Today seemed like a good day to add the borders to my recently completed embroidered BOM blocks. First was the July block for the Vintage Miniature Sewing Machine BOM.
Here are the five blocks I've completed for this quilt so far.
As long as I had everything out, I decided to transfer the embroidery design for the August block onto the fabric. This vintage miniature sewing machine is called "The Little Stranger".
The Little Stranger was manufactured by Nussey & Pilling in Leeds, UK, during the 1870's. It used W. Taylors' patented elliptical path shuttle motion, which avoided the stop-start disadvantage found on some of the boat shuttle machines available at the time. The only way to purchase a machine from Nussey & Pilling was to go to the factory and take a tour of their workings before leaving with a new machine.
In 1871, The Little Stranger was advertised as the cheapest and best local stitching machine available. Its handbooks were printed in every written language in the world, which seems an unlikely claim to me. It came with a tucking guide, an oil can, four needles, four reels, instructions and a turnscrew. Here is a photograph of the actual machine.
With that finished, I sewed the borders on the July block for the Promises & Borders BOM. Here is the July block.
And here are all the blocks sewn together.
I'm liking how the colors are coming together. There are still three more embroidered blocks for this quilt, and then it will be time to put the finishing touches on it.
Incidentally, Smitty helped out by sleeping peacefully all afternoon. It's like having a baby take a nice long nap.
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10 comments:
Your little one with his big paws reminds me of my big beefy man cat when he was small. Even though his little sister, Grace Hopper (a calico) is less than half his size, she keeps Johnny in line. I have no doubt that your Grace will be able to maintain her status as kitty queen of the house ... even if your new guy outgrows her.
Loving that vintage sewing machine work. (Yea, yea, I say that each time you post pictures, get used to it ; ). Smitty may never realize just how big he is, if you are lucky.
I really like the sewing machine education I'm getting along with your lovely handiwork! The promises quilt is wonderful. I like the colors. And I love love love that Smitty Kitty!
Really like your Vintage Sewing Machines!!
Yes, those Vintage Machines are going to be a real special piece - love them. And Smitty, handsome lad!
Where did you get the vintage sewing machine patterns? I love them!!!
Donna
jackie-donna@msn.com
Both embroidery projects are coming along beautifully. I like the color palettes you've choosen for each, they complement the blocks really well.
Those sewing machines are incredible! Beautiful work :)
Look at "Promises" coming along so well - very pretty in those fabrics. That print really compliments your threads. And your sewing machines!! The fabrics on those blocks are PERFECT for them. Barbara, you're making me drool.
Those sewing machines are the cutest things ever! I love your cat, he is gorgeous!
Thanks for linking up to The Handmade Parade!
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