Over the Kitchen Counter: Angie's Place for Cooking and Crafts

How to Take Care of a Whirlpool Tub

My new home came with an old whirlpool tub. It's original to the house, I think, a bit yellowed with some cracked ceramic tiles but it is way bigger than the tub I had at the old place and I was super excited to try out the jacuzzi jets.

My sister adores her giant spa bathtub but I never had one before and knew nothing about it. Of course, it first needed to be thoroughly cleaned and I had to search the net for info on how to do that properly. Other than the normal bathtub scrub, it is important to keep the inner workings clean to avoid problems with the motor and eliminate any mould or bacteria from growing in the system. Apparently you can get foamy scum and black stuff backwashed out through the jets - yuck!  Although I'm sure many people do, it is not recommended to use any bubble bath, foaming wash, or oils in the tub water. I plan on maintaining this properly so that's got to be the rule no matter how nice it looks to be in a bath filled with lovely bubbles!

About once or twice a month the whole system should be flushed. Here is a link to the instructions but basically you run the tub (with the jets turned fully clockwise so there is no air induction) with hot water and 2 teaspoons of dishwasher powder and 20 ounces of regular bleach. This cleaning solution works its way through the pipes, cleaning and disinfecting along the way. It is so simple to do and I really feel like it is sanitized well after the procedure. I actually love the way it smells too...like a clean, fresh pool or spa at a resort!

My first soak in the tub was heaven! After a very busy few weeks of hard work it felt amazing to sink down in the hot water (one could never fully immerse oneself in the mini tub we used to have!) and really escape in the moment. The jets and motor still work (there was no way to test it when we viewed the house initially) and totally make the bath feel like a hot tub. Now I get why my sister loves her tub and I think being able to disappear from the hub-bub of responsibility, where no one can interrupt, is the truly relaxing part!

I really like to take good care of things to keep them running well and looking nice. When there is no operator's manual available thank goodness for the internet for providing good instructions on how to maintain anything. I totally appreciate what I have (even if it's old!) and want to make everything last as long as possible. Following directions and keeping to a maintenance schedule helps me do that without much effort.

Chicken Caesar Pasta

This is a quick and easy dinner to make on a busy weekday. It's one of those fantastic Campbell's Soup "Dinner's On" recipes I love. You can get yourself a copy, HERE. 

Life has been so busy around here that sometimes relying on a can of soup and a few fresh ingredients is just what I need when everyone comes home and says 'what's for dinner?' and I really don't feel like cooking! The dish is flavourful (a little stinky with the garlic Caesar salad dressing; I used the premium Renee's brand), filling, and the fam ate it all up! The cherry tomatoes are plentiful too so that's what I used in my batch. So yummy!

I have been working on unpacking my own house and packing up my mom's. She is moving to a retirement home and a lot needs to be done. It has been a trip down memory lane sorting through the rooms, stopping to look at old photos and finding snippets from my childhood, like a View Master Pippy Longstockings reel! I've been having the weirdest dreams as a result. Between reconditioning vintage sewing machines and discovering relics from the past in mother's basement, it's no wonder my mind is conjuring up strange twists on these images!

Anyway, I hope you will try the Chicken Caesar Pasta recipe. It's very tasty and I think I might just take inspiration from the Campbell's website tonight as well!

A Very Special Bird Visitor

I wrote in an earlier post how I now have a lovely view from my kitchen window where I can see the bird feeder in the garden. That vista became magical when I happened to catch sight of a darling hummingbird. I have been carrying around a glass feeder from house to house (a remnant from my mother-in-law's cottage) and finally had a reason to use it. Sure enough, the little love, named Tinkerbell, has started to frequent the feeder and take long meals of kitchen-produced nectar. (click on photos to see them larger).

I've only seen one bird at a time but she does come often and sits on the tiny perch to rest her wings. Of course, I had to research hummingbirds to make sure I was supplying the correct food and I learned that they need more frequent feeding to meet their immense energy requirements. Apparently they are always only hours away from starvation and when they find a reliable source of food they stick to it. I have had a bit of trouble with bees, and Tinkerbell is intimidated by them and flies away, despite having flower 'ports' on the feeder that they are not supposed to be able to access. My 'nectar' is 4 parts water to 1 part sugar. Do not add food colouring! It is not necessary and could be harmful to the birds.

Everyone in the family has caught a glimpse of this elusive creature...except my son. He thinks I am imagining things so I sat in wait, i-phone ready, and finally snapped a quick few grainy pics of my hummingbird. She is a delight and I am thrilled to have her visit. I purchased a second, window feeder and hope she will bring her friends. I have doubts that she will actually try to use it seeing as she is very skittish. It will be beautiful to see her up close and personal if she ever does!

New Dining Room Furniture...

It's official. I've spread into the dining room. Do you like my new piece of gorgeous Mahogany or Walnut(?) furniture? While it is beautiful, both in design and materials, of course it has an added bonus. Can you guess? Hidden inside is a lovely Singer 201. This machine is often described as the finest sewing machine ever made. It was the last (?!?!) model on my 'list' and I got her for a song.

She needed a ton of cleaning but true to reputation, she sews like a dream. Very quiet, very powerful, and I must say that once she was refurbished her detailing is exquisite. Her paint is in great shape and her decals are divine. I had a blast getting into the guts and pulling out all kinds of nests and threads. I am not sure how anyone ever stitched on her in that condition. Poor old girl! Trying her best to chug through each lock stitch, struggling to combat the fuzz in her feed dogs and choking on the thread wrapped around her hook.

Once the machine was perfectly restored I moved on to the cabinet. It is a beautiful, early sample of a 201 cabinet and really does have lovely features, like the detailing on the legs and excellent craftsmanship. I must say, I marvel at the engineering of these sewing machine tables. They are so cleverly designed and quite intricate. When I picked up the machine I was surprised (and a little disappointed) to learn she was knee-operated. That means a lever comes down from the table which must be pushed away from and by the knee to get power. Next to a treadle, that was a workout I wasn't really interested in. Back home I happily discovered upon inspection that there was indeed an original foot pedal hidden inside and that the knee lever simply acts to push down the regular Bakelite button. I got rid of all the crumbling wiring and freed the machine from the table. She is a heavy beast but once she was out of the cabinet it was much easier to clean and work on her.

I didn't want to refinish the cabinet but there is a bit of damage to the finish on the top. A good coating of Lemon Oil did the trick and I think it is stunning! I love how everything folds up and tucks in to make it a useable piece of furniture and I am so pleased with how well she fits in with my dining room decor. Of course, I will enjoy sewing on it on the main floor and since it's just off the kitchen I can nip in for a quick seam while I cook! The stool held a bunch of goodies including the traditional green box of feet, a lovely silver pin cushion from Japan, an original tube of Singer lube (still excellent to use in the motors), a can of Singer oil (love), a button holer (I have quite a few of those now!), and a box of buttons in a transistor radio box! What fun! The thrill of uncovering the treasures in a reclaimed machine is 33-1/3 % of the fun!

I know I've said it before, but I'm in love again! This tough-as-iron machine is a trouper and she apparently will sew through anything. She is my ASMG (amazing sewing machine guy's) favourite model and the reason I decided to add a 201 to my list. Mine happens to be a 201-3 which means she is belt driven but she's got all the great features of the original and I love her!

My first project with her (once I get the foot pedal working) is to repair the awning on our new house. The stitching was rotted and the former patch job didn't hold up to the heavy rain we've been having. I bought some UV-resistant thread and a good, big needle and I'll see what I can do to mend the seam. Scroll down to see the last photo...another "it was meant to be" moment!

When I opened up the machine to clean it, I was very surprised to see a hand-painted "A" in gold paint inside. I've never seen any markings inside any other machine so to suddenly see my monogram was kind of cool! I think it was meant to be, once again! :) <3

 

A Lovely Surprise!

Of course I am totally smitten with all my vintage machines but I have a story about how I got one of them in a very unique way.  I had a repair man in and I asked to watch him work because of my interest in motors and trouble-shooting and during our chit chat I explained how I like to refurbish old sewing machines. When he was done and leaving he offered me his 'old machine in one of those old wooden boxes' that had been in storage for years. I absolutely was interested but was a little skeptical that he would even remember about it once he was gone since nothing more was discussed and no plans were made.

Three days later when I went to unlock the door for my son I saw something through the blinds. I found it on my porch, not knowing exactly what 'that old wooden box' contained. I was so excited and my heart was pounding! It was like Christmas came early! Turns out it was a gorgeous, CENTENNIAL 99 and I FINALLY got a wonderful scroll plate! I cleaned her up and got her sewing beautifully after 4 years in storage and 10 years before that unused. The only thing I had to add was a slide cover for the bobbin ($20). She came with a tucker too, which I didn't have, as well as the usual box of attachments hidden underneath the machine. While a Singer 99 is a very common model in the vintage world, getting a Centennial (limited edition machines celebrating Singer's 100 year anniversary in 1951) makes it a truly special acquisition. She is in lovely condition and the Bentwood box itself is a treasure to have.

I brought the gentleman a thank you card and gift and told him what a lovely surprise it had been, how I would treasure his old machine, and what a terrific model she is. He just kept saying "no, no, well deserved, well deserved". So sweet! Anyway, I named her Barbara after Barbara Feldon, Agent 99 (get it? model 99?!!!!) on Get Smart, one of my favourite shows and female role models when I was a kid. I double checked Barbara was an appropriate name for 1951. It was #5 on the most popular list. The male equivalent at #5? David...the name of the man who left her for me! I feel that was totally meant to be!

Here are some pics of my new baby! She is very, very pretty!

Presenting...the new Over the Kitchen Counter Counter

Ok, moving is not for the faint of heart. We have made good progress but there is just so much to do I find myself moving from place to place to do one thing and getting sidetracked and starting on something else! A big priority for me is cleaning and even though the house was pretty much ready, upon closer inspection it wasn't left in the very clean condition I left my house in. It will take me a while to get it 'Angie Clean' but I'm working hard.

Obviously, the kitchen needed to be in fairly good order as soon as possible. I think I have done well organizing it efficiently given how much smaller it is than the 'other' one (which I customized to my needs). I have had to eliminate probably 60% of my gear. There is a lot of specialized cooking equipment that can go into the storage space in the basement and seasonal items which can be tucked away. I've removed all the duplicate or similar gadgets and after the kids have their pick I will donate the rest. I don't think this kitchen is properly laid out but I've done my best to make it as streamlined as possible. I've given up counters and cupboards but gained a lovely view! We were in a raised bungalow before so our feet never really touched the ground. It is wonderful to be so close to nature and I was thrilled to wash dishes and watch a cardinal land on the feeder. Things got even better when all of a sudden, a HUMMINGBIRD joined the airspace - something I have never seen around my house before!!! There are lots of birds, rabbits, squirrels, and I even saw a monarch butterfly today.

The workshop is coming along nicely. I finally got the majority of my sewing and crafting supplies moved in and I've been able to functionally fit everything in so it's convenient to use. I am just waiting on the countertop for the cutting table (which hubby will paint for me this weekend) and the electrician has to come back because I suddenly realized I have NO lower outlets! He did a great job wiring in some upper outlets in my cupboards but I guess I just took my lower ones for granted at the old house. I hadn't even considered it in the job. The problem is that the cupboards take up the wall space. I have my computer set up against the open wall forming a corner 'L'. My Horizon and Sweet 16 form an 'L' in the open area and that of course means there are no wall outlets to access. We decided on running one lower outlet under the cupboards and I will run a surge protector power bar along the floor to use for all the other machines (one at a time, of course!). I think it will work out fine.

I picked up my 'overflow' stuff from my mom's and must be living right because the awkward-to-store rolls of batting fit PERFECTLY on the bottom shelf of the cutting table. I can't believe my luck! There is barely a 1/4" to spare but that's actually a good thing because the rolls don't fall off when I move the table. Also, my little Gidget table is ideal for the Featherweights. I was hoping it would work, especially as a drop/inset station for them. They don't quite reach the flat bed stage when lowered but when they sit on the table they are really nicely positioned for sewing. That side of my counter will be the Singer station for my vintage machines. I can pull any one of the cutting table shelves, sew on the little table, and then put them away when done. Scrapbooking will take over the corner area of the counter and there are quick cutting and pressing stations set up on the other counter. It is going to be amazing! I can use the cutting table for whatever I'm working on - pressing, cutting, scrapbooking, or card making.

The pictures aren't great and there is a lot of mess around but I wanted to share the progress as soon as I could with you. Stay tuned for more and I really want to share my new machines photos too. As far as the new kitchen - I actually baked a birthday cake today and I even cooked a meal the other day and tried a new recipe to post soon. It was good! There are also so many awesome new Craftsy classes out. Of course I signed up for a few but haven't had a chance to watch them yet. I've been falling into bed exhausted every night and can barely read a page of my book before falling asleep. Well, tomorrow is another day!

Ahhh! We are Home!

Sorry I've been M.I.A.! Despite being incredibly organized, moving day week was extremely busy and we were still buried in a mountain of boxes. Things went, and are going, very well and we love our new home. My re-imagined workshop is phenomenal and I know I am going to love the new space. My craftsman was totally able to work on that old shelf thing I found in the cold room and all I need is the new counter top and it will be finished. I'm pretty sure it will be perfect for storing some machines, cutting yardage, and wow, is scrapbooking going to be easy now! The unit is on casters so I can move it out of the way if needed, it is the ideal height for me so an aching back is a thing of the past, and I can power-layout about 200 photos at a time!!!!

I had some issues setting up my computers but called in for help and things seem to be all good now. I have a lot of digging out to do but keep reminding myself I have a lifetime to get organized...I am NOT moving again!!!

I can't wait to show you pics when everything is unpacked and then, I am sooo ready to get back to sewing and scrapbooking. All our hard work will pay off and I can finally relax. It is neat because now the basement is all open and I can still 'participate' in the family stuff while working. I can watch them watching t.v. and craft at the same time! Now that's the best of both worlds!

Featherweight Case Refurb

I was very lucky with my first Featherweight purchase in that the case is in excellent condition and doesn't smell. Many of these original black luggage-type boxes can be in very rough shape and often have a distinctive musty odour from age, damp basements, and the deterioration of animal glue used to apply the leatherette to the beautiful wood case.

My second 221 case is not in a bad state structurally but does have some wear on the corners and the fabric is peeling back. It also does have that musty aroma but it's not by any means overpowering or the 'dead animal' offensive stench I have read about. Once my machines were cleaned and running I was ready to move on to taking care of the kits. I learned quite a lot in the Dave McCallum instructional DVD and there were tips in the Maintenance booklet I purchased from April 1930's. Those sources combined with advice from the net allowed me to refurbish my Singer cases to very acceptable, improved, and show-worthy condition.

The process is straight forward and not difficult, only requiring some time and elbow grease. Step one is wiping down the case exterior, interior, and tray if included in that particular model (both mine have it). After it is clean and dry the odour problem needs to be addressed. If you are unlucky and have a smelly issue (for some reason the Canadian cases don't have as much of a reputation for this) it is manageable if only slight in nature (musty, mouldy). The best solution is to set the open case in hot sunshine a few times. There is a more elaborate method of adding a bright lightbulb and cooking the interior for 8 hours but I prefer the simple way. I have also purchased case deodorizer from April 1930's but I haven't got it yet. Wiping with a mild bleach solution or a Lysol wipe can help too. Any procedure may take multiple repetitions for good results. The machine oil drip pan liner is also a source of stink so that should be discarded and replaced as well. I have even found that the spool pin felt is a bit musty and I washed it with soap and let it dry.

Next, any rips in the fabric should be glued down with Elmer's school glue. More serious issues with the leatherette requiring complete tear-outs are beyond my knowledge and desire but I know people have taken their cases down to the wood and completely re-done the finish with either new fabric, fibreglass or paint. Back to a minimal refurb, any scuffs can be covered over with a wide black Sharpie pen. I did this sparingly. On one case the pen marks show, on the other they didn't.

The next step is amazing. Kiwi black shoe polish did a wonderful job of shining my cases. A lot of elbow grease was needed to buff the case but wow, it is incredible how well it works to hide the Sharpie and unify the whole appearance. I loved this part and I was appreciating all those times I shined my father's shoes when I was a kid! In fact, I used the same vintage shoe-shine brush he had from his days in the RAF! Still the perfect tool for the job.

I cleaned the handles as well as I could in their deteriorated condition with car leather cleaner spray. I did the hardware using stainless steel cleaner and they really looked amazing afterwards. I'm very happy with my results and think the cases look great. Some people have commented that their cases don't look anywhere as near perfect so I guess I did a good job. Here are a bunch of photos of the process...