Hi everyone,
(First up… let me wish Linda and her hubby, Michael a Happy 58th Anniversary!) That deserves to be at the top!!!
Congratulations to you both and I’m wanting MANY MANY more for you!!!
I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas this year. We only had Kristoffer over so it was pretty simple. I have already started collecting Christmas things to put away. We didn’t set up our tree this year, but I used my dolly tree on the buffet and it still made it Christmas-y!
We had another doctor visit today and things will start happening for me in January.
Until then, I hope to be sewing on doll things… as soon as I can.
I thought I’d show you what Kristoffer gave me for Christmas. I was surprised!!!
First is a little scissor/knife sharpener! I could really use this as I have a few pair of scissors that have burs on them and they always catch on things.
He also gave me a REALLY nice piece knife set too. (I forgot that picture) The blades are super sharp. (He said my knives were too dull!)
Then he also gave me this…
It’s a vintage Singer 15-91 and he fixed it up for me. It had a knee pedal and was in a cabinet but he knew I didn’t have room for that, so he wired it up so it could use a foot control. I forgot to take a picture of the case too, but it’s one of those curved over wooden Singer cases. (I’ll show you next time.)
This machine was made at the Singer factory in St. John’s, Quebec, Canada. The “J” series of these 15-91 machines somehow lost their information, so you can’t tell from the serial number what year they were made. I joined a 15-91 sewing group and maybe they can help me determine the year.
The machine had the striped face place but Kristoffer bought the scroll face plate and replaced it. It’s really pretty!
He found the instruction manual online and copied it for me as well as the Adjuster’s Manual.
He has some accessories for it but totally forgot to bring them over.
I got the instruction manual out and threaded it up and took her for a spin. This was the very first stitches she made.
They are known to be a heavy duty machine and I’ve read they can sew through leather… so I had to give that a try. She did!
I love these machines because you can still buy parts for them and do the servicing yourself….even me!
I have no idea where I’ll put her as she weighs 26 pounds but I’ll try to fit her in somewhere!
Did anyone do any “after Christmas shopping” and find any bargains? Any new dolls for anyone?
I’ll see you Monday,
Blessings, Jeanne
Happy anniversary to Linda and her husband, and happy birthday to Barbara!!
Wow, Jeanne, I think you hit the jackpot when it came to Christmas presents. You must be on Santa’s “extra-good” list!! The sharpener was a really thoughtful gift, and that machine is lovely. The century medallion should help you date it, I would think. At least it would have to be “after” 1951, and I don’t know how many years afterwards they made this model.
How great, that it will sew on leather! Hm, what will you make first?!!
BTW, I’ve heard (don’t remember where) that that curved wood “case” shouldn’t be picked up by the handle while attached to the machine, as the machine is really too heavy for it. It’s mostly just a cover. Just a heads up. We don’t want to hear about a foot being crushed!
I’ve been super tired today, and didn’t do much beyond going to the PO (five days’ worth of mail!!) and the library. Maybe tomorrow I’ll feel more like being out and about.
Thank you so much, Jeanne, for the congrats on our 58th anniversary! I don’t know where the time went, but here we are, two children and 6 grandchildren later!! It was a good day to recoup from the day before and eat all the yummy leftovers from the Christmas dinner, without having to go out in the nasty weather we had today! Perfect!
If Kristoffer doesn’t know you well, I wonder who does! He always knows what to give or make for you, and he certainly hit the spot this Christmas! I had no idea the scissor contraption even existed!
That sewing machine is a thing of beauty! I love the old fashioned scrollwork on them and how ornate they are. Today’s computer machines don’t hold a candle to those!
As for a Anne from NZ, oh my goodness, knit a sweater for my Sara? How generous you are! I was thinking of somethng that she could wear over that white dress, more of a bolero type sweater, with long sleeves, of course, and maybe rounded edges in front, and just a button on top, more of a dressy sweater, in a pretty red or even black. No worries if you can’t find a pattern, but the offer is so sweet of you!
Beffore I sign off, I want to thank all of you for the congratulations on our wedding anniversary!
I’ll see what I can do Linda
Whooo nice machine from your dear son, Jeanne. I have one of those. It is in pristine condition but needs all new wiring – which I bought. I do not think I have the adjusters guide or the owners book. I should down load both of those.
I have a Singer 316G (germany) that can sew through leather. It is a beast. Funny, I used to tell my friends it could sew through concrete… of course not but still, they are strong machines. I am so glad you have one now. That machine will never let you down. I only have mechanical machines and love all of them.
The knife sharpener is great, now be careful. Slicing and dicing will be zippy fast.
I hope everyone had a delightful Christmas.
Jeanne, it’s good to know you have plans to get help this January with your doctor. Hopefully that will solve the problem.
Boy, Christopher sure had some great Christmas gift ideas for you. How thoughtful he is. The scissor and knife sharpener will be so helpful. Every home should have one since we use our knives and scissors so much.
What a nice “ antique ?” sewing machine. It’s beautiful. It looks in great shape. Your test on it looks good to me. Again, it’s so nice Christopher was able to adjust it for you. I hope you can find a nice place to display it when you’re not using it.
Still wondering about the sheet of wood you got???
Our family had a nice Christmas gathering through our IPads. They’re in one state far away from us during the winter. So we do what it takes to be together. The iPad helped. Normally we zoom but a fiber snapped on the box ( of all times ) when moving it. So we went to the iPads. We laugh about our distance adjustments! We even took turns opening gifts via the iPad view!
Now it’s on to the New Year!
Congrats, Jeanne, on the great Christmas haul. That sewing machine from your son is such a treat. I think you will enjoy that foot pedal too. Still curious about what George, is making with the lumber? 🙂 Please keep us informed about your January appointments and how your leg is doing. Concerned.
Wow, that trip to the UK, for Anne, was quite a gift. Congrats, and hope you can book flights soon.
Around here, more rain. Although, we managed to rake the front yard at the other house yesterday in light mist. Finished up right before the downpour. 🙂 Coco, the kitty who visits us there, was present although she hung out on the porch most of the time.
And, I’m still working on a Christmas outfit for the Ruby Reds. Maybe it will be finished by New Years. 🙂
Stay healthy everyone.
What wonderful, thoughtful gifts you received from Kristopher! He’s a treasure himself! Even finding the manuals! The sewing machine is beautiful and exactly what you need, Mrs. Cobbler! And the knife sharpener! You’re in business for sure now. By the time I write, everyone has said such lovely things that it would seem I’m plagiarizing! So I’ll second the comments for sure. Thanks for sharing your wonderful Christmas with us. I’ll send a picture of my Christmas present.
The only thing I can think of that George could be building would be a ramp in case you might need it after your surgery? He does think ahead. So glad you’re in good hands.
Wishing you all had a lovely Christmas!
Jeanne what a fabulous son you have, he really knows his mom. I can’t wait to see if you can sew your shoes on it!
Our 2 day visits with family were so great. My dear hugs had to drive us 2 hours round trip both times. He is so sweet about it, not so easy when you are 86.
We have to take our decorations early as we leave for N. GA to the quaint town of Helen on Jan. 3 for 2 weeks. It is a wonderful restful time for us once we get there, another long drive, but most of it is not on the interstate. I take my sewing machine and a couple of Meadow dolls and Valentine fabric. All the Christmas lights stay on and sometimes it snows.
Jeanne, wishes for your work on your leg next month will be a perfect success.
Jeanne, what wonderful presents Kristoffer gave you. So much of himself and his understanding of you and what would make you happy went into those. You have a wonderful son, but then I guess you already know that.
Anne in NZ got a great gift of travel. How wonderful that she will be able to visit her family in the UK. I would have loved if she could have come through Texas on the way there or back. I would definitely have made it a point to meet up with her. I didn’t understand the insurance thing at all and would love it explained to me. I’ve gone to Europe but don’t remember any insurance problems involved.
I had a lovely birthday yesterday. It was basically a “me” day until we went to dinner last night at Cheesecake Factory and I did get some sewing done. Unfortunately my back keeps me from doing much at a time so I ordered a back support belt to wear when I sew. I’m getting tired of my projects piling up. Today so far has been attacking things that had accumulated while I was preparing for Christmas. My laundry was seriously in arrears so that should take most of my day today. I still have empty boxes to break down for recycling since I keep all boxes until I know I don’t need them for wrapping Christmas presents. The bigger ones we used to transport the gifts to Sean’s so they are his problem now. Then I need to get to some vacuuming, also in arrears. Thankfully we don’t have company for Christmas but we do a family fondue on New Year’s Day so I need to get my house back in order before then.
Must tell you about my vacuum cleaner experience. I’ve had a Shark for the past 6+ years and loved it so I decided on another when mine gave up the ghost. I went to Wal-Mart and they had what I wanted so I bought it and took it home. When we opened the box something didn’t’ seem right but It appeared all the parts of the vacuum were there. But when I went to use it, it didn’t work right. Then I looked at the dust container and it was full of dust. I had just turned it on and knew my carpet wasn’t that dusty. If finally dawned on me that it had been used and returned and been restocked. I find returning things a pain but in this case there was no option other than doing that. So we returned it and I actually decided on a model a level down similar to what I had before. I haven’t used it yet but it’s obvious it is brand new. It has the part that was missing from the other one and also included an instruction book that was missing from the other. I will be trying it out today.
Christmas is not officially over in our house till January 6 (Epiphany). The fact that I was born at the beginning of the Christmas season and David at the end has always been interesting to us. It is nice to have all the accoutrements of Christmas around us for both our birthdays. I discovered through Ancestry.com that my great-grandfather (my grandfather’s father) was actually born on Christmas Day. All my life no one had ever mentioned that interesting detail to me, but it’s kind of nice to know.
Barbara, the insurance problem arises for those of us in countries that provide free health care. I assume that your medical insurance company covers you wherever you are but our national health care doesn’t. I’m still a British Citizen so I am entitled to health care in UK but should I be taken ill say in Singapore one my way to UK and have to be hospitalised then I would have to pay the bill. The same if I go to US and your health costs are some of the highest in the world I think. Hence we need insurance. And the older we get the higher the cost.
I didn’t realize how your insurance worked. Thanks for explaining it. And you never know when you might need it. My mother in law tripped and broke her ankle while in Hawaii once. She was fortunate to have a great doctor there as she needed surgery. Not a fun trip for her.
I’ll look up the company I used when traveling out of the country or ask the tour guide. Don’t know how far afield they insure but it might be worth a try. Yes, our system is unbelievable due to the insertion of the companies that operate for profit in between hospitals and patients. We couldn’t go on the tour without it. Medicare doesn’t cover one outside this country.
So sorry, they only cover US citizens. No point calling other companies. For some reason it is available at a reasonable rate. Guess it’s supply and demand as so many people buy it and it spreads the risk. Also many other companies treat visitors without exorbitant rates or even free in some cases. Again, sorry. Maybe your brother can come to visit you.
Dear Barbara, I am glad you had a nice birthday. Wow, the Cheesecake Factory! I know you enjoyed that.
I have had experiences where returned items got restocked also. I am glad you found out right away. And now you found a new vacuum.
Glad you were able to return the dud vacuum and get one you like. Nothing like inheriting someone else’s dust.
It was definitely an experience I don’t want to repeat because I had no idea where they vacuumed to get all that dust. Fortunately I didn’t open the canister. Tried out the new one today and it worked great.
Oh, so glad your new vac is a winner. 🙂
It sounds like someone at Walmart wasn’t very careful when they took That return (vacuum)!! It should never have been allowed. Glad you were able to get a brand new one!
My mom’s younger brother was born on Christmas Day! I remember mom telling about how embarrassed she was once when the Sunday School Superintendent asked the children whose birthday we celebrate on Christmas Day, and Uncle Roy, all of 4 or 5 at the time, raised his hand and, when called on, eagerly said, “MINE!!” 😂
(Mom was probably 8 or 9 at the time–a good age to be embarrassed by a younger sibling!)
Really lovely Christmas gifts, Jeanne. That Canadian made Singer is beautiful.
A trip to the UK is wonderful, Anne. I’m so happy for you! I hope you can go go soon.
Looking forward to seeing the “Year in Review” photos, Jeanne and voting for favorite dress/outfit of the year. I hope you’re planning on it as usual. *hint hint*
Dear Jeanne, what a lovely gift! Your son really took the time to modernize the sewing machine for you.
Happy Anniversary to Linda and her husband Michael. I hope they have a joyous celebration!
Jeanne, we do have wonderful sons don’t we? What lovely presents. To be fair to the rest of my family (my oldest son and Sam) they have a lot less money than the other two. Rob hasn’t been able to work since his stroke and Sam’s cancer has left her with a few lingering problems particularly the nerve damage to her feet so she can’t work long hours (doctors orders). They have been generous in the past.
Linda I hope you had a lovely anniversary and got thoroughly spoilt.
Barbara I am glad you had a real ‘me’ day we need them sometimes.
Jeanne, I’ll join with everyone else and pray for a good outcome when you see your doctor. Taker care of yourself.