I have discovered that I can sew on my electric sewing machine when it is turned off simply by turning the wheel by hand. It might be a little slow, but the job can get done. My husband has an old crank handle that he thinks he can attach and make it easier. But without it I can do fine. So you don't have to go buy an old fashioned treadle machine if you can't afford it or find it you still can sew. God Bless Gay Boling

-- Gay Boling (wilber@montanasky.net), November 23, 1999

Answers

Time to stock up on extra machine needles.

-- (stich@intime.com), November 23, 1999.

I knew about the machine but I forgot the needles. Two other things one might need for the long haul are elastic (stays stretchy if not washed too often--so a new packet is good for years) and a few long parka zippers. Probably I won't melt them in the dryer any more but they do lose teeth. Pam

-- Pamela (jpjgood@penn.com), November 23, 1999.