Really Cute Packaging Idea

I read about is packaging idea by Mandi posted at A Beautiful Mess, basically sewing an envelope out of paper grocery bags. So simple and easy and cheap, and when it comes to packaging my items I've sold, I'm all about recycling, reusing, and cheap. And now it can also be super cute! Here are my results, where I didn't exactly follow Mandi's more intelligent method, because reading instructions after a project is how I usually work things.

Sold: Singer Featherweight 221K in White

It kills to have to part with this find, especially after testing it out post-tune up. Gorgeous, dreamy, mod sewing. I shouldn't complain too hard though, getting to use my grandmother's black featherweight with loads of attachments. I may prefer the white, but having two machines seems silly, and parting with a family heirloom would be sacrilege. Besides, Grandma Margene was a supreme crafter of the highest rank, and I am humbled to be working on her machine, despite the allure of the white.

Down to the gritty gritty here though: the case is in very good vintage condition, clean throughout and free of any major dings or scrapes. I am out of fabreeze right now, but there is a whiff of basement to the case. The machine, like I said, works beautifully, and is very clean save some small bits of aged dust in the hardest to reach corners. The cord is supple and free of cracks or fraying; the bakelite pedal is original and in very good condition. The light works, the motor hums satisfyingly. Reverse works great. Tension is right on. Also has the original white belt--rare! Featherweight aficionados recommend taking off the white belts and storing separately since they are a bit sought after.

Gizmo, who was recommended by the lovely girls at Purl, gave this machine a thorough going over, tune up, and clean bill of health (a $70 visit itself). Even he kept repeating over and over, "I love these machines, I love these machines." He even kindly unscrewed some of the paneling and showed me the "guts". Industrial chic indeed.

The well known indestructibility and ease of use of these machines is legendary. Also, if kept in good condition, it will only become a more valuable collectible. This particular machine was made in 1964, the last year of production. I also have the original instruction booklet, working keys for the case, and the receipt for the tune up. She's also got a brand new needle.

One last thing though is that the bobbin case is not original, I bought a modern replacement. Gizmo said the quality is not as good as the original, but what the eff is these days? It does work nicely though, and also set me back a pretty penny so I can offer this beauty as absolutely ready to sew up a storm.

Some Big Sales

Are starting this weekend: half off all Pyrex, all records $1.50, half off all holiday, all furniture 20% off, a whole table covered in half off or more reductions! Shop vintage and get a deal!

December 2009 Window

Some of the Latest From Etsy

Here's just a peek at some of the latest from our Etsy postings--check them out if you're starting to think about Xmas!!!

Lots of New Arrivals in the Etsy Store

Kept up with the Etsy store lately? A bevy of new arrivals--more to come soon, too!

Red Plaid Umbrella

I just couldn't resist posting these pics I took yesterday. Should be hitting the Etsy store this afternoon, along with some other tasty goodies...

PS. That's our Alvar Aalto 65 chair--we've got two!

Spotted! Same Glasses at Deluxa on Mad Men

UPDATE--THESE HAVE SOLD

I know I'm late to the party (I'm in the middle of season 1), but I am currently an official Mad Men convert. When Peggy was doing the twist towards the kinda jerky, but somehow mildly loveably jerky-boy, and he told her, "I don't like you like this," the deal was cinched and I was on board.

Anyhow, earlier in that very same episode, when Peggy gets her copy idea for lipstick approved and all the boys go to Don Draper's office to celebrate, low and behold what did I see!!!

lThat's right! My crystal silver-rimmed glasses!

$70 for a set of 16 glasses, in great condition, and they are beautiful beautiful glassware--clearly as the prop stylist at Mad Men can attest!

Get them here on Deluxa's Etsy store.

Etsy New Arrivals!

Some really special items have been coming our way lately. Check them all out in the Etsy shop. Here's some recent highlights below:

Rosewood and Stainless Steel Cheese Plate, SOLD

Perpetual Desk Calendar, $11



Birdcage with Faux Bird, $60 SOLD



Acroprint Time Stamp Machine, $80 SOLD


Brass Filigree Mirrored Circular Tray, $38




Teak and Brass Salt and Pepper Shakers, $11

Announcing Ilampe Designs at Deluxa

As longtime Deluxa favorites, I am so thrilled to get to share Ilampe's special one of a kind found object lamp constructions now available in the store. John and Kirsten's Ilampe designs are so beautifully executed mash-ups of hardware parts, doo-dads, thingies, and a serious dose of industrial elegance that I hardly can part with them in the store myself. There are only 3 designs in stock at the moment, but we're hoping to carry a few more, and to always have a few on hand.

Chemical Brothers. Pair of lamps with integrated Bunsen burner components. Perfect for bookshelves or bedside tables. $300, pair.

"Twisty" Fully bendable gooseneck desk task light. $120










"Schmidt". Table lamp with integrated Schmidt metal plate, $175.

All the lamp parts are brand new. All bulbs have been chosen for their special incandescence and light spaces beautifully. While they are made with specialty bulbs, they are widely available at lighting stores. Believe me, the special trip is totally worth it--one thing I have to credit Ilampe's John and Kirsten with, is teaching appreciate the subtly of good lighting, especially when it comes from a well designed lamp.

Check out Ilampe's website here. Also note that they do take commissions!

Some Etsy *Hearts*

Green Glitter Sewing Machine, $275



1911 US State Flower Map, $200



Vintage Napkin / Bill Holder, $12



Retro Lounge Stereo Speaker by Electrohome, $65