I'm happy to say I am all caught up with the Among the Stars Again sew-along. This is Month Four. Pretty subtle block for sure. Each month you make two blocks with the same pattern and same fabrics, just reversing the color placement. These blocks may look kind of blah, but the overall effect in the quilt is very elegant.
I had fun playing around with my ancient Singer Featherweight the other day. Do you have one of these classic old machines? I used to use mine when I attended quilt retreats or get together with quilting friends. I only sew at home anymore, so I wasn't even sure if this old Featherweight still worked.
The good news is, it works pretty well! The lacy looking plastic gizmo on the right of the needle is a seam guide I bought ages ago. It is so pretty, isn't it? You line it up with your quarter inch foot, then screw it in place for accurate sewing. I don't always use it, but I tried it out again. I was thinking I might be able to take this Featherweight with me to my dad's on the weekends and get in some sewing. I may or may not do that.
Here is something super cute I just bought and thought to share with you all. You know how on these old machines the spool of thread sits on a little felt pad? There is a lady on Etsy who crochets these little spool pin daisies that work great in place of the boring felt circle. Here is a link to her site. I contacted her and she says she isn't making them anymore, but she has a pdf pattern on how to make them. Evidently, I bought the last one!
Well, I sure did get a lot of chocolate chip cookie recipes after my plea for help. I don't know what the issue was with my recent attempt that spread out all over the pan. I think leaving out the nuts could have had an effect on the dough holding together. Also, since i prefer a chewier cookie, more flour might have helped. I am really intrigued with the chocolate chip cookie recipes that called for a package of vanilla pudding! I am going to try that next up. I also noticed so many of you recommended half butter and half Crisco. I will give that a shot soon as well. One more thing is that I will let the butter soften to room temperature on the counter before using it. Giving it a nudge in the microwave may have affected my outcome.
At any rate, thanks so much for all the suggestions and links to chewy chocolate chip recipes!
Have my own Featherweight I bought in college and also my Mom's when she passed away. I love them! Great little workhorses. No plastic parts! I am intrigued by your seamnfuide - quite lovely. Do you remember where you purchased it? I have one that is sticky attached but I'm not a fan. Enjoy your stitching on a piece of history!
Posted by: Kelli | January 20, 2022 at 04:53 AM
The only cookie dough recipe that tends to spread for me is chocolate chip. I use 2 1/3 c flour and I chill the balls of dough in the fridge for 10 minutes. They come out crispy on the edge and chewy in the middle. I also use 3 tsp. Of vanilla. Great flavour!
Posted by: Kerry | January 20, 2022 at 06:41 AM
I love my Featherweight machine! They really are little work horses! I have a strip of blue painters tape to line up ¼", so your lacy one puts it to shame! 🙃 I hope you find a good recipe to solve your chocolate chip cookie dilemma! Have a nice weekend with your dad!
Posted by: Jan | January 20, 2022 at 08:08 AM
I have recently acquired a featherweight as well. Lots of ladies in my sewing group have them and they truly are workhorses. Love the lace seam guide. I really enjoy your blog!!
Posted by: Kathleen B | January 20, 2022 at 10:04 AM
I use the chocolate chip cookie recipe on the chocolate chip morsel package. The original Toll House recipe. I have found that if you don't chill the batter overnight it will spread out all over the place in the oven. So I always make the dough the day ahead and chill it overnight
Posted by: Mary Adams | January 20, 2022 at 11:43 AM
I have a Featherweight and I love sewing on it. But, like you, I have only used it at retreats, workshops, etc. Since I too only sew at home now, I'm sure the little thing really needs somem attention. When I get my sewing room arranged, I think I'll use it for my next project.
Posted by: Susan Ramey Cleveland | January 25, 2022 at 10:03 AM