One Year Into a New Home and Sewing Room/Maker’s Lab

It is now August 2022. I’ve had the incredible fortune of finding an extraordinary partner, and we’ve merged our lives after years of long-distance to create a home together. My new sewing room has expanded to become a full-on “Maker’s Lab,” because I do so much more than sewing. My first project in the new home was to upholster vintage teak chairs for this sitting room. The fabric was harvested with care and precision from an antique Indian duvet.

I’ve not solved my storage issues for the sewing supplies just yet, so please don’t mind the temporary arrangement and clutter too much. This is an in-progress shot of the room as I research cabinetry and shelving. I still need a moment to make informed decisions about how much DIY/customized construction I can reasonably manage. Encouragingly, the sunlight, plants, and spaciousness have me feeling grateful and eager to settle the space with a clean and streamlined storage design. Your suggestions are welcomed!

My “old” and Well-used Sewing Space

My Dream Sewing Room… located in the unfinished basement, but filled with maximum creative juice for a fraction of the price (courtesy of tag sales, Habitat for Humanity, and area thrift stores). Only one machine is new. All other machines were found second-hand. I know it looks like a dated and goofy space, but I love it! Nothing matches, but everything works just fine.

Oh my… I’m outing myself as a sewing addict.  Actually, my unending love for it goes far beyond machine sewing; I adore all needle crafting, weaving, fiber arts and machine restoration.  Back in 2001, I grew thoroughly demoralized shopping for clothing with my post-pregnancy-still-in-transformation-body.  My friendship with award-winning designer Gypsy Ames (Faculty member at Colorado College)  inspired me to aim for some self-sufficiency, and admittedly I’d spent most of my childhood sketching fantastical costume and human figure studies.  With feisty defiance decided I would learn to make my own clothing before my self-esteem caved in much further.  I didn’t have anyone to teach me, but I figured that shouldn’t stop me.  I was on a mission.  For all you folks with curves, I know you’re feeling me here…

Although ignorant of my good fortune at the time, I scored a used mechanical Bernina 1008  for $450 (massive score, no?), and an old White overlock machine for $150, then set off to make fabulous stuff!  I soon learned that drafting, patterning, altering, and machine management involved much more research, education and investment than I was prepared for as a busy new mom.  But through small projects and  increments of time, I found my way forward into the craft.  My infant was too curious to play quietly while I fumbled through my sewing, so most of my early efforts were late at night after she was asleep.  Frequently I didn’t have the energy to tackle a large project, so instead I would take 30 minutes to practice things such as making buttonholes, inserting zippers, and learning the cause/effect of different stitch patterns on fabric.  I prowled the thrift stores for vintage sewing books and picked up a few collector machines during my adventures.  I had very little time to sew, but I sure did love my time with the machines when I could get it.

When Craftsy.com launched in 2011, I jumped on board to learn all the wonderful little things I couldn’t seem to figure out from illustrations in literature.  The acquisition of knowledge set me free to fully indulge my creativity, and I haven’t bumped into boredom yet.  I finished graduate school in 2012, and relocated to a home with a large unfinished basement to set up my fantasy sewing room.  Do I feel lucky?  Oh yes. I have a dream space and absolutely everything in it was thrifted and acquired second-hand:  furniture, machines, remnants, tools, etc.  My Louisiana-born grandmother was an embroidery artist, and her vintage tools are the crowning jewel hung in a wall case for inspiration.

Having something other than dance has become crucial to my creative flow in life and career.  The benefit of detailed, fine motor movement with my hands, contemplative time, blossoming patience and attention to detail have made me a better dancer/artist/scholar/writer/etc.  By becoming self-sufficient in my garment-making, I grew curious about other ways to unplug from the mega-monolith commercial machine of my urban upbringing–I explored canning, home cooking, dehydrating, family gardening (not my strongest skill, I murder many plants), and crafting a homespun life on as many levels as possible.  So all of you bloggers who have shared your journeys with me, I THANK you for the inspiration.  My elders were not around to guide me in my explorations, and I have relied on you more than you know.

I have grown to deeply appreciate the creativity and craft so many women and men have put into the seemingly task-oriented construction of garments.  I don’t consider myself a true fashionista (tangent warning:  I’m too addicted to knit fabrics and pajama-like comfort.  Heaven knows I can’t bear to wear heels! Plus I’m a fan of androgyny.  Gender is so over isn’t it?  I’m not femme enough for couture in my opinion), but I do experience deep awe for refined construction and creative design on any scale… whether in a couture dress,  curtains or a hand-sewn apron.  And I deeply appreciate the efficient and loving work of my ancestral women who constructed clothing for their entire families.

My fondness for mechanical machines (versus computerized models) ensures an abundance of choices at the thrift stores.  Everyone seems to be abandoning mechanical models in favor of machines that have lazer seam guides, digital embroidery and a host of automated features.  I completely understand that appeal and have no criticism of that preference at all.  Someday I look forward to the indulgence of a computerized machine.  I can only offer that for now something in me is fed by the attentive and refined practice of tuning myself to the workings of my mechanical machines.  Admittedly, I have become a collector and epic enthusiast.  I have a particular affinity for restoring knowledge and craftsmanship we’ve discarded in favor of convenience and technology.  I endeavor to understand the science behind well-drafted work, and thoroughly enjoy whatever problem solving that effort presents on a mechanical machine.  Fortunately, there is very little grief in my sewing these days, because my collection of steel-motor vintage machines (see Geeky “Honey” gallery below) run like buttah and are tremendously sturdy.  Many current home machines on the market are simply not made to be operative for 100 years with their nylon gear parts.  So if you see a vintage machine during your antique or thrift store adventures, it’s worth checking out.

SO… I hereby consecrate this little corner of my website to serve as my digital altar to all things fiber, design, needle and sewing related.  Concurrent to my sewing addiction, I’ll be sharing my adventures in learning tatting, crochet, lace-making, and weaving.  I make no apology for my addictions, and if I last long enough to retire my dancing body, you can bet I’ll be found most days in my funky, freaky little sewing room having a good old time, bumping good music and probably talking to myself joyfully.

DONNA’S NO-SHAME-NERD-OUT MACHINE GALLERY

Vintage White Sewing Machine/ Model 764/ Walnut Finish. 1964 Japan White 764 HGT World’s Fair Sewing MachineThey don’t make ’em like this anymore. Found for $18 (including cabinet) Soooo Silky Smooth! Slowly finding slant shank attchments for it.

My reward to myself for persevering through a challenging phase of life (illness/divorce/loosing loved ones): The Bernina 1150 MDA Serger! Oooooweeeee… slowly learning all that this machine can do. It’s the only item in this sewing space purchased new from a dealer.

1950 Singer, found at Habitat for Humanity in 2014. Please see entry below for the magical back story on this machine.

Necchi Lydia 3, Model 544 (made in Italy, 1960’s)). $70. Many bloggers have a love/hate relationship with this machine and I witness frequent cursing over it! This model has all presser feet, a working foot pedal, and a few original bobbins (very hard to find). However, I had to research an online version of the manual, and could only find a version for another 544 generation. If any enthusiasts out there are willing to share a copy I would be most grateful. The bobbin winder is broken, and I’m planning to repair it. Like most sewing geeks, the sleek design mesmerized me and I went on a mission to locate one for my collection. The machine has a reputation for the internal cams cracking, because Necchi devolved to plastic for this integral and crucial piece. It turned out to be the lynchpin instigating the demise of the company. But many Italian tailors have created couture fasion art and pristine suits on these beautiful machines.

Most work is tackled on the Bernina 1008. Purchased used in 2001 with less than one year of use on it. I love the versatility of specialty presser feet by Bernina, and the very high stitch quality of this workhorse never fails.

Kenmore model # 385-16231, Found at a neighborhood thrift for $29.99. Apparently this version of the Kenmore Machine was produced by Janome. This lovely machine has a wonderfully quiet and smooth motor. The stitches are refined and steady. Bonus features are a treat: needle up/down, speed control, needle threader, automatic buttonholes, etc.) The cornflower-blue accents on the machine are a nice touch too.

Sears Kenmore (1963 – 1966). This pearly mod-machine is a straight-stitch-only with a very powerful motor for industrial-grade sewing on thick, tough materials. It’s a heavy, all steel, fast machine lovingly named “bat out of hell” by my favorite machine master, Bob Juenemann (http://makeitsew.biz/)

Sears Kenmore 24 Stitch Free Arm 24 385-1764180. Found for $29 at a local thrift. Excellent condition, superb stitch, sensitive foot pedal, and adaptable to all low shank attachments / presser feet. It is a very quiet, but powerful machine that is a joy to use.

Viking Husqvarna Daisy 315. Purchased at a thrift store for $30. This machine has become my tandem companion to the Bernina, frequently threaded in alternate colors. This is a very steady and quality machine. I’ve found it compatible with a large number of presser feet purchased in the sewing and fabric districts of LA, Houston, New York, etc. It was a gem of a find.

Children’s toy found at a thrift store and acquired for $6.00! Made of steel, with a working electronic pedal. Love it!

1950’s Singer 403. This Vintage machine utilizes “cam” or cartridges to form anything other than a straight stitch. Found for $8.00 at Goodwill.

1911 Singer, converted to an electronic model by the original owner. It was found in the dusty corner of a thrift store for $65. I have since found the parts to convert it back to it’s original hand crank format. Now all it needs is a bed and a cleaning!

White Superlock 734 DW Serger. Purchased for $150 with the advice that parts couldn’t be found once they wore out. Not so! In the age of the Internet, finding blades and parts has not been a problem at all… this ended up being a fantastic purchase. I use it with each project.

This non-functional Bartlett machine was gifted to me by a lovely Boulder woman after I helped her price items at her yard sale (2015). The iridescent, painted flowers make me smile. This treadle-based, chain stitch machine dates back to 1876.

The classic and coveted Singer Featherweight 221! Fortunately this is a working model with all pieces. Featherweights were famous for their full-sized motor supporting half-sized mechanics… ideal for portable use by industrial age households.

Juki Industrial straight lockstich DDL 555. I gladly adopted and restored this machine from a warehouse facility that experienced some flooding. At 3,500 stitches per minute, it was worth the restoration effort. Thank you to Ralph’s Industrial Sewing for aiding with that process. Vintage leather spats anyone?

RICCAR 2925 (Japanese brand manufactured in Taiwan) Educational model designed for school use. This machine now lives at my university office for costume projects and student needs. It was dry and dusty when found, but after a tune-up from Blakeman Sewing and Vacuum (Boulder,CO) it might just be my favorite machine!

The Italian Necchi Mira Bu (1954), Found at the local thrift for $13.99! All attachments are present, working foot pedal, and manual also. The belt is a little dry and will need to be replaced, but both the straight and zig zag stitches are superb. The motor is quiet, and the mechanisms are tremendously smooth. What an exceptional find. Cosmetically is a bit wabi-sabi, but it runs fantastically. The strength of the motor is astonishing.

The infamous Singer Model 27 with the Golden Sphynx/Memphis Egyptian decal (treadle version, Spoked handwheel) It is badly worn, and will do well with some cleaning and care.

Electronic scissors in the original box (unused) with a JC Penny’s tag. Found for $6.00 amongst a cluttered crafting shelf in the thrift store.

White Sewing Machine Model 1510. Found at a thrift for $15. So powerful, so quiet, and solid steel on the inside. All basic attachments were intact and the machine was immaculately clean inside.

A tattered Singer, purchased in a fit of nostalgia for $23. I’m hoping to teach myself mechanical care of vintage singers on this one, as the others in my collection are not the kind of treasures I wish to experiment on.

The Bernina Nova 900, Found for $24 USD at an ARC thrift store with the original case, all presser feet attachments, an extension table, embroidery hoop, bobbins, and tools. Another miraculous find! After an $80 repair to the stitch selection button (which was internally cracked), it works as well as my Bernina 1008. Most unexpectedly, someone at my daughter’s place of employment was giving away a table that ONLY fits the Nova machine. Apparently, it was meant to be with me!

SMILED UPON BY THE SAINTS OF SEWING

While ambling through Habitat for Humanity’s Restore during December of 2013 with a friend, I stumbled upon a special treasure: a vintage singer sewing machine.  There are plenty to be found on the internet, and as a sewing enthusiast I’d send out occasional tentacles looking for one to bid on.  This particular day, I was thrilled to find a 1950 electronic model in great shape along with its original desk-bed.  I was unable to test the machine fully before making the purchase, but knew that $170 was a fair deal for this lovely antique.

Caught up in my busy life, it was a few days before I sat down to fully assess its operative functionalism, and enjoy a leisurely tour of the machine.  The desk was beautifully solid.  The machine was impeccably clean and still produced a quality stitch.  So far, so good.  Much to my delight the desk drawers contained boxes of undisclosed items.  I prepped a warm cup of my favorite tea and sat down to explore.

In the drawers was a fully complete set of accessories, attachments, antique accoutrements (nail file, bobbins, vintage buttons, scissors, fabric and lace remnants, tailor’s awl, etc.) and flawlessly preserved instructional booklets for all mechanical items.  The caliber of fastidious care and organization was counterbalanced by the presence of creative project seeds:  miniature dove figurines placed in a Sucrets lozenger tin with colorful sequins and coordinating buttons; a homemade pin cushion embroidered with the image of a benevolent smiling sun.   The sweetness of each memento portrayed a sewing artist who cared deeply about what was produced, and each tin box of treasures communicated appreciation and preciousness.

I slowed down my explorations to absorb fully.  I moved beyond my initial “JACKPOT” buzz to reverently regard the inherent elegance of the collection’s organization.  This time capsule provided several hours of magical thinking and slow, deep breathing.  I could nearly sense the previous owner’s gentle smile blasting through each item while turning it over in my hands.  Surely this was not given away thoughtlessly.  The entire assemblage was so under-priced and I could only surmise some uninformed youngster had donated the items after failing to rid them through an estate sale.   I was charmed, flush with gratitude, and amazed at my good fortune.  I was now guardian of this pristine collection and I wanted to do right by the owner.

I didn’t know his or her name.  I didn’t know how the collection ended up discarded at a thrift store when it clearly could have garnered big bucks at a collectors’ auction.  I didn’t know why the Saints of Sewing smiled on me that day.  If nothing else I can share that my romantic imaginings made for a lively afternoon.  But truthfully something larger was conveyed through this acquisition.  My private backstage pass to this sewer’s deep passion revitalized me and inspired me to sew.  More than that,  I was also compelled to share with you that I witnessed evidence of someone who cared passionately about the craft.  So much so that they brought me to tears in their absence.

Apparently the previous owner didn’t have any initiates to pass that sewing dowry to within their proximal environment.   In a passing moment I couldn’t help but wonder if the owner would/would not have approved of me, specifically, taking ownership of their treasure.  The time stamp and breath of the collection could easily be attributed to an elder born of a conservative generation and income bracket that might not favor sharing this treasure with a very progressive multi-ethnic woman with a nose ring and dreadlocks.  I hate that the thought ever crossed my mind, but it did (undoubtedly an after-effect of always being the ONLY woman of color at sewing expos and classes).

Not having full information, I let go of that line of conjecture.  I deliberately chose to view the change of ownership as something of a cosmic balancing.

I therefore wish to offer tribute to an unknown adept in my craft.  If relinquishing this collection was an action of abandonment or born of exasperation, I am here to unequivocally say that thoughtfulness, distinction and rich imagination reads in every piece of what was bestowed.  Whoever you are, I offer my compliments.   I am only working with puzzle pieces of an identity, but the clues left behind read so clearly of excellence.

Yes, I know I’m making way too much of this purchase.  In my defense I can only ask if you’ve ever encountered an object of art, a song, a book, or anything that aroused your curiosity to learn the human story behind the item?  I like that in life.  In fact, I love being moved to think and imagine beyond the ordinary.  Dignifying the efforts of the previous owner felt important to me because the collection was imbued with something larger than pure function.  It was drenched in love.

With these words, I send a blast of gratitude out for what has transpired.  I will honor and enjoy the tools that have absorbed such tangible renderings of human beauty.  I will create my own beauty with them on your behalf, whoever you are.  I will remember that excellence matters, and that I matter… even if my name is lost in the shuffle over the ages.  Thank you for who you are–or were.   Your meticulous magic has left a permanent impression and the heart of an artist shines through what you left behind.  You can trust me to exercise the same care with your beloved sewing collection.  Across whatever time and distance separates us, you are appreciated.

THE SOUL DREAMS OF HOME

As I write this, Colorado is in the full bloom of spring.  As summer break begins, I switch mental gears from being a performer and move gleefully into the land of homesteading:  gardening, house projects, animal care (family dogs, yard birds and bunnies) and cooking the wonderful seasonal foods.  I travel frequently, so time at home has become the foundation of my personal balance in between touring engagements.  I have filled my home space with the generous, heart-filled mementos from friends and fans (thank you!).  I’ve also become addicted to antique shopping during my travels.  Ultimately, these fascinations culminated in the installation of little “gratitude” shrines in every conceivable nook and corner of my abode.  Here are a few glances!

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