I’ve written before that I am a big MacGyver fan. The man could get out of any jam with gum, paper clips, string, and some tape. I’m on a mission to repair stuff. I’m not MacGyver level yet, but that’s my goal. I’m learning how to service sewing machines. Vintage Kenmore 158s are my jam, but I also have a Singer Rocketeer. I’ve learned so much in a short period, and I’m now the proud owner of Bluecreeper penetrating oil, pick tools, pry tools, and an impressive assortment of tweezers. I now have a small fleet of machines that need cleaning and some cosmetic work.

My most recent repairs include a poly resin cat statue with a shattered front paw. I thought my poor kitty was broken beyond repair. It sat for years in a window positioned so the break wasn’t clearly visible. But it has sentimental value, so I held out hope as I searched YouTube videos for repair ideas. Eventually, I decided it was time. I started by supergluing the pieces I could find and then built some armature in the front leg with modeling clay and wire. It looks 100 times better, but still felt a little wobbly, so I used some glue to fill in the cracks. I repainted it with a dark blue-gray base layer that looks good, but I plan to go back with a mix of grays and blues to give it a Russian Blue-like coat.

I also repaired my accordion-style wood drying rack. I overloaded it a while back and broke one of the cross braces that hold it upright. It sat broken for a long time. But the cat statue gave me confidence that it was fixable. Some glue and clamps, and it’s fully operational again.

Tell me about your repairs! What’s your “I-can’t-believe-I-fixed-it” story?

Photo by Андрей Сизов on Unsplash