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Funky Junk is My Treasure
I wasn't expecting to find anything, but we had friends visiting over Labor Day weekend and I thought while the guys fished we ladies could go to the Funky Junk show. It's held once a year and thankfully this year they moved it inside, because otherwise it would've been a cold and muddy walk.
I went two years ago and walked through and thought this is really just junk. I don't know if it was the mood I was in or if the seller's junk was just another man's junk or not.
All I do know is this year I scored!
I've been looking for interesting antique tables every time I go in and browse an antique store. I use them as end tables and bedroom nightstands. In my studio I've been looking for a comfortable chair in robin's egg blue. It's not that easy to come by it seems. However, I just knew that color was going to be perfect to go with my collection of moonstone eggs.
So... I felt my heart race when I saw this table sitting atop another table in one booth at the Funky Junk show. I absolutely am in love with the chalk paint the vendor used. It looks great with the dark walnut top. When I saw the price of $129 I couldn't wait to tell her it was sold. Then my friend said I think that's a sewing machine cabinet. I looked underneath and sure enough there was a 1950's era Singer Sewing machine. It works, although I'm going to get it serviced with a new plug added and cleaned before even trying to use it.
Singer Sewing machine 301A
I've since learned the machine is a workhorse and prized by quilters. A friend of mine said it will only do straight stitching, but perfect stitches. I'm just tickled to have it. The lever to turn it on is on the right hand side. You move your knee to the right to make contact.
AND, the chair was included, too! The vendor told me she'd been looking for the right size chair and found this one in Michigan. It's in perfect shape, including the woven seat.
Sigh.
By the time I went back to pick it up it was only maybe 1pm. She'd sold every last item in her booth and sent her husband back to bring more. I was tempted to go back the next day, but fortunately (says my husband) we had another appointment.
I did find a few other things like skeleton keys I can use in my jewelry and mixed media art.
I also love yellowware, especially if it has blue stripes, but they're hard to find and their price usually reflects that.
The Hume bowl in the open cabinet below is in great shape and the price was very reasonable so it came home with me, too.
Now I'm off to make some jewelry. I was inspired by the keys and will have a couple of pendants soon!
Comments
Score!
Who-hoo! Love the color of the table. The 301 is nice looking too. The color is called "Khalua and Cream". You are smart to get it checked out before you use it- it's probably 60+ years old. Once it is up and running again the maintainence is really easy. Just oiling and wiping the dust out of the bobbin area. Ask me if you have any questions, I love to work on old Singers. I have one just like that one.
Those keys are very cool too! Looking forward to seeing what you do with them!
Love the color name!
Lynda -
I figured it was you! So happy to have reconnected. I'm glad the sewing machine is an added bonus. There was a place here that did sewing machines and vacuums, but I think it's gone or at least moved from its location. I'll definitely have it check out though. Makes me nervous to plug in anything that old. I've got a fancy sewing machine in CA, but I've not had the time to even give it a try. I'm going to make a quilt this winter though. First go so wish me luck! :-)
Oops!
Sorry-didn't mean to be anon. on the comments!
Table, Chair, machine for
Table, Chair, machine for $129?!?! You really scored!!! Cannot wait to see those keys show up in your jewelry. I fondle mine often for the past couple years and only recently came up with an idea to work on. They are pretty cool all on their own.
I know, right?!
I didn't admit to the fact that I have a lot of other skeleton keys, too. ;-) They always remind me of my grandparent's house in upstate NY. Their doors used skeleton keys and I just loved that. I wish I had one of theirs that I could use for a piece for me. I hope to finish one of the pendants this week. Still working on how to tie it all together. I love when lampworkers put a bead on the key shank. I've thought about creating a peyote wrap there and might do that with one or two. Can't wait to see what you do with yours!
swoon
oh that sewing machine is a beauty! I learned on a desk model like this (it was an even older model - the old black ones) but he machine would fold down into the desk to 'hide it away'
and I did just see a key design from you over on Instagram - it's lovely! and love the name :)
yes!
Yes, this one folds down under, too. If you look at the photo of it closed up - the sewing machine is actually underneath.
I've got another key design to work on - much easier to put together than the last, but need to finish a gift this week.
Thanks for stopping by!
Very good machine
This machine will not break down. I have one of these and my 11 year old uses it. If you ever see the 401 A, they are the same era and do zig zag. After I got my first 401A and realized how special they are, I got a second 401A and a 301A just because I believe in back ups and having good quality machines.
the A series
Hi Cory -
Now that I'm starting to do some sewing I'll look for the 401A. Is the 301A the same thing basically? In fact I may put the 401A into the cabinet if I can, as it would be nice to do zigzag when you need it. I'm such a novice at sewing, but I'm attempting a quilt. It's one of Ryan's quilts so not a true applique, but I'm hoping it will look as good as the pictures. I love her NW style.
Thanks for stopping by! Hope you're having a great weekend.
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