Work In Progress Inspiration

I love combing flea markets and thrift stores for little bits of inspiration. I found this lovely vintage encyclopedia supplement last week, and just had to snap a picture.

Without even thinking about it, I cut a new skirt style with beautiful curves... and then started working on the sample this evening, using some nice fabric that I've had laying around for a while. I stepped back after assembling the yokes and piping - and ta-da!

So similar to my little book cover from last week... amazing. Isn't it amusing how your brain can absorb random things from the world around you, then spit them back out in unexpected ways?

Here's a quick shot of the front, lacking embroidery and piping. Also a shot of the VERY first sample for this style with custom piping and turquoise fabric - and I mean very, very first sample so ignore the fit issues!

This is a very cute style in my opinion. Basically a high-waisted pencil skirt, stretch twill to fit curves beautifully, with piped yokes and an oversize decorative button placket in front. Yep, adorable.

New Machine

A dear friend was at a local thriftstore this week, and came across what she called "a weird looking machine". Called me up and emailed me a few pictures, and to my delight she'd stumbled upon a Stitch-Line blindstitch machine. I ran right over and snapped it up. Another piece of my production line puzzle has been added, I'm just thrilled! The table and motor were included, what a find.

The machine head is currently at Indianapolis Sewing Machine for a bit of rehab and some minor repairs. I want to make sure the timing and all bits & bobs are working properly.

Many thanks to my friend Amanda for spotting this beast in the wild. I can't believe someone would just hand over such a valuable machine to the mission store. However - perhaps they have a heart for the mission and knew this would give them a nice chunk of change. Definitely the most I've ever spent on something at a thrift store! At least I know it's going to a good cause.

Oh yes, and this is one was made in Japan, it's a 718-2. Every other machine I've looked at online was made in Taiwan and the price point is much lower (new) - which I don't see as good thing. All in all I'm very pleased that I got this particular machine.