Starting on the Irons for the Memphis Treadle

We have a gorgeous fall day and Mister is out in the yard starting to work on the irons for my Memphis treadle.  We thought they were okay until he got a closer look and declared that they needed some lovin'.  Let the scrubbing begin!

As he is taking them irons apart, he finds the pitman rod and as he wipes it, the date appears.  May 18, 1884.  How cool is that?  This is just a piece of wood - one that has be used a great deal, and it is still in excellent shape.

While he is out in the yard, I am snug as a bug in the studio with Annie.  We are diligently working away on my Virginia Bound quilt.  I sure love this machine -- perhaps I have said that before.  Productive day.  Yay!