I need another sewing machine like I need a hole in my head. I sold two on eBay just last month! But, ever since my friend found me a vintage Morse, aka “My New Blue Baby”, I have been on the web looking for more information about it. In the process, however, I have come across SEVERAL vintage machines, especially on Craigslist and eBay. I have to admit that Craigslist does scare me a bit because of the prevalence of proven Nut Cases that post on there. But, as I am now officially OBSESSED, I thought I’d take the bait anyway and take my son with me to be safe…
Which leads me to Craigslist Find #1: A beautiful White vintage machine in mint condition with an ultra sad story to go with it. The gentleman who sold it to me told me that it belonged to his Mother, whom he very recently placed in a Nursing Facility. So recently, in fact, that everything in the house had yellow Post-It notes on it for who-gets-what. The Mother and Son lived in side-by-side townhouses and I can only imagine how hard it must be for him to sell one of his Mom’s most prized possessions. (I’m guessing there are no other seamstresses in his family. Pity. They just don’t know….)
Mom took EXCELLENT care of this machine and it was even recently serviced, so I was elated. And even more so when he gave me a shopping bag filled with all of her carefully labelled sewing goodies! WHAT??!! I could not believe it! Needles, machine feet, bobbins, thread, Tastykake thimble, threaders, and so much more that I can’t even mention it all! Even her red tin she kept it all in! I already felt awful, but then I felt worse! This machine and its accessories are SUCH a treasure, and I feel so fortunate to have it, but so sad at the same time that she will never again be able to enjoy its rythmic little hum.
I wish there a way to assure her that her machine was going to a good home and would be very well taken care of, but of course that is not possible. I just hope someday my daughter (or future grandchildren) will take up sewing so my machines don’t end up on Craigslist…
: >(