Monday, April 18, 2011

Finally Home




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Once upon a time a little girl named Darlene would spend hours watching her grandmother, Hope sewing away on her Singer treadle sewing machine. She begged her grandmother to teach her to sew. It didn't take much begging on Darlene's part because her grandmother was beyond pleased that Darlene wanted to learn how to sew. She sent Darlene to Anita's Fabric Shop to pick out a simple pattern and fabric to make a pair of shorts and top. Darlene was in Heaven laying out her pattern pieces and beamed with pride when her cute outfit was finished. There were many more cute outfits finished on that treadle. :-)





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Eventually, Darlene's grandmother retired her treadle machine and purchased an electric Sears Kenmore machine but promised Darlene that the Singer would be hers when she passed.




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Sadly her grandmother passed 24 years ago but Darlene's mother would not let her have the machine saying that it was hers (mom's) and would be passed on to Darlene 'someday'. Sigh!




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Recently Darlene's mom decided that the machine was in her way and Darlene could now have it. Screech!!!! The machine was in Texas and Darlene is in Arizona!!! Well, where there's a will there's a way.....Darlene's daughter Kristie and son-in-law Gino brought it to Darlene last week making Darlene a very happy girl. Here she is coming into Darlene's home and she stayed like that for a few days because Darlene was full of emotion. This morning she was finally uncovered, opened up and set up in the entry way of Darlene's home - a place of honor. Darlene was full of anticipation hoping that one day soon she'd do a little sewing in honor of her grandmother, Hope but sadly the machine is in bad shape - she needs some serious TLC. One of Darlene's favorite memories is the flip drawer on the front of the cabinet - how cool is that??? LOL *




In honor of my grandmother - I've named the machine Hope!





Thank you for letting me share my story!!!!



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And, a huge thank you for all the comments and compliments you left about our little Shaye!




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I appreciate your visits and comments. Come again soon. *




In Friendship!

78 comments:

Paula said...

So glad you got the machine. My grandmother told me I could have hers when I was about 10 years old. Sadly, my aunt cleaned out the house after grandma passed away and gave it to a neighbor. :( Still hurts when I think about it. Happy thoughts though that you got yours. Woo hoo. And, I understand the emotion.

onlymehere said...

This is the best kind of treasure, one given to you out of love by a sweet grandmother. My grandmother's machine looked very much like this. Sadly, my sister got it and converted it into an electric machine and it just never looked the same. I don't even know if my sister still has it. It's okay though as just looking at it brings me memories of my sweet grandma.

onlymehere said...

P.S. I meant to add that I'm sure you'll get many years of joy out of just looking at it, even if your not able to sew on it due to needed repairs. It's beautiful.

AnnieO said...

You waited a very long time for that treasure to come to you--how lovely Hope looks in your home. Will she be getting the TLC she needs?

Loris said...

How sweet that you got to sew with your grandmother. And finally now you have the wonderful machine that she shared with you. I'm sorry the years haven't been as kind to it. Maybe there is some refurbishing possible but just polishing it up for admiration, it is a treasure all the same.

Sweet P said...

What a gorgeous machine and now she is where she belongs. I hope you get many years of enjoyment from here.

Jocelyn said...

Swooon.... I am in love :-) What a beauty. I'm so glad your Mom gave you this special sewing machine. Even if you never get it up and running, you have so many beautiful memories. So many times things that are promised end up going to someone else at the time of a loved ones passing. I am grateful for the special treasures that my Mom left, and a special aunt has given to me through the years (she is now 95). Enjoy your "new" machine.

Robin said...

Glad the machine has a new home. You must be absolutely delighted. I received an antique organ that had been in the family since the 1830's a few years ago. I've had to be careful because it is so dry here unlike California and Indiana where it used to reside.

Yvette said...

What a beautiful machine and wonderful story.

Strlady said...

How great that Hope has entered your home.
I remember my on grandmother had a similar machine.. wonder what ever happened to it. Hmmm.

Karen said...

What precious memories tied up in this. So glad it has found its way home.

Quiltbenaco said...

E' stupenda davvero!!!!!
Ciao

joan said...

What a lovely story and a wonderful mom to pass on this treasure from your "Grand-mama".
Enjoy!

Lori said...

Ah, the machine is finally where it belongs after all this time.

Allie said...

Oh Darlene what a wonderful story - that brought tears to my eyes - what a TREASURE to have the very machine that your grandmother taught you to sew on! I am so happy for you that Hope is finally home. Give her all the tlc she needs to be running again, and enjoy the memories as you treadle away!

Linda said...

I think that is so wonderful. I am so glad you are finally in possession of your grandma's beautiful treasure!! Homecoming!!

Anonymous said...

what a wonderful story! I have my Grandmas treadle and it has a place of honor in my Living room :)

Carrie said...

I am SO happy for you and Hope. Thank you for sharing a sweet and heartfelt story. Here's hoping that you and Hope get to spend many years of time together.

Shakerwood said...

Wonderful story, Darlene. Cathi has a similar story of a precious something of her Grandaddy's that her mother won't part with .... yet. But Cathi has a key to her mother's house ......

Unknown said...

Oh what a beauty Hope is,and what a treat that you now have her in your home, always being able to see a part of your Grandmother each day. I have to do a little searching, but oh my gosh what a little sweetie your newest grand baby is. congratulations to all the family.

Kigwit said...

What a wonderful story-I always like a happy ending! I'm sure you'll get "Hope" all fixed up and ready to sew again.

Stitched With Prayer said...

Darlene, What a wonderful story! I'm so glad the machine finally got to it's intended home. It is so beautiful and I imagine every time you look at it you see your grandmother sitting there sewing. I adore items that are filled to the brim with memories so real we can close our eyes and be there instantly. Your grandmother would be so pleased that it has such a wonderful place of honor in your home. Enjoy, and big, big hugs...

Candace said...

Oh Darlene...we share similar stories! How wonderful that Hope is finally home with you! I so wish I had my grandmothers treadle that the exact same tilting drawer! Wouldn't it be so great if you could get it running again?
Cheers!

Christine M said...

Thank you for sharing your lovely story. Neither my mother nor grandmother were sewers but I did manage to get myself a treadle machine which I love. It sits at our front door so it's always in view.

Kaaren said...

Six hours ago you posted this message and the sidebar on my blog still hasn't been updated to reflect this! I am sooooo bummed with Blogger. I linked to this post from Carol's Crafty Creations.

Whew...now I feel better after the rant.

I too learned to sew on a treadle machine in high school home ec. Then I went on to my Mom's Featherweight which I have to this day but never really appreciated it until I started to quilt about 4 years ago. I can relate as to how much your grandma's machine means to you, Darlene. Enjoy and treasure it and the memories as I know you will. 'Hope' is immortalized at your house now.

Abby and Stephanie said...

Obviously it's now in a very loving home.

Anonymous said...

Memories are so precious! I was given my Grandmothers treadle that I learnt to sew on too but it had no sooner arrived and my husband took it. When it returned the treadle was gone and instead a platform for my electric machine. I was HEART BROKEN!!! That was nearly thirty years ago now and my machine is still sitting on my Grandmothers cabinet and used most days. Finally last year DH let me buy a treadle which is similar to yours and I have since completely pieced a queen size quilt on it. I am sure with TLC you will have it going!! Jacqui at http://treadlequilts.blogspot.com/
might be able to advise you. She is a lovely lady.

PunkiePie (Jen) said...

What a wonderful treasure that came home to you!

Kathy said...

Congratulations on your new treasure! I learned to sew with my grandmother on her treadle machine, also. Sadly, I was too immature at the time she passed to realize that I might someday want that treadle machine, so it went elsewhere. A few years ago, I bought a treadle machine from a neighbor, so now I have one that is similar. I discovered that you can still buy belts, needles, etc. for them, so mine is able to operate, although it's mostly for show now. Enjoy your new machine!

Janet said...

What a touching story, I love happy endings. I have the same machine but it's in memory of my grandmother since it isn't hers. Funny thing is that I don't ever know if she sewed on hers.

Dresden Quilter said...

It is a beautiful sewing machine. Thanks for sharing its story. If anyone can give it some TLC, I know its use.

Thimbleanna said...

Wow -- that's awesome Darlene. You lucky girl! I'd LOVE to have my grandmother's old sewing machine!

*karendianne. said...

Oh be still my heart. What a touching story, such moving memories. Thank you so much for taking the time to share what's in your heart.

Ruth said...

That is wonderful! I would love to have one some day. My grandmother had one and who knows what happened to it. My mother wasn't at all sentimental and she didn't like old fashioned things. I,

Wendy said...

What a lovely story and I'm so happy the machine is now in it's new home. You'll enjoy having it close to you.

Deanna said...

So happy for you! My grandmother's machine was rescued for me by my parents. It had been promised years earlier and I am the only grandchild who sews. It isn't quite a tredle, but a 1950's Pfaff. Black. Metal. Solid. Reliable. I use it often. I certainly hope you can get your treasure running.

Carole said...

How wonderful for you! It is my intension to make a quilt using a treadle machine. Mine is now at the Shoppe serving as decoration. I will bring it back home one day! I'm sure you will find someone who can service it for you. Perhaps oiling is all it takes. Our fore-mothers did not take their sewing machine in for cleaning! ;o)Enjoy the beauty and memories! Hugs!

Joanna said...

It's beautiful and looks as if it has been well cared for all of these years. I also have my grandmother's Singer treadle. I love it, too.

Karen said...

Now that is a special machine to have. My grandmother had a treadle machine but I suppose it was sold to raise money for the nursing home. Her daughter, my aunt, wouldn't let anyone have anything from the home. I am glad that you got your wish to have the old machine.

Melanie said...

What memories.....you think it works? beautiful machine.

Glenna @ Hollyhock Quilts said...

What a joy! You'll treasure it forever.

Susan said...

Truly a treasure! And a wonderful name Hope (that's my first name although I go by my middle name Susan).

Elzaan said...

What a beauty!!! And a great story that goes with it.
I am sure you will take good care of Hope, and she will be your best friend.
Elzaan

SewCalGal said...

I think your Grandmother is smiling down on you and very happy your sewing machine has found its' home with you now. I'm sure you will treasure it always. Beautiful machine.

SewCalGal
www.sewcalgal.blogspot.com

quilting chick said...

My mom still uses the exact same machine and the cabinet is the same too!! She has made many, many
quilts on that machine. She has a newer machine but says this one sews so much nicer then the newer one. They are amish so that is why she still uses the treadle machine.
She is 88 and still quilts and does some sewing. Her hand quilting is wonderful. Still small even stitches. Your picture brought back so many memories-Thanks for sharing!:) Marietta

antique quilter said...

oh Darlene what a treasure, I am so happy for you that Hope came to live with you....
maybe a little quilt can life under the pressure foot?
Kathie

Carol said...

What a wonderful post...I know you are beyond thrilled and I know your Grandmother Hope is so happy that the machine is finally home where it belongs. Enjoy every minute of it. What wonderful memories.

Terry said...

Congratulations Darlene! How wonderful for you to finally have your grandmother's sewing machine! My grandmother had one too but she gave it to my cousin, who doesn't even sew. I have one now but I had to buy it. At least I can look forward to passing mine on down to my children someday! :0)

Lee Prairie Designs said...

"Hope" is a wonderful name for a long waited treasure for you to cherish! I have one like that and was my greatgrandmothers. My mother,sister and I would spend 2 months visiting them in the summer (Sedalia, MO.) sewing cloths for school. We each had a job to do. I watched her, my grandmother and my mother sew on the Singer. My sister and I would clean up, straighten and string buttons. Now, I have the sweet Singer and it is in my wash room that is a room right off my kitchen. I enjoy it everyday!

Thanks Darlene, for sharing your touching story!

Carolyn :)

Libby said...

A treasure for sure - glad you have been reunited *s*

JoAnn ( Scene Through My Eyes) said...

Darlene is such a lucky little girl - I hope that her wabbit gang is just as happy. :-)

Stina Blomgren said...

Oh... Darlene.. i can imagine your happiness.. such a lovely machine!! And with that story.. its even more valuable... :o) Lucky you!

Nanette Merrill said...

It is a very sweet story. Loved it. That machine is a beauty.

Christine said...

Oh, my.....it brings back so many memories for me, I learned to sew on one just like it when I was 6 years old. How fortunate you are for it to have come home to you!
christine

Vivian said...

Darlene -- lovely story, and Hope is where she was meant to be. My wish is that together you sew many seams and spend endless hours in joyful creation.

Quilter Kathy said...

Oh how wonderful! I'm so happy for you and I'm sure you'll have Hope purring away real soon!

Cheryl said...

That is the sweetest story with such a wonderful, wonderful happy ending!!! Happy tears for you...just knowing the history you have with this machine and your grandmother is priceless!!

Patty said...

How great you got your grandmother's machine. I hope you can get it working again sometime. I bought a treadle machine at a sale, knowing that there was no machine in it, and use it as a decorative piece in my entry. I've never sewn on one but would love to try sometime.

Vicky said...

It's fabulous! Do you know the year of manufacture? There's a website somewhere where you can check the serial number and get the info. I have my grandmother's made in 1901. My mother gave it away, but when she saw how upset I was about that, she went out and bought a new sewing machine and traded it for the treadle. She felt so badly over what she had done! Enjoy your treasure!

Sherri said...

So happy for you Darlene...what a wonderful treasure!

Unknown said...

Wonderful story, thanks for sharing it. I wish I had my grandmother's but it was given away. Enjoy Hope!!

Jana said...

My grandmother's machine looked very much like this. She made a lot of clothes for me on this machine and I loved it. Now I own this machine waiting for our house to be finished and to put this machine in a proper place for remembering my grandmother.
Thanks for the sweet post!
Jana

Kelly@ Charming Chatter said...

What a beauty she is - and I'm so glad to hear that she is home! What sweet memories - and what a wonderful heirloom to pass down! So happy for you Darlene!

MARCIE said...

Oh sweet! I am so touched by your story and glad you have a happy ending!

julieQ said...

How fun, what a wonderful story...glad your machine is finally home!!

Carol said...

That's awesome Darlene. How in the world did I miss seeing this post 5 days ago.

Sharon said...

What a nice thing to inherit Darlene. I know you'll treasure it forever.

JoAnne in southern California said...

May you and Hope have many happy years together!

John'aLee said...

Oh how wonderful! It's a beauty! Thanks for sharing your story.

The Crackling Crows Banners said...

I love your blog Darlene :) Thank you for sharing this sweet story...I can see why you like this sewing machine so much...I love it too what a wonderful piece! Congrats :) smiles Ivonne

Quilts And Pieces said...

Oh it is beautiful! What a special treasure! I have my grandmothers!

deb said...

Just such a touching story and reminded me of my grandma!!!

Rose Marie said...

I had a treadle machine exactly like yours and it was on that machine that I learned to sew many years ago.

Sadly, I don't have room in my home to keep it; but a dear niece so badly wanted it for her new home. I had the honour of dusting it off and giving it much TLC that was badly needed (it has been stored at our cottage for the last 40 years). Your wood is in much better condition that my machine.

Enjoy!

Carrie P. said...

OH, that is such a precious story. Thanks for sharing and I am so glad you finally got the machine. Oh, the memories you must have with your grandma. My grandma taught me to embroider. She has been gone a long time but I think of her often.

Becky said...

Hi,
I also have my Grandmother's sewing machine, a Singer featherweight. It's a small machine but quite mighty! Mine is in working order and I use it all the time. I know my Grandma is smiling down at me and so happy that I'm using it. I love that you put "Hope" in such a place of honor. Cherish your memories. I know I do. :)

ranette said...

Oh how wonderful for you to have your grandmother's treadle machine.
It looks just like my grandma's machine, only I think my grandpa may have converted hers.
I do hope you have it serviced so that you can sew on it some more. Enjoy!

Becky said...

I sewed on my grandmother's treadle exactly like this one. The cabinet was the very same with the center drawer and the bullet bobbins. Thanks for reminding me of those wonderful times!

Beth said...

if you need help getting Hope restored, try on www.quiltingboard.com . Its a free site and there is a forum on there for Vintage machines. I'm sure someone there can help you have her purring again. Great story!

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