Thanks for your comments, Annie and Donna. Am trying to "stashbust" and have no quilted fabric on hand-at least I have not unpacked any yet! LOL. But in looking over the 'get-rid-of pile' noted one of the dtrs med wt linen mini-skirts. Am planning to stitch the waistband across the top and add gussets of some wild fabric at the sides, CB and CF seams. The length is perfect. DH is helping me set up a counter so all my portable machines can be in 'ready to work' mode as well. As a result, I hope to get all of them covered with something neater this year. So far, most of my 50 year plus embroidered pillow cases are still holding up-but a wonderful suggestion. The worn pillowcases were recycled into quilts a while ago. However, I think I still have a few pieces of dark candlewicking that did not get pillowed that would be fine for machine covers.

have you explord the possibilty that there just might be a discussion forum that pertains to this machine? I have two older machines and have found a discussion forum for each of them. I remember Montgomery Wards. They were still in operation into the early 90s.

That's a sweet outfit and nice picture showing what a serger does (you should write a book with all your ideas by the way). I HAVE to ask......Is this for our resident Diva.....it's pink, and pretty and so girly girly. I love the ribbon effect on the top. KIMBERCUP - You are starting at just the right point, play with your machine, use old or inexpensive fabric, buy yourself that apron pattern, go for it! Each mistake you make and correct is a lesson learned. Do you have a sewing buddy? Someone near who can help out with advice ? A sewing neighbor, sister, whatever? Don't fret if you don't, you can l. take a short set of learn how classes 2. ask at the place you purchase either your fabric or pattern eg. Walmart - I stress asking when they aren't busy with customers 3. Don't forget about us all here......so many of the people who post have years of experience with most problems....ask and someone will come up with suggestions or ideas. This is a very friendly forum and no question is too "dumb".......if you don't get an answer, well see who on the forum has offered good advice in the past and email them ....they may have missed the post or will honestly reply "sorry I don't know". What can it hurt. I must add that I do advise you to check into some good sewing books in the library on "how to"......if you want to do potholders or aprons...or just learn basic skills there are many many books with good instructions. Also check your local thrift stores...... they usually have a few older (but still good basic instruction information) sewing books on the shelves. If you don't know where to look in the library ask the librarian to pull you a few basic learn how books on sewing. You don't need them all but just a few to begin with. Have fun, don't be discouraged and enjoy yourself. That is what it's all about.

southernstitcher, I wont tell anyone over on patternreview that you got rid of your featherweight. Your right, you might actually be banned ;-) I spent a total of $400 on my 6460 to guy and have it rebuilt and oiled. It was $175 for the machine and another $225 for the rebuild. The guy I go to is a five star Viking certified repair person. He has been doing this since this machine was first made. My figuring is that you can't buy a new plasticky machine for that price that can do what this one can. I got my few decorative stitches I wanted, plus buttonholes, and I also figure it will easily last another 30 years. It was the most I have ever spent on a machine, but after sewing for as many years as I have been and as much as I do, it was overdue. You are right about the old Singers though. I did leave them off my list of must buy vintage. I am soured on Singers for some reason. I was handed down a "newer" 90's Singer, and at one point it was my only machine. I also had an opportunity to sew on a new Singer. I have no more respect for Singer. Sorry. But I have owned an old Steel vintage Singer. I forget the model. One I picked up for $25 at a junk shop. My first machine ever. It was great. I made every curtain for my first apartment. I also made slipcovers for a junkie old couch. Everything was great till the foot pedal caught fire. Now that I know more about machines, I would have kept the machine and found a new pedal. Back then I junked the machine when I moved, it was really really heavy and I was moving. The old Singers are great, the new ones I wouldn't take if you paid me.