I think you know that I converted a Bernina 1008 into a treadle powered sewing machine. I haven't really gotten into it to any large degree, until now. I am in the middle of the process of quilting another of my "use up all the solids" quilts. I heretofore have only played around with the treadle for short periods of time as I didn't really consider it a serious machine. It was mainly an exercise in retro-technology that I had wanted to do for some time. Ok, so I decided to devote an entire quilt to this machine and see how I liked it. The change to manual, or foot power, required a different group of skills to do the things that I did with an electric machine. You do the same things but just do them differently. I think I have found a new love. This method of sewing is so much more relaxed and yet precise that I may never go back to the modern electric machines again. I know that is a bit much to say after only doing one quilt. But suffice to say, this experience has given me a whole new focus, about quilting. You know the whole argument about slow food? Well I am here to make a plea for slow quilting. At least as it pertains to machine quilting. I am even thinking of converting the other 1008 I own into another treadle but with a different cabinet to use it in. This has been one of the most enjoyable experiences I have had in a long time that involved a sewing machine. It does take a few different techniques when it comes to machine operation. You have to do some things a little differently, in handling the mechanics of sewing. But the slower speed gives you a chance to focus on the precision of placing the needle in just the right place as you guide the fabric through the pressure foot that it produces a wonderfully clean stitching line. I know I was prone to sew too fast, sometimes, with the electric machines. I was sometimes forced to rip out and do over some less than perfect stitching lines. Not so with this older technology. You get it right the first time. Being as how I am not trying to accomplish any great volume of quilting by any set deadline, this type of quilting seems to appeal to my sense of doing something right and precise the first time, and enjoying it. We will have to see if the bloom comes off the rose as I continue along this path, but for now I have discovered a wonderful way to do something I enjoy and that is not a bad thing. It places me in a time frame of mind that I think of as simpler and maybe more pure, if that is possible. Maybe it is just the romantic in me, but it does work. Just thought I would pass along my observations. I will post the pictures of the quilt in a couple of days when it is done. We now return control of this thought to the 21st century.
John