As usual, life is chaos and craziness. We have decided to fore-go the holiday decorations and though it seems a bit bleak, there just doesn't seem to be enough reason or energy to put into the typical Christmastime traditions.
This month Phil and I will share our 13th wedding anniversary. It seems that every winter I've heard about this 'Stormy Kromer'. Do you know what that is? It is a hat that men seem to desire if they have to perform any outside chores in cold windy areas. It's legendary, or so I've been told -- it has ear flaps and a bill but stays where it is supposed to. Apparently Phil was 'lacking' in man tools because he didn't have a Stormy Kromer. He finally broke me down and declared "This year, I'm getting a Stormy Kromer". So, he goes about ordering one and I say to him "don't you think we should measure your head". The response I received was "My head has been the same size 7-1/4 per the US Government." Did I mention he served with the US Navy?
The hat arrives...it is a beautiful blue just like the one in this picture below. He rips the tags off and puts it on his head (directions say don't untie the flaps, you just slide it down where you need it). The gorgeous Michigan weather is in his favor and he can't wait to get out there and blow snow. Out the door he goes...
I don't remember the first time he mentioned it, but I do recall the words that "I think my Stormy Kromer is too small". Too small I wonder? Of course I told him "you should have measured your head..." I admit, this conversation has come around a few times over the last few days, but the man sized Stormy Kromer is simply too small. I suggest he return it for a new one as he's only had it for a week. He said he can't as he's already disposed of the tags, receipt, blah blah blah..."
So, this morning the conversation comes around again. "Can you adjust my Stormy Kromer" he asks? My response is "I don't know, suppose I can try. You know you should have measured your head". He responds, "But I ordered it size 7-3/8" a full 1/8 of an inch larger for 'old age'. It should fit, I mean your head doesn't grow." I said yes Phil, your head doesn't grow. You were born a little baby with this big head because your head doesn't grow." Then he says, the US Government says I have a 7-1/4" head and the US Government is not wrong." Oh I couldn't help myself when I bust out laughing and said "Everyone knows the government is messed up (okay, maybe I didn't say the word messed but you know what I mean)! That is why the US is in such financial turmoil, and why Christmas at the Mikula household will be spent on replacing the transmission on my 2000 Olds Intrique. Yes, I will try to modify the Stormy Kromer...if that doesn't work then I'll shave his head. =)
Aside from life, stressing about our car, work, the economy, and the saga of the Stormy Kromer I have been focusing on my vintage sewing machines. The majority of my time this year has been on creating my Treadleroom out of the former store room, and cleaning sewing machines. I love to clean the machines and don't even mind getting dirty doing it. The process is very satisfying and I learn so much about how the different machines work. I think every collector goes through a phase and thins out the herd and I am no different. For me it is focusing on our New Home Sewing Machine Company research that I am researching along with my friend Tina. This means I am focusing on my very favorite New Home treadle machines. I've also decided to keep my other favorites which include my Davis Vertical Feed, a Standard, White VS I, and keeping just a few Singers (two 99s, my good featherweight, and my 201). I've recently sold a featherweight, 301, traded a Singer 28. Today, I'm selling a Singer 66.
Yesterday my friend Peggy came over and we visited a few little shops nearby and then proceeded to clean a very dirty Singer 66. This machine is definitely well loved and has the scars on the decals and cabinet to prove it, but the new owner will nevertheless be very happy with her performance and quality of stitch. The cabinet which was a dried out mess of scratches, is now a proud deep beautiful cleaned wood cabinet. I should have taken before pictures, but after feeling no attachment to this machine, didn't think it necessary. We started with Murphy's Oil Soap on the cabinet, then wiped on/wiped off a coat of Linseed Oil, and then Howard's Feed and Wax. The end result is amazing.
Today a young lady is coming by to purchase the Singer 66 treadle. Her family is building a home and they are trying to 'go green' so she wants a treadle. More and more people are going green and suddenly our treadles are more important to the world. Or should I say, the world is finally catching on. There is something so soothing when you hear the quiet sounds of a treadle sewing machine at work. I have webshots that show some of my favorite machines here http://community.webshots.com/user/abycats . It is also a fact that most cats can't help but be intrigued by the sounds of a treadle. Even my little Chloe' who is still fitting herself into our family seems to drop some of her defensiveness.
Once in a while some profound idea of something you need and want to do enters your mind and you can't forget it. This idea joined me yesterday when Peggy and I were returning from a visit at a local antique store. I can't share it with you yet as it will be something I think I have been driven all my life to do (evident by the box in my closet)...but, I am finally listening to the universe on this thing I need to do. I just need to figure out how to start. If Peggy reads this I'm certain she will call me wondering what the heck it is as even she doesn't know. I'm thinking this will be next year's big 'accomplishment' for me. More later, I promise.
So, moving on and with a little more space in my heart, I am planning out the rest of my day and as usual the list is longer than the hours. I need to do some chores, move a few things around in my treadle room (Peggy took a few machines off the shelves I was holding for a couple friends), move the mangle ironer, and finish up some sewing projects. I realize after writing this that I didn't mention the mangle ironer. It is awesome!! it is another tool from the past. I really need to take a better picture of it. If you want to learn about it, here is the best link I've found:
http://www.jitterbuzz.com/indirn.html#ironman
http://www.jitterbuzz.com/indirn.html#ironman
Well, off to finish up my afternoon. Hopefully I'll be a bit more diligent about updating my blog. I wish everyone a very merry Christmas!
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