I'm
continuing my trip into the past with this quirky quilt. I browsed
the scrap boxes for bright and colorful pieces to use with black and
stone neutrals.
The
original block, Arkansas Traveler or Traveler's Star, is usually laid
out with four segments like a star. I decided to put single 6”
blocks all on point instead. I think it looks both modern and retro.
The fabric combinations remind me of peasant dresses, bell bottoms,
and vests of the hippie era.
With
the black print border, Groovy Traveler finished out at 52” square.
I quilted using gray thread in a 4” grid pattern. Piecing was
done on Elizabeth (Singer 404).
Blue
Wren dies used:
6361
Traveler's Star
6720
Magic Strips (borders and binding)
Accuquilt dies: (for corner/side pieces) 55001 HST 6" finished
55002 Quarter Square Triangle 6" finished
Elna
Update: I posted on Facebook last week about our latest sewing
machine acquisition. Found on Ebay, the 1951 model bright green Elna
1 Grasshopper was in good condition with a few scratches. One of
those was a Social Security number carved into the paint, on the
front just under the free arm. Another is a curved deep scratch to
the right of the needle plate. Otherwise, her paint just showed some
oxidation. The case was awfully dirty, dry, and scuffed. She had
the wrong belt and no power cord.
Those
Swiss engineers were smart. I love that the case makes a sewing
table! She's a cutie, and now runs well after a good clean and oil.
We left the silver repair shop label and the SSN as that's part of
her story. Jerold modified the power outlet to accept a modern
grounded cord, replaced the capacitor in the motor, found a green
belt and LED bulb. I did a lot of scrubbing and polishing with Goop
hand cleaner, scratch out, and car wax.
Ivy: 1951 Elna 1 Grasshopper
She runs slower than the Singer Featherweight, but that's
ok. Miss Ivy is a keeper, in great shape for her age. I've already pieced a small project
with her.
