Vintage machine Norman!

Just look at Norman in all his glory!!!

This beautiful piece of machinery was given to me by James uncle norm, whilst operation de-clutter was happening at casa Tercshowetz.

It's the heaviest beast of a machine ever- I nearly put my back out heaving it into the coffee table to use.

As soon as I saw it I knew it was special- I think it's circa 60's ish- solid, chrome plating, wooden casing and metal body.

When the motor runs it purrs, it's so quiet  and smooth.

I have to admit it had me completely baffled though, couldn't find any info on how to thread it or take care of it on the web, so soon after it arrived it ended up back on its dusty old suitcase sulking in a corner.

I've got another machine- a cheapo modern Argos affair- it keeps packing up!

Last weekend I finally found a man who could look at it- a nice old man named Alan who lived nearby.

When I took the BUSH one he shook his head at me- 'that is a nasty machine young lady, you'll have nothing but trouble with it'. Great! And the bugger only started working again spontaneously, so he didn't even get to help me with it's problems! -arghh! Frustrating as I know there's something up with the tension!

Anyway- just so as not to waste the journey- I mentioned my old cresta.

His eyes lit up- he used to work with the machines in his youth! He almost fell over himself to see the thing and then swiftly sent me on my way telling me he'd call me when he's looked at it.

Later that day he called me back. He's serviced Norman- given him a new motor belt and oiled him until he sung!

Only charge me 25 quid ( think its because he'd clearly enjoyed the whole experience!)

He threaded him, showed me how to do it and said 'this beauty will be running when the other ones in its grave!' 

Loving Alan's enthusiasm and my fab new (old) machine Norman.

Good to know Alan's there for future help, although I think I've created a monster as he's called me twice since asking how I'm getting on and offering to personally visit me and Norman to see how I'm managing and show me the bobbin function that I still haven't grasped!

Ha ha- who knew sewing was so masculine- my Norman and his tech support guy Alan,  not forgetting uncle norm for giving me the beauty in the first place!

Thanks boys x

Soooo Elmfield right now!!

Being a tired working mummy doesn't go hand in hand with wills Steiner school.

It's their advent fayre and I had to do a late night cookie cooking affair with an oven with a broken thermostat!

Happy with how the burnt little dudes turned out though- cue.. Very tired mum who cant sleep due to late night shenanigans and a long day at work training peeps the next day.

I was stressing about the lack of medieval costume attire for myself and wills for the fayre the next morning- lots of ideas but ended up thinking his Mike the Knight costume from m&S would have to suffice. Laughed to myself though at how NOT Steiner that idea was!

When I got home James was horrified at my idea too after being involved in the set up and all the creativity of the fayre prep.

So with a degree of guilt- I whipped this up!

A knightly tabard, ha ha! I am SO Steiner right now!!!

Dead chuffed! Just some stick on felt onto my cut up tee- hope I don't regret that reckless move :)

I'd made the dragon months ago as a button hole piece for wills waistcoat (from our wedding) for a welsh wedding.

I love it- hope he bloody well wears it now- maybe I can convince him to wear it over the mike the knight one- no one will be any the wiser! Result!

Forsoothe the mummy created the costume and all was well x

Pride!!!!!

Erm cute!!!

Even russelled up something for me...

Lovely day. 1.5 hours in the cookie house was both relaxing and hectic! Go figure?