February 27, 2010

Another Vintage Sewing Machine Find: Singer Model 128

Have another vintage sewing machine to add to the herd:  A 1923 Singer 128. a 3/4 size electric sewing machine with knee control.  Found her on Etsy, a great little auction site for crafting and original creations. 


Other than getting the hubby to use Mother's Polish on the "shiny" parts and a small adjustment to the shuttle tension, she was working out of the box.  The before (left) and after (right) picture don't do the pieces justice.  While they were in good condition upon arrival, the liquid wrench and mother's polish have them looking like new.  What shall I sew today?



She came in an original Singer Bentwood Box in fair condition.  The botton veneer has come off due to water damage.   It's on my list of things to fix.  Handle is solid and intact, but no key.  This case takes a Singer Flat Cabinet Key, so will add that to my treasure hunt.



Decals, 'La Vincendora' , are in great condition.  A bit of wear, but still bright and beautiful.  I will be putting on a coat of Turtle Wax to help fill in the lines and keep her looking nice.



She is an electric with a knee control.  She however does have a spoked handwheel so can easily mount and hand crank if desired.   Will sew a bit with the knee control and see what I like.




Now what shall I name her?   Victoria? 

February 21, 2010

Trash to Treasure: Singer Model 66 Treadle Sewing Machine

Came across a listing for a "Vintage Singer Sewing Machine" on Craigslist.   The seller was asking $25, so sent an email.  After a few back and forth questions, we arranged to meet at the local grocery store for the exchange.  We joked about how covert we felt when making the exchange.  Me pulling the heavy old sewing machine from the backseat of the seller's car and her taking the cold cash.

The seller told me the machine belonged to her grandmother, who lived in Mitchell, SD.   She was keeping the cabinet and installing her own new machine and didn't have a use for the old machine head.   Another treasure saved from the dump.  

Once home, I went to work researching the machine.   As is common with many of the Singers, the bobbin cover plate was missing.  A quick email to seller found she had the plate, along with misc feet and bobbins still in the cabinet.   In the meantime, I robbed a bobbin cover plate from another 66 I had and set to work.

I first wanted to date the machine.  In order to find out how old your machine is, as well as what model it is, you can utilize the Singer website.  It  has a wealth of information, as well as manuals for download and/or purchase. Many of them free, so if you are looking for a Singer Manual, check out their website first before forking over $10 or more for a photocopy off the internet.

Based on the serial number for this machine, AB 313591, I found her to be a Model 66 born on October 26, 1926 in Singer's Elizabethport Factory in Elizabeth Town, New Jersey. 





Although she came with a motor, based on the spoked handwheel, I would assume she was originally bought for a treadle.   I removed the motor, power cord and light, installed the reproduction hand crank and went to work.  After a thorough cleaning, setting the frozen bobbin winder assembly  in a pan of Liquid Wrench and a good oiling, she is stitching beautifully.  





But don't worry, the motor, power cord and light won't go to waste.  I have another Model 66 (1950's era) in need of a new motor, power cord, pedal and light.   He is next on my list to refurbish.

Now you've seen the shiney bobbin winder assembly in the photo above...here's what it looked like before I cleaned it up.  Uck!


She's all ready for a new home.  Visit my Etsy Store and take her home today.  She is ready to take her place in a treadle cabinet, have a hand crank attached, or even be motorized. 


February 7, 2010

Super Bowl Mystery Quilt 2010

Today is a me day.  I've signed up for a Super Bowl Mystery Quilt gathering at one of our local quilt shops, http://www.heirloomcreations.net/.   I've chosen three fabrics by Nancy Halvorson.   Completed my preliminary cutting and initial sewing of 32 half-square triangles.   Am packing up the sewing machine, notions, usual tools and will be on my way to the shop shortly.  Can't wait to see what the day brings.   Stop back for a play-by-play of today's project.

Happy Stitching!