Ward Arm and Platform 1870's

Hi Everyone

This Ward Arm and Platform came from Tasmania. She is complete with
Original Spare parts, Storage Box, Manual and provenance. She came from the family of Pearns - The Steam Threshing Contractors who for many years ran Pearns Steam World in Tasmania.
This was one of the very first Free-Arm style machines. They converted from a free-arm to a standard flat bed machine by a very clever built-in bed that lifted and clipped around the arm.
These machines were made by Edward Ward in London in the 1870's. Ward did make a few other machines but this is the one he is most well-known for. There was two models of the Arm and Platform machine. This is the second model which had a slightly different casting and a stitch length adjuster which the other machine did not have.


The front of the box was painted and Rob has carefully sanded a lot of it off to reveal the stencilling details underneath.

She is obviously quite a bit worn but still has a wonderful sense of character.

Cheers
Lynne and Rob

Nearly Insane Block80

Hi Everyone

This is block 80. Still only 6 inches in size.

Love that Cheddar and the red

and Nancy's favourite apricot of course :-))

The Pink Squiggle makes a nice frame.

Next weeks block is a really interesting block, lots of little bits and lots of colour so stay tune :-))

Plan to get Rob to take a photo of a machine on the weekend too so you will get to see another favourite.

Bye For Now

Lynne

Side Blocks 94

Hi All

Here is block 94. Two Halves so Half goes at the top on the edge and half on the bottom.

Halfway through making block 80. It is another complicated one. Love those Stay Tune

Would you believe it is raining outside!!! First rain since December and it is so nice to hear raindrops on a Tin roof. Rob and I went for a walk in the rain last night but it was still only really a light shower then. Definately classed as raining this morning. Everything is smelling just so nice. Roll on Autumn!

Have a great Day All

Cheers

Lynne

Block 13

Hi All

You know there are some weeks when you need an easy block :-)

Have still to make last weeks block.

The little bird and the blueberries are a special fabric of Nancy's. The pink from Rosemary. Keep Cool Everybody. It sure is hot here today.

Cheers

Lynne

Brittania Tripod Treadle Sewing Machine

Hi All
One of the more unusual machines that we have found locally, in the next suburb in fact :-)), is this English-made Brittania sewing machine, featuring Brittania on each of the legs with the wording Slavery Abolished around the shield . This Treadles would date to around the mid 1870's. Sadly at this stage it is missing both the machine and treadle plate which I am interested to find in the future.
This machine was found when the previous owner who had bought this machine in the 1960's to be used as a dressing table contacted us looking for information about the treadle. When she downsized her living situation she offered it to us for sale and we gladly accepted. Other than removing a stain from the top if the woodwork the finish on the woodwork and the bronze finish on the frame is original.
Our Dream is to find the head and the treadle plate. Infinately possible as who would believe something as wonderful as this could be within walking distance in a house near us!!

Hold onto that Dream :-))
Bye For Now
Rob and Lynne

Brittania Sewing Machine

Nearly Insane Block49

Hi All
Well I have finally finisheed Block 49. Don't ask me how many pieces. This week I had to finish it in little slots of time. What was interesting was that each time I came back to it I saw the block with new eyes and made slight adjustments to the next colour choices. The final background has lots of little birdies.
I like the finished results. Hard to believe that this block is only 6 inches isn't it
That is why it is called Nearly Insane.

The Victorian Bushfires have been very much on my mind over the past week. What has happened is absolutely devastating and it is very hard to comprehend the enormity of all that devastation and how so many peoples lives can be permanently changed. Just like that.
I plan to take time out to make a few special quilts as a way of sending a Big Hug. So many people worldwide have offered wonderful support. Just wish we could do more to help.
Take Care
Cheers
Lynne