Tag: sewing

Featherweight case ideas and accessories to make or buy

March 18, 2024

Case Options
Your beloved Featherweight’s original case is at least 65 years old. Even if it came refurbished and seems sturdy, buy or make a cover to protect the carry case if you plan to transport your machine in the original case. There’s a Featherweight Shop branded canvas cover in a variety of colors that can zip around your original black case to protect it. It’s available from the Featherweight Shop, Missouri Star and other retailers. If you prefer to DIY, take a look at the following patterns: Sew Portable Travel Set pattern by Jeni Baker or The Boxy Tote pattern by Penny Sturges.

No case? You can buy a new black replica replacement case for about $100. I purchased one of these for my 1935 FW that came without a case. (Hint: search online for “P60221 sewing machine case” – prices vary widely so it pays to comparison shop.) Want something a bit lighter and easier to carry? The FW Shop offers a very nice padded tote, which I was able to admire in person at Treelotta Quilt Shop in Denver, CO. I almost bought one, but had no room in my luggage to take it home on the plane. No worries, because another option presented itself shortly thereafter. How about a 24-can cooler bag from Buc-cee’s? The inside is completely smooth and it’s well padded like the FW padded tote. It’s also budget friendly and always seems to elicit a smile when folks see the Buc-cee’s logo on the bag. Did I also mention I adore Buc-cees?

Protect your FW for travel and storage
At the very least, you’ll need something to wrap up your foot controller and power cords. You’ll also need something to protect the fold up extension bed from being scratched by the presser foot thumbscrew and the faceplate cover screw when the bed is folded up. Batting and/or soft towels will certainly do the trick, but why not make some custom accessories for your beloved FW? Below are links to free tutorials to get you started. Limited time? Head over to Etsy to find all sorts of ready-made FW accessories or actual patterns if that works better for you.

Lined drawstring bag to hold your foot controller and power cords

Faceplate cozy to protect your bed from scratches when transporting or storing. I made an extension bed cover before I was introduced to the faceplate cozy. Either option will protect the bed. The faceplate cozy is faster to make and offers less bulk to go inside a small FW case with an already tight fit.

Sewing machine mat to place under your machine when sewing or over your machine when packed away

One final suggestion: Subscribe to the mailing list at the Featherweight Shop. Subscribers have FREE access to manuals, vintage advertisements/articles and patterns (currently includes mini-dresden spool pin doily pattern).

Shhh! A sneak peek at classes coming this spring…

March 11, 2024

Well, one is already being advertised – Sewing Machine Maintenance class on Saturday, April 20th from 1:30-3:00 p.m. You can find sign up information here.

The other class is Orphan Blocks to Bench Pillow – date TBD, but probably in May. Wondering what to do with single or a small group of blocks left from a previous project? How about a bench pillow?

Here’s the completed pillow front with my 1 – 10″ finished and 4 – 5″ finished blocks. I’ll quilt it using a loopy meander and then do a modified envelope closure for the back.

These truly are from 2 different projects. The center block is week #3 from the 2024 Riley Blake Designs designer challenge. It has too much of a Mardi Gras vibe compared to the other blocks I’d made in that series, so I remade it. The four flower blocks are from Lori Holt’s Flea Market Flowers book and were part of a table runner project that was pushed aside.

Bench pillows come in assorted sizes. This one will finish at 14″ x 28″, which is perfect for the small glider bench on my back porch. Kimberbell and other designers use a 16″ x 38″ size for their bench pillow projects. Remember, you are the boss of your bench pillow! Make it whatever size you like.

Don’t need a bench pillow? How about a table runner or door hanger instead?

Do you participate in QALs that are published in magazines?

March 6, 2024

One of the quilting mags I read is hosting a log-cabin style QAL that started earlier this week. On a FB post, admin warned group members against posting pictures of the pattern, cut measurements or directions. Such posts would be immediately removed. Posters are to keep questions general or message the magazine staff directly. Readers are then directed to three ways to obtain a copy of the QAL pattern:

  1. Buy a print copy of the magazine containing the pattern.
  2. Buy a digital issue of the magazine via Zinio.
  3. Buy a pdf pattern from the magazine’s website.

As a librarian, I can advise there might be an option not included in the above list. You’ll need a library card, which should be available for free from your local public library. Download the Libby reading app and check to see if that particular magazine is offered in a digital format through your public library. Here’s a screenshot of what’s currently on my Libby bookshelf. And yes, the quilting mag referenced in this post is there!

Unlike e-books, most digital magazines do not limit the number of simultaneous readers. This means you can check-out a magazine for the typical loan period (usually 2-3 weeks) and renew it as needed. No waiting like for a popular e-book title. The magazine will be returned automatically once the loan period expires. If templates are required, magazines will usually have instructions on how to download the templates from their website. Tip: Need a working copy of the cutting instructions so you can keep track of what pieces you’ve cut? No need to hand copy. Use the screenshot feature on your device. Import the image into an app like Goodnotes to make digital notes or print the page and write notes the old-fashioned way (with a pen).

Happy quilting and reading!