Date: 11/7/09 8:26 PM

I got "Martha" for $30 at the garage sale next door about a month ago, got her tuned up and running for another $70. She's a 1926 White Family Rotary (electric) and we had sooooo much fun today!:D
I've been waiting to try working with real leather, and knew that Martha (she's in a Martha Washinton cabinet) could probably do it better than my computerized Viking. I threw a fresh needle in, rethreaded her with the right color, and zipped a leather scrap through... like butter! I was beyond excited, grabbed my pinned pattern pieces and sewed through the stack with more enjoyment than I've had in my sewing room in a very long time. I was like a kid at Christmas this morning, and just had to tell someone who would appreciate it. Funny thing, my hubby gets this eyes-glazed-over, blank-stare look when I start talking about sewing...

Basically, not only did my 83 yr old machine handle the leather without as little as a stutter, all the stitches are even, straight, and beautiful. I got a little worried when I had to turn over a pressed open seam allowance and stitch through 4 layers of leather, but Martha is one tough chic, and moved through it just fine. A little scratch mark on the leather from the feed dogs, but it's an inside piece no one well ever notice.
Ok, time to put the kids to bed and try to finish my vest. Just have to attach the lining, add the trim, finish the hem, and make a buttonhole.
Question: anyone out there ever do a leather bound buttonhole? I have enough scrap and thought it would add a nice touch to my vest. my vest

Reply to Kristine Kay
Date: 11/7/09 10:03 PM

OOOh nice vest, I love it. Good for Martha. I hope she remains sewing like a champ and does not give you any "senior moments" bless her buttons. Nice job.

Date: 11/8/09 2:56 AM

You go, girl! Wasn't it magnificent how it buzzed through the fabric so confidently? Ahh, you know why so many of us love vintage machines now. They roll like Sherman tanks. :)

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Melissa
Kenmore 19606, Singer 15-91, 201-2, Tiffany Singer 15-30, Brother EX660, Kenmore 158.504, Janome 9102 D, 2 New Home NLBs, Singer 600e, Singer 503, Singer 500, Singer 401, White Family Rotary, Kenmore 158.1060, Kenmore 158.1400

Reply to Kristine Kay
Date: 11/8/09 1:03 PM

Nice vest.

What is exciting to me is that sewing machine. I checked your blog and looked at the photos. At my MIL's house is a White Rotary, with 2 sets of attachments (but no buttonholer). The next time I am down there I will have to delve into this further. I am assuming that it works, but have been a little leery of trying it as the cloth is coming off the cord. The sewing machine guy said it should be safe as long as the wires aren't exposed. There is some duct tape on the cord LOL.

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OH NO! You've done it just like I told you!!!

That's GEE ell, not GEE EYE

Date: 11/8/09 7:40 PM

GlButterfly,
I was worried about the wiring on this machine, too. The repairman said the insulation was still all good, even though there is some fraying on a cord. He did replace the plug end so I feel safer plugging it in! I have just been amazed the last couple days how well this machine handles the thickest layers, then still makes beautiful even stitches on the thinnest layer of lining. My only wish is a pad on the leg pedal, as my left knee feels a little bruised today! Keep me posted, I'd love to know other White owners!