Then there is my Singer Heavy Duty 6600. I’ve nicknamed her Roxy. Kind of edgy, hard-hitting, and really gets in there to get the job done. She’s currently in need of a good cleaning which I plan to get to today before I start sewing my next new thing for the shop.

I’m picky when it comes to sewing. I have no problem with removing stitches and trying again. I have no problem with finding new ways to create cleaner seams and hems, and I will often choose French seams over regular to get a nice crisp finish on the inside as well as the outside. And if something has to be hand-sewn for a finish, I will even do that.

I’ve been sewing since I was nine. I was taught to hand-sew, and I do love to do that on things that things that I want to have that vintage look. I’m not nearly as patient as I used to be because as you age, joints do stiffen.

My first sewing machine was, of course, a Singer. Not electric. A treadle type Singer. My grandmother, who gave it to me, taught me to use it. She could sew almost anything without even a pattern or instructions, but then again, she had worked in a sewing factory constructing garments.

After that, I had a friend who taught me my first lessons in production when it comes to sewing: Learn to identify 1/4-inch and 1/2-inch by sight and don’t use pins because they slow you down. I do still use pins, except for bibs or items where I do not have to match seams.

Ever since then, I loved the fact that I can manipulate fabric and create beautiful and practical pieces. While I have no plans of ever changing up my personal machines, Roxy will have to last me for some time to come.

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