Well, at least one reason, anyway....This happened a few months ago, but I haven't had time to blog it yet...
Looky, looky what I finally got! I am SOOOOO excited!
A little Singer Featherweight 221 that was born in 1954. I LOVE IT! Last weekend, I took a class with Holly on how to maintain it. We took them apart, cleaned them, lubed them, oiled them, and she runs like a top! I could not be more thrilled with the purchase!
So, here's how it came to be.... It's all Mary's fault. (That's my story, and I'm sticking to it.)
In July when I was at my quilt retreat in Minnesota (blogged here and here), Mary was sewing on a Featherweight. So was Cindy. I commented on how badly I wanted a Featherweight. Then, in August, Mary sent me an e-mail asking if I had gotten my Featherweight. Attached to her e-mail was an ad from Craig's list in her area for a Featherweight that was in pristine condition, had all the parts, and was only about $300. I immediately e-mailed the gal, hoping to get it. The only problem was it was in the Minneapolis area, and the ad said she wouldn't ship it. I was pretty sure Mary would help me with it if I needed it....I was willing to ask her if she'd pick it up and ship it to me, and I'd pay for the shipping. But, alas, I was too late, and someone just before me had already claimed it. I was bummed.
So, I went on ebay and just started surfing around. I saw this little machine, and it looked in good shape. It was only bid up to about $230. I couldn't believe it. So, I put in a bid of $280, figuring I'd never get get it that cheap. But lo and behold, I got it for $274! Wow!
So, then I went, "S***! How am I going to tell my husband I just bought another sewing machine?! He's going to freak." I figured I needed to think about this a bit.
The ebay seller sent me the shipping notice, and I figured, "Cool. It won't get here until I get back from my retreat. I can think about it while I'm there."
You remember the retreat I went to in Shipshewana, right? I blogged it here, here, and here.
About 5 minutes after I arrived in Shipshewana and was unloading my stuff, my cell phone rang. It was my husband. I answered.
Mama Pea: Hello?
Papa Pea: Why did you think you needed another sewing machine?
MP: (Oh, crap. The sewing machine arrived. And he opened it! Whaaat?! I am not prepared for this. What do I say? How do I couch this? Think, Stephanie. Think!!!) Um...stammer, stammer. Pause. Stammer, stammer.
PP: Never mind. Don't even answer that. It's a really cute machine, and I totally understand why you felt you needed it.
MP: (You have GOT to be kidding me. I cannot even believe how wonderful he's being.) I love you. Thank you for understanding.
PP: I can't wait for you to get home and show me how it works.
MP: I was hoping you'd enjoy tinkering with it and helping me keep it running nice. I was also thinking you might enjoy working on Featherweights in your spare time. Maybe we could pick up others, clean them up, and sell them. (Pretty nice effort on my part to make this sound like it was for him, not me.)
PP: Yeah, that might be fun. These are really neat machines.
What a guy, huh? I was so happy and relieved. It makes my little machine even more fun to own. I love it.
And right after this, Holly and I went shopping in Shipshewana, and she bought one, too, at one of the local antique stores. She got a beauty for a little more than what I paid, but she didn't have to pay for shipping. That was fun.
I brought it home and set it up after our little maintenance class. Look who else loves it. She just went to down doing sewing practice. Last night I was talking about doing some more sewing with her, and she said, "On what machine?" I said, "Which one do you want to sew on?" She said, "I want to sew on the little black one. It's fun and easy to use!" I think she's going to love her little sewing machine for Christmas.
So, Mary...this is all your fault. AND THANK YOU! Your little Craig's List ad pushed me over the edge to finally getting my own little Featherweight. And I'm loving it.
Until next time,
Mama Pea
Congratulations! I'm glad it all worked out!
Posted by: Shelly | December 08, 2011 at 08:19 AM
It is a cute little machine!! Congrats on your new addition ;)
Posted by: Jana | December 08, 2011 at 08:31 AM
How cool!!!! Boy, it was really meant to be. You got it for a machine AND it's a welcome addition to your family!!! I'll be interested in hearing updates on how you continue to like it!! :-)
Posted by: Linda | December 08, 2011 at 08:35 AM
Oh what a cute story! Congratulations on your sweet little baby :) I love mine. I actually have four of them and am still on the hunt for another. My hubby thinks they're sweet little machines too and the stitching on them is perfect. I sometimes wonder why I need my newer machine! Seriously. I am so happy for your purchase. The big grin in your photo says it all :D
Merry Christmas!
Posted by: Sue | December 08, 2011 at 08:59 AM
Your hubby sounds like my Frank! I love my Featherweight, it's wonderful for retreats, and I adore it!
Posted by: Doris | December 08, 2011 at 12:15 PM
I absolutely love this story...congrats!!! :)
Posted by: Candice | December 08, 2011 at 01:01 PM
How exciting. I've always wanted a featherweight. I keep hoping one will just call out my name someday.
Posted by: Deb | December 08, 2011 at 01:18 PM
Well I wish you had more time here to take my Singer apart, clean, oil and all of that and show me how. I wish we had classes around here like you seem to find by you. I have no idea what Singer I have but I do know that the one in the basement is REALLY old.
Posted by: sisLH | December 08, 2011 at 02:00 PM
You are so funny! I needed that humor today. You have a wonderful husband! Glad you finally got that machine. Better look out though. Little Pea looks like she might take over!
Posted by: carolld | December 08, 2011 at 02:07 PM
COOL BEANS!!! Someday I'll get mine...yes, I think Sweet Pea is going to love want one too, lol!
Posted by: Allie | December 08, 2011 at 02:47 PM
Sweet Pea might need a Featherweight of her own by next Christmas! And since you are driving to Florida for Christmas, maybe she could bring her new machine with her to show Grandma Pea and the Pea clan how it works! The grin on your face and the concentration on hers is priceless!! You have a great husband!
Posted by: Peg | December 08, 2011 at 05:13 PM
Congratulations!!! I know you will love having it and using it. My P. loves to sew on mine. I think it's a great machine for kids to learn on. Does yours have a 1/4" foot? If not, I'll send you the website where I got mine for a very reasonable price. I also got a walking foot for it.
Posted by: Lynn | December 08, 2011 at 06:19 PM
Congrats...a Featherweight is on my "wish list"--fun to see you get one!
Posted by: sherri | December 09, 2011 at 12:53 AM
Well, it's that the coolest! First getting the machine and second Sweet Pea liking it. (Really had fun reading your post. So funny!)
Posted by: Linda in Calif. | December 09, 2011 at 11:00 AM
My hubby loves my little featherweight! He enjoyed watching the maintenance video with me, and is always nagging me to keep it oiled! Enjoy! Does she have a name? Our machines are twins, as mine was "born" in 1954, also!
Posted by: Maggie Szafranski | December 11, 2011 at 08:10 AM
First, I'll take the blame for anything that turns out this SWEET!
Second, your husband is definitely a keeper - what a guy!
AND, I'm so glad you got your featherweight and love it. I knew you would. Looks like Sweet Pea is already hooked on Mom's past time. Thanks for the heads up on this great post. I hope you and your family have a wonderful holiday season Stephanie!!
Posted by: Mary on Lake Pulaski | December 11, 2011 at 11:11 PM