My dad was someone who tinkered — sometimes it worked out and other times not so much.
Today I spent some time tinkering with an old sewing machine that sits in the corner of our dining room. It is branded after the old Eaton’s store as Eatonia. I learned today, as I was trying to find a manual online, that it was actually made by the National Sewing company, but I was unsuccessful in matching the serial number to a date of manufacture. But, it’s pretty old. It’s got a really cool long bobbin and (I also learned today) a Victorian shuttle case. Some lovely fellow has even posted a video on how to wind and insert it in the machine, which was a task that was beyond my tinkering. I could only get it to wind if I pressed on it. I found a similar manual online, but typically, I set that aside to look at it later….
I don’t know much about the story of the machine. My dad repaired the original cabinet and also managed to get it up and running. Let it be enough to say that this led to an unfortunate period in his fashion history.
My mom wasn’t a big sewist, at least in my time knitting was more her thing. I remember learning to sew in school a bit although I don’t recall enjoying that much. Did anyone?
After a few tries today and a little burn on my fingertip, from what is still a very hot lightbulb on this machine, I did manage to get it threaded and get a line of stitch going! My sewing machine repair guy says that these machines can’t be beat when it comes to sewing straight lines, so I’m going to figure out something I can make in the future with that in mind.
Although some would say I have also inherited my dad’s fashion sense (untrue!) I am grateful to continue on the practice of tinkering. It still really does describe the style of the making I do today. Instead of applying learned techniques, as a self-taught artist I am far more
inclined to experiment and to make it up as I go along. I hope you have a day that includes some time to do whatever it is your own way.