First, buy a non-electric treadle sewing machine. Make sure that it works and that it has all the attachments. (Actually, the first step is to pick a mate who is very handy and able to clean up and repair anything!)
Next, cut the mesh lining for the pockets and 'underwear' from an old pair of men's shorts with dead elastic.
Fold over to form a tube. Cut off the excess material. Turn inside out and stitch closed on bottom and long side. Turn right side out and admire. Realize that you forgot to create a tunnel at the top for a drawstring. Set aside for the night.
In the morning, realize it would be fairly easy to hand-sew a tube for the drawstring. Turn the tube inside out, fold over the top, and stitch a little tube. Cut a little slit in it, stitch the edges so they won't unravel, and then thread a cord through it heeding the advice of your mother years ago. Inserting a drawstring is easy if you first put a safety pin on the end of the cord. It gives you a firm surface to pull and push through the tube.
Once complete, fill with thistle seed, pull closed, and hang outside. With any luck, a cute little goldfinch will be hanging off it by midday!
9 comments:
Dang, I already messed up on the first part of the project! My husband is not handy and can NOT fix anything. Oh well. I do love your sewing machine though!
Oh. Well, in that case, Christy, maybe you'll have to be the handy one.
Beautiful sewing machine, Chile! I found one like that on the streets of Manhattan, and had it in my tiny apartment there for two years. Sadly, I didn't have room to bring it with me when I moved : ( .
Anyway, this is a great idea!
Fun and easy idea! My mother-in-law has a peddle machine she makes all the grandkid's quilts on. I am the lucky one whose husband asked for it as his inheritance. (it looks like the exact same machine)This was way before we met, so I truly feel grateful to have such a thrifty husband, even if he has no idea how to sew...I make up for that ten fold. (his family has a thing about inheritance. Even my sister-in-laws have put dibs on items. I just can't do that for some reason)
you never fail to crack me up! i love it! hope the birds find and enjoy it soon! fabulous idea by the way.
p.s. new award...you deserve it! whttp://emcglass.blogspot.com/2007/12/roar-for-powerful-words.html
I'm pleased to report a goldfinch was spotted on the new sock this afternoon! Hopefully it will be too small for the pesky house finches to land on; they tend to peck big holes in the socks to make more seeds pour out.
Melinda, I can't believe you had to leave one behind. Too sad.
Myshell, ours is a Minnesota New A machine made in the 1920s or 30s. It seems well-made and we're happy to have original bobbins and feet.
Thanks, Simply Authentic! I'm honored.
That's amazing. It also looks like my Gandmaw's sewing machine....fantstic! Shannon
The machine is from the 1920s-1930s. There are some good websites out there that help people identify their antique machines. Some of them also sell parts which can be very helpful!
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