Sew Cranky's "Snowflake Challenge" for all ages continues through Feb. 14

By Michele Bourdieu

Mike Sabo of Sew Cranky offers Jethro Loosemore, 8, advice on using a hand-crank sewing machine to create a snowflake for the "Snowflake Challenge," a drop-in project for all ages at the Hancock shop, which has welcomed contestants since Dec. 1, 2022, to enter an original snowflake design. The event contines through Tuesday, Feb. 14. Also pictured, from right, are Maureen Loosemore, assisting son Jacob, and Kaitlyn Loosemore. Prizes will be announced on Monday, Feb. 20th. Click on photos for larger versions. (Photos by Keweenaw Now)

HANCOCK -- Ginger Alberti and her husband, Mike Sabo, of Hancock have been busy this winter helping visitors to their Hancock craft shop, Sew Cranky, with creative projects using their antique hand-crank sewing machines. Keweenaw Now visited the shop on Feb. 4 to capture these photos of the Loosemore family of Hancock participating in the current "Snowflake Challenge" -- their first experience using "cranky" sewing machines -- and Julie Beck  of Chassell, a regular customer at the shop, who was working on her own project.

Ginger Alberti helps the Loosemore family of Hancock get started on their snowflakes. Maureen Loosemore is a seamstress herself, accustomed to electric machines, but she welcomed the opportunity to try the hand-crank machines with her children.

Kaitlyn Loosemore, 10, works on her snowflake using one of the hand-crank sewing machines in the Sew Cranky shop.

Kaitlyn Loosemore worked steadily on her snowflake and made a second one with two different colors when not completely satisfied with her first effort.

"It was hard, but it was fun to do," Kaitlyn said. "An electric sewing machine does it for you, but with these antique ones you have control over where it's going. And I really liked cranking it!"

Kaitlyn Loosemore proudly displays her final snowflake creation. In the background, her Dad, John Loosemore, with Maureen, inspects some of the machines on display in the shop.

Maureen Loosemore helps five-year-old Jacob with his snowflake.

Maureen Loosemore, who uses an electric sewing machine at home, noted the hand-crank machines, although they are rather expensive antiques, would save on electricity. 

"I want one!" she said.

Jacob and Jethro display their completed snowflakes for the contest. Ginger irons each entry and puts the name of its creator on the back.

The "Snowflake Challenge" entries are displayed on a wall of the shop. Judging will be Monday, Feb. 20. Prizes will be awarded for most "intricate and realistic" and most "creative and original." All entries have a chance at two random prizes as well.

Today and tomorrow, Feb. 13 and 14, are the last days to work on a snowflake for the "Snowflake Challenge" -- between 1 p.m. and 6 p.m.

"We have 66 snowflakes so far," Ginger said. "No experience necessary!"

Ginger explained the word "Challenge" is used rather than "competition" because the project is a personal challenge to try something new.

At another table in the shop, Julie Beck of Chassell tests one of the machines with a piece of fabric, welcoming comments from Ginger.

Julie Beck of Chassell told Keweenaw Now she has been coming to the Sew Cranky shop for several years and has worked on several different projects.

"Shortly after Ginger opened, I came here to sew," Julie said. "I sew at home but I like learning here and Ginger is such an excellent teacher. She's very tolerant when you make mistakes. Her patience doesn't get any less."

Julie Beck pointed out some "fussy cut" placemats she made in the shop, displayed in the middle row on this wall.

Julie Beck is proud of her grandson, Logan, who recently finished making the colorful hobby horse he is displaying here.

Mike Sabo noted the Sew Cranky shop offers opportunities to create a variety of craft objects.

"We have other projects going on," Mike noted. "People can make fish, pin cushions, shopping bags and even a Victorian pocket."

Mike Sabo displays a Victorian pocket, a vintage item from the days when clothing did not include pockets and women attached one of these under their skirts.

Visitors who prefer not to sew can explore a wealth of interesting items in the shop, many that are handmade by Ginger for sale. The antique hand-crank sewing machines are also for sale.

Sew Cranky is at 322 Quincy Street in Hancock. Hours are 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Closed on Sunday. Visit Sew Cranky on Facebook for more info, photos and videos.