Welcome to the Machine(s)

Behind the scenes, you might be surprised to learn there were three machines that built this quilt of ours.

The first machine is the modern-day Pfaff. It's the one with which you see all the kids sewing.

The second machine, quite by chance, made it's entrance for the denim border. The Pfaff, exhausted by the excitement and vigor of those many little hands, suddenly gave up. While it was in the repair shop, I pull out this beauty, a 1940's Singer:

(Check out the Art Deco detail)

(Okay, now check out these nails in the instruction manual; useless for me since it's in German.)

Built to perform like an industrial sewing machine, the Singer cuts through leather and thick fabrics like buddah (and, no, it's definitely not for kids).

The final machine made it's entrance for the quilting. It's a mid-century Stradivaro that's so rare, I call it The Yeti:

(Unlike the Singer, this one was made in Japan.)

(The Yeti, poised at the end of our kitchen table, ready to quilt.)

I collect sewing machines like other people collect sports cars. And believe me, these machines were very fun drives. I'm grateful that the the quilt gave me the opportunity to use them.