, so it rains once in a while (hubby said he would store it for you)
Again, I ask, ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!?!?!?!?
The only possible "con" I thought of was, How do we keep the Iced Tea cold - then I remembered the babbling brook (nature's refrigerater)
Please adopt me. LOL

Sounds like a great idea. If the treadle is too heavy, look for a machine that uses only the hand crank. I saw a new one lately--Janome maybe?

But one question< just where in Georgia is it cool enough to sit outside? It was 110 here yesterday.

Sounds like BLISS.
Go for it.
Can I come tooo.
J J

I am not certain about the storage. In Florida so many things rust, mildew, etc. due to the heat and humidity that storage is always best in a controlled climate setting. But, it sounds wonderful to sit in such a setting with a treadle machine. I think I will use that vision for a relaxation moment. Thank you!

I love the idea, it sounds so pretty and peaceful. I think you would enjoy it a lot!

Have you considered getting a hand crank machine? You could cut AND sew at the picnic table. On the vintage sewing machine shop (on this board) several have said they use hand cranks for camping.

Great idea. And you would be getting all that exercise for beautiful legs like my Mom's were. Go for it!

Why don't you buy an inexpensive portable you could put on a table and just take it inside the house after using it. Mine has a handle on top. A treadle left out side would draw moisture and rust. How much does it rain in your area??
IdahoSandy

I think that it's a great idea. A treadle is also great if you ever lose power-I've used it then.
There are also the hand-crank portable machines...(!)

Sounds very soothing and relaxing to me I dont have one but loved loved loved my grandmothers. Used to sew on the fro nt porch on it

Personally i think it's a brilliant idea, and can see no down side to it, after all in the early part of the century that was all they could use, i envy you, wish i had the room for one, as they are so cheap here in the UK,

The only things I could think of would be bugs and sap (depending on the tree of course). Other then that. Great idea.

Wonderful idea! Soooo peaceful! When we go camping, I sew on the picnic table outside. It's so different from sewing indoors. I never want to quit for the day. It's hard to discribe. I love it!!!

Have you considered solar elctric. You can set up a system by yourself (DIY) for just one or 2 appliances. Look at Mother Earth News magazine for ads on solar electicity. Sounds like a great idea, the treadle machine and sewing outside. Take care.
Linda

I didn't read all the posts - too many - but my concern in Georgia would be that the humidity would get to the machine during the times when it is stored. Do you have a climate-controlled place you could keep it when you are not at the farm?

I live in GA too and so I have to ask....gnats, bees and mosquitoes???? All bugs love me (to bite or harass me) so I probably wouldn't do this for that reason. It sounds blissfully relaxing though, barring the bugs!

My farm is in Tennessee, we haven't had a problem with mosquitos this year. Hubby usually treats the area, we use it all summer long.

I hadn't thought about the weight, but we usually have friends around that don't mine doing little things for me ( I feed them).

Keeping it well oiled I understand and could do. I was thinking to keeping it in the shed over the summer and move it to the farm house in the winter. Maybe I should use one of those moving cloths and keep it wrapped in the shed.

I spend many hours out there each summer and have never had a feather friend fly over me and make a deposit. Could happen but seems to be a long shot.

I thought this too. My other thought would be to have it on a platform large enough for you to be on that could also be used to move the machine in and out of the building. Not sure how the wheels would be affected by the vibration of the treadle motion. Sounds like an awesome idea !!

Oh that sounds like that would be so peaceful.