Lately I’ve been sewing only in my sewing room on my two favourite electric machines — Marie, the Janome 6500P, and Peggy, the Singer 201K from 1951.
Today however, my 10-year-old asked me if I would sew in the living room so I could watch Dr. Who DVDs with her. How could I resist a lovely offer like that?! 
I didn’t want to move those heavy electric machines and worry about extension leads trailing across the floor, so it was Ruby, the Singer 99K, to the rescue! Small, portable, hand operated, and she doesn’t make much noise — just right for TV watching while sewing.
We are working on an ancient Blue and Yellow UFO. I’m not sure exactly how old it is, but I do know that I bought this fabric in Houston, Texas, when I lived there, so this might be 16 years old or so.
The pattern is Crossed Canoes, and the paper pieced pattern can be found here on the World Wide Quilting Page.
I had 11 blocks previously made, and now I have enough components to assemble 25 blocks. There is loads of fabric left, so I might keep going until I have enough blocks for a large bed-size quilt. Most of the people in our family are tall, so lap quilts really aren’t big enough for us to wrap up in while reading or watching TV.
And here is Nigel, the quilting dog, supervising the activities! He and this UFO project are just about the same age! 
He is always my Number 1 helper.
Happy Quilting!
I have two 99′s that I have turned into handcranks, and a Spartan. I love the small machines.
What a gift of an invitation to spend time with your little one. They grow up way too fast! Have a great Sunday!
Hi Michelle, is the Spartan the same machine as a 99? I’m really interested in the history of that brand name, as I have a 327K and was told that it was sold in America under the Spartan name, but I can’t find any information to confirm it. There was also a line of Singer-made machines called Merritt that we have in England, and I wondered if they were in America, too. Take care, and thanks for visiting and commenting.
My 18-year old, Beth, is watching through the DVDs as well… David Tennant is her main squeeze
)
Oh, yes, he’s gorgeous! Both of my daughters love him, too!
I cannot blame you! Doctor Who (especially David Tennant) will win every time. In seriousness though, this reminds me of a conversation I had with a friend of mine the other week. We were daydreaming about the future and houses and how we would set up our work spaces. I told her I’d rather have a big living room to work in so that I could work without having to close myself off away from others. I think of all the wonderful evenings I spend with my boyfriend when I take my crochet (the travel project) to his apartment and work while we cuddle and watch a movie.
Your dream living room/work room sounds good to me! I love to sew in the same room as my family, too. We agree with you about David Tennant, too! Take care.
Where do I start? Quilting block….gorgeous…. It is amazing what can be done with only two colours! Your little Singer……what a fantastic restoration job you did on it. Then there is Nigel…he is soooo cute
My old green Husqvarna is away with “the man who can” at the moment. He says he’s got it going but it will take a while to fix properly. I can’t wait to get it back now.
Thank you for visiting my blog and leaving all your lovely comments! You’re very kind. Did you get your Husqvarna back from the repair shop yet? I love your Chequered Garden quilt on your blog — it’s absolutely gorgeous! Best regards!
You are very welcome
My machine is still with the repairer as he is looking for an original motor rather than putting a new modern one on. More authentic, he says….
Avis x
My quilt is in the competition at http://www.quiltinggallery.com There are lots of lovely ones to vote for
Yoohoo! (couldn’t find your email) Finished a quilt I started Jan/2010 for your “too good to cut it up challenge. Better late than never! Lori
PS–picture on my blog
Yeay, Lori! Well done! Still haven’t finished mine…