Saturday, June 19, 2010

Quilting in the slow lane

Well technically piecing. This quilt will be over 100" so I don't fancy it for my first quilting project on a hand cranked machine. I haven't had a chance to get the power in the van sorted out so I have been looking for non electric solutions. Solar lighs and a hand crank machine. It's a joy to work on actually and surprisingly fast. I suspect it will be great for curved piecing because of the amount of control you have. I have to admit I just love the idea of piecing a big quilt top without power. It's one of those things you just have to do if you can.

8 comments:

Penny said...

My mum had a Singer sewing machine like that when I was a child. She could go really fast on it.

Sue said...

My friend uses one like this at her SHACK as she calls it down on the Gower. She goes for 6 weeks each year and the chalet had no electricity , she also works by oil lamp.

Anonymous said...

Cool! I used to do all my piecing on a Singer treadle. It was very enjoyable, but hardly portable. I hope you and your hand crank have many happy years together.

Janet

Ferret said...

I was surprised how quick it is. I think I did about 20 full widths of fabric in about an hours (with fluffing about). I was getting quicker too. The last couple were about 2 minutes each. It is very satisfying and not as much work as I expected. Though I could feel I had been working at it. Hmmm, I wonder how many calories it burns.......

Anonymous said...

It probably doesn't burn as many calories as you wish it would. I did try free motion quilting on the treadle - talk about aerobic exercise! Too bad the results weren't as gratifying.


Janet

Anonymous said...

Brilliant! I don't expect it'll take you long to really get going.

Fiona.

PS had a chance to see some more of your work today at Sandown. Congratulations!

Yvonne Morgan said...

I learnt to sew clothes on a machine like that. I used to make all my ball dresses and made my children's christening gown on it.

Borderline Quilter said...

I bought a Singer 99 like yours for £20 for my 7 year old GD to learn on, she loves it and I find it very satisfying too!
It sounds great, brings back memories of the treadle Singer my mother used to have...my Grandad used to service it for us!!!

Hope to see you in Aberdeen next week!
Best Wishes
Kay in Scotland