Ghost":305t29zq said:
Do you have any pictures of your pelts?
Loades, but I have never managed to figure out posting them here. However, I can copy and past my blog where there is a picture of a pile of hides.
http://needsmustyardfarmer.blogspot.com ... tures.html
Crossing my fingers the link works. <br /><br /> __________ Tue Apr 24, 2018 8:46 am __________ <br /><br />
MaggieJ":305t29zq said:
Those old hand or foot powered machines are great! I have an antique hand-crank Singer that I've used for many things, including teddy bears made from fur coats. You have a lot more control than with a motorized machine. I do recommend you buy some leather needles for it . . . they have three-faceted tips that pierce the skins with less danger of tearing. I always backed my pieces with identically cut pieces of strong muslin to help take the strain off the leather, sewing through both the leather and the muslin for strength. I don't know if it is necessary with a lap through.
I think squares would give you more flexibility since all the dimensions would be the same. Don't make them tooooo small or there will be a lot of seams and that might make it more fragile.
What colours will you be working with? Are some plain colours and some broken? And do you want a geometric look or a random patchwork look? It will help if we have a rough idea what kind of look you are going for.
Looking forward to hearing more about your project as you move forward with it!
Random patchwork look with the least amount of work
:lol: so I am thinking 6 inch squares? I should be able to get at least two from each hide that way. Mostly castor, blue and chestnut and broken of all three. Rex as the kids all INSIST their blanket be made of rex hides. :roll: The throws are going to be one yard wide and long so plenty big enough. I have a velvet fabric to back them with but was rather disappointed in it, the three colors are alright but it is NOT proper velvet, it is a velour so while soft and pretty, it is NOT the ultra luxury of proper velvet.
Still, it should wear well and when quilted onto the back of the throw it should give strength as well.
LOVE the sewing machine! If we lose our petition to relocate I will be looking for a treadle base for it and if we win, after we move I will be looking for a treadle base for it. Can you tell my arm gets tired? :lol: Someone THREW IT AWAY!!! on trash day over a year ago and I found it. Talk about thrilled?
Where would I find needles and bobbins for it MaggyJ? I have only just gotten it into working order so am still very new to the vintage sewing. My online searches turn up a date of 1880s for it and it is a Minnesota. Sadly whoever threw it away seems to have kept it in a shed in the sea air so most of its lovely decorations have corroded off but as it still had fabric dust on it, someone really used and loved it once.
Figuring out how to set the tension, both top and bottom, took me the longest but finally, just last month, the tweaking all worked.