Sewing Machines and their 'parts'

I just received the long awaited for sewing machine part late last week! I have several sewing assignments to catch up on! What a challenge to find the essential part for my two year old Janome machine! The main dilemma was that the sewing center that I do business with, here in Ocala, burned to the ground a few months ago and they lost their entire store! So, they had so many parts coming in to re-supply their inventory, the Janome Supply Center could not keep up with it.

I was so lost without my Janome main machine. A friend knew about my dilemma and offered to me a hardly used, 1950's 'Royal' machine, still in the cabinet that belonged to her mother. I was so surprised when I went over to see the machine, as I did not have knowledge before-hand how unused it was. It took a day or two of tinkering around with, and it works wonderfully...only straight and zig-zag stitching. When I get some time I need to research where to buy a zipper foot for this very usable, but older machine. I think it may be like an old car...built well, but parts are harder to find. And I had hoped for so long to have a back-up machine, and thankfully, now I do.

Meantime...I needed a breather this past week-end from trying to catch up on everything and decided to do some baking. Two loaves of Amish White Bread were made. This makes fantastic French Toast!

Picture to the left is the bread dough divided in half after the first rising. I only use King Arthur Flour for everything I bake.

The picture below is the finished bread. Bakes for 30 minutes after pouring melted butter on top.

That was enough fun for the week! Back to sewing now to catch up. I am ever so happy to have my main sewing machine back working.

Amish White Bread

Ingredients:

2 cups warm water

2/3 cup white sugar

1 ½ tablespoons active dry yeast

1 ½ teaspoons salt

¼ cup vegetable oil

6 cups bread flour

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In a large bowl, dissolve the sugar in warm water and then stir in yeast. Allow to proof until resembles a creamy foam. Mix salt and oil into the yeast. Mix in flour one cup at a time. Kneed dough on a lightly floured surface until smooth. Place in a well oiled bowl, and turn to coat. Cover with a damp cloth. Allow to rise until doubled in bulk, approx. two hours. I always let the dough rise in a warm oven. Punch dough down. Kneed a few minutes and divide in half. Shape into loaves, and place in two well oiled 9x5 loaf pans. (I use glass pans) Allow to rise for 45 minutes, or until dough has risen approx. one inch above the pans. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.

"The Jacket"

Some of the first pattern
pieces of 'The Jacket'

The Jacket was born in early 2011, from an instanteous thought and a quick e-mail that I thought would not travel far.

After some time, plans were made between The Jacket originator (myself) and the recipient of a light tan, sueded western style, custom-made jacket.

It was an exciting time, most certainly, full of anticipation, from choosing the perfect tan sueded fabric and matching lining, to the style, down to the right buttons. The sample jacket then arrived in the mail that I used for measurements. Soon thereafter the sueded fabric and lining arrived from the specialty store. It was so very beautiful. Just touching the fabric gave you a peaceful and serene feeling, like touching the first rose petals that have newly come forth.

Then, I became ill for several months. I needed to keep my other orders going out and did not have too much time to concentrate on 'The Jacket'. But he was always there, patiently waiting for me, beckoning me to come over and sew a few stitches.

Inside lining of a 'welt' pocket.
A light poly/cotton fabric was sewn
over the nylon lining  for extra durability.

The summer of 2011 came with full force and temperatures soared into the triple digits. I have never known heat so intense before. The highest this past summer was 116 degrees and was a day to remember. 'The Jacket' was partially started by this time, and the front 'welt' pockets just starting to appear. He ('The Jacket') was taking form, like molding out of clay.

The pockets were actually quite fun. I was afraid at first, not having the opportunity to make many 'welt' pockets. But I discovered that it was not too difficult at all. One just needs to concentrate and be patient.

All during this time, the recipient was so very patient. Periodic updates were e-mailed to inform of the progress. In mid-September, I knew he needed to be completed, since the cooler weather was arriving soon. He became my friend by this time. Greeting me in the morning with his happy tan color. I looked at the seams and how they were turning out. Everything had to be perfect.



'The Jacket' owner
Made by Rachels'
Seamstress Services

Then the final week arrived (Sept. 27th). It was time to finish up and part with my friend who saw me through many happenings since early March. He joined with me in unison to accept the final seams and the lining, which were hand-sewn in.

He looked so healthy and well and I needed to pack him up and ship him to his new owner, who was so very happy to receive him. Washing/care instructions were given and I have no doubt 'The Jacket' will be treated with respect and dignity.

Good-bye my dear friend. I had the honor and pleasure of putting you together with the utmost care and attention.

For a long a happy life,

Your Creator,

Lisa

of Rachels'