When I was in grad school more than 20 years ago I ran across a
Patagonia catalog. I was in San Diego, but I'm from Maine, and in
Maine if you want clothes you go to Bean's at 3:00 in the morning to
avoid crowds.

The clothes in the catalog were a revelation in two ways. First, they
were really well designed (and, as soon as I examined them in a store,
I knew they were well made, too). Second, they were Synco-class
expensive.

Since I knew how to sew, having grown up in a household where everyone
could sew, I used my summers to sew and get better at it. After a year
I was not only doing Patagonia knock-offs just by looking at the
pictures, I was also learning to tailor.

Now I have 12 machines: my original Brother; an Italian Necchi; a
Bernina 830 and a Bernina 810 (these are my go-to machines); two
Singer 66s (spare parts!), one with a hand crank; three Singer 99s; a
Singer 201; a Singer 301a; and a Singer serger. The 301a is currently
my take-it-in-the-Vanagon machine, but I might get a Bernina 811.

Straight stitch machines are great, but for finishing seams you really
need more stitches or a serger.

When you guys pointed out that aircooled engines in good tune sound
like sewing machines, I thought -- oh, right! Okay.

Oh, yeah, and I also have a Swiss multi-knife from Bernina and Wenger
that's all sewing tools!

As for fabric stores, I used to feel uncomfortable in there. But now I
know that when it comes to sewing, I. Am. The. Man.

Okay, boast and brag mode over.

Mark
1982 Westy