JanieH

What a great thing you and your husband are doing!

Stitchnripper

Y'all look great! Wonderful garb!!

Geri B

I learned on my moms treadle...loved it. Then when I was 16 and had a part time after school job, saved and bought an electric sewing machine.....and was under the impression that all homes had a sewing machine.......
I have never tried a hand crank...but am thinking ..you crank with the right hand, right? Then how do you hold the seams in line or whatever if that hand is busy cranking? Need a video!

Frontierlady

Here in Texas I do the same thing with my hand crank machines. I create a bunch of 2 patches that can be sewn together to make a 4 patch quilt square the visitors can take with them. I just let the kids turn the crank to avoid liability issues and they are excited. The boys especially like watching the bobbin move back and are interested in the mechanics of it all. As a project for in-between times, I sew 5 inch squares together to make a quilt top and when finished I will set it up so visitors can help tie it. I done this for over 10 years at Texas historic sites and it has been great fun. This is such a great way for kids to develop an interest and understanding of history and people who made this nation.

carolynjo

You might try mug rugs, piecing just the tops, and then finishing them at home. Or, you could make Bah, Humbug bags which make really nice gifts to store small quantities of thread, a thimble, scissors, a needle or two.