I was admiring this simple, easy to use, SINGER SEWING MACHINE in a catalog that came in the mail. Poppy chimed in, "betcha that same machine can be found on line for half that price". Next thing I know, the mailman is at the front door with a package too big for the mailbox.
Oh, I'm tickled to death...
I remember, mama was so excited to give me the new sewing machine. She was living with Shelby and Jimmy at the time...she said to me,
"I told Shelby Jean, Sears has this little sewing machine on sale and I want to go get one for Melba. She sews all the time and needs a new sewing machine".
and I really did need a new one! So, Shelby drove mama to Sears. That little white Kenmore was perfect! Just like mama's little white Toyota car that I drove for years was perfect.
The word "little" is way over used by me...that came from mama too. :)
Valentine's Day was not on my mind when I started this apron and bonnet, but it sure looks that way, doesn't it?
A lot of the sewing on this apron was done on the new machine.
and I feel like my sewing is not as good. The little Kenmore felt like my best friend. The new sewing machine feels more like company in the house. I'm sure we will adjust in time!
Okay, something very sweet...
When Shelby and I were in Goodwill last Saturday, I found this adorable
Oh, and here's the bonnet...
The heart apron is tied on top of another apron on the dress form. That's why there are so many ruffles.
You may not believe this :), but we have had wind and rain since last night, and the yard is standing in puddles of water...once again.
Guess I'd better get to town and buy groceries. Thank you for looking in. I sure appreciate the comments on Randy's painting. Hopefully, I can get of picture of Randy and his family to show you.
Love,
Henny
You have the little sewing room for both the machines so keep them both. Your new apron and bonnet are lovely as all your creations are! Good luck with your sewing.
ReplyDeleteMelba, this apron and bonnet are my favorites . . . I love the soft romantic feel of the design and fabric. Pink is a color that looks good on all women and that one will sell off the shelf as soon as it's displayed. I have some fabric like that, only mine is in blue and a piece in yellow. I purchased them from Hancock's of Paducah, do you ever buy from them? Their quality is excellent . . . I buy most of my fabric on-line. Once in a while I'm disappointed, but very rarely. Congratulations on your new sewing machine! I know that you are thrilled and what a sweet thing for your husband to do, surprising you like that . . . he deserves his favorite meal prepared :) Getting use to a new machine takes time, but as much as you sew it won't be long before you know all the ins and outs of it.
ReplyDeleteHappy stitching!
Connie :)
I hope that soon your new machine will feel like an old familiar friend...but it is hard for one to come up to the standards of our tried and true friends. Yes, it does look like Valentine's Day was on your brain....I had not thought how close it is till now!
ReplyDeleteI bought a sewing machine through a newspaper ad way back when, I had more trouble with that machine always a struggle to get my project completed I finally gave up on the machine :(
ReplyDeleteI like your little machine, but would keep your mama's machine too.
What a pretty apron and bonnet, the heart shape is perfect, not only for Valentine's but the love that goes into making endless meals for our families.
I think your dolly should be named Hattie, my granddaughter's best friend is naming her new baby that name, I think it's so sweet.
Stay warm Henny !
~Jo
Melba, I had a Kenmore years and years ago and I sewed on that machine until I simply wore it out! I loved that machine but it couldn't be fixed so I had to move on to another machine. So I know what you mean about feeling like the new machine is like company in the house, but you'll get used to it. It was very sweet of Poppy to surprise you like that! Love your apron and it does remind me of valentines day!
ReplyDeleteYou make the simple life look very sweet!
ReplyDeleteBaby name idea...how about Charity? It's just what came to mind.
The expression on your doll is wonderful, she is beautiful, so are the cap and apron.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy getting to know your new machine.
You and your new machine will become better acquainted soon. Your heart apron is so very sweet; perfect for Valentine's Day. More puddles to jump in. =)
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely treat for you, I am sure over tie you will become great friends. Love the stunning heart apron perfect for Valentines day.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your new machine but do not get rid of that Kenmore your Mom bought you! For one thing, anyone that sews as much as you do can always use a second "back up" machine! I have a Kenmore sewing machine that I love but when I started making quilts I bought a larger, electronic machine. I held on to the Kenmore and I have used it many times! I love your Valentine's apron! You finished it just in time for the special day so I bet someone will buy that soon! The sweater on the baby doll is so cute. It looks like it was hand crocheted. Take care Henny!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great "little" post! :~) Really it is! There's everything here that I love to see...anything and everything having to do with sewing, and you have plenty of it here! I love the Valentine's Day apron and bonnet! Just lovely!
ReplyDeleteWow ...Lucky you Henny...now you have another wonderful sewing machine to use! And it's already doing a heck of a great job on your apron and bonnet. So beautiful...the things you turn out! It's so fun to check in with you and see what's new in your world! Your valentine apron is beautiful! Sorry to hear about all your rain...but we have below zero temps for the next ten days or so....ugh. I'd take some of your rain if it'd mean warmer weather! Stay dry Henny and I'll try to stay warm!
ReplyDeleteOur yard was a mass of large puddles today too. Ugh!
ReplyDeleteThe apron is just lovely, and the bonnet is gorgeous. Yes, I was confused a bit by the apron underneath :) How nice to have a new machine! I know you will use it well. My machine is from the early 1960s, I think, about as old as I am. But I don't sew often, so it's just fine. It was my grandmother's.
I have an old metal Kenmore also given to me years ago by my sister as she got a better one! I love it but it does not give much in fancy stitches. Love the apron. So pretty. 21 degrees now and said it feels like 10 degrees. Oh, where is spring! Nancy
ReplyDeleteYou'll be able to sew twice as much now with two machines! (just kidding).
ReplyDeleteThe new apron is lovely and that new sweater is perfect for your baby.
Here's hoping for better weather for you soon!!
That Poppy is a sweetheart. You better keep him!
ReplyDeleteI love seeing all your projects - you are very talented.
Love the new sewing machine. Loved talking to you on the phone the other day. I would love to just spend the day with you. Your baby doll is so pretty mine needs some new clothes.
ReplyDeleteLove you bunches
The old and familiar is comfortable. Hopefully you'll soon develop the touch for your new machine.
ReplyDeleteooooooO! Lovely a new sewing machine..One of the oldest
ReplyDeleteand very best makes..l had one under the stairs, for years,
the old peddle ones, non electrical..Very heavy..! Could'nt
do a lot on it..but good enough for me..and my needs..! :).
HeHe! 'The Singer Not The Song'...
AND...I love the little 'Soul Sister' doll..She is so lovely!
And..Yes! I do have one here at home..but that's another story!
And..A name...??? Well, l like the name Whitney..after you know
who...Yes! Whitney..! :o).
Love! Love! The apron..Love it! And the bonnet even more...At least
it's the right colour..! :).
Well..."There it is"..nearly 7:30 over here..still dark..first lemon tea
of the day...
Oh! In case anyone was wondering..'Singer Not The Song'...Was a 1961 film,
starring Dirk Bogarde....(Not to be missed)...
A murderous bandit terrorises a Mexican village, and a idealistic Irish
priest is the only person willing to stand up to him...Brilliant film...
´*•.¸(*•.¸♥¸.•*´)¸.•*´ ´*•.¸(*•.¸♥¸.•*´)¸.•*´
CHAPTER 18: “MOTHER TWISTYTAIL’S NEW BONNET”
Delete“Have you any bonnets?” asked Mrs. Twistytail....
“Indeed I have,” said the nice lady frog who kept the store.
“I have all kinds of bonnets,” and then she sang
a little song that went something like this, to the tune
“High diddle-diddle”:-
“I’ve bonnets of ribbon, and bonnets of paper,
I’ve bonnets both red, white and blue.
Some bonnets of leather, for cold stormy weather,
And bonnets of feathers and glue.
“I’ve bonnets becoming, and some that are stunning;
I’ve bonnets to wear upside down.
And if you will try one, I’m sure you will buy one,
To go with your new party gown.”
Oh, I really like this! It's so cute!
DeleteHenny if you or anyone else is interested..there
Deleteis an audio book on line..the above comes from one
of the books of Mother Twistytail stories...
This is the link..Can l point out though..the
Audio Book does run for nearly 5hrs...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0NR32q6xyY0
That is an adorable apron Henny, so very pretty. The new machine looks good, I have a heavy duty Singer, just a different model, that is a real workhorse. It took me a while to find all her quirks but we are good pals now. I do all my heavy weight fabric sewing on her and have not broken a needle in 2 years. My super Janome is still my best friend though I use her for everything else.
ReplyDeleteThat apron is beautiful! I have yet to dig out my sewing machine. Love the baby outfit too.
ReplyDeleteOoh! Love all of your babies! Two sewing machines and one doll! :-)
ReplyDeleteI've had the Singer HD 4432 (Is yours HD4423? It was my original objective, but happened upon the HD4432 at a lower price.) for about four years. Love the speed and it makes nice buttonholes. You will want to practice a bit on different types and weights of fabric scraps--call it bonding time. ;-)
If your Kenmore still works well, keep it for smaller, quick projects, it's special abilities, back-up to the larger machine, and sentimental value. It is a wonderful, thoughtful gift from your mother! Your new machine will find it's place in your life and heart in time, as it also is a wonderful, thoughtful gift from another special person in your life.
Your baby doll is absolutely gorgeous! I'm more a fashion doll person--was in doll heaven when Barbie was introduced! Some baby dolls just have a special quality that sets them apart--this is one of them! It will be a joy to create a wardrobe and accessories for her. :-)
Hope your weather improves soon--unless you need the rain! We could use a bit more, but not until next week, please. Phoenix Open runs through Sunday and our current weather is almost perfect for it!
Wonderful about the sewing machine!
ReplyDeleteI know what you mean by "the new machine feels like company in the house"... that's how I feel about our new car. The old 1995 Grand Marquis that I totaled back in August I'd driven for the past 23 years felt like an extension of myself whereas this Lincoln MKC while it has all those wonderful new features (keyless, blind spot indicator, heated seats, etc.) still feels 'odd'. I actually talk to it while driving, saying things like "you're a great little car... we just have to get used to each other". Maybe you need to do that with the new sewing machine. BTW, I use a very old black metal Singer for quilting.
ReplyDeleteYou did a wonderful job with your apron and bonnet. It takes a while to get used to a different machine. I burned my old Sears machine up several years ago making miles of ruffles. ol I had a Janome that I loved and gave to my daughter and now I have a Viking that is a workhorse. My very favorite machine I ever had though was my mother's old Singer. I wish I had it today
ReplyDeleteThat baby looks like it needs a name for a sad-eyed baby. The Irish name Declan comes to me and can be either a boy or a girl....lol...can't have an unnamed baby, can we?!
Have a wonderful weekend. xo Diana
Beautiful memory of your mama in that Kenmore. I like them both, I hope you're able to keep the two of them. Darling baby doll in her new sweater-- I need to move to N.C because your Goodwill always has something excellent.... Or you ladies just have an excellent eye. Don't mean to pry but if your sister is Shelby Jean, you are Melba ?
ReplyDeleteWonderful Valentine's apron and bonnet!
Blessings : )
What a great surprise. Such a nice memory of you mother. The apron is so very pretty. Where you say you over use the word little, I do the same thing with nice. :)
ReplyDeleteI love the new apron. Just in time for Valentine's! I'm the same way with my sewing machine. I bought myself a wonderful machine several years ago. Spent a lot of money on it but every so often, I see a machine that I think will be the machine to end all machines. I have bought other machines but ended up selling them after using them once or twice. I just can't do any better than the one I bought so many years ago. I hope you will get used to your new machine and have a long relationship together but don't put your old one out to pasture. She will be just what you need on days when you need an old friend. LoL...I get a bit sentimental over stuff like this. My goodness, the little sweater is just precious. I think, if I had that baby, I would name her "Sweets" because she is just the sweetest little thing!
ReplyDeleteI hope y'all dry out soon. We are in the same boat. Lots of mud and cold weather. Just miserable!
Grace & Peace,
Pam
A lovely, lovely apron! I like the way it looks on top of another apron. I hope your new machine settles in for you-I'm sure it will!
ReplyDeleteLove the apron and bonnet! You will always have a place in your heart for you Mama's Kenmore machine. I have a 50+ yr old White machine that I use to this day and couldn't ever give it up! Hope you dry out soon. Have a great weekend and thanks for visiting me!!!
ReplyDeleteHi Henny,
ReplyDeleteI have the same Kenmore machine. :-)
Keep us posted on the new machine, my Kenmore has been acting up as of late.
Have a blessed weekend,
Carla
How nice of Poppy to see a sewing machine advertised and want to surprise you with it. I know what you mean, though, about feeling awkward using it. It always takes me awhile to feel comfortable using anything new that has to do with creativity. I bet soon instead of feeling like company SHE will be feeling like your new best friend!
ReplyDeleteGood morning Henny, this article warms my heart today, a freezing 22 degrees here in the mountains. I love this story and the fact that your mother gave you a sewing machine that made you so happy! Enjoy both sewing machines, twice the fun! Love Terry
ReplyDeleteI have a Kenmore too, my husband bought it for me in 1974. It was 49 dollars then, bet I could sell it and make money now! Your new machine will just take some getting used too! Lovely apron and hat! :)
ReplyDeleteI love seeing the pretty things you make, ESPECIALLY THE APRONS. I love aprons! Your bonnets are gorgeous too!
ReplyDeleteHenny I am sure you will get that new sewing machine humming once you spend time. I understand though your sentiments regarding the sewing machine your Mom purchased for you. Many years ago my Dad bought me a Necchi...I wore it out and was so sad to see it go. Love your apron and bonnet...just lovely friend. Well don't get stuck in the mud now. Hugs!
ReplyDeleteI don't feel so guilty when I look at your lovely sewing now, as I have been doing some myself! A much simpler pattern than yours, but have made 39 aprons so far. I would say to use the sewing machine that you like the best, and now at least you have a backup if one is suddenly needing some repairs. I have more than one back up sewing machine, lol!
ReplyDeleteThat Poppy...he knows your heart, Sweet Friend! I know what you mean about the new machine feeling more like "company" than an old friend, but I am certain that it will be your friend before you know because of how much you use the machine.
ReplyDeleteThat heart apron is just so adorable as is the hat. Perfect for Valentine's Day! I just had Carroll put in another hook in the pantry last evening so I didn't have to put all of my "Henny Penny aprons" on one! So much nicer this way to grab the one I want on any given day. :)
We are having snow instead of rain, but we've had our share of rain, too.
Hugs to you!