In message <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes >I, too, had one of those chain-stitch sewing machines in the mid-50's. >It was for girls because it was non-electric and very small. THere was >no bobbin thread. The fly-wheel was hand-cranked to make the stitches.
Reminds me of the small sewing machine I had when I was about 5 or so - which would have been around 1961 (definitely pre 1962, Mom was still using the Jones treadle she had before she bought her Bernina which she is still using now. The Bernina (? Model 710 or 730) has a wooden block and "chisel" for cutting buttonholes once you have zig-zagged round the edges, and an embroidery hoop for darning - my Bernina 930 has a much smaller embroidery hoop and a stitch ripper to cut the buttonholes) - it could only do chain stitch, but I used it for making lots of dolls clothes, and an apron for a friend. Hence I bought my eldest daughter a "Singer" child's sewing machine when she was little thinking she would be able to do likewise - what a disappointment (impossible to tension amongst other problems), she gave up in frustration - I think they have lost the effectiveness of the machine in trying to make the children's version exactly like the real thing, but cheaply, rather than make something that will stitch two pieces of fabric together however simply. It did make me wonder if chain stitch machines were predecessors to the straight stitch machines, though. I also seem to think that chain stitch was the first (hand) embroidery stitch I learnt! -- Jane Partridge - To unsubscribe send email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] containing the line: unsubscribe lace [EMAIL PROTECTED] For help, write to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
