No Sewing Only Treasure Hunting

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Hi friends! I took a little summer break so to speak. Lots of family events and little local fun things here and there. That hasn’t allotted me with much sewing time, but plenty of time to treasure hunt.

My husband recently started a new job, so we had a little down time to hit garage sales and thrift stores around our area. I picked a couple machines and tons of vintage sewing notions. I added some examples of my in the wild finds.

With my life into a new groove, I’ll be working on some new projects ASAP.

xo-Thea

Recent Finds & What To Work On Next

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Tis’ the season for deals apparently. I’ve had a little lucky streak at thrift store and garage sales recently. Unfortunately, I haven’t really been motivated to actually sit down and sew much in my hot sewing room. (As an old timer PNW gal - we just don’t have A/C). Projects are lining up and I’ve hit a bit of a hump of what to work on next.

Here’s a closer look at the 401A’s cabinet.

I tried in vain looking for the model number on this vintage MCM Singer sewing cabinet that came with the 401A.

Sewing machine cabinet knowledge is a struggle bus for me. While there are some resources and groups out there. I haven’t found one really comprehensive spot yet. So, if you’re wondering what cabinet model this is - I don’t have an answer. Mahogany wood, side door swing, MCM style for a 401A cabinet thingie. Hahaha.

So far, folks want me to tackle that 401A first. I’ll probably do that. I do intend to have videos on all four of those items I show in the video, as well as a couple more already in progress. Once I get over my heat aversion that is.

Stay cool friends, xo-Thea

The Un-stinkening of the Super Stinky Vintage Sewing Machine Case

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My recent dream machine purchase came with an unwanted surprise. A super stinky case. I have never in my vintage sewing machine collection come across something so horrid smelling. I mentioned that unfortunate bit in a recent video and I got a few recommendations on what to do.

I took that advice after trying a couple easy things first. See the video below to see what I did.

How to fix a stinky vintage sewing machine case.

What I used: https://tinyurl.com/msn3fyrp (not an affiliate link).

Thanks to a couple subscribers who recommended this blog post that has deep dives into the problem: https://tinyurl.com/2hk849as

I appreciate you and I’m just sharing the wealth of knowledge. And boy is it nice to not want to barf every time I walk by that case now. :)

xo-Thea


Sewing With and For Chickens | A Chicken Crop Bra

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A little while back, I needed to show the portability of a couple of my sewing machines. Since I am a proud homesteading homebody these days, I had to get creative with showing how one can take the machines to places. Rather than the norm of being fixed to a cabinet in a sewing room.

Piggy and I sewing on my Singer 301A. She’s my little velcro chicken that loves to be cuddled and held.

My husband built a beautiful chicken coop and we have an area where we have a table and chairs to sit down at right in front of the coop. Obviously that was a brilliant spot to show a sewing machine’s portability.

The unfortunate thing is that area is in the “chicken zone”. Fellow chicken tenders (lulz) know what I mean. Chickens can be cute, cuddly and just overall amusing. However, they do poop on everything. So, to sew anywhere near them is a little risky.

I mention it in my 221K vs 301A video that I set a brick/paver down under my foot pedal when I sew in the chicken zone. What a nightmare it would be to clean off any ick off an original bakelite foot pedal. Aside from that protective measure, I don’t do much else to protect my machines from them. I do wear a pincushion on my wrist when I sew, which makes me a little nervous. I have one chicken in particular that likes to be held and I worry she might try to get my attention by nipping at me and accidentally grab a pin. So, I’m very cautious with that.

While they are interested in my activities (hopeful I have treats) and are definitely familiar with the sounds that my machines make. They just do their normal exploring of the yard while they are out. My girls are not free rangers, they are only out freely when we are out with them as well with our two large dogs.

Sewing for chickens - I’ve known for a long time that there are “extra” chicken people out there that make clothing for their chickens. I had a friend that wrote a book on free range chickens over a decade ago and I got to meet some very fanatical chicken folk while attending some of her book signings. But there are practical items that chickens do need sewn for them. Saddles from being picked on or mated with too much by roosters. Or in my case, I have a girl that had continuous sour crop issues. (A pendulous crop.)

Red Chicken (Her name - long story.) Wearing the second iteration of my homemade crop bra.

I decided to sew her a bra. While I was worried about my girl and desperately wanted to do whatever I could to relieve her discomfort. I did find it completely comical that sewing a chicken bra has been one of my more difficult sewing projects to date. I had three iterations before I got it just right for her. I sacrificed a couple old bras for the elastic straps and closure and a twill skirt to construct it. She hated it for one whole day. She hasn’t had sour crop since.

Honestly, that was something I never thought I would ever have to do. Thankfully I had machines, supplies and patience to make it happen. However, I prefer to have my girls flock around me while I sew rather than sewing for them.

xo-Thea

Singer Featherweight 221K vs. 301A | The short bed versions.

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When I started to get into collecting vintage sewing machines, I immediately heard the word “Featherweight” as a machine I needed to check out. A quick Google search gave me a plethora of information about it and more importantly a noticeable higher price point. Granted, I thrift 90% of my sewing machines and prices are in the $14-$125 range and “higher price point” is relative to what you’re looking for in your area. I personally rarely pay over $100 for my machines. I am an avid thrifter/secondhand buyer so I am constantly on the lookout for deals and often spot them in the wild. I know not everyone is as passionate as I am about that so I might see a higher content of price ranges than the average person.

Want to skip my post and just watch the comparison video? Click here.

My immediate question was why were they higher in price? Did they perform better than most machines in the land? Do they do something special?

I had a bout of luck when a neighbor gifted me a Singer 221K. (I did a whole video on that and you can watch it here on my channel. I know how lucky I am with that gift and I am extremely grateful. It is such a cute machine. Since, it is a 221k rather than the standard 221 I know there are a few differences. I have yet to compare those personally aside from the searchable price. The 221K and the 221J tan colored models are higher priced here in the United States. The 221K (White/Celery/Teal) models were made in Scotland so they are harder to come by here. I understand the same is for the 221J, which were made in Canada. With all of that said, they tend to have a price that is in the $1,000 - $1,400 (USD). Whereas the regular 221 black short bed Featherweight made post WW2 is typically $200 - $400 in my area. Condition, original bobbin housing, accessories, original box, manuals are considerations to the price as well.

After price consideration, does it perform better than my beloved 301A? The 301 model is often called “the big sister” the Featherweight. Or a “Featherweight on steroids”. That second one really made me laugh, but I don’t personally agree with either nickname. I thrifted a 301A at my local Goodwill awhile back. Fixed her up and we became best friends. You can watch my video on that on my channel too.

I absolutely love my 301A. Excellent stitches, the slant needle shank for more viewable area, the general oomph, of the motor. I love, love, this machine. So, when I had the opportunity to compare the two models personally I was extremely excite about it. Please watch the video below or watch it here on my channel.

Singer 221k vs Singer 301A (the short bed version).

The battle of the smalls. The wee ones that sew really well. The little sewing machines that can do it. It was fun to talk about them side by side as a user and not just a wannabe repair lady.

Let me know if you have both models of the machines and which one you prefer and why. Or do your machines serve specific needs for a type of sewing/project you do. I feel that is also an important consideration too. I’m still deep into my apparel sewing journey, but I am beginning to dabble very lightly into quilting. My love affair with fabric just gets bigger and bigger.

Time to sew and more from me real soon.

xo-Thea

Annual Shop Small Guide - 2023

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Hey howdy friends,

I’ve been deep into expanding my sewing knowledge through vintage machine repairs. It’s a sickness really and I have yet to gain control over it. So, I haven’t made any kanzashi or spent time here to connect. I hope you all are connecting with me on other platforms though. (IG & YouTube).

However, you must know that I am passionate about my long time maker community and showing support for them during the holidays seasons.

First, I too would love to have a discount on groceries, utilities and gas rather than a brand new tv or the like from a big box store. Things are TOUGH. A thing that you can do for free is send out links of recommendations to your own social circles to spread the word. It really is appreciated and does truly help.

So let’s get down to it.

Personal Care Goods:

Render Skincare - PNW Made Tallow Skincare Goods. Your skin will love you for this.

Seattle Sundries - Seattle brick and mortar store location open by appointment. Online shop too.

Handmade LaConner - For my Whidbey Island friends be sure to stop in to the shop! Online shopping is available as well.

Estrella Soap - A long standing family favorite of ours. I cannot recommend them enough.

Home Decor & Entertainment Goods:

Vinyl Devotion - For my vinyl collecting fans, if you want superb customer service and high quality vinyls - shop here. They have some band tees too.

Candy Relics - I use their “paper cups” everyday. I love them and highly recommend.

Monster - A bit of everything for some who might be hard to shop for. DIY kits, local classes and wearables.

The Handmade Showroom - Another beautifully curated store in Downtown Seattle with wide selection of gifts. Including gift bundles that can be mailed directly to your recipient.

Wearables -

Slow Loris - Guemes Island based brand and my all time favorite illustration designer (Jessica Lynch). I get compliments every time I wear their pieces.

Backstitch Bruja - Year round spooky wearables plus bags and more. I love her stuff.

elSage - A Mount Vernon, WA based shop. The owners are wonderful people and they make some beautiful high quality designs in shop.

Sun Rae Dolls Vintage - Plus sized cottage core themed attire and goods handmade by a fellow sewist I’ve befriended through my sewing journey.

Craft Supply and Kids:

Smile Mercantile - Adorable craft supplies and miniatures with a retro vibe.

Poison Grrls - Vintage style knitting sweater / top patterns.

Woven Wilde - Small California based company that makes the cutest rattan kid’s toys.

Mymy & Me - Felted toys. So adorable. (Canadian based company)

And of course I have shops too:

6 by 6 Arts - Pretty plant stands, PNW themed goods, wall and shelf decor pieces with a splash of profanity.

Darkness Drive - For the year round ghouls and goblins. Spooky home decor.

My Etsy shop - a place where I’ve typically listed my vintage fabric destash and some kanzashi as well.

Finally my shop here. (Use code SAVE25) at checkout here.

All of the above have 25% off orders of $25. *US only.

This is definitely geared towards my local area but I welcome recommendations from your local area in the comments below.

Please shop small this holiday season.

xo-Thea

PFAFF 262 - Stuck to sewing within a week!

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Hello, hello, hello!

Hopefully you all are following me over on Instagram, YouTube or even Flickr. Obviously I am still terrible at blogging. But I am pretty hyped about this little project I did.

Recently while out thrifting with John, he spotted this Pfaff 262. (I have him on the lookout for me for older Singers & Pfaffs.) When I put my hands on it at the store, I couldn’t get anything to move. It was seized up and pretty dirty. It looked like it lived in a garage previously. Pfaff machines are my favorite. I have been sewing on one for the last 20+ years. With a price tag of $25 and hope in my pocket, I decided to take a chance on her.

Since I am in the deep rabbit hole of vintage sewing and vintage sewing machines, I decided to document what I did to just get her in a functioning state. Many videos and tutorials are geared to those with a bit more experience. I am a newbie. I need to take hands on baby steps and want to encourage others too.

*I do have small machine repair experience from when my dad was still alive. He ran an auto body shop and a small engine repair shop. Guess who got to tear apart a bazillion chainsaws and lawnmowers before the age of 13 and into high school.

This was a bit beyond a simple cleaning. That glue like varnish from the gasoline and Vaseline mixture was no joke. I did have to use a bit of physical force too. John only assisted me with reinstalling the pressure spring that I popped off when I took out the cam assembly.

I had to take this out to access points to oil to get rotation inside the machine.

Above, aside from the mandarin orange is everything I used to work on this. I stick with using only sewing machine oil to get things clean. I did use some 91% isopropyl alcohol to take off the stuck residue from the maintenance service company sticker on the front. Two soft head toothbrushes, lots of Q-tips, a couple napkins, a couple toothpicks and a rag for cleaning. Long bent nose tweezers, a flat head screwdriver that came with my “modern” Pfaff machine and John’s iFixit kit were the tools I used. The wire cutters and pliers were used for another machine I am working on too.

In the future I want to attempt retrobrighting (John will handle this process) some of the dials and hand wheel that have yellowed with age.

I am taking a brief break from fixing things to sew. But I am going to dive into getting the embroidery stitches working and I will post and update video when I do.

My hands are dirty but my stitches are good.

If you’re feeling handy and run into a situation similar to what I did. Give it a try! I’m feeling really good about bringing this gal back to life. I named her Diane after my sister (now known as The Living Miracle) who recently survived a very serious accident. (She was hit by a car at full speed while on a walk.) I feel naming this machine after her is appropriate.

That’s all for now friends. Be sure to connect with me on the outlets I mentioned above for more consistent updates.

xo-Thea

It's comical how bad I am at blogging here (Spooky Season 2022 Review)

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If you’re at all interested in my work in general, please follow me on Instagram for frequent posts. I’m a picture poster and love the idea of Instagram and my all time favorite Flickr.

All I’m about to share was posted on those platforms.

With my preference for more time spent on creating things, I tend to forget to complete this step (blogging). My brain thinks “Post it on social and then throw your phone at the couch a leave it there until bedtime.” Which is what I do 99% of the time.

But here’s what i’ve been up to this month: (Just the hits here.) Links included in the captions

Pouring John a glass of poison. Link

Said poison. Link

My favorite make this month. Link

I love how out of context this is.

Spooky Dollhouse Decor (YouTube Link)

Here’s a full view of the dollhouse along with my final 2022 Spooky Season make. 1940’s style pajamas.

Link

I will definitely do a dedicated post on the dollhouse renovation. I know there were a few questions about it outside of what I shared on YouTube.

I know there are a few of you who subscribe to this blog and I super appreciate you!

Happy Halloween (Blessed Samhain)

Kitschy Halloween Print Dress

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I am a sucker for novelty Halloween fabric. Novelty fabrics in general or themed things.

This kitschy vintage vibe Halloween themed fabric called my name and jumped into my cart.

I know it’s July but I wear Halloween-esque items all year round. Also, I have time now to sew as opposed to the busy holiday season. So, I’m sewing up my new Halloween themed pieces this month.

Shoes are by Dansko - These are the Thea’s in Black. (no longer available)

I wish I would’ve bought more of it than I did to do a full Charm Scout dress (I need 5-6 yards of fabric for that). But summer slow down is real for this maker’s wallet.

Up close view of the pattern when it was a work in progress.

Details
Fabric: Bodice -Johnny Yanok Trick or Treat Fabric from JoAnn. There are more kitschy designs in this collection. Skirt -Poly sateen I thrifted.
Pattern: Bodice - Charm Scout Dress. Skirt - Night and Day Flared Skirt. Both by my fave Charm Patterns.
Alterations: I misplaced the collar for the bodice and decided I will add that later. I added a zipper instead of buttons. I prefer installing zippers over buttons on this style of dress. I also, skipped the button closure and keyhole detail on the sleeve. I like this style to not be fussy. Easy on, easy off as I tend to work in them.

*Nothing is sponsored, I bought everything myself because I liked them. I am also a patron of Gertie’s Patreon.

Feels a bit weird posting this Halloween dress on a day with 84 degree weather but here I am.

xo-Thea

Simplicity 8351 (1993) Warm weather attire.

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My Scandinavian and Swiss German genes really show themselves in the hot weather. I’m sure growing up on an island in the Puget Sound also contributes to my intolerance of weather above 75 degrees too. We recently hit a smidgen above 90 degrees here in the Seattle suburbs and I planned my attire accordingly.

A large hat, sandals and breathable cottons. I made this “peasant” top with ties in the front. The skirt has an one inch elastic waistband, that is easy to pull on and off. Nothing like a hot ass zipper next to your sticky skin in the hot weather. (No thanks.) I move around a lot at home, in the kitchen, garden, sewing room and our dedicated laser workspace daily, so I need comfortable non-annoying things to wear for those activities.

Fabric: The top is a vintage Peter Pan Fabrics calico. Evergreen with a microleaf print. I used vintage buttons too.

The skirt is made from a vintage French floral cotton from 1986.

Pattern: Simplicity 8351 (1993)

Alterations: No alterations to the top. The skirt I added pockets of course. I also halved the length of the bottom tier to suit my height.

I often get comments on my pockets. Personally, if it doesn’t have pockets - I don’t want it. It’s bad enough that I am the person that leaves their phone everywhere and has to back track my steps to find it. Life is much more pleasant for me if I have a pocket to shove my phone in to. But did you know pockets in women’s clothing is a feminist issue? Going back a couple of centuries if not more. The basic gist is that a woman was property, her man would carry anything of importance. I’ll dig up some resources on that topic for a future post.

Lastly, another comment I frequently get is that I never show the backs of my sewing projects. You right. I often just forget to snap up a photo of the back. I take all of these photos with my ancient iPhone set on a timer and try to get it done as swiftly as possible.

While I am trying to be better with blogging again, it is hard to remember to revert back to the early 2000s scheduled post thinking these days. I feel this is the best way to share more details about my projects here. But for quickie posts, I am on Instagram and Flickr. I don’t post much on my business Facebook pages these days though. The less I’m on Facebook, the better.

xo-Thea

Butterick Making History Sewing Pattern B4669 - Corset Vest

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As forest dwellers, one must succumb to looking like it every once in a while.
Fabric: Vintage white floral fabric for corset 1.

Vintage evergreen wool paired with the same white floral fabric for corset 2.

Pattern: Butterick Making History B4669
Alterations: Loops instead of eyelets. I always have trouble with putting eyelets in.
I feel that loops are less stressful on the fabric too.

I have a small stack of these Making History patterns and was excited to try one out. I chose pattern A and it was only three pattern pieces. Very easy to put together and its a versatile piece.

I had multiple requests for this piece. (As in to buy.) While I am flattered and understand as a maker my creations could be mistaken as items for sale - because being a maker means you are constantly self promoting your creations for sale. I am currently only making pieces for myself and family.

I try my best to provide as much information as I can about the patterns and materials I use to encourage you to try making your own.

I am on my sewing adventure for my own personal enrichment.

xo-Thea

My Daughter's Birthday Gift - A Handmade Dress

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I have a bit of catching up to do here.

First, I did complete The Vintage Fashion Challenge over on Instagram. I can’t believe I kept up with it. As you can tell here, I’m really not someone who is on the internet every day. It was fun and it does feel like a small kind of accomplishment.

Through the challenge, I learned what I “lacked” in my wardrobe and created to make lists and even some to repair lists. I have some great vintage pieces that I would’ve love to show during the challenge, but they needed some repairs or some fitting.

My eldest daughter in her birthday dress that I made.

I shared this on my daughter’s birthday for The Vintage Fashion Challenge on IG

Day 30 Love & appreciation.
How fitting that this prompt falls on my eldest daughter’s birthday.
We’re the less rich version of the Gilmore Girls (minus that weird last season and with three younger siblings.)
Teenage mom, raises a smart, witty, well read, beautiful person to adulthood. Weird hair, music, crafts and clothing phases included too.
I appreciate her for being a great sport along the way.

Her dress -
Fabric: Made from vintage 1960s Italian silk (it’s amazing).
Pattern: Butterick 6582 Retro 1960.
Alterations: You know I added pockets. I also made a stand alone slip rather than lining the skirt. I didn’t have enough fabric for a full lining, so I made an A-line slip skirt to go with it.


My dress-
Fabric: Vintage unbranded polyblend. Texture/weave is like kimono Ro fabric.
Pattern: Gertie‘s Night & Day bodice top with a simple gathered skirt. Snack pockets too of course.

Me and two of my kids,

And no picture is complete without a photobomb from a younger sibling.😂

I was honestly surprised how well the dress fit her without doing any fittings, I trusted the measurements I took a bit ago and hoped for the best. That vintage Italian silk is magnificent. Its absolutely luxurious and it seemed perfect for this project.

She loved it and was surprised.

xo-Thea

The Vintage Fashion Challenge

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Since I’ve been an instagram user, I’ve half assed participated in “challenges”. You typically do a themed/subject oriented post daily for a month. I’ve never saw one through. I’d add a post here and there sort of thing, then forget or just lose interest.

Day 5. Blue - 80s does 40s embroidered cardigan sweater.

Last year I noticed a few people I follow on IG participate in The Vintage Fashion Challenge. I liked the idea for two particular reasons. One, so I can see other’s vintage posts. I love looking at vintage pieces from the 1940s in particular. Two, so I can sort out what I am missing from my vintage styled wardrobe. That alone has been helpful for me to focus in on my “what to make next” list. For example, I didn’t have a solid navy blue skirt until yesterday and for about a year I wished I had one.

Day 9 One of my oldest pieces a 1930s Liquid satin bias cut slip dress with a lace overlay dress.

I also showcased a few of my true vintage pieces that I love.

Above my 1930s liquid satin bias cut dress with a lace overlay dress. I got it for a ridiculous bargain bin price. When I grabbed it, I thought it was a 1980s robe. (It was wadded up and stapled together.) The fabric felt nice so I bought it without really knowing what it was.

Day 2 Red - My 1950s Solid Red Silk Alfred Shaheen Dress

Above, my 1950s solid red 100% silk Alfred Shaheen dress.

I bought it at a local thrift store for $5.49 plus tax. This dress is simple but the perfect shade of red for my yellow skin tone. The fabric detail on the bodice where the buttons are is my favorite thing about it. I’ve had a handful of collectors make generous offers for it. However, I don’t plan on selling it at this time and I already have a Shaheen collector in mind for when I do.

As you can see, I’m pretty into this but never fear - I am still making items too. I had to test drive Gertie’s newest Patreon exclusive pattern The Artist Apron Dress. I’ll share that result in separate post.

If you want to follow or join in The Vintage Fashion Challenge, my public IG is: www.instagram.com/thea_starr/

xo-Thea