Come With Me To My Garden -- at Dinnertime

My mother left me an historic and beautiful display of antique eggshell nautilus china Ferndale by Homer Laughlin.  Eggshell Nautilus china was designed by Frederick Hurten Rhead and sold by the Homer Laughlin China Company from 1937 until the 1950's when the pattern was discontinued. The eggshell design was one of the company's most popular china styles and was described by some as a joy to behold.  Elegant scrollwork was the hallmark 

of this delicate china.  While the Homer Laughlin China Company is still in business today, eggshell nautilus china, originally sold through catalog sellers, such as Montgomery Ward and Sears, now offers only a memory and a glimpse of the past.

Finest Quality, Lightweight Eggshell Ferndale pattern N1577, made by Homer Laughlin form 1937 to about 1950 in Newell, West Virginia, USA. It is a hard to find pattern and is in the Eggshell Nautilus line.  Eggshell made by Homer Laughlin, was made in two forms of Nautilus; original and eggshell.  Eggshell is the lightweight version. Eggshell Nautilus has a pedestal foot and a smooth handle.  Both patterns have a shell-look shape to them.

Delicately covered in pink and yellow roses on background of lovely floral sprays is the motif of the elegant pattern.  Wide ivory border, usually found on only the finest china, genuine 22KT gold line on rim and gold color line on inner circle.  Embossed rim gives the final touch aristocratic distinction to this deluxe quality dinnerware.  The bottom of the piece has the stamp of HLC Eggshell Nautilus. 

 

Necchi Lelia My Love!

 

I just found a Necchi Lelia 515 sm in a case at the thrift shop today for $10! It looks to be in great shape, and I can't wait til I get home to play with it!

This machine was built in Italy between 1963 and 1971 with all metal internals and a cast metal body and was designed for household use.   The 515 Lelia was the top of the Lelia line.  These machines where very well made with great precision by Necchi and this is demonstrated by the quiet hum of this machine as it works effortlessly through both heavy and light materials. 

It is built like a tank,  runs like a dream, and will outlast any modern machine.  The cams are interchangeable with the ones for the Necchi Nora and are very hard to find.  I have my eye on four of them as we speak.  Wish me luck!  There is a built in buttonhole attachment for the Lelia but I doubt I will ever find one.

Here is more information about Necchi sewing machines.

BC Flat Bed; Oscillating Hook; Straight Stitch; Black; Italy

BCJ Flat Bed; Oscillating Hook; Straight Stitch; Black; Italy

BF Flat Bed; Oscillating Hook; Straight Stitch; Black, Green, or Pink; Italy

BF Mira Flat Bed; Oscillating Hook; Straight Stitch; Gray; Italy

BF Supernova Flat Bed; Straight Stitch; Oscillating Hook; Gray; Italy; 1955-1962

BU Flat Bed; Oscillating Hook; Manual Zig Zag; Black or Green; Italy 1948-1953

BU Mira Flat Bed; Oscillating Hook; Manual Zig Zag; Olive; Italy; 1952-1956

BU Nova Flat Bed; Oscillating Hook; Manual Zig Zag; Dark Green or Black; Italy; 1953

BU Supernova Flat Bed; Manual Zig Zag; Oscillating Hook; Gray; Italy; 1955-1958

Esperia Flat Bed; Oscillating Hook; Straight Stitch; Italy; 1958-1961

Miracle Flat Bed; Oscillating Hook; Straight Stitch; Black; Italy 1955

Miranda Flat Bed; Oscillating Hook; Manual Zig Zag; Olive; Italy; 1961

Supernova Ultra Flat Bed; Oscillating Hook; Automatic zig zag; insertable cams; Italy; 1958-1963

510 Lelia; Flat Bed; Oscillating Hook; Straight Stitch; Pink/Cream; Italy; 1961

512 Flat Bed; Oscillating Hook; Manual Zig Zag; Cream & Green; 1963-1971

513 Lelia; Flat Bed; Oscillating Hook; Manual Zig Zag; Buttonhole; Pink/Cream;
Italy; 1961

514 Nora; Flat Bed; Oscillating Hook; Automatic; Insertable Cams; Gray or Pink;
Italy; 1957-1961

515 Lelia, Flat Bed; Automatic with BH; Insertable cams; Cream & Pink; Italy;
1963-1971

522 Lycia; Flat Bed; Oscillating Hook; Manual Zig Zag; White; Italy; 1955

523 Flat Bed; Oscillating Hook; Manual Zig Zag with BH; Pink; Italy 1963-1971

524 Lycia; Free Arm; Oscillating Hook; Automatic; Insertable Cams; White;
Italy; 1955

525 Flat Bed; Automatic with BH; Italy; 1963-1971

530 Mirella; Free Arm; Straight Stitch; Convertible to handcrank; Pink; Italy;
1963-1971

532 Flat Bed; Manual Zig Zag; Oscillating Hook; Pink/Cream; Italy; 1954-1962

534 Supernova Julia; Flat Bed; Oscillating Hook; Automatic with BH; Insertable Cams;
Lavender; Italy; 1961-1971

544 Lydia; Free Arm; Rotary Hook; White; Italy; 1962-1971

554 Flat Bed; Automatic with BH; Cream & Beige; Italy; 1963-1971

Chain, Chain, Chain...Chain, Chain, Chain...Chain of Fools

Yes, I could have bought a Wilcox and Gibbs antique chainstitch sewing machine, but I wanted something a little more versatile. I wanted a machine that could not only chainstitch, but do decorative stitching with less expensive cams than is available for my Viking 6030. I did a little research on PatternReview online site, and then did more research on Ebay.

I was able to buy a Singer Touch and Sew 603E [one of the last models with metal gearing] and 20 decorative cams for less than I would pay just for a set of 8 Viking cams. 

I received this machine with 20 decorative cams and a variety of different feet.  It also came with a couple of attachments which convert this lockstitch sewing machine into a chainstitch sewing machine.

 

 

Why would I want a single thread chainstitching machine you ask.......?  Chainstitching is useful for basting, stay-stitching, fastening removable trimming, hemming curtains and draperies that may need to be altered, sewing temporary tucks to extend the life of children's clothes, making welting for corded seams or tubular cording, attaching hem tape and elastic waistbands, repairing knit and stretch garments, and making stay chains to anchor linings, or hold belts or shoulder pads in place.

 

I am going to have to have my Singer 603E serviced before I can sew on it, so it will be several months before I can start to use it.  But I think it is well worth waiting on.

All Aboard the Viking Express!

 

 



I have ignored my Viking 6030 sewing machine for a long time.  Now that I have gotten back into sewing, it is time to re-evaluate this lovely old machine.  After all, besides a good straight stitch, it is one of my mechanical mechines that does embrodiery stitches with cams. 

My Viking came with stitching cams that have 4 patterns to each cam.  They are labeled A, B, C, & D. 

I recently found a few more of these fairly rare cams sets on Ebay --  B, D, C, E, F, G, H, & I.  So, I set out to bag me a set. 

 

 

I am going to have it serviced right away, because my Viking is going to be my "go to" sewing machine for most tasks I think.  Or maybe it will be my Elna 33C Special, or my mother's Nelco J A-38?  I love having choices......

My Momma Done Tole Me......

To take good care of her beloved Nelco J A-38 sewing machine, as she went through her final illness.  We both loved that machine sooooooooo much. 

I remember the day the salesman came to our house showing her the ins and outs of how this fascinating machine worked.  I was about fourteen years old.  Our previous machine [which I learned to sew on] was a White treadle straight stitch sewing machine.  Neither of us had any idea how to sew on an electric zig zag sewing machine!  We were both totally enthralled.  And then, wonder of wonders, my dad said ok! 

Then the golden day, our marvel arrived and was set up in its cabinetry. 

We were shown all sorts of stuff by the dealer representative, so much so, that our brains went into overload.  The next day, we sat at our new baby, and just looked at each other.  Neither of us knew where to begin.

We soon learned the basics of how to use our new toy, and it became a valuable member of the family.  All through high school, college, and for years afterwards we used our Nelco.  And mom passed the torch to me.  I use it in loving memory of mom.

I will have the machine thoroughly serviced asap, because it has never been serviced to my knowledge!  I want to make sure it lasts as long as possible.

UPDATE: 
Over the years, the extra feet that went with this machine disappeared.  But the Nelco uses high shank feet, and I found some for her on Ebay.

 

Lady Ashen the Fashionista!!!

My black arabian mare Lady Ashen is a real flashy dresser.  She adores attention and likes to dress up, so I have indulged her somewhat.  Ashen has a separate wardrobe just for parades in case she is invited to one.

Ashen's Crates 1984 #355 saddle and matching head stall,reins, and tapaderos which I dyed a brilliant black  to work with her lovely coat.

 

 

 

 

When I get a little time, I will add these silver conchos to Ashen's headstall and saddle.  She will be as proud as a peacock.

 

 

 

Ashen's brilliant turquoise and purple patterned wool blanket is the perfect accent for her glossy black coat.

 

 



 

Seamstress Pressing Station

I found a $14 Walmart clearance priced Shark Professional 1568N 55 steam iron. 1600-watts dry/variable steam iron with powerful steam bursts has precision temperature controls, anti-calcium feature to prolong the iron's life, stainless steel sole plate for superior glide and heat retention. Anti-drip prevents spitting, multi-position auto shut off, self cleaning. Full, soft grip handle, 10' cord. Metal/plastic. ETL Listed. 13¾"Hx7½"Wx5¾"L

I LOVE this iron! It is the best iron I have ever used and I am so glad I took a chance on it when I saw it on the clearance shelf at Walmart! It heats very hot and evenly and produces tons of steam! It is heavy, but the weight, the heat, and the steam presses fabric like nothing else I have seen. I love it!

The heating ability, steam production, and hand comfort of the Shark Professional 1568N 55 steam iron is so much superior, that I decided to buy another Shark on Ebay for $20! The Shark presses fabrics like they were butter!

My niece recently moved into her first apartment a few months ago, and I in an excess of generosity gave her my best ironing board.  Then as life often does, I decided to start sewing seriously again.  I was frustrated with the instability of my beloved but broken vintage wood and iron ironing board.  It looks just like this one! 

I started eyeing my niece's ironing board and regretting my generous zeal.  My sister nipped that idea in the bud and I kept my eyes open for a bargain.

Desperately, I looked at the ironing boards leaning against the side of the building at my favorite thrift shop.  The sturdiness of the first one caught my eye.  It was a lot heavier than the new versions they sell today, and wonder of wonders, the leg supports have steel rods reinforcing them.  The manager came out while I was debating, and her comment that she would sell it to me for $1 clinched the deal. 

I found out that I had bought a top of the line Mary Proctor ironing board by searching the internet.  These ironing boards were made in the 1950s or 1960s. I checked Ebay and they have none for sale. I sew a lot and they are truly my best sewing room product next to my Necchi Lelia 515 sewing machine and Sharp steam irons!

Who would have thought the very day after my sister told me I could not have my old board back, here I am with a much better, sturdier board for my sewing room for only a buck!  I immediately [within a week or so] went on Ebay and found a board cord holder and an iron holder for about $20 shipping included. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In my master bedroom suite, I have a thrift shop over the door ironing board and my second Shark G1568 steam iron.

 

 

I invested in the much vaunted Reliable V100 steam iron for only $65 including shipping. Reliable V100 Digital Velocity Home Ironing System. The new Digital Velocity V100 is the most advanced stand alone iron in the world. You can now enjoy professional ironing quality and speed with the simplicity of using a traditional iron. With a revolutionary and patented technology, the V100 incorporates an internal heating element and pump system that produces more steam continuously (up to 30g/min) than conventional irons. This guarantees a professional finish to your garments. Since it goes for $139 usually, it is a real steal! 

After using this iron for a period of time, I have decided that I really don't like it as much as the Shark, so I banished it to the basement guest room suite with the over the door thrift shop ironing board.