Show or Classroom Topic Idea

[Denise D.]

I followed the link about treadle sewing machines from Ricky's recent magazine article. It would be interesting to have a short segment on those- there seems to be a community of treadle fans, with some people who have written books, etc. And/or, how to get one working - I picked up a gem at an auction, but am nervous about trying to get it to work, so it just sits as a lovely table in my sewing room.

That brings to mind another topic idea: routine maintenance on machines (in general, not just treadles). I know each machine is different, but cleaning and oiling are universal. It would be a nice reference to have a visual of how to maintain.

Which brings up yet another idea... Just how does a sewing machine work? I wish I knew how the needle and thread magic happens. Might help me understand why bobbin tension is so important - I'm always struggling with that.

Any other ideas?

[Margo C.]

Denise, you might find some helpful info about thread tension here: http://www.superiorthreads.com/educa...-tension-works

[Kathryn S.]

Denise, there's a woman in California who calls herself the Treadle Lady. She came to our guild once and brought several of her machines. She makes all her quilts on her treadle machines, including quilting them! I bet she has a website. Her presentation was a lot of fun- everyone came up afterward to play on her machines.
Kathy

[Margo C.]

Kathy, is this the one? http://treadlelady.com/

[Kathryn S.]

Margo, that's her! she was a lot of fun- I'll have to look closely at her website.

Way back, I seem to remember that she was on simply quilts?

Kathy

[Margo C.]

I asked Alex about doing a TQS episode about treadles and she said that she had done one on Simply Quilts, but I don't know if this was the same guest.

I also asked about an episode on maintenance and she pointed out that it's really too machine specific. We all need to check our manuals for proper maintenance.

[Denise D.]

Thanks for responses! In the magazine article where Ricky talked about his treadle at the cabin, I think they gave the treadle lady website. I think it is fascinating! Maybe I should get my treadle working and finish my great-grandmother's Double Wedding Ring quilt on it... Ha! THAT would be a good one for a 1st-time treadle project!

It's nice to know other great minds have asked about the same show topics. Oh well... guess I'll have to break down and actually open the manual... sigh. (No, I'm not a guy, but I'm a geek and we are notorious for not looking at the instructions!)