That's when I started coveting a manual typewriter. Yes, I have a printer and laptop in my craft room. But I wanted something I could use quickly and easily to add words or phrases to a card or an embellishment.
I forgot about it, until someone in my Facebook stream posted a photo of typewriters for sale at an office supply store. So I went out to Craigslist to see what I could find.
There were some truly gorgeous specimens in bright colors, orange with racing stripes (!) and bright blue, posted by a typewriter restorer. But they were way out of my price range. I wasn't willing to drop over $200 on a unitasker that I'd use only occasionally.
Then I saw an ad, in my area, for a 1940s Royal Quiet DeLuxe typewriter in good working condition for $45. Score! I made arrangements to meet up with the guy at a local Starbucks. He explained that helps his mother sell antiques on Craigslist so she can make a little money and fund her estate sale hobby. Cute, right? I don't even care that she probably got this machine for $5 at a yard sale. I've seen similar ones selling for $200, $300 and even $575 (!) online.
My new (old) baby |
It's a gorgeous machine - clean, shiny glass topped keys, matte black, all metal, and works well. There's no key for the number 1 or an exclamation point. I guess I have to make do with a lowercase L and an apostrophe and a period together. Apparently it was one of Ernest Hemingway's favorites. You know, like the Moleskine notebooks I'm also so fond of. (Good marketing foo, anyway.)
It's small, but it's *solid*. Most of it is made out of metal. I'm surprised at what good shape it's in - no dents, pieces missing, and all the keys still work. Even the selector switch to toggle between red and black type works! (And how cool is it that it comes with a red/black ribbon?!).
I ordered a couple of extra ribbons today for $8 each to make sure I don't run out - they're really easy to replace. I love this thing!
Nice! I like how you've shy'd away from technology to get the look and feel you want.
ReplyDeleteAnd what's up with the cigarette comment? Weird.