So long old friend.....it's been good to know you.

**********************Denise S., you are the winner of the scrap box.  Please e-mail me your address:  rebeccaringquist(at)gmail(dot)com.  Congratulations!!!!!**************************************************************

Like lots of you, I have a small collection of sewing machines.  My two main work horses are both 6000 series Viking's built in the 1960's.  They are powerful machines, made to sew through leather.  They eat through the fabric with no problems at all, even when my pieces get to be 1/4 inch think (I use a #18 needle).    In addition to the two beasts, for a long time, I've had a Vintage Pink Pfaff.   I found it at the thrift store (The Ark) in Chicago, of course, and paid to have it overhauled.  I can still remember the leap of joy that I felt when I opened the top of the table to find this two toned pink steel awesomeness.  The repair guy that fixed it put a brand new PINK belt on it, and I nearly kissed him when I came by to pick it up.  He gets me, that one.    While this machine certainly is not made to sew through 1/4 inch fabric, it is a great little tool for hemming a curtain, piecing a quilt, etc.   It's so much fun to use, and when it's not being used, it has been a great place to keep our mail as it folds up into a handsome little end table.   

I used this machine quite a bit in the last month when the other two were up at Vogue getting their annual exams, and I loved working on it, but it's just not going to make the trip to Brooklyn with us.  Perhaps it's something you (Chicagoan out there) would like?   I listed it yesterday morning on craigslist, and I sure hope it finds a new home soon.

In other news, another contest is happening!  Jenny Doh is having a giveaway for a complete set of my printed samplers.  Stop over at her blog before Saturday for a chance to win.  Good luck!

Finally, due to the enthusiasm of so many of you that commented yesterday regarding scraps, I'm offering a manila envelope full of scraps to anyone that buys two or more samplers from my etsy shop between now and Thursday(12/16) at 5:00pm CST.  They make great stocking stuffers for all those embroiderers on your list!   Just leave a comment in the etsy comments letting me know that you'd like some scraps.   Thanks!