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Friday, August 17, 2012

Hello, Doris!

We brainstormed last night while on QuiltCam just what to name my new little machine!

She’s a 1957 girl! And that proved interesting. When I looked up the popular names for that era, all I came up with was “normal” stuff like Debbie, Cathy, Jo Anne, Cindy – These are names from my own childhood era because I was born not much later in 1962!

We looked up movie star names popular in that era….we looked up music and singers popular to that year.

We had it narrowed down between Polly, Tammy, Jo Anne, and Doris!

Doris Day sang “Que Sera, Sera” in 1957

This morning when I woke up the name Doris had really stuck with me! It’s perfect for her! Doris it is!

I'm still pretty knocked out on those muscle relaxers by the way – HOLY COW!! It was after 9am when I woke up and I still feel like I’m stuffed head to toe full of cotton wadding!

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She didn’t come with a full load of accessories..but I do have her manual and a tube of lubricant that is so old I dare not open it!

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I love the photos in her manual!

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She has a KEY!

when I was showing her off last night on QuiltCam --- how fun! We had 357 people at one point! ((My son Jason pinged me on the cell phone and said “357?!? PEOPLE!?”)) I mentioned WHY I bought her. Since my Magenta baby died in that awful baggage mishandling fiasco, I have been on the look out for one that was worn out and ugly enough to repaint. The price limit in my head was “no more than $200”. I found this one in a booth in the antique mall with a sign that said 20% off EVERYTHING. That put the price on Doris under $200.

The only problem is –she is too perfect! She is in gorgeous condition as it is, and I’m not going to repaint a machine in this good of shape!

And maybe I’ve found myself OVER wanting a souped up machine. Maybe what’s important is what’s on the inside – just like our mothers always told us. Or maybe ---I just need to wait until I cross paths with an already painted machine at a show and let it call to me that it needs to come home.

Whatever it is, I’m in no hurry to HAVE a painted one anymore.

This morning I woke up with THESE lyrics in my head from Bad, Bad Leroy Brown:

"Well, Friday 'bout a week ago,Leroy shootin' dice. And at the edge of the bar Sat a girl named Doris. And, oh that girl looked nice"

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Doris and I are bonding just fine!

57 comments:

  1. Ithink Doris fits her too. I was one of the 357, and I enjoyed myself, thanks for sharing ~
    :-}pokey

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  2. What a beautiful machine!!! I really enjoyed watching you last night and I don´t know why but all of a sudden when you were reading comments the broadcast just went off (shutted off??). But I had a great time.
    On the 25th a a group of friends and myself are having a live broadcast while on a sewing marathon with friends around the world. I have tested it a couple of times already, I just hope it works all right that day! We are planning to have a blast!!

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  3. Doris is a beauty! I'm happy for you. I so enjoyed watching you last night. Now I need a lap top so that I can sew with you.

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  4. Love Doris! She must be a sister to my Gidget a 1956 twin to yours. I use her everyday she sews like a dream! Enjoy her! BTW when your on quilt cam its like sewing with a girlfriend!

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  5. Great name--my 1954 girl is named Dorie. My mom was Doris and her mom was Dorie (short for Eudora!), so I talk to both of them while I sew. Glad you're bonding so well.

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    1. My Great Grandmother was Eudora and I named my Daughter Ellen Eudora in 1967.
      Dorothy

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    2. Wow! I've never heard of another Eudora. I wonder where i came from? I like it with Ellen.

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  6. She's a beauty! And I'll bet she's delighted to have a new home :*) Doris Day is one of my favorite old-time actresses - great name!

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    Replies
    1. Bonnie -- you're friendship is affecting me and I may need counseling...I'm wanting to look at men's old shirts and perusing antique malls.

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    2. Susan...I'll go you one better. I look at the shirts the old men (age doesn't really matter) are wearing and wonder how they'd look in one of Bonnie's quilts!
      Janice S. in TN

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    3. Susan...I'll go you one better. I look at the shirts the old men (age doesn't really matter) are wearing and wonder how they'd look in one of Bonnie's quilts!
      Janice S. in TN

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  8. Debra Lamb10:29 AM EDT

    I was one of the 357 too.. and loved the name Doris the moment it was thrown in the mix as a possibility. And, I agree with Collen, I used to live in an area where girlfriends brought their machines over popped in a movie (some times a whole series of movies) and we just sewed, talked, ate, watched the movie... and had a great time together. In my new location....these things don't happen and I miss it. So with your quilt cam it's like quilting with "friends" again. :)

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  9. Doris is a cool name, my black FW is Lucy cause I love Lucy is as American as my FW, my green one is Fiona as its scots and means fair or white I have been told.

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  10. Doris is a good choice..."whatever will be, will be", seems to fit. I agree it would be a shame to paint her. I love the classic black with the gold trim. Enjoyed watching her debut last night!

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  11. Bonnie, I know a shop that provides supplies for Featherweights (and it's in IDAHO!). Here is a link to their recent "Is Your Featherweight Prepared?" special:
    http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs040/1101295361976/archive/1110739231130.html

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  12. Anonymous10:39 AM EDT

    Hi Bonnie...Doris is a fine name. Maybe your next one you can name Deb ;)
    My dad is on his way over to see if we can switch the singers from the cabinet to the portable. I know I would,use the regular bobbin one much more if it were mo accessible.
    Enjoy your day. I am canning salsa... Everything is from my garden!Deb

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  13. My featherweight is a bit older 1947, her name is Myrtle. Don't know why, just is. I also have my Grandmas treadle and her name is Mable, my Grandmas middle name. Then there is Bernie, my 830 Bernina. And Libby my APQS Longarm. I also have Blanca, my white Featherweight. :) We name what we love :)

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  14. Dropped in on your Cam session last night.
    Your sentiments on, "it what's inside that counts" in reference to repainting your FW is so true. Not only for our sewing machines but all we do. Just makes good sense. I love my FW. She is a classic ebony color.
    Wishing you good health and safe travels.

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  15. Bonnie....love the name Doris...but did you HAVE to share the lyrics so early in the day???? "Leroy" is gonna be in my head all day now...I sure hope he's into a bit of quilting...LOL...have a great day from one cool 'stalkerazzi' mouse (that just cracks me up)

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  16. Doris is a perfect name. Congrats on your featherweight. I'd like to name mine...bought a couple of months ago but am having trouble picking one out. She's a centennial model FW. I'll just have to wait for inspiration! Enjoy Doris!

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  17. She is beautiful. Enjoy!

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  18. Love the new machine, Bonnie! I missed the intro last nite, but noticed the lovely little machine on your table. It sounded so good while sewing. It's looks like the one that I found on the way home from Moline. Mine is a 1956 model and looks like it has hardly been used. Yippee! I think Doris is a great choice for a name. She will be very happy with you, I'm sure! Enjoy!

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  19. Anonymous11:48 AM EDT

    Beautiful machine..I have the very same year as one of my two but I gave it to my daughter who is now learning to quilt. I have two granddaughters so someday each will own a fw. You DO know about Desk Dave in Nicholasville,KY who advertises in quilt mags sometimes? He paints fws those wild bright colors FYI. Doris looks beautiful. Don't check her on the plane. Take the old pics of the other one to show the airlines why NOT!

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  20. Anonymous12:08 PM EDT

    I was one of the 357 club last night too, I love the machine but want to answer your question about the muscle relaxer. The Dr put Mike (hubby) on Flexorol last week, for a pulled muscle in his back, he said the side effects were, that he just didn't feel good all week, and was a bit sick at his stomach. He quit taking them yesterday, but he did seem to think they helped. His back isn't hurting anymore, and he was in some real pain when he went to Dr. So that is his side effects.....good luck with it and hope you get it fixed before that long flight!

    Jan
    mjthompson at gondtc.com

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  21. Well, Doris is a great name, but Cathy would have been better! oh I wonder why? sorry just had to say that. I one that looks just like it. I love it, and take it with me to classes. When you come to IL next year you are staying with me!!! You can use my featherweight! no problem! Loved keeping up with you on quiltcam, love it! from CATHY

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  22. It's wonderful that you found another great little featherweight. When you take her on a plane ride and find someone else's carry on luggage encroaching on your space just quietly pull it out and claim your rightful space. Let them have to check their over-sized stuff. There's a time to be ladylike and a time to let your inner bitch out.

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  23. Love Doris! ☺

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  24. while not a huge fan of doris day, i did love the song bad bad leroy brown! and i love that little machine! too cool! glad you found her!

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  25. Your Antique Mall Shopping is way better where you go. Can I tag along next time? LOL. I loved watching Doris Day! That is a great name. Now I'll be singing that song or Please, Please Don't Eat the Daisies all day. She is a Beauty!!! So glad she isn't just sitting around waiting to be adopted.

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  26. Your new Featherweight is a beauty! I was thinking a good name would be "Sophia". Dark and sultry. As in Sophia Loran, a movie star of that era...Doris makes me think of blonde and oh so cheerful. Not sure of Doris for a black Featherweight---I love your quilt cam nights. I stitched right along with you. It was such fun! I got oddles of half square triangles finished.

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  27. I was watching last night too. Doris is a good name for your new baby. The machine looks like it is in great shape, and even though you don't have accessories, you paid a great price for it. Enjoy!

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  28. Anonymous12:58 PM EDT

    When I checked FB this morning, I saw what I thought was a personalized greeting to me from Quiltville: "Hello, Doris!" Once I realized that "Doris" was a new beautiful slim featherweight, I laughed and started to vicariously enjoy the positive comments "Doris is beautiful", "love Doris" etc.
    Thanks for a fun start to the morning!
    Doris Middleton

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  29. Anonymous1:25 PM EDT

    Re the lubricant: According to my son, the small engine mechanic, the lubricant will be the same as the day they made it, and can be used. Watch out for the tube though, mine sprung a leak on the wrong end! In that case just put the lid back on and squeeze it onto Doris from the bottom. Her gears will love you. LOL

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  30. Beautiful machine!
    Congrats! :)

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  31. I love Doris Day & it really suits your new beauty.
    My 1951 baby tells me her name is Eartha as in Kitt.
    Can you hear the Catwoman purr??
    http://diegoagogo.blogspot.co.uk/2012/08/ta-da-famous-singer.html
    Have fun.
    Lush x

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  32. oohh, doris, i love it! and que sera sera, a fave song of mine...very shiny and new looking, i applaud your decision to leave her "as is"...alas, my little 1955 phoebe isn't quite as spiffy but she does sew up a storm! congrats on a new machine

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  33. Anonymous4:00 PM EDT

    Naming your sweet little machine after Doris Day is perfect. After all--they're both beautiful Singers! :)

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  34. Whenever you sew with her, you can have a Doris day! =)
    (get it??)

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  35. I think Doris is great just as she is! How can you possibly improve upon perfection?

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  36. I think Doris is a wonderful name for your new machine. My mom's name is Doris so I tend to be a little bias. I too have a new friend. I found a nice Singer 206K25 in an antique mall in Michigan. She is in a cabinet and is in great shape. She is only missing her electric cord and a instruction manuel which I have found online and you would not believe what I paid for her, $18.18! I can't wait to hear her hum. I must think of a name for her as well.

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  37. Last week here in Florida a man was convicted of murdering a woman with her featherweight!

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    1. Is this for real???? Good Heavens! Maybe I'd better hide my five!!! :)

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  38. My Featherweight is from 1941, her name is Rosie. I love her!

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  39. Donna Adams9:55 PM EDT

    It is so nice to see that I am not the only one who named her FW. She is from 1956 and her name is Amanda Jane because her initials are AJ. She is 10 years younger than I am.
    Donna Adams
    richardladams@centurytel.net

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  40. Anonymous10:16 PM EDT

    Loved watching you last night! It becomes quite contagious watching. I could not turn you off. Hey where do you get a featherweight painted. I have a wonderful 57 in excellent condition and then a stinky 40's model that looks awful but runs great. I have to leave her out of her case because it smelled so bad and now I can finally sew on her without sneezing my head off. I tried everyone's remedy for the case without any luck. Once that oil goes rancid you're pretty much out of luck. Ardis Young Covington ga.

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  41. How do you keep on finding all these amazing machines?? I found my FW in a very expensive antique shop. She was in her case that has clearly spent time under the sea, has no accessories - none, nada, not a one :(, and no key... of course. I paid quite possibly twice what she's worth & then nearly 4 times that to have all the wiring replaced & I am ashamed to admit, I don't even know how to use the poor little thing. I have set her up on my dining room table though. That is a start ??! maybe, perhaps...? Don't worry - she's not alone. She's in there with my Ma's lovely old Necchi who is also set up. It's almost impossible to find machines in Oz, let alone accessories. Never fear though, I trawl through your pages & any others I find on the hunt for a new case & accessories. I hope that my persistance will pay off, about the time my sewing mojo comes back ;) I have to admit, I love your Doris just the way she is - unpretentiously beautiful in her little black dress.

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  42. Anonymous8:57 AM EDT

    I peeked in on you for a while last night also. Doris is a great name. Play it like this, Bonnie... If the Lord sends you ANOTHER "Doris" somehow along your journey... for another very good price(keep looking) then you will KNOW that he wants you to paint at least ONE of them.... Huh? whattaya think? Good plan? I have 4 antique machines, 2 of them FWs, and it's all I take on the road. I love my other modern machines... but will NEVER take the heavy ones on the road again. These FWs were MADE for travel, and I use my 15-91 up at our cottage 100% of the time. Can't live without them.
    Debbie in Wisconsin

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  43. Doris is just gorgeous Bonnie, I understand completely how you can be so enamoured with her. She looks just like mine :-) I haven't named mine, but maybe I should? Hope you have a great weekend, I've been sewing up a storm so far.
    *hugs*
    Tazzie
    :-)

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  44. Anonymous11:24 AM EDT

    Doris must be a triplet as I have one of the identical twins also. I also had a problem with the broadcast on Thursday evening, a couple of times an annoying KIA commercial would break in with audio no less so I could not even hear what Bonnie was saying and at one point it shut down on me. It was a fun evening and am so glad I got to join in.

    Judy
    judyquiltz@comcast.net

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  45. Love the name Doris! I have a number of FWs myself. I bought one little girl that must have had a cleaning solution put on her. She had a very dull finish. So, I say that she "had some work done" . My friend restores them and has motorcycle artists do the paint. It's amazing! I had her done in candy apple red. She has a gold base and shimmers. They do all the grill work and decals to look like the original. I call her Ruby. If anyone is interested, my friend is now inVegas and her place is called Little Red 222. Her name is Victoria. You can ship to her. I've never seen better work. I use her a lot! Victoria also restores the box and it is now beautiful!

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  46. We're twins! I bought my Featherweight in Feb 2011. It looks exactly like yours!

    http://onemorequilt.blogspot.com/2011/02/heck-of-impluse-buy-orkaboom-on.html

    Mine was all gucked up inside with grease...needed a major cleanout! Looked like enough grease inside to fry an couple of eggs. I cleaned it out as much as I could and then took it to a great guy locally who used to work for Singer repair. He had it singing in no time!

    Just named mine.... Baby Bear....just bought Papa Bear this week...

    http://onemorequilt.blogspot.com/2012/08/old-new-machine-kenmore-1581751.html

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  47. I'm just catching up with your blog after taking off for a few days with my sweetie. I took along my 1957 221 and sewed a bunch of Oklahoma Backroads blocks that I took along with me. Glad to see that you've been able to find a great replacement machine for your wrecked one. I got mine on eBay last summer and paid about $200 with shipping. I also got the cute manual and a case, but alas, no key. Couldn't have been happier than when I took it in for a once over tune up by our local "Singer man" and he said I'd gotten a bargain. He was so worried when I called him to say I'd bought one on eBay. He's seen a lot of unusable machines bought that way.

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  48. Anonymous8:49 PM EDT

    I JUST got my first FW - she is a 1938! I was very impressed at the condition she was in -- had been stored somewhere wet so her bottom plate was rusty, but the interior was gorgeous. She ran ok, but had a weird noise. I got her tuned up and now she just HUMS. DH wire-brushed the bottom plate and spray-painted it in "wrinkle black" and the texture is really cool, the pitting doesn't show. Some of the paint on her lower edge was chipped off and because of this I inadvertently named her - "Little Chippy" ! The water also destroyed her case. I decided that you had the best idea ever, and at Walthing I found a perfect travel case - a "rolling tote" that she fits into perfectly, with foot pedal and everything! Thank you for that idea!!!
    Now all I need is an extension table.... I am so happy. Thank you again for your help, I was very much "on the fence" about getting one and your blog has been a HUGE part of what convinced me.
    -Maria in Tucson

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