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From: Pudge99
Date: 12-16-2003, 06:03 PM (1 of 10)
Retirement does funny things to people. My Dad just purchased a SewCute machine for himself. This man has not sewn in roughly 50 yrs. Now he wants me to explain to him how to use this machine over the phone. Is there anyone here who has one of these and is willing to help a crazy old man?  He just needs the basics of how to thread it. He can't make hide nor hare from the written directions. Also if anyone has suggestions for what to do with a lonely "old" man who has worked every day of his life, I would be very happy for suggestions. He joined the retired people at church but they don't do a whole lot except sit around and eat. I worry about him being so far away. Thanks, Gina
Pictures of my successes and failures Pfaff 2040 Janome Mylock 134D Singer Futura CE-100 w/ Autopunch Husqvarna Viking 3D Sketch |
User: Pudge99
Member since: 10-30-2001 Total posts: 1375 |
From: MaryW
Date: 12-16-2003, 06:30 PM (2 of 10)
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Gina, you are so lucky to have him. How far away is he? He needs to be around people his own age, what about a seniors centre, or bus trips. I know my mom used to get together with others and go all over the place. MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542 
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From: Pudge99
Date: 12-16-2003, 07:03 PM (3 of 10)
He is in Illinois and I am in Texas. It takes about three days to travel there(mostly because I have little ones). It is about 20 hours actual driving time. We are a lot closer than we were when we were in Germany  but still far away. I don't think he is ready for a senior center yet and if I suggested it he might take offense. He doesn't travel much but I will suggest the trips to him. My inlaws do stuff all the time and I tell him that he should try to get together with them but I think he feels like a third wheel.
Gina
Pictures of my successes and failures Pfaff 2040 Janome Mylock 134D Singer Futura CE-100 w/ Autopunch Husqvarna Viking 3D Sketch |
User: Pudge99
Member since: 10-30-2001 Total posts: 1375 |
From: joannequilts
Date: 12-16-2003, 07:14 PM (4 of 10)
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Gina, would he have any interest in doll house building? They even have nice kits he can put together, very relaxing and fun. It may catch on where he goes to meet others and he could start a group of his own
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User: joannequilts
Member since: 12-22-2000 Total posts: 3070 
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From: Chrysantha
Date: 12-16-2003, 08:29 PM (5 of 10)
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Why not volunteer for something...I'm sure theres something he's really good at...teaching ??? reading ??? working with his hands ??? he can volunteer to be a mentor for kids.....at the local food banks....sometimes local hospitals need/want people to visit others, rock babies, read...etc...our local AF bases use volunteers to man the pharmacies to give out prescriptions...they're all retiree's. Part time job ??? local greater at Wal Mart....
Chrys
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User: Chrysantha
Member since: 09-06-2002 Total posts: 2414 
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From: threads_40
Date: 12-17-2003, 09:32 AM (6 of 10)
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Oh Joanne, I think that is a wonderful idea. I sent away for a catalog and it came yesterday. I am going to order one of the doll house kits for myself. I need a hobby since my sewing is becoming more and more of a job. It is hard when you begin to loose your hobby. And after retiring from the medical field, I know how hard it is to not go to a regular 9 to 5 anymore. If he can find an interest that involves his hands, like doll houses or some other hobby, it will keep his mind stimulated as well. Good luck, you are so blessed to have your dad.  Happy Sewing threads_40 "Your goal is greater than your struggle"
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User: threads_40
Member since: 03-26-2001 Total posts: 28 
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From: Pudge99
Date: 12-17-2003, 12:02 PM (7 of 10)
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Ladies, These are all great ideas. I'll pass them on to him. I think the doll house thing would be great for him. I remember him putting together one of those kits for me when I was little. Nobody has answered my question about the SewCute machine. He really would like to use it(I'm not sure for what). Gina
Pictures of my successes and failures Pfaff 2040 Janome Mylock 134D Singer Futura CE-100 w/ Autopunch Husqvarna Viking 3D Sketch |
User: Pudge99
Member since: 10-30-2001 Total posts: 1375 |
From: MartySews
Date: 02-21-2004, 08:04 PM (8 of 10)
All he needs to find is a diagram for threading a basic sewing machine. The Sew Cutie sews a basic chain stitch and that's about all it will do. He may have thought it was a great way to have an inexpensive machine for basic clothing repairs. I would suggest that he invest in a used sewing machine if he plans to sew and / or repair clothing. Just a thought ... glad to hear from you, Pudge ... where in TX are you? Marty in TN 
It takes one moment to change a life.
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User: MartySews
Member since: 02-23-2003 Total posts: 504 
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From: Mother in Law
Date: 02-21-2004, 08:25 PM (9 of 10)
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Hey Pudge, I bought my granddaughters some little sewing machines for Christmas last year and they could never thread them either. I forgot what kind they were but I paid something like 25.00 for them. I couldn't thread them either. See if he has an AARP chapter where he is, they always are doing something and it's not always just couples. Here they go on road trips to the casinos, and they go to Branson, MO and to Dollywood and also to Gatlenburg, TN. I think they even go on cruises. He'll probably meet some other lonely men and women and enjoy himself. They have people in their 50's who go so he shouldn't feel like he's old with the AARP group. Susie |
User: Mother in Law
Member since: Total posts: |
From: Pudge99
Date: 02-21-2004, 09:39 PM (10 of 10)
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I contacted the company that makes the Sew Cute and they sent me a copy of the instructions that come with it. They were no help. I could see why he is confused I couldn't figure it out either. Maybe when I go visit him this summer I can figure it out. As for him purchasing a good sewing machine, he has my Mom's old treadle machine. It was still in working condition when I made my prom dress on it 13 yrs ago but I don't know if it has been used since. It would be perfect for him because that is what he learned on oh "sew" many years ago. Marty, I am in San Antonio. Don't know if I like it yet. Been here for 1 1/2 yrs. Gina
Pictures of my successes and failures Pfaff 2040 Janome Mylock 134D Singer Futura CE-100 w/ Autopunch Husqvarna Viking 3D Sketch |
User: Pudge99
Member since: 10-30-2001 Total posts: 1375 |
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