bulletinboard

Treadle On Bulletin Board

Shooting Patch Quilt

For some time I've been collecting archery club patches with the intent of making them into a quilt to take to shoots to let the guys see what other clubs/groups are doing. Well, no great idea hasn't been had by someone before. Here is a pic from the latest Muzzle Blast magazine (muzzle loading shooting group). Someone beat me to it...

I'm still collecting archery club patches, though...

Dick

Scored Birthday Block Template

I had this semi-brilliant idea and want to know what you think... sanding the edges of the templates is no sweat, nor is peeling the plastic protective sheet. I figured some folks might be a tiny bit deterred by having to score the lines on them. There is always the chance of the guide shifting. It occurred to me that I could put lines in with the table saw... another operation, but not that big a deal. The upside is that you get the template with seam lines already on it. The downside is that the lines you'd score with an icepick point are finer, and that in doing it with the saw, you end up with the vertical guideline being longer than is needed, but I just don't think either of these points is going to matter. I tried laying a saw-scored template on the quilt top I did andI can't see any problem, really. So, take a look below and then some of you let me know what you think. If I get a strong reaction "yes", I'll go ahead and score them... if "no", I won't...

Here is the original template I made and scored with an ice pick... the line was faint so i colored it with a quilt marker. Note that the vertical line does not have to go to the top. The purpose of the "T" is to align the template on the seams of your block. Then you trim.

Here is a saw scrored template. The lines are wider, but very visible. Obviously, the vertical line extends to the top, which serves no purpose, but neither does it do any harm. Operation is the same, make the block oversize, lay the template on it, aligning the arm and the vertical of the "cross" on the seams, and trim.

National Capital Regional Mini-TOGA

Recieved the following from SewHappy:

Hi Capt Dick,
We had SEW much fun at the NCR Mini-TOGA today. Lots of great discussion about TreadleOn (and we only used your name about a million times!)
Attached are 4 photos that you may post for viewing. In attendance (from left to right on the group photo) were Cappy Phillips, Megan McHugh, Joan Grewe, and Bill Grewe. I will be sending you a PayPal for $25 from our raffle.
SEW HAPPY,
Bill in VA

Singer Inudstrial Sit Straight Treadle

Here is my Singer industrial sit straight treadle. It is 26" wide, as opposed to the 20" to 21" that is normal for Singer home models. Can't speak to the size of Whites as I don't have one on hand. Note that the treadle pedal is all the way to the left to take advantage of the extra width. This puts the needle directly in front of the user, rathe than slightly off center, and was a good example of an early use of ergonomics. It made it easier for factory sewers to sit and treadle all day.

National "Flower City"

Last night I sent this message to the list:

>>>I'm so bad!
I've sweat blood for a week trying to resist, but tonight I weakened. I explained my dilemma to Ann and said she had no problem with it (Enabler alert!).... as long as I was paying.
So, what dilemma you ask? I have been looking for a National Eldredge pattern head. I really like this model and let a good one get away from me years back. I've wanted to get another ever since. My standards weren't high... just a decent head that would sew. Of course, it was during this time that some evil person on this list (won't identify her, but the initials are Catherine Eith) sent me info on the best looking whole National Eldredge treadle that I have ever seen(at least in pictures), other than DA's Damascus Grand. Problem: owner want's waayyy to much money for it and is absolutely firm, since she originally paid waayyy to much money for it and won't sell it for a dime less than she paid.
So, for a week I went back and forth, talked to her, thought, made up my mind and changed my mind, until tonight. I finally gave into the old sm collector's adage: "If you've wanted it and have searched for it for a long time and you find it, and it sets off your 'pitty pat' alarm... buy it or you'll regret it with no right to complain."
So, tomorrow Ann and I take a long drive to overpay for a sewing machine that I truly hope is as good as the pictures look and which I absolutely didn't need and absolutely don't have space for.
... Merry Christmas to me... and to all, a good night.

Dick Wightman<<<

I'm up now and about to get ready to go and pick it up. I took the photos down from Craig's last night so I could show you all what I'm excited about:

So, there's the pictures. Only real problem I can see is no belt, but of course that's a no brainer. If I'm still as pleased when I get it home I'll be a happy camper.

Dick