My etsy destash handspun and any other key words I can fit in the title post

In order to scrounge up enough money to treat myself to some birthday presents, I am doing what knitters call a destash.

Today and for the next few days, I'm putting many of my hand spun yarns for sale on etsy. They are my prize best-spun-ever-saved-for-special-occasion yarn, but given how my hands have been lately, I don't think there will be much knitting in my future.

I will most likely put a few other objects online like vintage knitting books and perhaps some washed suri alpaca locks. But I don't want to push myself as it's difficult enough as it is to see these yarns go.

So please, tell your friends! Maybe even buy something for yourself and then let me know what you made with it. I would love to see what happens with these yarns.

And pst! just a hint, this one is my favourite. There is no photograph in the world that can do it justice.

I hope someone really nice buys it.

Sewing Machine Treadle Cabinet: Quick fix for water damage

This is by no means the 'proper' way to restore those beautiful old treadle cabinets, but it does work for minor water damage.

Most of the sewing machine treadle cabinets I've come across have a simple stain and varnish finish that is easily damaged by the slightest bit of moisture. If you set a cold glass of water on it, it's bound to leave a ring. You would be surprised how easily your beautiful cabinet top can be damaged by moisture.

But lucky for you, there is a quick-fix solution for minor water damage. Light furniture oil rubbed into the wood, quickly revives the finish. I used Walnut Oil for my cabinet. It's a sort-of food safe oil, that very slightly darkens the wood, buffs easily to a classic shine, and hardens quickly, both improving the appearance and providing a protective layer.

Since this cabinet is for my own use, I'm just going to refresh the finish and then later on, apply a couple of coats of Tried & True.

Before:

After:

Two VERY IMPORTANT THINGS to note.

First: Walnut oil should not be used by people who have nut allergies or on wood that will be used by people who have nut allergies. There is a small chance of a bad reaction. However, there are many other kinds of oil you can use for this quick fix.

Second and most important: Spontaneous Combustion! Yes, it is a real thing. To quote from this link:

Spontaneous Combustion is one of the leading causes of fires in homebrewing operations according to fire investigators. Oily rags will burst into flames without an apparent ignition source if the conditions are right. Unfortunately the right conditions are fairly easy to replicate. Just pile up some oily rags. The oil will chemically react with the air in a process called oxidation, giving off heat. The rags act like insulation holding in the heat, letting it build up to autoignition temperatures.

So please dispose of the oily rag properly. When finished with the rag, get it good and wet and then seal it up in an air-tight plastic bag which you will then not put in the garbage inside the house, but instead, you will place it directly in the outside garbage bin.

Antique Sewing Machine - Singer 115

Here are some photos of my Singer 115 sewing machine. I first thought it was a Singer 15, due to the fact that the tension spring was at the end of the faceplate, but when I looked the serial number, I found out how wrong I was.

I don't know much about the 115, and there is very little information about them online. What I do know is that it has a rotating hook (as opposed to the oscillating hook that the Singer 15 has - in case anyone cares.)

I haven't done anything to the machine yet. The decals are in near perfect condition, but have a layer of grime on them. There is no build up of lint or grease inside the works. There is very little if any evidence that this machine has been used. It was made in 1916.

There are no plans for this machine at the moment. I'm just going to put it to one side in the cupboard for now.