Tiny sewing machine

No idea why, but DH and I are fascinated by chain stitch sewing machines.  Perhaps it's the idea of sewing without a bobbin (which always runs out of thread just before the end of the project). 

When DH spotted a Gateway Junior sewing machine going for a reasonable price on eBay we made a bid.  And won.  Of course nothing goes smoothly when we order something via eBay.

The vendor shipped promptly, but the package was returned due to insufficient postage.  He quickly contacted us to let us know that he would be re mailing and we would not be charged the difference in cost. 

Then the sewing machine was in one vehicle that went on a road trip.  Finally the vehicle made it back to the vendor.  But then his wife took the family vehicle so he had no way to get to the post office.  Eventually the moons lined up and the package was mailed with the correct postage.

Now to get Canada Customs to do their bit.  Then Canada Post.  The package was delivered to my son's office.  It made it there, but he was working from his home for a few days.  Finally, after a long wait the little red sewing machine arrived home.

Needing a cleaning and oiling along with a bit of straightening bits and pieces out.  The feet were falling apart.  Do we replace or come up with something different.

We decided not to replace the feet.  The machine is so light it's moving around the table when we try to get a sample stitch.  So after being spruced up, the machine was screwed down to a piece of wood.  Not only is this more stable, but we can now clamp the board to a desk, counter or table.  It's very secure when we use it now. 

And the stitch...perfect.  No matter what thread we use.  The only issue is finding spools that fit under the spring tension.  The spools should be 1" high.  Here's what the Gateway Junior looks like after a cleaning:

Another quilt finished!

Finally, Pumpkin Patch Lane is done!  This was a fun project and had few "issues".  Well written pattern.  My sewing machine co-operated.  My long arm was happy, but only after I gave it the proper cleaning and oiling it needed. My apologies to my Bailey.  I really should have remembered to do that when I finished the last quilt.  There was some ripping and blue air until I remembered what had NOT been done prior to the quilting.

Then there was the binding.  I usually make a long strip of binding and then start sewing all the way around.  This time I thought I'd try sewing one strip of binding per side then use a specialty ruler to join them.  Making mitred corners.  My quilt did not end up with proper corners.  Instead there were two passable corners and two "bunny ear" corners.  Off came the binding.  Clean it up.  Make the one long strip and do it the way I'm familiar with.  Note to self.  Practice new methods on small projects.  And not on "special" ones.

Now the quilt is finished both my piecing machine (a Janome) as well as my Bailey 17" have been cleaned, oiled and have new needles.  They are ready to play.

But the sewing room and area around the machine quilting frame were a mess.  Time to clear that out.  Mistake!  I got carried away and ended up clearing out drawers as well.  Here I thought I had finished all the kits that I have purchased over the years or had been given as gifts.  Nope....now back to the cutting table and sewing machine to see if I can make a dent in that stack.