Pilot's Wheel and the Green Elna

I have made a few more blocks and I like the way they are looking. I have decided to have just red and navy because the aqua looked wrong

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What to do with the corner squares?

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I think the white background has a cleaner more modern look while still having the adorable sailboats!  I also like the floral circle at the centre. There are so many possibilities with this block and just when I think that I have found a brilliant idea I get another one. However this is a lot of fun.



My friend Janet has just bought an Elna Grasshopper. A super cute machine. These come with a free arm and are made of aluminium so pretty lightweight. 

This is not Janet, this is an advertising card.  You can find out all about the Elnas on the Needlebar website. http://needlebar.org/main/elna/ 

These old  Elnas are unusual in that they don't have a belt or gears instead they have a friction wheel. These machines have likely sat unused for years and because the wheel is made of rubber they develop a flatspot which makes them growl.

This is the replaced friction wheel can you see how flat it is, sadly I think that the new one may be flattened too and in need of replacement.

Ray White is the acknowledged expert on all things Elna and pretty much all things vintage sewing machine too. You need to go to his website to get parts for the Elna.  http://www.whitesewingcenter.com/

Now of course because Janet has an Elna I am reminded of just how cute they are and feel it is time to get mine out and address the friction wheel issue. Where is it hiding?...in its strange aluminium case! 


There are some accessories (including what I believe to be a cover) plate, a foot controller rather than a knee controller, a manual and some cams.

The machine itself is super cute.

Gorgeous isn't it and I think exactly like Janet's except mine has a foot controller rather than the knee controller.

The model number can be found at the side and look Janet's and mine ARE the same although my case is much rougher and looks as though it has been in a war zone!! 

 I think I need to start using her! We can become the Elna Girls!