Author: Caryn

Tinier stitches

On By CarynIn Craft, repair

I thought the Singer model 66 was set at the tiniest stitch, so I’ve been gradually turning the stitch length knob, pictured below and marked with an arrow, to the left. This knob on both my machines was quite difficult to turn and needed extra sewing machine oil, and a wrench with the jaws wrapped in leather, so as not to damage the knob.

Photo description: Balance wheel side of a Singer model 66 sewing machine, with an arrow pointing to a large silver round knob which controls the stitch length.

My assumption was wrong. Turning the knob to the left makes the stitches even tinier!

Photo description: Light colored fabric with concentric rectangular stitches. The outer stitches were done after turning the knob to the left. The inner stitches were after turning the knob almost all the way right.

So now it makes sense that I have seen these knobs all the way screwed in, the longest stitch works well for sewing the most common fabrics. There wouldn’t have been much call for changing the stitch length, so more time for the knob threads to seize up.

I also figured out a way to “reverse” stitch on the treadle machine that absolutely does not have a reverse capability: I turn the fabric around. I sew a few stitches, bury the needle, lift the pressure foot, turn the fabric 180 degrees, lower the pressure foot, sew a few stitches back to the beginning, then turn again and continue with my seam. Here is a video. These stitches are so small I probably don’t need the extra reinforcement, but it makes me feel better.

Chicken ball

On By CarynIn chickens

It has been cold here, very cold for Texas even in January, cold enough to get a reluctant nod from the north. Although they still scoff that we shut down for a little snow. Tropical problems. The chickens also think it is cold, and turn from sleek ground raptors to fluffy balls of stillness.

Photo description: Chicken on the roost with her feathers so puffed up she is spherical.

Brr.

Cardigan progress update

On By CarynIn Craft

I decided to move my cardigan knitting project to be a car waiting project. When school is going, I regularly carve out an hour of my day to yarn works while waiting for pick up. It is a time that I am uninterrupted by tasks that cause me to get up and move away from the knitting, such as letting animals outside, or getting distracted by another craft. I enjoy listening to an audio book and work away. That is all this cardigan needs, is some regular focused time. I might get it done before spring.

Photo description: Cardigan draped over the steering wheel showing the back panel with variegated yarn pooling in small areas of yellow and blue. Reminds me of looking at the sky in spring through tree branches.

Not a liquid

On By CarynIn dog

I have a cat basket in my computer closet, and Missy the dog gave it a try. Poor puppy. She is the size of a large cat, but when she was put together she didn’t get the “is liquid” property. Points for effort, though.

Photo description: 20 pound shaggy black dog with white on her face, with her back end in a cat basket.

The look on her face is because I’m taking her picture.

Mystery hook

On By CarynIn Life Hack, repair, Tools

In one of the drawers of the Singer model 66 cabinet, there was a metal wire hook. Very strange.

Photo description: Inside of a wood drawer from a Singer treadle cabinet, with a wire hook attached to the screw for the wood knob.

I asked on a couple FaceBook groups what the purpose of this hook was, and had many guesses, but no firm knowledge. I also signed up for the email list for TreadleOn.net, which talks exclusively about people powered sewing machines. It took a few days, but then a couple people chimed in with their informed guesses. From what I can piece together, this was intended to hold bobbins, and was an original Singer part 56267, as pictured in an illustrated plate (shown below) from MillardSewing.com.

Photo description: Illustrated plate of Singer sewing machine parts.

From what we could gather, this part was only produced for a short time. Users found it annoying and often removed it. Many people answered my question with better solutions for bobbin storage.

My hypothesis, as a long time crafter and person who sews, is that the hook was intended for bobbins, but not for storage. It is mentioned in the Singer manuals, frequently and with urgency, that bobbins should not be wound with additional thread. The old thread should be removed before winding on a new color. I have personally seen evidence that the sewing machine users blithely ignored this advice, because ALL (yes, all) of the bobbins from my model 27 and model 66 had multiple colors of thread. I believe the Singer engineers fashioned this hook to make unwinding the bobbin easier. I tested with this in mind, and it works beautifully for that purpose. A single bobbin can be threaded on to the hook, it holds the bobbin securely while letting it spin, and while unwinding the thread, the bobbin does not jump across the room and hide under the dresser, as happens every time I have unwound a bobbin previously. Maybe users found the need to not waste thread more urgent than the smooth operation of the machine. I don’t know. The modern solution is to have a plethora of bobbins, minimizing the need to unwind. I will be keeping the wire as is, and will use it for unwinding. I do appreciate good engineering.