My Vintage Singer Sewing Machine

I posted these two pictures on Instagram today because so many people wanted to know what sewing machine I was using. The decal on the front says it was manufactured in Elizabeth, New Jersey. Don't you love things that were made in the USA back when things were made to last instead of being thrown away? I believe the term is "planned obsolescence" and I don't like it one bit. I still prefer having things repaired whenever possible.

The instruction booklet says the Slant-O-Matic was the greatest sewing machine ever built! And I would have to agree. I can remember my mother saving up S&H Green Stamps for her first electric Singer. That's the only brand we ever had. We had an old treadle machine too and I loved sewing on it as a child. The next page of this booklet says ©1961. I think I bought mine a little later than that but it was still the most current model at the time. It is all metal construction and is not computerized. The decorative stitches are all gear driven. It is nicknamed The Rocketeer because of its futuristic mid-century modern design. I guess it would be called Retro now.

I have this Olive Oyl cartoon saved on my phone. I love texting it back when I receive a text that is worthy of this response.

Cat with a Sewing Project

I have been busy up in the attic sewing curtains for three windows and I have been enjoying myself immensely. This kitten sewing with a red hot needle made me laugh. Will post photos when I'm finished. I found four long panels of lined sewn curtains in a big blue and white checked fabric and I had remake them for my windows. They were double lined and will make my attic much warmer this winter. More later. xo

Some of My iPhone Photos This Week

A beautiful sunset from my balcony two days ago. The full moon was shining brightly in my bedroom last night.

Storm clouds gathering five days ago.

I adore this phrenology head. I printed it last week and put it on a portfolio to cover the company name of the firm that gave it to me. I put a piece of heavy clear plastic on top and now I love it because it always makes me laugh. Click on the photo to enlarge for easier reading.

Those feet! They were the first thing I saw six days ago when I visited a Realtor Open House. The house was very contemporary and had a lot of modern art.

Here is back view of the feet sculptures from another wing of the house. I put these pics on Instagram and one lady was worried they would be left behind after the house was sold and how were the new owners going to get rid of them?😂

Spilt Milk

No crying here. 😂

Flower Pot Dog with Water Dish

Here is the Pluto the Dog at the end of a very hot day and a thunder storm is coming any minute now. I wasn't outside very much today so I don't know if any birds or bees used the water dish. I think I should look for a better rock tomorrow. Enjoy your Monday evening. xo

Around My Cottage Outside

Looking down from my balcony. Keep your eye focused on something sticking out beside my limelight hydrangea in the bright sun in the area above the red geranium.

I discovered this long-forgotten dog made from terra cotta flower pots in my barn/garage and now he's my watchdog.

The lamb's ears I planted in this part of my back garden are blooming and standing tall and the humming birds love them.

Here's a closeup of the dog. A young rabbit had a standoff with him at dusk on the day I put him out over the weekend. It was so cute to watch from my bedroom window that is above the raised garden. There are remnants of hot glue in certain places where moss was once attached. I think this was project for a garden club contest at one time and I hope it was a prize winner. I got it at our annual firehouse flea market and auction years ago. It was very heavy to lug to my car but it made me smile and still does. It reminds me of Pluto and he seems right at home on this small patch of blacktop that is in my backyard for some reason. I think I will put a water dish out for him that the birds and chipmunks might enjoy. Happy Monday! xo

A Sewing Project at My Cottage

This was my introduction to sewing as a child. I sewed doll clothes by hand. I love this illustration by Jessie Willcox Smith found on Google Images.

I really shouldn't show this photo yet because the pillow cases aren't right. I just threw them on while the proper ones were being laundered. This spread is my current completed sewing project. I purchased this large piece of old unbleached linen at an estate sale and hoped it would become my lightweight summer bedspread. It was already sewn in three panels. I brought it home and laundered it but the center panel was too wide and the two side panels were too long. So up to the attic I went to get reacquainted with my sewing machine. It was a pretty easy project and I'm pleased with the results. It was just a matter of measuring and a lot of ironing. I put French seams where the side panels were attached so there are no raw edges and I top stitched them too. The deep hem on the side panels is so much nicer than the shirt tail hem that was there before. I cannot sleep on or under anything but natural fabrics that breathe. If there is one drop of polyester or another synthetic, I can tell and it smothers me. This must make me a close cousin of The Princess and The Pea.

Now I'm thinking about making some new curtains for my attic windows that I can close in the summer to block the morning sun. Will keep you posted. xo

The Sheep Have Not Noticed

Real or Photoshop?

I think the latter but it's amusing anyway.

via

The Real Picasso

He's still quite recognizable. via

Don't you wonder what he would think of this photo?

I think he would like it.

Winter Birds: Made me Smile

So cute. 

It is so much warmer today with fog and rain predicted for tomorrow. The roads have been fine from the beginning but I never had my driveway plowed. I parked near the road and have been able to get out easily with the new tires I got earlier this year. So far, so good. Aren't Virginia Greene's birds adorable? This was her holiday card for December. via 

Made Me Laugh

So far, so good with my resolution to drink more water.

Doxie raincoats, how cute!

Images from Pinterest.

Fabulous Bunny Downspout

I need this kind of whimsy in my life. Bring back the bunny downspouts! I could spend DAYS on this page looking at other examples. Have fun looking when you need a break from Thanksgiving preparations. xo

This Made Me Laugh

Good One! via

Chickens Carefully Crossing the Road

Law abiding chickens using the crosswalk. So cute! via

Knock. Knock. Who's There?

This made me laugh.

via

Chicken Shaming Pics -- So Funny

To see many more photos of chickens wearing signs, click here. After the link opens, if you have trouble reading the last two, click on the individual photo to enlarge.

Cat Wedged in Window

This image never fails to make me laugh. This adorable cat has wedged himself in the perfect spot for people and bird watching! Have a great day. via

Jane Austen Illustration with Sheep

This made me laugh this morning!

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Ann Landers on Cleaning Out the Attic

This goes for the basement and the garage too. Getting lost in reading matter is a great way to procrastinate dealing with the task at hand, isn't it? Love this quote and illustration! You know you are in trouble when you bring coffee and the cat. via

The Dog Wants to Go Out

HaHa. So funny. This made me laugh out loud. via