Sew and So

Okay, so, I got all inspired by this website the other day...http://www.skiptomylou.org/2009/07/17/how-to-make-a-simple-reversible-totebag/ 
I thought it would be neat to have one of these totes. Looked easy enough.
So I was telling the hub that I wanted to get my moms machine out and start sewing...oh my! That was an adventure in itself! This sucker, a NELCO  SZ-217 is heavy and vintage! It was a workout cleaning this thing, moving it around, wiping and dusting it down. Mom gave it to me about a year before she died and it has pretty much sat in its case. When I would borrow it before that, she often would have to come over and thread the darn thing! Usually resulting in her sewing what I started. :D And the bobbin...don't ask...I could never get it! Of course she made it look so easy, everything just seemed to glide together from threading to sewing, she made it look so simple! She was a natural! In great desperation, I searched for this machine online as it had no manual and I didn't think I  would even be able the thread it! I found one website (of very few) that had a little information on this machine. Of course it was characterized as "vintage" but a beast! I found this website to be really cool as well http://elkeknits.blogspot.com/2008/12/happy-christmas-to-me.html Her post on this machine made me chuckle as I could relate, having this same machine.

So I got this wild hair thinking I was going to sew up a storm! So by a miracle I got it threaded! And you can imagine my excitement and relief that there was thread on the bobbin! I was READY! Hmmm...was missing one thing...MATERIAL! So I practiced on a paper towel. So as I was expressing my frustration to the hub, he offered one of his old BDU uniforms. I was pretty excited as I have seen a few websites where people make these cute bags etc.. and sell them...customized and just so cute! So I had to find something for the lining...thought of a cute patterned tee shirt but nothing was floating my boat. Hohumm, had to wait til I could go to Hobby Lobby the next morning...where I found some cute clearance material...being my first "real" project, didn't want to invest a whole lot.

Ok, all set, threaded, material and my moms two big sewing boxes, chock full of sewing notions. Practice pieces ready! Here we go!

Big let down...needle kept cutting its own thread, stitches were loopy and my bobbin was almost out of thread! Guess all those knobs mean something! What are all these knobs and buttons supposed to be set at?? So in frustration I posted pics of this machine in hopes that my talented and sew "techies" could help...of course my aunt and cousin were very helpful! But nothing was working...so, before the urge left me, I pulled out my Lil Sew-n-Sew the hub got me for Christmas

Well, my sewing adventure was finally coming together. Three days to do a two hour project...LOL But it's done, none the less and not too shabby for my first real project! Thanks to the hub for helping me with a confusing part, but it all came together.

Here is the short story, in pictures.

What do these do??

Dial in some smarts, cause I'm not gettin it

The Beast!

Noah being silly modeling my creation!

My lil' Sew-n-Sew...tiny but does the job!



McCoy

I have been wanting to blog the last few days...mainly about my "woe is me's" but I have gotten hooked on reading about Nelson McCoy Pottery. See, I inherited my mothers collection of McCoy planters and a few vases and table deco. She wanted me to take them before she died, but I left them on the shelves so she could still see and enjoy them. That was her collection...among many...but her favorite by far. So for months after she passed I still hadn't gotten them...Then one day I decided I was ready. So on one of my weekly visits, I stopped at "moms" and went ahead and packed them up...All sixteen McCoy treasures. I brought them home and washed them all up and designated a whole shelf in my large cabinet. For awhile I would just look at them and wonder what exactly I should do with them...My sister nor my brother had any interest in them so I didn't need to share (even though I would). So the other day I stopped at an antique shop and my eyes instantly drew to the McCoy items...Mercy! I think I can finally come to appreciate my mothers collection and am now fully hooked! So, the last few days, instead of grumbling, I have Etsy'd, eBay'd and searched for McCoy! In fact I just purchased my first official McCoy wall hanging...with many in my "watch" list! I have a crazy feeling my kids will now, someday not only inherit my mothers collection, but mine as well.

I'm sure most know what McCoy Pottery is, but until yesterday I didn't know the history behind the Company. In fact, I am still learning...I'm like that, I have to have the history to back something up. So hopefully in the coming weeks, I can bore you with a summary of the pottery company.I am also going to take pictures of my collection so you can see why I would be crazy~gaga over something so beautiful! 

I used to collect old metal matchbox holders...as I was searching the antique shops, I was getting that "need to start again" feeling...Hmmm...we shall see!

 Here is what I am eyeballing right now...must...have...dishes...

Culvers

Well, I did it...opened my big mouth...now I'm feeling bad. Maybe not bad, but frustrated that 

A) I let my emotions get the best of me and 

B) Complained when I really should have let it roll off

So here is a letter I wrote about a local Culvers today...I THOUGHT it was going to corporate, but come to find out, after reading the "Thank you for contacting your local Culvers Owner" I went into OH CRAP mode! So of course she will know who I am! Not only will I go back there because I'm disappointed, but because she will absolutely HATE me!

So here is the letter I wrote thinking it was going to Corporate!

 Twice a week I go north of the state and pass through Wabash and at least once a week I would stop at Culvers and get a "treat". Most of the time it was a Concrete Mixer but on occasion I would get some "food". A few weeks ago, I went through drive-thru and was greeted rather poorly and pulled away vowing to never go to Culvers (at least this one) again. After talking to a few friends who live around and in Wabash,it seemed I was not the only one who has had poor experiences!!! In fact this same owner told a gentleman that had an issue with their rudeness that she owned the place and didn't answer to anyone! Well, tonight my husband and I were heading back home and I asked him if he would stop, a mixer sounded good. He was hesitant per the last experience but we went anyway...Let me tell you, I can GUARANTEE we will not be visiting Wabash Culvers no matter what frozen custard craving I may have. The OWNER of all people was extremely rude and short. She had no patience for my husband to decide what he wanted and he ended up not getting anything (lost sale). I regrettably ordered a Brownie Batter Mixer that was so runny and had very little brownie and so chocolaty I didn't even eat it...In the garbage it went! I requested vanilla custard and she acted like it was a huge ordeal. As we drove off, it seemed very chocolaty and I had my husband stop to run in and make sure it was vanilla...Let me tell you, biggest mistake! "The customer is always right" motto does not exist with her. She was so short and matter of fact and had no problem being down right rude. I asked if she owned this Culvers and she replied she did,and as I was walking out, I, unfortunately made a short comment that "everyone answers to someone..." well, she didn't hear and rudely yelled WHAT DID YOU SAY? So I repeated and walked out. She may not answer to anyone...and this complaint may go to the way side, but I will tell all my friends and family not to visit that Culvers. I will recommend as well as visit other establishments from here on out. We live in Indiana...Not New York or any other big city where it MIGHT be understandable to be snooty and rude... Thank you for your time and and hopefully a resolve in this matter. I think Culvers standards are a little more higher than allowing it's franchises to have a bad reputation...and independent owners that have no accountability!