New Listing: Flying Tomato Notebooks

To celebrate a summer full of homegrown tomatoes, here some juicy new books in my shop! Find them here.

Tools of the Trade: Gimbels Sewing Machine

Update: Ever since I wrote this post, I've gotten many emails from people with similar machines, but no manual. So, for all of you out there who have a similar machine, but are in need of a manual to show you the ropes, I have made copies of the original manual. I'm selling them right here just to cover the printing and shipping costs, as I'd like to share the sewing love.

A few months ago, I came upon this vintage gem in perfect working order, with a tag that aptly read "The hot rod of sewing machines," at a shop in my neighborhood called Kill Devil Hill. My friend actually spotted it first, but after a little debate, I emerged victorious, as she already had a good machine.

I haven't found much information about the background of Gimbels though. If anyone knows anything more about the company, I could be curious to know! Wikipedia has this entry about Gimbels, an iconic American department store, open from 1887-1987, so perhaps there is a connection there. My machine has the model number 3346 printed on it, and my guess is that it was made in the 1950s. The sewing machine is made from all metal components and is incredibly heavy. The manual is still intact, and details the special zig-zag features.

I have finally made a special spot for this machine in my new apartment, and I look forward to many sewing adventures!http://www.etsy.com/listing/82349036/gimbels-sewing-machine-manual

Another Little Stop Motion Gem

(via Extreme Craft)

Favorite Thing of the Day

Goodbye Sorrow from Katie Armstrong on Vimeo.

This video, Goodbye Sorrow, really made my day. I won't say more than that. Just watch it for yourself.

Have a lovely, sunny weekend!

Love,
Your Secret Admiral

Happy Halloween!

Your Secret Admiral on Modish

Yesterday afternoon, a little bird (aka Google Alerts) delivered the nicest surprise to my inbox... a feature about my handmade books on the fabulous design and style blog, Modish. The Eco-Friendly Finds piece is penned by Liz Grotyohann from Cosa Verde, with whom I had the pleasure of chatting at the Crafty Bastards Arts & Crafts fair recently, which, by the way, has won a spot in my heart as best craft fair in the land. So, if you have a moment, hop on over to Modish and have a look the write-up here!

My photo on This American Life's Facebook!

Yesterday I made the exciting discovery that This American Life posted my photo on their Facebook page!! You can see it here, along with many a comment and thumbs-up. As a devoted fan of NPR and This American Life, this nerdy tidbit made my day!

My friend gave me the lovely little Ira Glass felt finger-puppet for a birthday present earlier this year. If you'd like to make salad with Ira Glass too, you can buy your own handmade puppet from AbbeyChristine's shop on Etsy!