Happy New Year!!

Happy New Year! I really wish the best for everyone in 2009. A clean slate and a chance to start over. I've also reconnected with my friend Erica who is one of the most creative people I know! Her blog is located at http://luboost1.blogspot.com/ Phil informed me it's great Stormy Kromer weather -- bitter cold and now it is snowing. His new hat arrived just in time. I was so disappointed recently, after receiving over three feet of snow, we had 50 degree weather that melted much of it, caused major flooding of our Grand River, and even thunderstorms! I prefer my winter to be full of snow. By the way, our car turned out wonderfully! We found the absolutely best mechanic in West Michigan! He is fair, honest, and thorough!

Since my computer system had to be reset last weekend (outlook crashed and caused errors) I've been trying to piece it back together. Okay, the problem was over 4000 e-mails in my inbox and folders. At least I was able to save all of my photos and files outside of Outlook. What I did lose was my inbox and all of my contacts. My friends, please send me your contact info again...

New Years resolution #1: I will delete, delete, delete, and not use Outlook as my archive. So far, I've been doing really well since I set everything back up and as of today, it's been one week. Much of my e-mails comes from my sewing groups, so unless it's of major importance to my New Home Sewing Machine Company research, I pretty much don't need to keep everything.

New Years resolution #2: I will go back on Weight Watcher's. I did really well until I was placed on a high dose of medicine that made me gain 12 pounds last May. I just went right back up from there. Finally, I gave up on the diet. Since, I've been changed to another medication that hopefully isn't the cause of such issues.

New Year's resolution #3: I will finish off at least one UFO (in the quilting world a UFO is known as an Unfinished Fabric Object).

New Year's resolution #4: I will post on my blog at least once a month...

I've decided to participate in a New Year's Eve Mystery Quilt from Bonnie at http://www.quiltville.com/ . I think what grabbed my interest is that Bonnie is using mostly civil war repros in hers and I have been itching to complete a quilt using Civil War repro fabrics. I've been collecting them for a few years, but haven't used them. As I underwent so much reorganization of my sewing room in 2008, I thought I had my arms around my entire stash and knew where everything was. But, when I opened the bin containing my CW fabrics and grabbed a small box that contained some miscellaneous CW fat quarter cuts from a previous swap, I realized I didn't have as many as I thought. Yep, I saw the fabric I bought at the quilt show in Chicago earlier this year. Yet, it seemed there was more...somewhere, so I poked around. Then...it happened...the sound of glorious music rang in my ears as the light shone down upon a HUGE shopping bag of fabric nearly FULL of CW fabrics! I hit the mother-load in my own sewing room! Well, it turned out I still was in need of three yards of 'double pinks' and some 'mustard' color fabrics. I called my local quilt shop and they were having a sale. I never go out and purchase fabric. Never. However, I need these for this quilt so decided to treat myself to a little Christmas present. I spent more than I should have but came home with a few extra yards for my stash. Now, I really feel naughty! Later I will take a picture of my progress on the Double Delight New Years Eve Mystery Quilt.

As I enjoy the people powered machines! Yes, I still love my e-machines but lately, the treadles are winning out and I've spent quite a bit of time lately (there's the 'T' word again) cleaning some of my treadle sewing machines and I felt it is only fitting if I use a treadle for the CW quilt.

I decided to use my very early Davis Vertical Feed New High Arm treadle which has a built in walking foot and no feed dogs. Another interesting thing about this particular machine is that the bobbin winder is underneath the table on the treadle irons. Although my Davis VF is 1884-5 ish, I am not fortunate to own any machines that date around the years of the CW. My oldest is 1880, but the VF on the Davis really is nice for accurate piecing. There are people I know that do all of their quilting on these very machines and all of their sewing on treadle machines. I may find myself dragging it into the kitchen so I'm not secluded in my treadle room.

Us collector's tend to name our machines, so I've named it 'Sarge' after one of my favorite and most memorable cats.

Here's a picture of the machine head. The decals are in very good condition for this model of Davis VF.

Here's the bobbin winder. It makes for an interesting stretch to wind the boat shuttle bobbins underneath the table.

Another note of interest, yes, I removed the picture of my Christmas Spider ornament. I did this because I suddenly had tons of hits on my blog for my spider alone and decided to reel him in some. I don't mind sharing my idea however, thinking I may go further with him in the future and put a tutorial out there.

I've also added a gadget that allows you to follow my blog. I didn't know about this feature, but think it is kind of fun.

It's December, the saga of the Stormy Kromer, and other ramblings...

There is snow on the ground...unfortunately it is slowly trying to melt with last night's 1/3 inch rain. I do love the snow and like the fresh fallen beauty of it much better than the wet dirty ugliness it shows when trying to melt.

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. =)

http://www.stormykromer.com/view.php?id=History

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

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!

WHERE did the time go?

Simply, I'm certain that someone has stolen a few months from me and I'd like to know where they went??

Life has shifted into Indy 500 speed and I need to put the brakes on to bring it back down to a pace I can manage. So...hopefully I can more appropriately update my blog in the near future, but in a rundown, this is it. :)

Work -- I'm working as fast as I can! Still love my job!

The babies -- Miss Chloe' is still finding her comfort zone, but is doing tons better! She still occasionally has verbal disagreements mostly with Baby Minette, but those are usually near feeding time. Chloe' is also supposed to have her picture in a magazine. There will be more of that when it happens. :) Everyone else is enjoying the summer sunshine in the windows!

Sewing -- not much has happened. I've finished one group project and sent that off, but haven't heard if the recipient has received it yet. This year I need to complete: 1 pin cushion, two Think Pink bags, squishy swaps, and at least 1 of my friend Tim and his wife Heather's daughter's quilts.

Reorganization project -- I've managed to clean out 99% of the 'storage' room and it is now my antique sewing machine room. LOVE having gained that space. Still have more stuff to complete just to finish up the sewing room reorganization project, but hopefully soon. This did open up one more window for kitties to enjoy! I also installed ceiling fan in the room with very LITTLE help from Phil. =) YEAH!

Antique Sewing Machines -- I love them. Have finally been able to play with them some and went to the Michigan TOGA. It is not a TOGA party with sheets, get your minds out of the gutter! LOL! A TOGA is a TreadleOn Gathering Academy, an event where antique sewing machine collectors gather. My oldest is an 1880 White VS1. I am also very fond of my New Home Model A.

What's next? Well, as if I don't have enough to do, my friend Tina and I have formalized our joint interest in New Home Sewing machines into a research project. If you have a New Home Sewing Machine pre-1960, I would love to gather some data from you. I've created a webshots page that contains pictures of some of my antique sewing machines. You can find it here: http://community.webshots.com/user/abycats

Hopefully, I'll get back into the swing of things and update this sooner.

I can't believe it's April already!!!

Sigh...here I am starting out talking about time again. It is officially Spring, and I note that since I've last posted much has happened. I was rear-ended in a car accident, Easter passed, I celebrated another birthday, and I can hardly believe we've had Miss Chloé for almost two months already! She is settling in and finding her place with the rest of the gang! Here's a picture of her hanging out with Phil in the radio room. She was even caught sitting next to Phoebe on top of a cabinet! This is progress! Of course, Phoebe is leader of the pack and is also one of the sweetest kitties anyone could ever meet! Here's a picture of her in the radio room! See, she is one adorable girl! She also championed in her younger days, and had two or three litters before she was retired and we brought her home! What a blessing she is to us!
I have also been consumed with responsibilities at work and commitments with swaps with my favorite quilt group. My interest is shifting a bit more to my antique sewing machines and I realize I haven't shared them with you yet. In December, Phil sent me a copy of an ad on Craig's List with a woman looking for someone to take her mother's old machines. There were six of them, I took them and informed my dear friend Carol that as I do not have room for them all that she had to come get at least a couple of them. She was happy to take three of them in and sent her sister and my friend Suzy to pick them up. You think that would have been a good dose for a while, but then I got together with some fellow treadleon ladies and needless to say I came home with a Singer 66 and a small electric Singer 99. I have had this passion for old treadle sewing machines since I was a little girl. When I was 10 years old, I inherited one from my paternal grandmother when she passed. My oldest machine is a Wheeler & Wilson 9 from the late 1800's, my most cool looking is the Wilcox & Gibbs, and the nicest decals and cabinet can be found on my badged National Young & Chaffee Winner...my New Home Treadle has advertisements stamped in the drawers and a velvet top. My goal this spring is to clean out the store room so I can get some of my machines organized and we can remove some of the extra stuff we are hanging onto. Additionally, I would like to find a couple different and smaller end tables as I gave my coffee table to my mom, and she now wants the end tables and is doing what mother's do best to make sure I know it...every few weeks I get asked when she can have them. The coffee table and end tables were given to me by my sister and brother-in-law and are made of a very nice wood with heavy glass tops. Mind you, my mom wasn't even sure she wanted the coffee table or end tables, but now, she is making darn sure that I don't forget. So, the mission is to find suitable end tables for our living room at a price that will fit into my budget. Phil won't let me use sewing machines for fear they will get damaged if something accidentally spilled on them...

I have been dancing every month since we started our monthly get together! I usually can't walk afterwards, but the fun and exercise are well worth it! I've promised to dance till I drop this month!

That's about enough for now...I am so far behind in visiting my friends blogs and would also like to remind all of you of the Pay It Forward!

Hopefully I'll be able to check in again soon! Oh, and one more picture was found of me in my early 20's. This is me with my mom's cat Lucky.

Reflecting on 2007 and welcoming in 2008

Happy New Year! I hope you have a very happy, healthy, and fulfilling year!

Life has a way of handing us opportunities to reflect on the path we've walked. For me the last week of December seems a natural time for visiting the past. As I find myself entering 2008, of course I'm thinking about time, again. Maybe it's all the stuff that wasn't accomplished this year that I felt should have been or maybe it's all the stuff that was accomplished. Maybe it's reflecting on the opportunities for fun I've missed or the opportunities I've taken. It can be seeing someone else making a choice that makes you think about something. For instance, last Friday evening was a gathering with class mates. We went out for light dinner and then dancing. When I arrived for drinks, one of my buddies offered his chair and mentioned it was near the food. I politely thanked him and declined...actually, all I drank there was water with lemon. Later, I'm certain he doesn't even realize I noticed what he did, but he demonstrated what we all need to do. He picked up a nacho, took a moment as he looked at it, and thought about it before he ate it. Wow! In the short time he demonstrated that little action, he showed that he was thinking about what he was putting into his mouth and body, he took his time, didn't deny himself, and he had only one. I don't think he reads my little blog, but if he does, he reiterated home another little lesson for life, to stop and think about what you feed yourself and moderation!

I chose losing weight as my main goal last year which probably is the goal most selected by people in the U.S. But, for me, it was a first in over 20 years. To know me, you would know I am a very obese person. So in January 2007 when I joined Weight Watcher's at Work, I had realistic goals that I really didn't think I would stick to. Some of my coworkers are my strongest supportive health friends and yes, believing that ice cream should be a daily staple, I contemplated this opportunity. I sent an e-mail off to some of my closest co-workers and friends -- lets face it, they really are the people we spend the most chunks of time with. I had asked them that if I decided to participate in WW and decided to have a bit of ice cream with lunch would they give me the 'hairy eyeball' or trust that I figured it into my points. The best message I could have received came to me from my friend Dirrindia -- her response was, "you only have to answer to yourself, don't worry about what anyone else thinks". This brought the realization that learning to eat healthy isn't a diet that you do for a while and then forget, but it is a life style change. I'll repeat, it is a life style change. As my weigh-ins typically take place on Mondays, it was this Monday that I finally moved into another set of numbers and reached 30.1 pounds! To me that doesn't seem like much for 12 months of healthy eating (okay 99% of the time), but with thyroid issues, my physician assures me that losing any weight will be a job well done, three times as slow, and highly recommended WW. So, here I am 2008, and I'm 30 pounds lighter and 1-1/4 of them this week after Christmas! Realistically, I have so much more to lose! But, I will continue on with my healthy eating habits, stretching, bike riding, and occasional Yoga classes. I also learned that I am not an 'emotional' eater, but more or less just made the wrong choices and have learned more about moderation.

I had told my friends that I would never be inclined to post a picture of myself on my blog because I can't stand the way I look in pictures (never could -- teeth, weight, curl of my lip). Well, I decided that maybe I would change this opinion I've carried for at least 35 years...partly because someone sent me a half-decent and very recent picture that I was in (minus a blemish or two) and partly because I have been placing some focus on taking care of myself, not just with diet and the exercise, but with enjoying activities that I have put off for too long. I did start tubing again the last several years and although the Rogue River is a far cry from rafting down the rapids of the Upper Gulley, Lower Gulley, Cheat, or the New rivers in West Virginia, I will appreciate what the Rogue has to offer. I would love to learn how to Kayak...maybe this year yet if I can find someone to teach me.

As I mentioned activities from last Friday evening, the ride into town was treacherous with a winter storm warning (my knuckle's were white) and the ride home was mild. I didn't dance as much as I would have liked or did last time. There were so many people just standing around on the dance floor and the place was probably a bit over-crowded...okay, it was my hips and elbows, I don't know how many people I bumped into. I'm sending a big thank you to Tami, Wendy, Lisa & Chris, Andy, Becky, and Al, whether you happen to read this or not! Again another fun memory was made!

Saturday was our 12th wedding anniversary. We spent the evening home with a quiet dinner. Happy Anniversary Phil!

Sunday it was during errands and chores that I realized I kept thinking I was 42 (no I'm really 43)! I think I did that when I turned 40 too, I kept thinking I was 41. Ah well, I never claimed to enjoy numbers. So, here I am -- me, my computer, a few of my cats, pondering what the next 12 months will bring. Whatever it is, I hope it includes more weight loss, tubing, dancing, fun, laughter, and just some simple joys.

Another sign I'm receiving, big, strong, and in my face is little Jazmine trying to get my attention. Figure I've pondered enough for now, so, off I go. I mean, how could anyone deny that little face?

Have a blessed New Year!