One Down, Five to Go

A few months ago, DD#2’s godmother asked me if I would like to have her Singer 401A. She sews a lot but has a newer machine. I got out the 401 a few days ago for a spa day as it will be one of the machines I use for classes. Nancy had taken very good care of it over the years, keeping it well oiled and free of dirt.

I use Goop hand cleaner on machines because I haven’t found anything else that cleans the innards as well as it does without being toxic or dangerous. I have to be careful with it on the outside of the machine because it can take off decals, but it liquifies the old grease and leaves the mechanisms clean and ready for fresh oil.

This is Nancy’s machine in the process of disassembly. I didn’t take the time to do a complete teardown—I have five other machines to clean, all of which need more work—but I tackled the areas that needed the most cleaning. That base comes off (and did) to let me get at the mechanisms underneath the machine.

After cleaning:

I hooked up a power cord and an electronic foot pedal and ran the machine for a few minutes to let the fresh oil work its way through. This one is ready to use and I expect it will sew beautifully.

I do have a workbench out in my garage, but I’ll often bring machines into the kitchen for cleaning so I can cook or monitor other activities while I work.

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Pattern Emporium just released the BFF Bermuda Shorts and Pants pattern. (PE is located in Australia, in case you’re wondering why an indie designer would release a pattern for shorts in the fall.) Here is the line art:

These are on the wish list for next summer; I prefer skirts to shorts, but I could be persuaded to make a pair of these in black linen.