Hoppo Bumpo (n): A children's game. Played by folding one's arms and hopping on one leg. Aim is to bump opponents, so that they lose their balance. Last person standing wins.


June 13, 2009

Ruffles



I've been on a mission this week. You see, I decided that I would like a ruffler foot for my sewing machine. With a specific gathering project in mind - and the conviction that no work could start without said foot - a frantic search ensued. (We all know how important having the right gadget is, yes?)

Of course, this was more easily said than done.

Rounds of telephone calls to the bigger sewing machine dealers proved disappointing. No one seemed to have a ruffler in stock. Some stockists weren't particularly sure what a ruffler was. Those that did, said ordering it in would take weeks and weeks. In at least one case, my query was met with such indifference that I felt sure I must have interrupted something very important.

The further this presser foot slipped from my reach, the more I wanted it. (Though the proverbial arm-and-a-leg price range of $55 to $100, did seem just a tad off-putting.)

Then I remember the little sewing machine shop not far from home. A store like a reverse Tardis. A wide exterior frontage belying a tiny crammed interior: floor to ceiling sewing machines; old and new; every shape and size. I popped in.

Sorry no new ruffler feet said the owner but if you'd like to wait I'll see if I have a secondhand one. After rifling through cupboards and draws for some time, he produced a splendid specimen - sturdy and shiny - without so much as a speck of dust on it. It appeared to have never been used. I was very excited. Then he sat down and gave me a lesson in how to use this marvellous contraption. I was most appreciative.

Finally he handed me the foot and said here its yours; no charge. I was astonished. And delighted. And grateful. What a lovely thing to do.

And because no Hoppo Bumpo post is complete without a little buffoonery, can you tell me what I am doing in the photo above? Yes, that's right ... ruffling a few feathers.

20 comments:

  1. you are a loon.

    ( but a very funny one )

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  2. OK, you got me with the feathers comment. ;-)

    What a fantastic gentleman, to help out a damsel in distress like that!! I hope he's earned your loytalty. :-)

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  3. I love it when something like that happens! ps I have no idea what a foot ruffler is...

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  4. A story to remind you there are kind people in this world. You had me going "ohhhhhh"... then I read your last comment and went "oh dear!".

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  5. My goodness, that ruffler foot looks like it could mow your lawn and pack you a cut lunch into the bargain!!
    Truly daggy picture joke. I approve.

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  6. yay! Chalk one up for the good guys.

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  7. What a great story.

    I totally understand what you mean about being appreciative of the lesson. My DH bought me a ruffler for my birthday and I'm still a bit scared of it. I really need to line up a project where I HAVE to use it and get over this irrational fear.

    By the way, I think 'buffoonery' may just be my new favourite word!

    Kelley

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  8. its so nice to know that customer service still exists :D

    lol at the picture, scary looking things tho ;p

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  9. Score!!!!

    I thought you were shaking a tail feather (can see my old school reports right now "must try harder")

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  10. Excellent!...buffoonery, sewing machine man & ruffles.

    I've been making some ruffling plans myself after spotting something cute at "The Works". I'll be keenly following this one.

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  11. Oh where oh where is this tardis-like shop? I want to go there!

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  12. I think my old Singer might have one of those weird and wonderful ruffler feet. I'd really love to know what you're going to make.... something for Argy or Bargy?

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  13. You lucky girl getting it for free! I paid $55 for mine.

    Dare I ask where you got those feathers from?

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  14. what a perfect end to your day. I can so relate to the impossibility of starting something until I have the right tool for the job too (:

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  15. That is seriously the weirdest looking contraption I have ever seen!

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  16. I have one of those but I didn't know what on earth it was for. I'd love to see how it works (hint, hint).

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  17. Well done on getting your hands on a ruffler, and such a nice guy! I used to have a ruffler with my old treadle singer, it was a fantastic contraption.

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  18. My mom's ancient machine had a ruffler. Oh how I miss that thing.

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  19. It looks very complicated. You will have to show what it does when you get to use it. I will be waiting patiently.

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  20. the early bird catches the free stuff - hurrah for other people who hoard things and love it when they go to good homes.

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