Singer Featherweight Sewing Machine

Several years ago I purchased a Singer Featherweight sewing machine at a quilt show. She is a beautiful, sturdy little machine, weighing in at 11 pounds, so is the perfect sewing machine to take to classes, workshops, etc. Mine was made in 1956 and lovingly maintained - she sews like a dream. I, like many Featherweight owners, have given her a name - Alice Ruth - after my grandmother and great-grandmother. My husband thinks it's odd to name a sewing machine - he doesn't get it.

I recently joined a Facebook group of Featherweight enthusiasts and I frequently visit The Singer Featherweight Shop website, getting inspiration and useful information from both sites.

Alice Ruth has been packed away in a closet since I got my fancy Husqvarna Viking machine but I'm going to lots of sewing group meetings these days and Alice Ruth is so much more portable. I'll clean and oil her later this afternoon so she'll be ready to go

Designing With Fabric and Thread

Dresden Neighborhood finished quilt top ready for quilting and binding.

At our recent Estes Valley Quilt Guild Retreat, I spent most of my creative time working on a small wall quilt. It's a Dresden Neighborhood design suggested to me by my San Diego quilt and travel buddy, Linda. Her design was an inspiration for my version. It's been challenging and fun working on it and I've finally finished the top which measures 30" by 30". Now I have to ponder how I want to quilt it. I'm usually a hand quilter but that won't work on this piece (too many layers of fabric). I haven't been particularly successful with machine quilting but I guess I'll give it a go and see what I can do.

Dresden Neighborhood in Process