I found an ad for my Morse!

Work-in-Progress Wednesdays... they just weren't working out for me.  Only 2 weeks into it, and I decided to move to "What I did this Month!".   I think this will be much more practical for me, less annoying for you, and a more achievable schedule!

Amidst shoveling the driveway, freezing in the Alberta cold, dressing Jace in hockey gear for games and practices 2 or three times per week, an out of town tournament, and missing my husband to the point of gaining another 5 pounds, I managed to do some sewing!

I published a bag Tutorial here on my blog:

The Great Granny Bag Tutorial

I worked on two Block of the Month Quilts.
"Lucky Stars" from Don't Call Me Betsy:


and "Sister's Ten" from Gen X Quilters:



I did some mending (coveralls) and... I worked for hours and hours and hours on my new bowling bag pattern.   Part of that was designing and constructing some really awesome handbag straps that I'm pretty proud of.  My new pattern will show how to make these in vinyl/faux leather, as well as decor cloth, canvas, wool or any other fabric.  I got some fantastic vinyl from the Online Fabric Store, and thrifted a men's leather jacket, which made some awesome leather straps.  I'm really happy with how they turned out - no raw edges, no bulky seams and nice and firm in your hand.

"Pinky" my Morse Superdial R-5L, born April 1 1956

I fired up my 1956 Morse Superdial for the leather and vinyl stitching.   I should have called her "Hop-a-long" instead of Pinky, she sure does jump at the start!  I think The Brain (pictured behind) could manage the leather and vinyl sewing, but I have Pinky and I'd rather not stress The Brain with hard physical labour.   After I learned how to thread the needle from left to right instead of right to left, I didn't have too many issues.  I'll save my adventures with Pinky and The Brain for another post...   I actually LOLed when I found this ad for my machine.  Have a look at how she is holding this "lightweight" machine in her fingertips!  It is about 35 pounds!  Seriously, it takes two hands and a groan to lift it.  Very interesting advertising.   Love it!

There is something else interesting about this advertising.   Morse sewing machines, as well as many others, are actually re-badged Toyota machines and at the time, buying anything imported, especially from Japan was frowned upon.  I have read somewhere in my internet surfing, that there was actually a complaints and legal proceedings against certain sewing machine companies (not sure which ones) because they weren't telling buyers that machines, or parts of machines, were actually imported and not American made.  I find it interesting that here Morse is making sure their customer knows that the machine is imported, and you should buy it because it's advertised in many leading magazines!  "The ONE and ONLY imported straight-stitch which is nationally advertised and promoted in all these leading magazines!"  It's better, because it's advertised so much!  Well they sure did stand the test of time though didn't they, mine is 57 years old.  Impressive metal parts.


Here's a look at the leather straps Pinky made:   (They are pictured on some amazing, amazing Premier Print decor fabric I ordered from the Online Fabric Store.)

Handmade Leather and Vinyl Straps - in the Bowling bag pattern.

Fabric!  I received my Tula Pink Saltwater order for the Anchors Aweigh quilt a-longs, but... I haven't started cutting yet.  Maybe this weekend.   I am really trying to focus on this bowling bag pattern.  I'm not sure why it's taking so long, it's pretty easy.  I just want it to be perfect!   No, that's not it, I'm easily distracted by other projects, to be honest.

As many of you know, I reached 1000 fans on Facebook last weekend, which prompted this post, advising of a flash sale and bag giveaway contest (which ends midnight tonight, Feb 28th).  So if you haven't entered or taken advantage of the sale - do it now!  Needless to say, I've also been busy filling hardware orders.  Thank you so much for your support.  I love it that I am enabling your handbag addictions!

I would love to hear what you all have been working on.  Leave a comment and let me know.
Thank you for reading,
 

The Emmaline Bag with handmade vinyl straps.

Yippee Yay! I've just finished my Emmaline Bag ePattern and have a few bags for sale. Having bags for sale is the one of the best by-products of pattern making. I just have to try them out 10 times and 5 different ways, it seems. One of them is ready for the shop, well it has been for a week or so - but I was reluctant to part with it. I can't keep them all though, so tonight I'll have some time to post it on the Etsy and Made-it Handmade shops.

This is the Emmaline Bag made in a gorgeous french country scene toile in a home decor weight linen. It's finished with handmade leather look straps and gorgeous shiny nickel rectangular rings. It also has a nice sized magnetic closure for security.

The Emmaline Bag with 1" handbag straps.