Friday 24 February 2017

Serendipity

I was multi tasking, see. I was in the attic, tidying and putting some curtains away. I'm never going to use them, but they were from my parent's house and there are some things I'm not ready to let go of just yet. So my attic room is really looking like a storage locker! Anyway, I was in the back left corner of the attic (which we converted to a big old room a few years ago), and I noticed a black case that I hadn't seen for ages. I don't know if it was at Mum's house and brought here in one of the many boxes, or if I've had it here for yonks, but I was very happy to uncover this beauty:
If you're a scrapbooker or journaller, it might raise an interest. There's been such a retro trend that one of the scrapbook companies (WRMK) have produced 'new' typewriters, and they're expensive. I don't remember when, but I do remember always wanting a typewriter, it goes with my obsession for office stationery and my entirely unfulfilled ambition to be a famous novelist or exciting, scoop-a-day journalist.
Anyway, I found that the resurgence of typewriters meant that I could buy a new ribbon at a price that made me cough (but didn't stop me, and indeed, ended up costing me a deal more 'free delivery' - you know). So I took it with me to the Coven's weekend away. Put it with all the other shared tools and completely forgot to use it. Did some hand written journaling, didn't even think about typing it. I think I need to have it open and on the desk in front of me to remind me that I have it. Trouble with that, as you can see, is the size....it consumes exactly the size of space that I'm most able to clear on the old desk. Better talk to Mr Dunnit about another shelf.




And to be honest, it is difficult to use - the necessary weight for key striking is quite exhausting. And making a mistake is just so time consuming!

16 comments:

misteejay said...

What a lovely 'find'.
I had a typewriter that I bought when I left school but I never did find out what my Mum did with it when I got married. It certainly never came with me and it wasn't in their house so I can only guess that she gave it away. Annoying because it cost me a lot of money.
Toni xx

Tracy said...

What a lovely find and a delightful blue colour. Even with a mistake or two anything typewritten on your pages would look amazing.

SumBunneh said...

Such a gorgeous treasure <3

shazsilverwolf said...

Awesome find! I agree though= one mistake is a disaster- all that tippexing, then retyping. But can see the appeal for scrappers. Hugs, Shaz Xx

BJ said...

Well that certainly caught my eye. I have one and DO use it for journaling. Best thing about journaling is that it doesn't matter if you make a mistake just cut out the good words and discard the rubbish ones. BJ

Ohhh Snap said...

What a beauty! At one point I had a collection of 17, however multiple moves had me pare down to about 10ish. And see if you can find some white out : D. I've been toying with the idea of inking a ribbon spool with distress reinker...

Bernice said...

Ooh - so jealous! I have had my eye on the WRMK mint green one now since before Christmas but the only place in the UK that I've found who stocks them is sold out of the mint green colour. Like you I would have a bit of a job making a space for it though! Have fun.
Bernice

Unknown said...

Luke (son the elder) found me an old electronic typewriter on Freecycle- a perfect birthday gift- plugged in and freshly ribboned up I started to type, It is the only time I have ever heard Niall scream - post traumatic stress reaction apparently. The history is that his dad ( recently deceased) being an author after a life of intrepid journalism, had used the self same model as the one upon which I was tippy typing. Throughout his childhood instead of dulcet tones reading tales of derringer do, my poor boy was prevented from sleeping by the sound of the carriage return. so if I wish to produce a typed tidbit I have to do it when My Mr G is out of town. He flys out next week to Dads funeral, asking if there is a memento I might treasure I said maybe one of his dad's pens? And whilst he is away I shall stock up on typed text.. Dxxxx

Helen said...

What a great find, and I agree, gorgeous colour. I used to make lots of mistakes on a manual typewriter!!

Sue said...

Hi Julia, By heck that brings back some memories. I was a typist at a Solicitors in Oxford and we had the old Imperial machines. Trouble with them is the keys lock up if you are fast. As I read your post I thought you'd find it hard to get ribbons, so glad you found some. Definitely worth shopping round for them, as the prices vary a lot.

Could you turn the curtains into something you would use, like a bag, or cushion covers?

Hope you have a lovely weekend. Sue

Kyla said...

What a fabulous find. I had a typewriter just like that as a kid and school tried to make me do typewriting classes (all girls) but I turned up to the boys bricklaying class (much more useful) and they turned me away!!! Anyhoo....love the clickety clack sound of a typewriter.

Felix the Crafty Cat said...

I think you are going to have fun with this. I let my last one go years ago but regret it really though I do remember it annoyed me at times almost as much as my old knitting machine actually. Happy crafty weekend, Angela xXx

Fiona@Staring at the Sea said...

Ooh, great find. I love mine, but it certainly is a work out typing more than a few words!

Elizabeth said...

Hi Julia, that's a lovely find. I've seen the WRMK typewriter on YouTube - too expensive! I'll stick to my bought for a song oldie for as often as I use it - it's tucked away in a cupboard so I forget it's there. Hugs, Elizabeth xx

Robyn said...

I have one of those typewriters and it sure is hard to type. was it that hard when we were young?

Neet said...

I had my flabber gasted when I was at CHA and saw the typewriters!! Like you say, the old style want such a pounding and there will be many a broken finger nail I can see, maybe even a flying falsie or two!
You stick to it though, nothing like a good old typewriter.
Hugs, Neet xx