Getting to know Esther

[Wishaway]

My husband bought me a Featherweight (my first) for my birthday (which is not until next month), and she came back today from the "spa" where I sent her for a check-over. I've named her after the original owner, Esther, who died recently at 101, and who used her a LOT. She is a 1937 machine and in great shape, although many of the decals are rubbed off from use, which is fine with me. I respect a hard worker. I can't wait to get to know her.

[MaggieSue]

Great gift, I hope you enjoy many hours with Esther!!!

[KPH]

What a thoughtful gift! I know she'll be a doll to work with!

[Hillbillyhike]

She's gorgeous! 😍 How wonderful that you named her after her former owner. I would have too. That's so respectful. Esther would have appreciated it, I'm sure. Enjoy her, lucky gal!

[Wishaway]

Esther's family asked my husband to let them know how I liked the machine, so I sent them a note and photo and asked if they would tell me their aunt's name, which is how I learned it. When I told them that I would be naming the machine after her, her niece wrote back and told me they all shed a tear over that, which was so sweet of them to let me know. I truly am a lucky gal.

[Hillbillyhike]

Ok...that just made me shed a tear...really! How touching and meaningful! That makes it so much more special. I'm so happy for you!

[JCY]

Enjoy your new machine. What a sweet story.

[chelea]

Congratulations! Esther is a beauty.

[Star lover]

Wow! Esther is beautiful! I love my featherweight and you’ll absolutely love Esther too 🧵💗

[Rhonda K]

She is a beauty. So wonderful that a loved machine will continue to be loved.

[Bubby]

I know you will love her. 💝

[Mary Lynn]

I know you’ll love her. My feath weight, Clara, is my favourite machine for piecing.

[grammaterry]

Thats a sweet thing that you let the family know how very much you honored Esther

[TMP]

She is so pretty!!

[Hillbillyhike]

How's life with Esther, Gail? Does she sew well?

[Wishaway]

She is lovely, thanks! She's made a simple little crib-sized quilt top (for nobody in particular) and several coasters to set aside for Christmas gifts. I am signed up for a class next week to learn how to oil and maintain her and will feel like I can use her more regularly after I've learned how to keep her safely running and also hope to learn about the feet that came with her! The featherweight really does have a lovely stitch. How nice of you to ask!

[Hillbillyhike]

Wonderful! I'm so glad she's working out for you. One day I'd love one as well. Even if to just look pretty, lol.

[SuzanneOrleansOntario]

I took a class a few years ago on how to maintain vintage machines. Most of the people there had FWs but the process is the same -- some machines were in really bad shape, but the owners were able to get them all spiffed up and running smoothly.

[Wishaway]

I sent Esther to the spa when I first got her so I know that she needs to be oiled regularly but have not learned how to do that yet. There are videos on line but I thought I might retain it better if I see it done and do it at the same time, which is part of what they do in the class I am taking next week. Once I understand how often to oil her I will feel more confident. But as Heike says, she is pretty just to look at!

[Monique]

No doubt you will love her.