Thinking of my Granny

I think of my Granny often since she left us a little over a year ago. She was magnificence in action! Everything you would think a Granny would be. While I was at my parents this past weekend, I spent most of my time reading my awesome Library books. You may have heard of them, Seams to Me and Weekend Sewing? I was very excited to find them at my Library to say the least! Anyway, Heather Ross talks about her vintage Singer Featherweight in her book, and it got me to thinking...my Granny sewed and so did my mother. Now, not full-time sewing and not as voraciously as me, but none the less, they sewed. So I asked my dad what kind of sewing machine did Granny have..."I don't know, but it's upstairs...if you want it." IF I WANT IT! Well....yeah! "Your mom's is up there too." DOUBLE YEAH!

So I run upstairs, dig around, and finally find this:


It is a Singer 301A Slant Needle Sewing Machine with a hinged Long Bed extension. Fabulous! I have only started doing some research on this machine, but I found some interesting things here and here. Thankfully the second link is picture heavy so much better views than the ones I've taken, and there is a link to the history of the machine....sweet!! According to the Singer dating site, this machine was manufactured in Anderson, SC starting in 1951. I haven't sewed on her yet, but once I clean, oil, lubricate, I will be giving her a test run. I am anxious to try quilting on her, that long bed extension and generous opening looks like it will be a dream to quilt on! Here are some more shots I took...

Like I said, there are much better pictures at the second link! Anyway, I am excited that I will have this connection to my Granny with me always! And every time I make something with it I will imagine her seeing it and being proud! I love you and miss you every day, Granny!

So, my mother's machine stayed behind because it will need a little more room because it is in it's own cabinet!! I haven't started the research on it, but believe it is Japanese. Once I do the research and make some room, it too will find a new home here! Well, back to my WIPs! Until later...