My Singer (K-series) Sewing Machine

Unfortunately, I have discovered that there isn’t a lot of information out there on my old Singer sewing machine.

What I do know is that it is a Singer K-series: K619639. These machines were manufactured in Elizabethport, NJ from 1902-1903. I haven’t had any luck finding replacement parts or a manual, but I haven’t given up on that. You never know what you might come across on eBay. 

Even if we are unable to restore this sewing machine to good working condition, it is such a wonderful piece of history to have in our home. The kids and I have very much enjoyed ‘playing’ with it, and seeing the old treadle foot pedal propel the machine.

I can’t imagine ever parting with it, and I am extremely grateful that my dear husband knows just how to make this girl happy.

Estate Sale Finds

 

Well, I didn’t find any canning jars at the estate sale, but I’m still a happy camper. I found this fabulous old Crockpot which makes me giddy!

And I bought this box of old glassware without really knowing what was inside.

I could see these gorgeous bubble glasses at the top of the box.

 

But, I had no idea this was inside…

Or this butter dish…

Or this bud vase…

Or these small  dishes…

Or these plates…

But, the pièce de résistance was these glasses. Did I mention that our last name begins with P?  Yes, I am quite happy with my purchases! Daniel was thrilled to have the monogrammed glasses, too.

And I also purchased a 32 cup electric coffee percolator, but for some strange reason, I didn’t take a picture of it. Sorry! We will begin hosting our 'Life Group’ at church in our home in a couple of weeks, so I thought it would be nice to have a large capacity coffee brewer. (I’ll get a picture for you soon!) I think for $20 total, I did quite well at the sale.

A VERY Good Gift: Antique Singer Sewing Machine

Oh, my! This machine makes my heart skip a beat every time I look at it. Seriously.

The woodwork on the cabinet alone is enough to make me swoon.

 

And I have no idea how to use it… yet.

 

Just look at this beauty!!!

It is powered by a foot-pedal. Sigh.

I don’t even know what model Singer this machine is…

But I intend to find out.

Just how did we survive before the internet? I *heart* Google.  You can find out about pretty much anything by doing a little search online.

  

I am a happy woman. I am a blessed woman. That wonderful man of mine certainly knows how to give a good gift, doesn’t he?

And I got some gorgeous tulips to boot. He knows me well enough to know that I prefer practical gifts. Flowers I can plant in my garden, and not cut roses that will be thrown out in a week’s time. A sewing machine that doesn’t require electricity. That might come in handy some day. You never know when you might be without electricity. We believe in being prepared.

Trying something new: Embroidery

 

Well, it’s not exactly new to me, but since I haven’t embroidered anything since childhood, I feel like it’s the first time.

It seems I have my crafty mojo back lately. I think it has a lot to do with the fact that I’ve been off from work for the past month! And I’m finally to the point in my recovery that I feel like doing something. Anything. EVERYTHING!

These lamps are also new around here. When we bought this house, and spent our first night here, we realized that there were no overhead lights in any of the rooms. This doesn’t bother me because I am very fond of the soft glow that lamp light provides and overhead lighting is often harsh. But it meant that the lamps I already owned were relocated from their previous positions into spaces where light was need the most. Unfortunately for me, my sewing space did not make the cut.

I’ve spent the last few months perpetually on the look out for the perfect (and affordable) lamps I needed for my sewing table. I’ve been to thrift shops, and flea markets, and antique malls, but was unable to find a suitable used lamp at a reasonable price.

I often shop at Ross or TJ Maxx when I need (or want, to be more honest) something for my home and I cannot find it secondhand. They are both discount stores and have the most amazing kitchen gadgets, stoneware, and house wares in general, at unbelievably good prices. I found these lamps (which I adore) for $11.99 each, plus $1.99 for the shades. They were worth the wait. And I love getting a good deal!

I also picked up these nice kitchen towels for under $1 each. I have in mind exactly what I want to do with them. Back in the fall, I received Anna Maria Horner’s new book Seams to Me. (You can find the link in my sidebar. It’s my top recommendation for sewing books – an excellent choice for beginners, but it also has fun projects for any skill level.) I’ve been wanting to try her embroidered and appliquéd kitchen towels for some time. I’m crazy about those yo-yo flowers.

So, it seems I’m good to go. And because I do nothing half way, I bought enough embroidery thread to last the rest of my life! It was an economical purchase I made at our local Hobby Lobby. For the same price of 20 small individual skeins of embroidery thread, I was able to buy a bulk package of 150 skeins of thread. A real no-brainer.

And, FYI, Hobby Lobby has a weekly online coupon which you can print out and save on in-store purchases. Usually it’s 40% off of any one item. How’s that for a good deal? It leaves me with no excuse not to try new projects.

Favorite Places: Montgomery, Alabama

  

If you ever find yourself in Montgomery, Alabama, do yourself a favor and head on over to Eastbrook Flea Market and Antique Mall. It’s one of my absolute favorite places to treasure hunt.

But, before you decide to hit the three vast floors that make up Eastbrook, you’ll need a little sustenance.

Just a few doors down lies the best authentic Thai restaurant on the planet. The Green Papaya.

Yummy!

 

Fabulous spring rolls with sweet peanut sauce.

 

The most amazing Tofu Pad Thai you’ll ever put in your mouth. It’s a local legend.

When you’ve had you’ll fill, you’ll be ready to walk it off on the best antiquing adventure our city has to offer. Eastbrook is comprised of hundreds of “booths” where locals offer their goods for sale.

My favorite booth is #67, pictured above. It is stuffed to the brim with books. Hardbacks are $3, and paperbacks are $1. Heaven!

You never know what you’re going to find. Check out this unique tea cup and saucer.

Take a closer look. A geisha is revealed when it is held up to light!

A crate of old vinyl records.

Beautiful vintage silver buttons.

 

I loved this old stoneware windmill.

And I longed to bring this French Country china home with me. I’m usually just admiring the goods. Window shopping. Such fun!

An old tapestry pillow. And a rooster lamp that would have looked right at home on my sewing table. Don’t you think?

More gorgeous china and old books. Sigh.

It was unbearably hard to resist this sweet birdfeeder.

 

Old baby carriages, dolls and a doll quilt, and toy oven.

Have you ever seen one of these? It’s a mourning ring. So sad.

More lovely china. I really like the square plates and the colors.

 

It’s rare that I leave without a few books, but this day I exercised incredible restraint. I’m waiting in line with my single treasure.

 

Two dollars for a beautiful framed and embroidered landscape? Sold!