After Rico’s herding lesson this morning I hightailed it home to grab some lunch and drop off the dogs, I was on my way to McMinnville, Oregon, to pick up my Featherweight from the service center.
And I can’t wait… I have to share this photo of my first blocks made on this little powerhouse of a machine.
It took me about an hour to drive out to McMinnville. It’s a nice fabric store so I took advantage of their decent selection of Australian Aboriginal fabrics and bought a couple pieces I need for a quilt I’m thinking about I also picked up a few pieces for my friend who was here visiting.
I was so excited as I walked up to the service counter. I could see my Featherweight case sitting on the table in the back room. And it didn’t take long until I had my hands on her and was asking the service technician all kinds of questions.
Basically, the condition she’s in is average. The condition of the case is below average.
I asked my friend, Barb, who gifted this. machine to me what her mother’s name was. It was her mother’s machine. She told me, “Harriet.” So this little machine will be known as Harriet from here on out. I love the name and I love that it feels so right with the time period of the machine.
I wanted to get going on getting her all threaded and ready to go, but I forced myself to do a few things around the house first, and I made myself read one chapter of a book I started a few days ago. I’ve decided I’m going to spend less time on social media and am going to read more. I got a huge list of books from friends on Facebook and am starting to chunk through them.
Once my chapter was read I headed to my sewing room and pulled Harriet out of her case and set her up on my sewing table. I had already moved my Bernina and my extension table out of the way. Then I sat down with my iPad and pulled up some tutorials… one for threading the machine, one for winding the bobbin, and one for putting the bobbin in the bobbin case.
It was a little more complicated to thread this machine than my Bernina. And it took me forever to get the needle threaded. Amazing how dependent I’ve become on the threader on my Bernina. But figuring out how to wind the bobbin was pretty quick and easy. I just l love this straight forward technology. I’m perfectly happy to have a sewing machine that doesn’t have a computer on board.
Here’s the first seam I sewed on her… just listen to her!
Since getting her all set up and running took just a few minutes I cracked away and finished up five large blocks for the quilt I’ll make for my friend Barb. Here’s the first five blocks. These are mostly really light fabrics. You’ll see more values and patterns show up ad I make more blocks.
These blocks are made with two 2.5 inch strip sets for each block. Basically, you sew two strips together. Press them, cut them in half, sew the two halves together…
Then you press and repeat and you end up with 8 rows of fabrics sewn in a stack. Slice them into 5 inch pieces, flip one piece over and sew those two pieces together, and you have a block.
There are things to pay attention to. Always press to the dark fabric, That will help your seams next nicely. Next, always orient your blocks so the dark fabrics is always in the upper left corner. Or, you can have the light fabric in the upper left corner. You just need to decide and make all your blocks the same. This will help you maintain your light/dark checkerboard across the quilt top.
I’ve always found making straight strip sets to be challenging. Well, it’s challenging to make them well! But a few years ago I learned about using a metal ruler on my ironing board to make sure my strip sets are straight before I press them.
Here’s a video I did a couple years ago showing how I use the metal ruler. This technique really helps me be more successful with strip sets.
I cranked through five blocks really quickly and got them up on the design wall.
There’s a lot of light fabrics in that bunch. You’ll see more medium and dark fabrics show up as I make more blocks. You’ll also see a little pop of color here and there.
Tomorrow I have to stick around him all morning waiting for the satellite guy to come and install all new HD Video equipment. It’s all free and doesn’t require any additional contract. It will be fun to see if changes anything.
We’ve got some amazing weather coming up in the next ten days. I’m happy to see that the rain isn’t ready to settle in for a little while.
agilejack 
Hi Anne,
What a lovely old machine. I have my mum’s old Singer and it sews the most fantastic straight stitch, it’s really heavy so copes with upholstery fabric like a dream! But like you, I miss the threader and thread cutter…
Love those blocks. Look forward to seeing more.
I’m just back from holiday and read Sarah Winman’s Still Life which made me laugh and cry. A fabulous fabulous book I’m buying for all my friends for Christmas. Highly recommended.
Happy reading,
Lindy
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/thanks for the book recommend. I’ll put it on my list.
Anne
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Yeah! I’m happy to hear that Harriet is home, purring away, and logging more stitches for you!!! Your quilt in progress is off to a great start – love the colors and fabrics. I hope your decision to spend less time on social media and more time reading doesn’t include less time writing your Pinterest posts. I so enjoy reading your blogs … so interesting and inspiring.
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No plans to stop my blog. Trying not to post every day. That gets to be a lot of pressure to sew every day. It’s hard to keep that up!
Anne
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Wonderful machine! Mine is a 1954 and named Bessie after my grandmother and was gifted to me as well. You may know this already, but there is a great online resource for Featherweights.
https://singer-featherweight.com/
Check out this video with Carmen on using a thread stand:
https://singer-featherweight.com/blogs/schoolhouse/importance-of-a-thread-stand-on-a-singer-featherweight?_pos=23&_sid=308b9f226&_ss=r
Their website has a section called Schoolhouse which has maintenance and learning tutorials. So helpful.
Have fun!
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A friend of mine who does amazing paper piecing on her Featherweight turned me onto that site immediately when I got this machine. I’ve already purchased a few things there… including. a quarter inch foot.
I watched a video on the thread stand last night. then I checked with my friend and she said she’s been sewing on her featherweight for 20 years without cross wound thread and no stand and hasn’t had any issues. I’ll probably wait and see if I have any issues. So far so good.
Anne
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I’m sure Harriet is just as happy as you are! That quilt is going to be so fun and bright! Enjoy your nice weather.
My daughter has settled on Long Beach WA for now…she’ll be moving in the 1st of November. I’m sure we will be visiting in no time- flying in to Portland. I look forward to seeing your part of the world!
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If you come to Portland in the winter, be sure to bring your rain coat and water proof shoes! But it is a beautiful and very green time of year here.
Anne
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thanks for the tip!
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I made an “Algorithm“ quilt using your technique! Not with Kaffe fabrics, so I didn’t post on that Facebook page. It was so fast and easy – I’ve collected several packs of 10” squares over the years, and couldn’t figure how to use them for anything other than appliqué until now. Thanks! You are such an inspiration.
I couldn’t figure how to attach a picture of the quilt…
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I love the Algorithm quilt. I will probably make another one some day.
Anne
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I know you will love Harriet. The Singer Featherweight is the best. Here’s a site to your new best friend: https://singer-featherweight.com/
This shop has the best accessories for Harriet. It really makes a difference when you purchase the tools made for the Featherweight.
Your blog is always inspiring.
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A friend turned me on to the Featherweight shop when I got this machine. Already bought a few things there… including a quarter inch foot and some extra bobbins.
Anne
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That’s a quick fun quilt. Are you making the strip sets chunks 5″ cut? Seems like that’s what you get out of each WOF. Can’t wait to hear more tales of Harriet. Love the name! Good for you for reading more. Might trigger more creative juices!
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Yes, cutting the pieces at 5 inches wide. It gives me just a tiny bit of waste. So you’ll need to sew and cut accurately or you won’t be able to get a five inch cut.
Anne
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I am glad your “Harriet” is back home, I also have one that was gifted to me by a friend. I love the sound of it, love sewing on it, the stitches are perfect. I call mine “My Little Girl”. My machine needs to be used more often, I have to get my little green manual out every time I sit down to use her, and I agree threading the needle is harder. I finally use an old fashioned needle threader, works for me. What stitch number do you like to use when piecing with Harriet? Thanks for sharing another video. Doreen Sherk
Sent from my iPad
>
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I was thinking I’ll need to get a needle threader. it took me a long time to get it done!
I usually shorten my stitch length when I’m piecing. I don’t know what number this is on, but it’s probably equivalent to a 2.2 on my Bernina
Anne
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Thank you for this pattern. I will use it for some charity quilts. Your quilt will be beautiful.
The foot on your Featherweight looks totally different from mine. Would you please share what kind of foot this is?
Thank you for all the good information you so kindly share.
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I bought a quarter inch foot from The Featherweight Shop. They are online and have all kinds of stuff for Featherweights. They have at least two options for quarter inch feet, plus all kinds of other stuff for Featherweights.
Anne
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Hi,
I am so excited for you to have your “Harriet” up and running. I have two and use them all of the time. I really like that presser foot that you used. Can you share where we might find one? That would make life so much easier than using tape that has to be replaced periodically. Enjoy your machine and have a great day.
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The Featherweight Shop. They are online. they have all kinds of things for Featherweights and even sell machines. They had at least two options on quarter inch feet. Check them out.
Anne
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You must get an extension table for Harriet! I love mine. (www.sewingmates.com). And love your blog by the way!
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I have one for my Bernina and love it. I’m not sure I need one for the featherweight. I’ll have to use it more and see. thanks for the link.
Anne
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Have you checked out the Singer-Featherweight Shop in Idaho? They are experts and a wonderful resource plus have lots of notions specifically designed to use with’Harriet.’ (Walking foot, thread spool attachment). Lots of tips and tricks + free shipping.
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I’m familiar with them. I’ve ordered a few things from them and was just looking at the plans they have for a Featherweight folding table. Hmmm.
Anne
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From the FeatherWeight Face book page you can buy well-done plans to make a collapsible wooden table to exactly fit your Featherweight. It’s simple, a space saver and elegant all at the same time.
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I was just looking at one online. And amazingly… my brother that I visited recently, is a retired cabinet maker and is now making mandolins and ukuleles. I could probably enlist him to make one for me! Maybe I can suggest one in honor of the quilt I made them!
Anne
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Please enlighten me to the draw of the featherlight. So many people are so excited to get one.
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Well, they’re cute as a button. They’re small but mighty. They are very simple design and simple function. they make an absolutely beautiful and consistent stitch. There’s not much to break. They wear forever. Lots of people remember their mom or grand mother sewing on one. In this day and age of computerized electronic machines, this one is more mechanical and sounds fantastic. There’s just something about them. I think if you don’t get it or they don’t appeal to you, they never will. there are just some people who appreciate so much about them.
I just did a google search and found this article about the appeal of the Featherweight:
https://www.threadsmagazine.com/2018/12/26/vintage-singer-featherweight-whats-hypeAnne
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Super happy to see the video of Harriet purring away! I know you will enjoy sewing with her ❤️ Thanks for sharing. I see lots of comments – many ladies with feather weights!
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It’s amazing how many people have and use Featherweights. I have several friends who have them. One even has two!!! They are sweet little machines!
Anne
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Hi. I have a 1945 Featherweight I use at friend’s houses when we sew together. Love her (Betsy). Did you know there’s a card table for the featherweight that has a cut out section for the machine? They are hard to find used but I think there’s a company who makes new ones. There’s also extension tables available. Harriet is a beauty!! Have fun.
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Hmmm. Didn’t know about the table. I’ll have to take a look. It’s working pretty well to have her just sitting on top of my sewing table.
I’m really enjoying sewing on her so far!
Anne
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Harriet is just purring along ❤️ So happy for you and your new baby!
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I’m loving sewing on here. There’s something sort of magic about it!
Anne
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I love my 1938 Featherweight! Just feels good when I sew.
Does your quilt pattern have a name? I really like it-I have a lot of fabric to use up and this looks like a good way to do it!
Thanks Anne!
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I’m not using a pattern, but this blog post includes a pattern that is essentially the same thing. You can find it with a google search:https://agilejack1.com/2022/09/26/all-alone-again-and-making-plans/
Anne
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