Featherweight
Fanatics
Archives
September 1997
Sunday, September 21 - Saturday, September 27
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Subject: my first treadle
Date: Sat, 20 Sep 1997 23:38:46 -0700
I just bought a beautiful 127 with Sphynix decals in a wonderful condition
7-drawer treadle cabinet. It's from 1928-30 (AC serial #). It was $175
and came with a 1939 Student Manual of Machine Sewing and some attachments
that don't go with it (they're top clamping). This was the first treadle
that really spoke to me, so I had to get it! (I will NEVER get out of the
SM poor house!) I bought it in Tacoma, Washington, on a VERY quick trip to
Canada and back, so it got to go across the border with us along with some
50's futuristic speakers we bought at the same place. Talk about a packed
car...
I was curious what attachment box came with this machine. I know the
puzzle boxes were for 27's, 15's and 24's, and my 1934 FW has the green
box. Would this originally have a green box? I think I'll be putting my
puzzle box with this machine anyway even though it's probably not
technically correct.
Does anyone have an extra wheel for the treadle feet? I have 3 wheels
only. It sits level since it's on carpet, but a 4th wheel would be nice.
On another topic, I just met my neighbor across the street. He's a college
kid who's talked to DH a few times, and we just found out that he uses a
"little black Singer" for mending and occasional sewing. He brought it
over for me to look at, and it's a conditon 9 1954 FW with manual and
attachments in a condition 9 case. It's the nicest FW I've ever seen.
Boy, did I drool!! He said his grandmother bought it for him for $20
three years ago, and he had no idea it was worth anything more. I'm afraid
I talked his ear off about the machine - I told him what it was worth and
how to oil it and clean out the lint. He was excited to find out that the
machine he enjoys so much is also worth something.
Sharon
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Date: Sat, 20 Sep 1997 10:16:57 -0700
Subject: Genie/Elna
To Teri:
Am I confused or what.I,ve always thought that the Genie was a multi stitch
machine whereas the C1 Elna grasshopper is straight stitch only. Both are
kinda hard to find nowadays.Any comments.
Don
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Date: Sun, 21 Sep 1997 07:22:36
Subject: HOME from Southbend
Dear FWS; the parnoid tourist is home, sorry didnt contact anyone or even
obtain some info in time, but still had a great time in the USA. Bought too
much Studebaker stuff, but how often do I drop in at the factory warehouse.
Still thought it was a car, car vacation still saw 3 sewing machines all
embossed 7 drawer treadle cabinet all same style made at the singer factory
at southbend.
I thank Capt Dick for his kind words on the book, it is $4o.us plus
$5.shipping oh I am in Woodstock Ontario Not Toronto thats why its
Woodstock sewing centre it okay he has a lot of info to keep track of , its
hard. Oh we are using oxford.net now but still havent shut down exculink
yet but prefer if people use our new web source oxford.net.
Had some nice people from Wisconsin Green Bay stop in, just got home friday
what a mess, sewing machines every where just great and vistors stop in,
well please dont take pictures till we clean up. well will talk later .mike
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Date: Sun, 21 Sep 1997 04:53:53 -0400 (EDT)
Subject: Black Cased Buttonholer
Krisi, I'm sure I'm not alone in appreciating the FW survey update! I have
kept my copies of each of your survey updates, and enjoy looking at them from
time to time. I love these digests, Sue--thank you for all you do to make
them possible.
I, too, have one of the black-cased buttonholers. The case looks identical
to the green (Godzilla-like finish) case. I was told by a local Singer
repairman that the black case (for the low shank machines) was distributed at
the same time as the maroon case (for the slant shank machines--like the
301's); and that both preceeded the green case. My black cased buttonholer
was included in my 1938 FW box when I purchased it. The contents of the case
are the same as those of the green case: buttonholer, 5 cams, screw, feed
dog cover plate and booklet. Anyone else have one of these?
Pat
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Subject: Red Eye
Date: Sat, 20 Sep 1997 23:58:31 EDT
Hi,
A friend of mine purchased a Singer 66-3 "red eye" treadle head at a
garage sale in hopes I would buy it. When she described it to me over
the phone, she said it was electric--so I said yes. It had a light
attached to the back (with chrome cover over the bulb)--that was the
electric part. (This is a learning experience, right?) Is a removable
light on the back an optional attachment for the 66?
I now have two 66-3 red-eyes, both in poor/fair condition, one with the
treadle stand. My husband suggested that I part one of them out to get
one "better" machine. I'm wondering how difficult it would be to make
the second one electric. Are the motors and foot pedals still sold?
I'm very new to identifying machines and would like to know if the "red
eye" decal shows up on other models besides the 66?
Has anyone had any problems ordering manuals from Singer? I wrote for
one several weeks ago, but have not had any response. I'm having
trouble getting through on the 800-4Singer #----after being on hold for
several minutes I get disconnected.
Thanks
Linda
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Date: Sat, 20 Sep 1997 20:40:19 -0400 (EDT)
Subject: Re: FW Fanatics 9/12/97
Hi all , well I'm back home, made a wonderful trip to Oregon thanks to my
FW friends , went down the coast to the redwoods beautiful, stopped in all
the shops along the way & back ,saw a few FW's all priced $500. over, not
all that good shape either, I didn't get to go to the Quilt shop in Sisters,
have to make another trip!, we then went up the Gorge & spent the night , got
up checking out all the shops , beautiful place, but I came home empty
handed, suprised me! like I have room for 1 more! HA! I do want to thank
everyone for the info, my time ran out while visiting in Portland , but I'll
be back. Sandy
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Date: Sat, 20 Sep 1997 22:30:34 -0400 (EDT)
Subject: Woodstock
Hi FWF's
There really is a Mike :-) Since we were this far east
(Mich.) visiting family we took a (long) ride over to Woodstock to see his
shop and visit his machines. Unfortunately, someone else beat us to the
handcranks he had. :-(
The customs lady at the border could hardly believe we were coming all the
way from Wisconsin to Woodstock Ont. because of sewing machines. Some people
just don't understand ;-)
At any rate, we had a most enjoyable visit with Mike & his wife Tracy. It's
nice to have faces to the names now, too.
Now I wonder if there will be enough time on the trip back home to swing
back to those other shops in the U. P. where we saw those other machines a
couple weeks ago. ;-)
Gail
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Subject: Re: FW Fanatics 9/10/97
Date: Sat, 20 Sep 1997 23:46:25 +0100
To William re Wilcox and Gibbs
Machine number 220487 that your friend is trying to sell you was made in
early 1866.
Its value to him is what he will let it go for and its value to you is what
you will pay for it.
To all those seeking recommendations for service outlets.
Please let us know where you are.
To Evie et al re plexiglass
Sorry for the confusion. I never read what I write and I guess I must have
hit a delete key somewhere. The paragraph should have read:
>Quite a few museums that I do restoration work for insist that any
>replacements parts are made of plexiglas (perspex in the UK). This is so
>that a
>researcher can tell how the original was made but allows no suggestion of
>faking parts.
To Maggie
Gritzner were one of many German companies producing clones of the Singer
12 (New Family). The bobbin winder is not as complicated as it looks. Try
it -- you won't break anything.
To Hing
The only reason your FW will drag material to one side is unequal pressure
between the presser foot and the feed dogs. Try another foot as the
easiest, cheapest and most likely solution.
To Mary R
I've been told that the Singer 20 seam gauge and screw are available from
Claire Toschi who runs the Toy Stitchers Newsletter. Believe that they are
restricted to subscribers of the letter. Contact thru details in the
Glenda Thomas book.
Graham
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Date: Sat, 20 Sep 1997 20:25:00 -0400
Subject: Thanks!
Thanks to all who wrote giving advice about which machines to use for
quilting.
To the person who posted regarding the machinist's price for a kneebar
being $50, this might sound high but a machine shop (in my area)
normally has a shop rate of at least $50 to $65 an hour, so the cost of
materials would cause it to be more than that. Most machine shops will
not bother to do such a small, one-time job and they usually will not do
work for private individuals. I'd pay the $50 and be glad of it.
I am suffering from SM withdrawal. I'm in my last semester (I hope) of
college and my wallet can't afford another SM, unless I run across some
more $3 machines.
Laura
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Date: Sat, 20 Sep 1997 20:42:51 -0700
Subject: Newbie
Hi all--I'm VJo & I'm here because I am pretty sure I lucked into a
good deal yesterday.
I bought a Singer, black & gold 15-91, serial#AL073071. It is
in original cabinet(I believe), with stool, instruction book, all
original feet(as far as I can tell). It's condition, as it stands
before cleaning, is maybe just shy of an 8 on the 10 scale but the very
slight chrome damage will probably be gone after I polish with chrome
polish. Or is there another polish I should use? No paint damage. No
seam allowance gauge. The machine does run & even the light bulb works.
Now from what I read in the archives, the AL series is a *221*
which I understand is a featherweight. Is this right? Is there
someplace on the machine I'm supposed to look to find the 221. There is
a raised #7 on the underside of the machine.
I want to have this as my backup machine & for quilting. Does it
do freemotion? Any care requirements, hints, etc. will be greatly
appreciated.
Tia
VJo
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Date: Sat, 20 Sep 1997 20:59:06 -0400 (EDT)
Subject: Re: FW Fanatics 9/17/97
In a message dated 97-09-19 04:18:59 EDT, you write:
>> #161921 (I think), Singer USA. This looks like the zipper/cording foot
but
only has the cut out on the right side. There is a "knob" on the "toe"
(kind
of looks like a trailer hitch!?!) and has a wire coming out from this knob
and running along the right side of the foot, past the cut out. The wire is
about a half inch long. This foot has a slight hinge at the angle of the
foot (so that the toe area flexes upward). >>
Hi,
This sounds like the blind hem/overedge foot that I had on my old 401A (which
I don't have anymore) to go with the blind hem cam.
Gail
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Subject: Great Find!!!
Date: Sat, 20 Sep 1997 21:47:45 -0400
I just had to share my adventures today. I went garage saling, looking for
FW's. Didn't really expect to find one and didn't care much if I did.
It's the thrill of the hunt I like most. Anyhow, I had my two daughters
with me, ages 6 and 8, and we had been to 6 or 7 places and had seen a
bunch of machines, but nothing to write home about. Anyhow, we gave up for
the day and were on our way to lunch when we went by this rummage sale
sign. The girls started saying "let's stop" and when I glanced over, it
looked like there was a quilt on the porch. I thought "where there's a
quilt, maybe..." and went around the block. We got up on the porch and it
was full of junk, nothing special. The lady running it asked if I was
looking for anything special and I told her old sewing machines. She said
she had some but she thought they were gone, then said, wait, come in the
kitchen, there may be one there. As I come through the door, she lifting
up one of those familar black boxes and saying " well, there is this one".
I hold my breathe and say "how much" and she says "$2.00". Yep, you read
that right. At that point, I didn't care much if it ran or what it looked
like, but I did get it out and it's about a 1942-43 black in great shape.
I practically threw my money and ran out before one of the girls could
announce that my last one cost a lot more. My faith in FW hunting is
restored. I have two now and I want one more, so each of my DD can have
their own. What a great day - I knew you guys could appreciate my luck
like no one else would! Cindy
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Date: Sun, 21 Sep 1997 10:19:44 -0400
Subject: A Few Things
Hi All:
Please indulge me by letting me "brag" for a moment. Gail Pickens-Barger
recently posted about a couple of her father's finds: a 1939 Black Crinkle
Finish 221, p 67 in the new NJ-S book, and an oval FW cabinet. I now
confess, Dale Pickens found them for me! I have the FW and the cabinet
will be here soon. The FW is really incredible and has a better stitch
than some of my others. It's in terrific shape, not a scratch on it. I
made the decision to expand my collection with some truly old and unique
machines, and this FW fits the bill.
I know when I answer the phone and I hear: hello Kitty, it's Dale Pickens,
I get a great big smile on my face--even though I know it's going to cost
me money!
My .02 on the "what's it worth"--I agree with Sue's recent post that it's
natural to want to know the answer to that question, but, it's also a
question that many of us (myself included) are uncomfortable with and
unable to answer. I'd offer the suggestion to newbies to monitor the For
Sale Listing plus our member's web sites to check what the machines are
being sold for. This would provide some guidance and general range of
prices. Just a thought
Good Hunting All!
Kitty
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Date: Sun, 21 Sep 1997 11:29:21 EST5EDT4,M4.1.0,M10.5.0
Subject: RE: FW Fanatics 9/14/97
I just wanted to warn everyone of the danger of operating your FW without a
gib screw holding the gib in place. Either I'm the ONLY one who had this
experience, or everyone else is lucky.. both seem unlikely...
My machine jammed. No news. So when I tried to remove the bobbin case , I nneded
to remove the gib screw to move the gib itself out of the way. No big screw
(GIB screw, that is!!) present at all. Then I learn that operating as I had been
without a gib screw endangered the machine; the gib could have moved away and been
smashed during operation. So lucky that didn't happen. So while awaiting replace-
ment screws, I figured I'll use FW #2; you guessed it, NO GIB SCREW there either.
So I check others, they are O.K. Now of course I will ALWAYS check when I look at
a machine for purchase to make sure the screw is there along with other necessary
parts, or make sure the price allows for ordering the screw (which seems to be
getting harder to obtain). OF course make sure the bobbin case is there OR GET
a price adjustment, if the price isn't already bobbin-case-free!!! TAKE CARE! SusanK
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Date: Sun, 21 Sep 1997 11:31:43 -0400 (EDT)
Subject: Singer & Other Stuff
To Katy:
Congratulations on your Vintage Singer Photo find!!! These pictures are
wonderful!!! I know you will love it!!!
To Maggie:
Your web site is looking really good. And I truly like the Wilcox & Gibbs &
clones. The Western Electric is really a nice looking machine.
To All:
I found a FW this weekend at a local fleamarket...... but it is still there.
The asking price was $425..... a bit pricey for me. The machine was with a
FW table.... price on the table was $175....... I didn't purchase the table
either. It was fun to see them sitting there, though. Funny thing was that
as soon as you got close to the machine you could smell the musty odor.
LOL!!! The case was sitting near the machine and it was putting off the
musty fragrance also. Now..... the temperature was about 90 degrees and the
sun was hot, hot, hot!!!.... I would have had that case open and taken
advantage of baking the smell out of it. I think the seller had it closed
hoping that we wouldn't notice the musty. LOL!!!
Also at this same fleamarket was a fabulous Singer 15 (new style... 1940ish)
in a great looking treadle. The treadle sides were wooden..... a very nice
looking treadle machine. The man selling it said that he had just bought it
from an elderly lady who used it for all of her sewing. She really took care
of this machine because it was so clean & nice looking. The asking price was
$250 (firm) on it. I have to admit, I haven't been in the market for
another treadle machine, but this one really spoke loudly to me.
Another oldie machine that "spoke" to me was a small machine in a
domed-cover.... and it looked like the name was Climax. Could this be?????
Hmmmmm..... I can imagine the marketing strategy behind this one .....
Salesman's pitch, "Every woman needs a " Ok..... I'll stop my train of
thought on that! But... it was a nice looking machine..... electric though,
and the wiring looked rough... I wish it were hand-crank. Price was $25.
Another treadle..... I have an old treadle machine that was given to me but I
haven't taken any time to clean it up or do anything with it. This machine
belonged to my husband's great-grandmother.... it is a Singer 12 and the
serial number is 3024937 which dates it around 1869 according to GF's chart
(if I'm reading this right).
Hope everyone has had a wonderful "treasure hunt" weekend!!!!
Judy
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Date: Sun, 21 Sep 1997 11:44:18 -0400 (EDT)
Subject: Weekend finds
What a Great weekend! On Friday a pre war FW arrived from Millie Mackenzie.
It is an AE sn. It is a real beauty with lots of goodies including a handy
little tool that is a needle threader on one side and the other side is a
blade for cutting buttonholes or ripping seams. It's always a pleasure to do
business with Millie.
Then!! I stopped by a local antique mall. I had been there last week and
almost didn't go in. WELL I found a model 12 Singer hand crank in a good
condition 7. The dealer had just brought it back from England. It comes
from Stow-on-the-Wold she thinks that is in Oxfordshire England. The decals
are good there is some paint chipping near the hand crank, but the rest is
there. The dealer had just put it out that morning. All I can say is
follow your hunches.
It's a good thing my family understands as I sat with them (one at a time) on
my lap checking them out. Now I have to stay home for a while.
Linda
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Subject: Visits
Date: Sun, 21 Sep 1997 10:20:34 -0700
Been so busy with other messages I haven't mentioned several very
enjoyable visits from out of towners. Shirley Rathkopf and her
husband and son; Grant Miller and Eliza Manders; and Friday Sharon
and Byron Reese have all been by, stopped, chatted and viewed the
collection. I do enjoy visits, so if you are coming through the
area, by all means let me know and arrange to come by.
Captain Dick
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Date: Sun, 21 Sep 1997 16:41:51 -0400
Subject: request some links
Hi everyone, just putting the final touches on a new page with all my
favorite links, have a look at my site and if you would like to be included
please send me your address so I can get it in, if you would include my
address on your page I will be very grateful.
Barbara, congratulations on your new 222K, your parts will be on the way shortly
Capt Dick, nice addition to your Centennial machines, have a look at the
Centennial 128 on my page
Mike..Woodstock Sewing center, thanks for your hospitality on my recent
visit. Had a look at Mike's new book, it's like 200+ pages and if your a
collector it's got everything..cabinets..treadles..cases excellent
quality..good work Mike!
The person who wanted a motor and light assembly for a 221 please contact
me, there is a problem with your e-mail address.
Talk to you all later
Bob
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Date: Sun, 21 Sep 1997 16:11:59 -0700
Subject: green super -cases
Does anyone know anything about Elna Supermatic cases.
I picked up an empty yesterday and when I got it home
I realized it was different than the one I have a machine
in. One is shiny the other a matte green. Sure are odd.
Also I was talking to an older woman who was telling me
how she could remember the Singer man coming once a week
to her grandmother's farm to collect her machine paymant.
Imagine anyone showing up to collect a payment these days!
I enjoyed seeing all the survey info. Thanks to Krisi
for the great job! I am just cureious how 50% of the fw's I
find are centennial seals. (Wish they were those golden gate or
world's fair-or am I getting greedy?)
Taria
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Subject: Re: FW Fanatics 9/13/97
Date: Mon, 22 Sep 1997 00:30:26 +0100
To Mike re 222
The lady is going to hug the machine closer and closer (working or not)
the more you indicate that you want it. Your offer of a mint 221 and money
will only have her thinking she is sitting on a gold mine.
From experience, back off her completely. Unless others are offering deals
as well, she will come back to you eventually.
This is not a criticism but when Maggie and I strated collecting we made
offers only to find that our price had been used to sell the machines
elsewhere. For the last 20 years we have never suggested a price and the
collection has improved as a result.
To Linda re retreads
A lot of this was done shortly after the war when machines were in short
supply. Decals were sold to the trade. In my archive I have examples of
decal sheets with three different manufacturers names on them.
To Amy re Florence
There are two distinct Florence periods -- that of the strange and very
collectable curved needle machines with the needle arm that moved in an
arc. Not rare but very collectable. The second series are basic lock stitch
machines of conventional design and not so special. I would guess that ,
from the number, your sister's machine falls into the second group but my
records on this company are not complete
To Rita re motors
I did not intend to appear critical of your post. Unless we mention things
such as the motors we will not get input from others. My main criticism of
them is that they are "universal" and demand ugly brackets to make them fit
on most machines.
Graham
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Date: Sun, 21 Sep 1997 21:26:52 -0400
Subject: Puzzle
Hi all - I have a puzzle box that is puzzling me! It doesn't have a
conventional latch like all the others, nor is there any indication that
there ever was one. Instead on the end it has a round headed raised
nail and a very pretty & delicate latch that hooks onto it. Anyone seen
one like that before? Also every one of mine has the bracket for the
screwdrivers attached in the opposite corner than manual shows. Is there
a reason? Curious. Ruby
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Date: Sun, 21 Sep 1997 21:35:34 -0400 (EDT)
Subject: Tv Commercial
Hi All!
This has nothing to do with SM's but I know that there are a lot of quilters
in this group and just had to laugh at this commercial!
It is the Northern quilted bath tissue. When it first aired on tv the comic
character ladies were sitting around a quilt (bath tissue) quilting it. They
were using knitting needles! I had to laugh! Now, I notice that they
changed the commercial and the ladies are using needles and thread. Ha-Ha!
Hey, anyone interested in taking in on for a Singer 201. I have a Singer toy
model 20 I would like to trade for part of a 201. I don't know if this
little toy would make an even trade though, so I would be willing to add to
it. Contact me if interested and I will further describe the toy machine I
have.
Thanks
Terri
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Subject: My advertising BUST!
Date: Sun, 21 Sep 1997 22:26:33 -0400
To all the people who are searching for a FW like me....
I took the advice of other FW's and advertised in my area papers for a
FW. I had them put the ad in the Wanted to Buy section. I advertised. "
Small Singer Machine, Featherweight, in little black box, working" I
can't tell you how many people called to BUY my FW. By the third or fourth
call I lost my patience and said, Did you read the ad, I want to buy a FW.
I called the newspaper and told them that they should have placed the ad
under the column that read "Wanted to Buy" and not next to the column
"merchandise for sale" So they said they would run it again and add the
word "Wanted" at the beginning of the ad. I don't know if that will help.
In any event, I did talk to some nice women who are also looking for a FW.
So beware when you advertise to write the word --Wanted - at the
beginning of your ad. I will keep looking.... Karen Paulick in Long
Island, NY>
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Subject: Re: FW Fanatics 9/20/97
Date: Sun, 21 Sep 1997 21:42:33 -0500
Hi !
I tried dryer fabric softener sheets in my musty case and it helped. I
think keeping fresh ones in the case will eventually get rid of rhe smell.
And yes, after getting my first fw I want more. It is addicting!! Good luck
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Date: Sun, 21 Sep 1997 22:57:45 -0400 (EDT)
Subject: Wanted
Any featherweight . . . I've got the bug but want to know HOW to buy one!
Kathy
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Date: Sun, 21 Sep 1997 15:25:18 -0700 (PDT)
Subject: Re: FW Fanatics 9/16/97
Was out today, and stopped in at Cordova Sew and Vac. in Rancho Cordova
(near Sacramento, CA). Lots of machines- vintage and antiques. A couple
of Featherweights, a bunch of Singer handcranks and treadles (including a
model 12), a Bradbury (?-the decal with the name was worn off) fiddlebed
handcrank, a pinker, 2 miniature Singer chainstitchers, I think there's a
Florence head (at least there was the last time I stopped in), a Wheeler
and Wilson, and a bunch of other stuff. Most of the machines are for sale
(I didn't look at the prices, I was just looking at the machines- I'm NOT
buying another machine, I'm NOT buying another machine), and they all
work!!!. If anyone is in the area, it's worth a stop. No affiliation and
all that, I just have found them to be helpful, and wanted to make sure
that the newer FWF's in the greater Sacramento area knows that there are
places where we can see some of these machines without having to hunt all
over town. Since the machines are out, where you can see them, it's a good
place to try out Captain Dick's Field Guide..........
Katrina
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Subject: mystery feet
Date: Sun, 21 Sep 1997 18:40:53 -0400
Karen,
>
> #16169 Singer, Gr. Brit. This looks like the button foot that came with the
> 403, but has longer "toes." It reminds me somewhat of the open buttonhole
> foot I bought for my White back in the mid-70s, but the toes are shorter and
> stubby like the Singer button foot.
I think this is a quilting foot.
>
> #161921 (I think), Singer USA. This looks like the zipper/cording foot but
> only has the cut out on the right side. There is a "knob" on the "toe" (kind
> of looks like a trailer hitch!?!) and has a wire coming out from this knob
> and running along the right side of the foot, past the cut out. The wire is
> about a half inch long. This foot has a slight hinge at the angle of the
> foot (so that the toe area flexes upward).
Could this be a blind-stitching foot?
--
Lois
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Date: Sun, 21 Sep 1997 22:28:56 -0400 (EDT)
Subject: Re: FW Fanatics 9/20/97
In a message dated 97-09-21 18:00:50 EDT, you write:
>>how does one get rid of the musty smell in the case and machine itself>
Dear Pamela,
I got my first featherweight about 3 months ago. It reeked "musty" odor. I
took the machine out of the box and wiped the machine and box down with
Murphy's oil soap diluted in water. Then I re-cut the cardboard to fit the
bottom of the box out of fresh cardboard and pitched the old one out. Then,
I took the box outside on the bright sunny deck and sprayed the heck out of
it, (both inside and out) with a spring fragrance of Lysol spray. I moved it
about so the sun could get to all parts of it. Tipped it this way and that.
Did spray it more than once. It was much better at the end of the day, but
not perfect. Then I took a couple of fabric softener sheets and put one in
the bottom, beneath the cardboard, and taped one to the top inside of the
box. Now it's sooooooooo much better. Is not offensive. I have been
carrying it over to my dtr's the past few days as her baby has been in the
hospital. My dtr keeps a fastidious house and is very sensitive to odors.
She did not mention a "musty " smell. That's what I call success. Hope it
works for you.
My DH is returning from a vacation to TX (which I missed since youngest
Grandbaby in hospital) and is bringing home a 2nd FW that my mom found for
me. I'm prepared for the "musties", if necessary.
My grand-daughter is coming home tomorrow too, so we will be celebrating.
She was quite sick and had surgery, but things are on the upswing now.
Love this list. Have some extra buttonholers, and sets of attatchments made
by Greist, but don't have time to list them now.
Helen (Heirlooms by Helen)
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Subject: Sincere Books
Date: Sun, 21 Sep 97 20:43:16 PDT
I have not been able to read the Featherweights Fanatics list lately, due
to computer problems and a very busy schedule. Would someone update me on
the status of the Sincere Book Orders. I placed an order and paid money a
LONG time ago... Thank you, Alene
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Date: Sun, 21 Sep 1997 21:00:43 -0700
Subject: 301 weight
Hi Feathers- I just wanted to comment to Pam
on fw and 301 weights. If you carry the fw to
a quilting class in it's case it will weigh
about the same as the 301 out af it's case.
Since the 301 has that handy handle it is
real easy just to carry around as it is.
I have an older (doggy) 301 that is easy to carry
and I don't worry about hurting her. I am almost
afraid to say this here, but the 301 and it's gear-
driven motor is a bit beefier than my fw's are.
(please don't stone me-I love my fw's too ;)
Taria
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Date: Sun, 21 Sep 1997 20:35:48 -0400 (EDT)
Subject: Re: FW Fanatics 9/20/97
I recently purchased four FW which smelled very musty. I found that by
setting them out in the sun and stuffing the cases with newspapers helped to
take away most of the musty smell. I did change the newspapers several times
over a period of days. Good Luck!
Hope you enjoy your FW as much as I do mine.
Linda
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Date: Sun, 21 Sep 1997 22:47:04 -0400 (EDT)
Subject: Bernina 1000
Hello all,
I am still looking for a Bernina 1000 if any one has a lead. Thanks
to all for this and all of the other valuable an trivial information I receive.
My kind regards, Larry
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Date: Sun, 21 Sep 97 23:35:46 UT
Subject: RE: FW Fanatics 9/20/97
I love reading this information on FW. I do have two beautiful FW and one
table but donot sew... I would like to begin making simple things just to
try and use these machines. I do have lots of remnants from decorating
projects. I tried the latch hook rug of cotton strips but there is too much
fraying. Any simple hints for simple sewing projects is greatly appreciated.
ginny
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Subject: Re: FW Fanatics 9/14/97
Date: Mon, 22 Sep 1997 00:34:02 +0100
To Tweetybadger???
There's an article on the history of Elna in the next ISMACS News to be
published next month. It will probably make the web site in the spring.
To Janet re 221K
I can get a little closer with the date of your machine. -- It will be
1968. Don't be disappointed, those birthdates that Singer gives out to the
day are not the dates that the machines were made but cover a large period
for which the number allocations were made. All you can be pretty sure
about is that the machine was not manufactured before that date.
To Judy looking for a treadle in PA
Why not take a trip to Adamstown -- probably the highest concentration of
dealers anywhere in the USA?
To Charles re copyright
Not that I think it matters a damn but the position over copyright for
those countries which joined the international charter (includes most
outside the old Eastern block) is that copyright exists for 100 years after
the death of the originator. Nothing to do with the date it was produced.
Copyright is not something which has to be claimed or kept up to date. It
exists. For example my copying an illustration from your site to ISMACS
News could be held to be non-commercial and for research purposes. That
doesn't change the law but copyright is a civil matter between individuals.
No authorities would be interested. You would have to take personal action
against me. So when using something not your own which is less than 100
years old you must ask yourself whether the copyright holder of his/her
heirs are likely to come after you. It's all a metter of commonsense.
Stuff I've written has been copied all over the web and is, in theory, a
breach of copyright -- so what? If I didn't want people to read it, I
wouldn't have written it in the first place.
I have instituted a rule that nothing which appears in ISMACS News shall go
up on the website for at least six months. That's to protect our members
who pay subscription for up-to-date news, auction prices etc. But if you
were ever to lift something from our website, you won't find anything nasty
dropping through your door.
To Pam
The Singer you saw could have been one of many different models. Mother-of
Pearl was a common decoration feature on 19th century machines and used
riight up into the 1920s.
Possibly millions of the models you saw were made and a head which had lost
its treadle is unlikely to have any real value.
Graham
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Subject: Re: FW Fanatics 9/16/97
Date: Mon, 22 Sep 1997 00:34:28 +0100
To Sue re prices
Think you missed my point here. I will always respond on any digest to
someone who posts saying " I just bought a machine for $200, was this OK?"
or "I saw a machine for $200, is this a good buy?"These are genuine
requests for esential information.
What I will not do is respond to is "I have just bought a machine, was is
it worth?" Or even I want to sell a machine, what is it worth?"
Most of the later are wannabe antique dealers trying to price goods that
they want to earn the last cent out of without bothering to do any research.
We should encourage people to talk about prices not simply request them.
I''m sorry but I never the check the prices in any book before of after
buying a machine. I have looked at these guides and you should know that
there are prices quoted that are many times higher than I could expect to
sell a machine for to the world's leading collectors and just as many that
I would pay double for and still sell at a considerable profit.
And where do these prices come from?
In ISMACS News we publish the prices achieved in auctions all around the
world as these are prices actually achieved in competition with other
collectors. Currently there are two Sandt Princess machines for sale in the
USA. One is priced at $25,000 and the other at $18,000. So what's the value
for a price guide? Is the answer $13,500 as this was the price actually
achieved in auction a short time ago? No, for the next one will fetch less
as the first buyer will be out of the race and not competing. So even the
results of an auction are only good for that day in those circumstances.
So please forget the prices and use the books as identity guides and
nothing more.
To Ruby
The Hexagon machine was made by New Home which also produced an Octagon
To Katrina
The Bradbury fiddle-bed handcrank would have been a Wellington, named after
the British general who defeated Napoleon.
To al re brake cleaners
There are quite a range of these and all brands are basically a highly
volatile solvent. However the same product is also available specifically
for cleaning electrical components and might be a safer bet.
Graham
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Subject: Re: FW Fanatics 9/15/97
Date: Mon, 22 Sep 1997 00:34:22 +0100
To Sandy
The New Williams is a Canadian machine, quite common.
Graham
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Subject: Re: FW Fanatics 9/17/97
Date: Mon, 22 Sep 1997 00:34:42 +0100
To Diane
Prices on the white/green FWs are high because the machine is much rarer.
They were made only in the UK during the time the 222 was in production.
A lot of cost cutting went on with the design but it will sew as well on
all fabrics, and quieter than the black models.
To Dick re advice to newcomer
Please add the Landgraff book on European machines. I translated this from
the German some time ago. It's fairly error free (compared to others
anyway) and doesn't have a trashy price guide to delude novices. Available
from maggie@ismacs.u-net.com (I have a business interest here)
To Joanne re Domestic
There was a history of the Domestic published recently in ISMACS News. It
will make it to the website early next year.
Belt available at any dealer.
Don't repaint unless you really have to and then only the treadle -- never
the machine.
Can't tell you the value because we don't know what you paid for it.
Graham
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Subject: Re: FW Fanatics 9/18/97
Date: Mon, 22 Sep 1997 00:35:01 +0100
To Nellie re Minnesota
These machines were sold by Sears Roebuck and made by a variety of
manufacturers over the years.
Makers included Davis, Standard, New Home and A G Mason.
It's not a top drawer collectable but certainly not expensive at $100.
To Terry
Quite a few makers produced Ward machines including, as you say Eldredge.
This company became National and eventually sold out to Janome in the
1950s. I do not believe that any serial number records exist.
Threading will probably be from spool to roller guide on top of sewing
head, down to tension, thru pick-up lever, downthru guide on face plate
and thru needle from left to right.
To Betty re values
I know you didn't mention me by name but point taken, I'll try harder
To Katy re Singer picture
Yes these were given to dealers and the interesting point was weherther you
got a coloured version or the black and white. It all depended on the
previous year's sales. The picture is very, very collectable and certainly
must go with you.
Incidently this was Singer's first machine or any kind, the No One . The
Two was similar but with an elongated bed. The One is far rarer than the Two
To Carol re White phone number
Sorry must have got my numbers mixed. Try 201 825 3200
.
To Sharon re Jones
Congratulations on dickering the dealer down. Can provide a manual if you
need one.
To Patty
Give me more information on the Frister and Rossman, especially the name
and address of the agent which should be on the machine. No serial number
records exist but I can get close to a date from the agent detail.
Graham
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Date: Mon, 22 Sep 1997 05:48:18 -0500
Subject: 15J and heavy featherweight
Hello all from Greg&Mary!
Have not posted to this list before but have been lurking for some time.
By way of introduction let us direct you to our homepage at
http://homepage.usr.com/s/shawman
Here you will find information about us and many nice sewing machine
pictures.
Wanted to comment on the message from Jacqui in SW Ontario. She said she
had seen a 15J in an ugly white plastic case. We have a 15-30 in an ugly
gray plastic case. It resembles a sewing machine sitting in one of those
gray plastic bus tubs used at restaurants! Our remedy will be a display
box resembling(and inspired by) those made by Captian Dick.(His are Oak,
ours are pine).
As for the "featherweight that weighs a ton" that a woman told Jacqui
about, this sounds a lot like a "sub-compact car the size of a stretch
limo", in other words, a contradiction in terms. It seems more likely
whatever she was calling a featherweight was something else.
(Of course we HAVE eaten "Jumbo shrimp" and never questioned the
terminology!)
GREG&MARY
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Date: Mon, 22 Sep 1997 08:23:24
Dear Sue:
Don't despair! The 222k's are out there....remember, I'm the one that
bought one by accident for $15.00 Canadian at a yard sale? That's how I
got into this sewing machine stuff. I found mine under the table in a big
leather bag....looked like those old fashioned doctor's bags. I just
showed it to my son....look at the old bag...it's probably a doctor's
bag....I said to him. That's when I saw the machine. I had never heard of
a featherweight before. The reason I bought it was because the machine had
a ruffler on it. I had tried one before at a friend's who has an old
Singer from her mother. I had inquired about one for my machine and found
they were $40.00. I put it off until I'd really have a use for it...say if
I started making piles of pillows etc. I mentioned that to my husband,
"Dear, if this thing still works, it's worth buying just for the
attachement". Believe it or not, we left it there and went yard saling.
My husband said we should come back at 11:00 if I was really interested
because then there would be a good chance they'd come down in price. He
almost went home! I said that I'd really like to see if it was still
there...just for fun. Well, it was and we actually took it out of the case
this time. As I was looking at it, an old lady said that those were really
good machines and you could still buy the belts for it. So, I figured,
take a chance. We dug out all the change we could find...came up with
$15.00...she wanted $20.00. When I posted a few questions on my quiltlist
I'm on....my email was plugged! There were 47 emails that first day all
saying Featherweight in the subject line. Well, the rest is history as
they say. I picked up a little White model 128 at a yard sale...couldn't
stand the thought that someone might put it in the garbage after, and
tonight my husband is picking up a treadle machine that my aunt and uncle
are giving me because they are moving to a tiny apartment. The treadle
part was taken off as the machine was converted to electric. I'll post
about that one as soon as I get a chance to see what it looks like.
I'll post this to FWF, too, but thought I'd send it to you already today as
it always takes a few days to get the posts on the newsletter. So, keep
hunting! I'm keeping an eye out now wherever I go!
Have a nice day.
Jacqui
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Date: Mon, 22 Sep 1997 10:04:18 EDT
Subject: Clarification
In my earlier request for appliqued or embroidered quilt blocks featuring
colonial ladies and/or baskets of the 1930s and 1940s, I didn't specify that
I'm looking for the finished product. Don't have time to make applique or
embroider 'em myself - too busy piecing quilt tops.
Connie
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Date: Mon, 22 Sep 1997 12:15:38 -0400 (EDT)
Subject: Singer Model #66
I have a Singer Model #66 which I would like to value and possibly sell. The
Serial Number is G9114838. Does anybody out there know the value or if this
is something that collectors are looking for?
I think the machine is in pretty good condition. The paint on the machine is
intact with no substantial chips or marks except for general age. The wood
case is damaged, however, with some water marks.
Thanks for your help.
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Date: Mon, 22 Sep 1997 10:16:26 -0700
Subject: [Fwd: Re: FW Fanatics 9/20/97]
Pamela,
An old real estate broker's remedy for getting rid of smells in
carpeting in to pour fresh dry coffee grounds on the carpet. It takes
out many kinds of odors. Try the coffee grounds in your machine cabinet.
Don't make coffee from it afterward (?)
Bill
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Date: Mon, 22 Sep 1997 11:18:40 -0500
Subject: Black Buttonholer Case
Hi all,
We also have Singer Buttonhole Attachment #160506 in the black
textured case. It came with 6 cams and 2 feed dog cover plates,and manual
dated 10/48.Bought at an estate sale for $3.00 and also got the famous green
attachments box with it,part #120360, these appear to be for a class 66
machine (66,99,201) as it had that style bobbins in the box.
One item of interest, one of these black cased buttonhole
attachments sold on E-Bay today (9/22/97) for an unrealistic (to me) price
of $46.50 + $5.00 S/H/I. So, that brings the total of these black cases to
7 so far. Any more out there?
Through the curbside donation system, this weekend, picked up
another complete cast iron Singer treadle base. I can't believe people still
throw these away. I've seen these in Antique Stores with flat wooden or
marble top added for nearly $200.00, to be used as yard or garden tables.
This is more than most want for a complete machine, cabinet and base around
here. Good luck to each on your quests and aquirements.
Thanks Sue for all your work on these wonderful and informative digests.
Haakon & Rachel
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Date: Mon, 22 Sep 1997 14:53:40 EDT
Subject: NOTE 09-22-97 02:51:13 PM
Diane,
About the pricing of white FWs against the pricing of the black ones, perhaps
the little Brits are more expensive cause there doesn't seem to be as many of
them?? I actually prefer the stitching of my white FWs over my black ones,
although they all do very well. Also, seems to me they have a nicer 'hum' when
stitching, I rotate the FWs regularly since I am constantly using them to
piece quilts but would never overtax the little things by quilting on them.
For that and any other heavy duty stitching, I use the 201K and 301. At last
count, I had seven FWs but then whose counting. . .
Connie
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Date: Mon, 22 Sep 1997 15:23:41 -0400 (EDT)
Subject: W & W
Hi there fellow feathers. I have not posted before, but have a question for
anyone in regards to the Wheeler and Wilson treadle that I've recently
acquired. Could someone help me with the date, and any other info you might
have. It is a model 8, serial# 607859.
Also while I have your ear, Is there such a thing as an identification chart
for "bullet" shuttles? I found nine at a store this summer and have eight
different styles, with no idea what they fit. I am presuming the wood tubes
could have been switched at some time, and therefore the identifying numbers
would not be valid.
Any and all info would be appreciated.
I'll list my machines on another day.
Becky
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Date: Mon, 22 Sep 1997 17:33:20 -0400 (EDT)
Subject: Smelly FW boxes
This has nothing to do with SM's but I know that there are a lot of quilters
in this group and just had to laugh at this commercial!
It is the Northern quilted bath tissue. When it first aired on tv the comic
character ladies were sitting around a quilt (bath tissue) quilting it. They
were using knitting needles! I had to laugh! Now, I notice that they
changed the commercial and the ladies are using needles and thread. Ha-Ha!
I have to comment on this......I belong to another listserve called QuiltList
on AOL. It was the ladies on this list who are to be given a lot of credit
for this commercial being edited to show quilting being done in the proper
way, instead of with Knitting needles, What were they thinkin? The QuiltList
ladies got all in an uproar about that commercial and it was all the buzz for
quite a while Many phone calls and much mail went out to Northern from
outraged quilters and the result was a letter thanking them all for thier
input and the promise to change their commercial to show quilting using the
correct needles. My husband said, "They will never change that commercial
just because a bunch of you ladies are all disgusted about it!!!" I was
happy to see him proven wrong when the "corrected" commercial came on a few
weeks later. So big companies do listen to us little people out here if we
speak up!! Quilt Power!!!
So you are right that has nothing to do with the FWF digest, but thought it
was an interesting observation that I wanted to comment on and fill in some
info for those of you who didn't know already.
I can make this FW related, however. My most recent FW shares my own bday.
(Well, OK, it was born exactly 5 days before me, but same mo. same year. )
It is beautiful, but as with the post I was reading earlier, the case not
only has a musty smell, but absolutely REEKS of mildew, even worse than
"musty." ;-( A friend told me to wash it out thoroughly with an
antibacterial cleaner like Lysol, or something, let it air out and dry out in
the sun for a whole day or so, and then to put 3-4 fabric dryer sheets in the
box and close it up for a couple of days, and then after that always keep a
dryer sheet in there to keep the odor away, and to absorb any moisture that
might accumulate.after that....I am hoping this will work, because I couldnt
stand to be in the same room with my little FW or its box...they both smelled
up the place so bad....so the FW is in the box with the dryer sheets too. Am
hoping when I pull it out it will not smell so bad. :-)
Laura
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Date: Mon, 22 Sep 1997 08:54:39 -0500
Subject: original cases
Jacqui said:
> It was a 15J model Singer which looked like it was in
> good shape. But the case was white plastic. It was set right in this
> white plastic base with the white plastic top that clamped onto the bottom
> with metal clamps.
I doubt the case was original -- there were Singer and non-Singer cases
like this sold that you could buy to put your machine in. (It might
even have been in a cabinet originally.) Of course, it depends on when
the 15J was made, but I don't think those cases were available until
around 1960 or so...
Kay said:
> Today I came across a Singer Gripper. It's dated March 1935. The
> box states "An extra "hand" for holding material.
I haven't seen the Singer version, but one version of this tool for
sewing or another has been around for a long time. Sewing birds --
those highly desirable needlework collectibles from the Victorian era
and before -- are a 'third hand' kind of tool like the Gripper.
I don't think it was used so much for pinning and basting, but for doing
handwork on a larger piece of fabric, like hemming.
Terri
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Subject: Re: FW Fanatics 9/21/97
Date: Mon, 22 Sep 1997 17:09:16 -0500
Hey there fellow feathers,
I want to know what it takes to find a tan fw? Has anybody had any luck
or does anyone know of one for sale? I have 2 black ones and a mint white
one but a tan one is at the top of my list now.
Susan
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Date: Mon, 22 Sep 1997 19:19:27 -0400 (EDT)
Subject: 99K manual, plus
Hi to everyone. It's now official: We are 3 generations of FWfanatics! My
mother hoards 3 early ones (she gave a 1953 model to my big sis), I have 2
post-war machines and now my daughter's DMIL has found one for her and given
it as an early Christmas present! I know some of you talk about teaching your
kids to sew on yours, but are there any other families like mine?? I
definitely think it's hereditary.
DD's is a beautiful machine, which I didn't think had any scratches until I
turned on the light. And the case is even nicer. She brought it in to show me
while I was in bed with my eyes closed (I was sick!) and said "Guess what I
got??" When I couldn't guess, she said "Smell!" I still didn't know. Had to
open my eyes. Not an smell to be smelt! I suspect the MIL got one for
herself, too, as she said it sews, she tried it, BUT there was no thread on
the machine or in the bobbin. (It does sew, though!)
Back to the subject, (I thought I did this a long time ago, but DD says no)
would someone have a manual from about 1951 for a 99K they would copy for my
pesky DD? Happy to pay any costs. Thanks, Kennalee
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Date: Mon, 22 Sep 1997 20:10:45 -0400 (EDT)
Subject: Elna Supermatic
I must have done the sewing machine dance REAL good. First a beautiful pre
war FW, then an 1885 New Family hand crank, Now an Elna supermatic. It came
with the metal carrying case that folds out to a table. It also included a
table made of maple plywood with aluminum fold down legs. It was made in
Missoula Montana by theType Write Desk Manf. Co. Inc. The back is stamped
"for Elna".
The machine is stamped 9 June 1955 on the bottom. It has a Good Housekeeping
seal on it, and a round seal on the front from the Certified Merchandise Seal
of Quality United States Testing Co Inc.
It had no manual or attachments. Anyone out there have either for sale??
I oiled and threaded her and she makes a great stitch! The motor is noisy is
this normal?
Linda
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Subject: Musty Cases
Date: Mon, 22 Sep 1997 20:28:01 PDT
I am so jealous of all of you and your new finds. I did see a lovely
Elderedge in a very nice enclosed cabinet with wonderul trimming for
$170. Had to pass up, but certainly think it was worth the money.
About musty odorsin FW cases, we recommend several ways to take that
awful smell out of your case in our workshops and we usually tell them
to take a solution of bleach and water and with a rag, clean, let dry
and repeat several times and if you can leave it out in the open air
between applications so much the better. Now we have also discovered
from our class participants that Dr. Sholls odor eaters work great, a
last resort and I do mean last is to replace the case with one of those
soft covered bags or a reproduction case. Now I know you didn't want to
hear that, but I have no tried and true way to completly get rid of that
smell although the DR. Scholl certainly has been the best solution yet.
Nancy http://www.angelfire.com/mi/featherweightcare
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Date: 22 Sep 1997 21:53:30 PST
Subject: 15J in white plastic case
My very first garage sale 201 came in just such a white plastic
case as you describe. I assumed that it was an after-market addon since
the machine itself was a centennial (about 1951). Considering some of
the mildewed and water-damaged cases that I have seen in thrift strores,
the original case could have been replaced due to such damage. Another
scenerio could be when the owner wanted to use a cabinet machine as a
portable, or traded in the older machine for a newer one and kept the
cabinet. My white case has no brand marking on it, which further leads
me to believe that it is a generic replacement. I personally like the
case because it is sturdy, rain resistant, scrubbable, and rot proof.
Rose
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Subject: 401 Manual
Date: Tue, 23 Sep 1997 05:19:46 GMT
Hi everyone......love this list. Love hearing about all your
wonderful finds....but I'm not gonna get over the one gal who posted
finding a FW at a garage sale for $2.00. Dang.......that must be
some kind of record?
My hubby ( who is also a fanatic) has found two 401's, one of which I
shared with a friend who is also a collector of fine old machines. We
sure could use a copy of the manual and clues as to where we might
find the cams that go with it. There are lots of strange levers and
dials on the front of the machine and a copy of a manual would help us
to get familiar with our machines. I will be more than happy to pay
the expense of copying and mailing the copy to me. I can make a copy
of that for my friend also.
Thank you so much and happy hunting!!!
sherry
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Subject: Re: FW Fanatics 9/17/97
Date: Tue, 23 Sep 1997 05:29:03 GMT
>I have noticed recently that the pricing on White F.W.'s are higher than
>the black F.W.'s. Anyone know why? Are they becomming more collectable?
>The black gear drives would seem to me to be more of a workhorse, and
>the white machines being belt drives I know make a very beautiful stitch
>but would not handle as heavy of fabrics as the black machines. Why are
>the prices higher on the White F.W.?
>Thanks
>Diane
>
Funny thing. Tonight I was telling my hubby that there seemed to be
a difference between the way my white FW and my black FW could handle
fabric , with the white one being the lighter of the two. We wondered
why this could be. Then.....hours later, we are reading your post and
....ta da......the palm of my hand goes to my forehead in wonderment
and surprise. Thank you......for the explanation.
sherry
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Subject: Re: FW Fanatics 9/17/97
Date: Tue, 23 Sep 1997 05:34:44 GMT
>
>Hi Feathers- Taria here. I picked up a FW that has an
>oddity I havn't noticed before. The pressure reg.,several
>screws,bobbin winder thread guide and the part that hold the
>needle are all black. Doesn't appear to be the blue-black, but
>black. This is an AK,Singer dates 7-'50. Not a centennial.
>Anyone familiar with this? I also picked up a 'white' FW
>that is a EY. Singer can't date and the only thing I can
>figure out is it must be a fw that was very near the end of
>the line. Copyright date is '64 in manual! 2 FW'S in 2 days.
>I bought a lotto ticket too, but no win on that.
>Another question, did Spartan's come in cabinet's?
>Thanks for all the help.
>Taria
>
Hi Taria:
I have a white fw with an EV serial # which Singer dated for me. It
was manufactured on 11/15/63. The Manual copyright date is also
l964, same as yours. Check that serial number again....the V looks
very much like a Y, especially if you have a little dirt in the
engraving. Perhaps we have twins? awwwwwwwwwwwwww :-)
sherry
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Subject: Florida Trip and ebay
Date: Mon, 22 Sep 1997 23:00:02 -0700
Well, there doesn't seem to be enough interest in any classes or
presentations to justify a long stay down there. There was one
expression of interest from Orlando, but nothing else. So I'm going
to go ahead and schedule the trip for just a visit to
Miami/Lauderdale. Orlando would have been neat, as would Tampa for
the upcoming Titanic exhibit. Another time. I will post my visit
dates if any Feathers in N. Miami Beach area want to get together.
Now... someone please explain again (privately is fine) how to get to
the Singer list on ebay. I was still getting it, but tonight
couldn't get to either it or sewing. I did use the regular site map
to get to "Sewing: Vintage Items", but it was like a gazillion
listings for individual buttons and scraps of cloth... more than I
would ever be willing to sort through.
Captain Dick
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Date: Tue, 23 Sep 1997 02:04:07 -0400 (EDT)
Subject: Re: Singer Parlor Cabinet
I recently found a Singer rb red eye in a beautiful parlor cabinet. My
problem is that the button that is supposed to raise & lower the machine
into the cabinet doesn't seem to do anything. Does anyone have a diagram of
the inner workings of a singer parlor cabinet? I hate to take the thing apart
before I know what I'm doing. The "works" of the parlor cabinet seem to be
all enclosed,so I really can't see what the problem is. TIA
Mn Annie
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Subject: Re: "P" Singer Series
Date: Mon, 22 Sep 1997 13:51:26 -0700
> Can get a little closer for you. Your machine was made September 1900.
Fot
> the record the P series ran from July 2 1900 to December 1901
Thank you Graham for a more precise date. However, can you explain why the
"P" Series is not listed with all the other series? Like I mentioned
earlier, The Blue Book or Capt. Dick's Book did not make mention of the "P"
year.
Ann
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Date: Mon, 22 Sep 1997 22:11:14 -0400
Subject: Re: Manuals from Singer
Hi Feathers,
Linda wrote asking if anyone had trouble getting manuals from
Singer. I got through on the 800 line about a month ago and requested
three manual copies which the lady at Singer said would be free. They
were for the 128, 66-1, and 28. They are multi-generation copies but
nontheless are readable. They took three weeks to arrive.
SuEllen
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Date: Mon, 22 Sep 1997 21:56:52 -0600
Subject: Re: Singer Print
This afternoon I received the Singer print I wrote of recently. It is
even nicer than I anticipated. The print is lovely and the matting and
framing are first rate. Did anyone call and check this out? If you
missed my original post I'm talking about a print showing a hand crank
Singer machine in an old house. It is by Randy Souter of the Souter
Gallery.
It will hang nicely over the window in my sewing/computer room.
Amy
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Date: Tue, 23 Sep 1997 07:22:15 -0500
Subject: I goofed!
It is the Souders Gallery (not Souter) at 817-370-2332, Ft. Worth Texas.
Maybe we could get Randy to do a Featherweight print!?
Amy
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Date: Tue, 23 Sep 1997 09:01:00 -0400
Subject: Error on web site
Hi all!
This is posted to both ISMACS and FWF, just to save me some time!
DH has been at it again, revising our web page, he's really having fun!
He makes up in the "fun factor" what he misses in accuracy! I just
wanted to let you all know, that he hurried and got the revised site up,
just before departing on a week long business trip. I, of course, am a
basic computer illiterate, still, and don't "do" web sites! So, if
anyone looks at our site, please note that a machine is identified
incorrectly, I wouldn't want someone in the beginning stages of
collecting to look at the site for identification purposes, and
mis-identify a machine. Under the "machines sold" section, a Singer
Model 128, 1935 is mis-identified as a 1958, Model 99K. It's also a
machine we own, not one we sold! It's obvious, I'm the one who knows
machines and he's the one who knows computers!!!! : ) He'll fix it when
he's back, but in the meantime, don't consider that particular portion
accurate! We're also missing several machines.....guess he just wanted
to get the thing going before he left.
At any rate, should you "stop by" for a visit, please do read Mark's
"Great fishing adventure" under "other" - he's very proud of his catch!
Our site is located at http://www.frontiernet.net/~mljjhem/, Y'all are
welcome!
Linda
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Date: Tue, 23 Sep 1997 10:50:18 -0400 (EDT)
Subject: Re: FW Fanatics 9/17/97
I think I may have made a mistake about the Elna that Betty mentioned. Now I realize, Betty, that you said an Elna Supermatic; mine is an Elna Super. Are they two different models?
Evie
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Date: Tue, 23 Sep 1997 11:06:33 -0400
Subject: Guild Quilt Show
Hello everybody
If any of you are in upstate NY or Vermont or in Southern Quebec, my quilt
guild is having a show this weekend the 27th and 28th.
We are the Champlain Valley Quilt Guild of NY and our show will be held at
the NY State Armory on Rt 22 B in Plattsburgh NY ( 2 hours north of Albany,
1 hour south of Montreal, 1 hour West of Burlington VT)
There will be signs directing people to the show from Interstate 87 exit
37. The hours are 10 -4 both days and admission price is $3
Or email me for more details
I will have 10 pieces in the show including some challenge and "art"
pieces. We are hanging 209 quilts and will have vendors, consignment
quilts, silent auction and a wonderful wholecloth Raffle quilt.
Thanks for the bandwidth
Shelley
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Date: Tue, 23 Sep 1997 09:35:00 -0700
Subject: New Singer Featherweight
If you have wondered just what this *'new* featherweight
is all about, point your browser to this URL:
http://www.qvc.com/scripts/detail.dll?Product&V8344
I wasn't impressed.
Char
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Date: Tue, 23 Sep 97 10:48:47 -0700
Subject: Singer 66 Part
Hi!
I am new to this site. I am in the process of buying a featherweight and
can't wait to get it. So far I have really enjoyed reading about all of
your great finds.
However, I was wondering if any of you had parted out a Singer 66 and had
for sale the sliding plate that fits over the bobbin. Please e-mail me
if you have one. I am also looking for a sliding plate for a Spartan.
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Date: Tue, 23 Sep 1997 14:29:08 EDT
Subject: Huh??
Two questions that have come to mind after reading the latest FW digest:
1. Susan K, what is a gib and gib screw????? I've always heard the term, "The
cut of a person's gib," also, I believe ships have gibs. Is that the same?
And how do I know if my FWs have their gibs in place??
2. Who is Millie that FWFs are raving about? I faithfully read each
day's digest but somehow I seem to be missing info.
P.S. I would like to just place my Redeye atop a book shelf instead of in its
treadle cabinet but it tilts at a crazy angle - aren't there some sort of
rubber foot-like things to fit on the bottom that will level it up? My 201K
(thanks again, Capt. Dick) has this and sits very nicely.
Connie
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Date: Tue, 23 Sep 1997 16:08:44 -0500
Subject: RE:featherweigt machines
I'm contacting you in regards to a 1904 Singer sewing machine. It is
black with gold trimings which are all still in tack; it is in a wooden
box of which it came in. I'm just trying to get some info on this
machine if possible. I am a Quilter and a regular seamstress (which I do
own 3 other machines besides the one I'm trying to get information on,
the machine still operates like knew and I really enjoy it but I don't
know where to go and get more acessories for this machine because it
only has the original straight foot. If you could help me it would be
greatly appreciated and if I have contacted the wrong person, I'm truly
sorry but any help would be nice. Hope to hear from you soon.
Lana
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Subject: LF where are you?
Date: Tue, 23 Sep 1997 21:19:56 -0400
LF from AOL, tried to post you about the 128 manual you have
for sale, but the AOL postmaster says no go. If it's still available
and age-compatible for a 1951 128, please post me via the link
at the bottom of the message. Thanks. Sorry to post a personal
message, but I imagine others had the same problem....
Got my first 99 and 66 today, in the same day. Both wonderful
machines with lots of extras and I've already babbled about them
on ISMACS, so I won't torture dual digest readers again, but
it was a great SM day, and the info from Gailee's homepage on
these models was extremely useful. Happy hunting, all.
Lin
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Date: Tue, 23 Sep 1997 18:32:29 -0700
Subject: kerosene
Hi All,
I have a very sluggish Elna Grasshopper. I replaced the belt which was
very loose. I also tried oiling the machine which produced no better
results. I was told by a sewing machine repairmen to try using
kerosene in the oil holes, then re-oil the machine. I'm wondering
if I could get some comments from people who recommend or don't
recommend this procedure. I would hate to ruin a perfectly wonderful
machine because I didn't know how to care for it correctly.
I would very much appreciate your input.
Thanks....Kay
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Date: Tue, 23 Sep 1997 17:50:04 -0400 (EDT)
Subject: Re: FW Fanatics 9/20/97
My DH and I just found a Singer 15 in the white plastic case and it certainly
looks out of place in that case. We paid $40 which is what he had it marked.
We tried to get it for less but he said he had just marked it down from $45.
Since we didn't have that plastic case and the machine was in beautiful
condition, we decided to add it to our almost 70 machine collection! I also
found a jetson buttonholer for $10. Can't remember what parts came with the
15 and I'm too lazy to run to the basement and check. Sandie in middle PA
where it is rainy and too cold right now.
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Date: Tue, 23 Sep 1997 23:56:01 -0400 (EDT)
Subject: musty odor
I bought a fw at a garage sale, and the woman
said it had not be used in 20 years. It was stored
in the garage and the belt was ready to turn to
dust, so I believe her. The case had the musty
smell, so I opened a box of Irish spring soap
and put in the box for about 2 months. The
smell seems to be gone.........mike
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Date: Wed, 24 Sep 1997 00:01:59 -0500
Subject: identifying shuttles
Becky said:
> Also while I have your ear, Is there such a thing as an identification chart
> for "bullet" shuttles? I found nine at a store this summer and have eight
> different styles, with no idea what they fit. I am presuming the wood tubes
> could have been switched at some time, and therefore the identifying numbers
> would not be valid.
The tubes could have been switched, true, but if you can find the round
Boye display case they came in, there is a picture of each shuttle on
the front. (There are also pictures of the needles that would have been
displayed in the case, too.) The Boye case is round, painted metal,
with a dial and pointer in the middle to point to the shuttle or needles
you're looking for so it's showing when you open the little door that
gives access to the inside compartment. There is a list of sewing
machines around the outside edge (so you can look up your machine and
see what number is on the shuttle/needle tube you need!)
I think there's a list of needles by number with the machines they go
with on the ISMACS site, but I don't know if anyone has tried to scan in
the pictures of the needles/shuttles. Maybe I'll give it a try if no
one else has...
Laura said (about the Northern tissue commercial):
> I have to comment on this......I belong to another listserve called QuiltList
> on AOL. It was the ladies on this list who are to be given a lot of credit
> for this commercial being edited to show quilting being done in the proper
> way, instead of with Knitting needles, What were they thinkin?
It wasn't just Quiltlist -- there were hundreds of readers of at least
two Usenet newsgroups (rec.crafts.textiles.needlework and
r.c.t.quilting) that also responded to the commercial by writing and
e-mailing James River Corp. And I'd venture to guess that they weren't
the only ones, either. (If you want to see the gist of the newsgroup
conversations on the subject -- and you've got some time to spend! --
visit www.dejanews.com, and search these newsgroups by a keyword like
Northern...)
Linda said (about her new Elna Supermatic):
> I oiled and threaded her and she makes a great stitch! The motor is noisy is
> this normal?
Depends on what you mean by normal... :-D Supermatics have a tendency
to flatten the pulley on the motor (a little round rubber piece that is
attached to the motor shaft, and provides the contact necessary to turn
the wheel and therefore run the machine) when it's left in gear. So it
gets noisy, and eventually doesn't run well at all. It's a common
problem with Elnas, but it's definitely a mechanical problem. The
pulley is not hard to replace -- I found it expensive (about $40) but
others have found the pulleys for considerably less. (So shop around!)
Terri
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Subject: Patchwork Foot
Date: Tue, 23 Sep 1997 22:48:59 -0500
To any FWf's that use their machine's for quilt piecing...
I bought a patchwork foot from Clotilde's catalog. It's made for a low
shank machine. Brand -- Alphsew?
It work's great. It looks like the Patchwork foot on Gailee's (sp.?) Home
page, only this one has a quilting guide arm. It's sets slightly awry but
the seam is still very accurate when sewn. Has anyone ever bought the foot
from the Pickens'? Is it the same thing or is the Pickens' type made
specifically for FW's ? In general, do generic low shank feet fit the
221's? I was wondering if this Alphasew foot is the culprit for not
screwing on straight. The original foot (the only one I got with my FW)
sits very straight, so it's not a bent shaft, thank goodness. Any ideas,
comments or words of wisdom?
Patti
I caught myself checking ads for FW's, oh dear... I thought one would be
enough.............. Shouldn't this sight be called FW's Anonymous? I can
tell no one on this list wants to really quit -- ha!
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Date: Wed, 24 Sep 1997 07:40:28, -0500
Subject: what do I have?
While in NC for Parents' Weekend at my daughter's college we found
ourselves with an afternoon to kill (while she was at marching band
practice). A treadle machine in an oak cabinet followed us home! Now I'd
like to figure out just what I have. On the arm of the machine it says
"Morris Best." At least that is what I think it says. The Morris is
definite. The Best is worn since that is where one grabs the head to
raise it from the cabinet. It has an arcing shuttle bobbin. The bobbin
case is there with a bobbin in it. And there are 2 more bobbins in slots
in a narrow pull out front "drawer" of the cabinet. On the rear face
plate slide are the numbers 5141083. Don't expect this is the machine
serial number (probably a part number?) but there are few other
identifying marks. In the casting under the machine it looks like "1211"
or possibly "7277" (odd shaped numbers). On the back of the pillar of
the machine near the bottom there appear to be markings indented in the
casting. A bit of the finish is missing here and it is hard to decipher
the marks, but it appears to be 1840 (makes no sense as a year) and
under that is B+. On the hand wheel of this machine is a small fold-out
lever that disengages the main working and (presumably) allows you to
just wind the bobbin. There is a metal box of attachments (top of the
box says "attachments"!). There is no manual. Any help with
identification would be appreciated. Any help with instructions for
threading and for winding bobbins would also be appreciated. Thanks.
Jean
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Subject: Re: quiltlist listserv
Date: Wed, 24 Sep 97 07:02:16 -0500
Just a minor clarification (and it's sort of off-topic)....
Laura mentioned in the 9/22 digest that she subscribes to the QuiltList
listserv on AOL. That's because she's an AOL member, accesses her mail
through her AOL account. QuiltList is NOT restricted to AOL members; I
subscribe, as do a few other FWF who are not on AOL.
If anyone is interested in this listserv (which is primarily devoted to
foundation piecing), I'd be happy to provide subscription information.
It's available as individual messages or in digest form.
Lisa
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Subject: Musty Odor
Date: Wed, 24 Sep 1997 10:17:03 -0400
Every now and then the issue of the musty odor comes up. I seem to recall
someone writing that it is caused by algae or fungus which gets between the
lining and the wood of the case and therefore can't be "gotten to."
Someone just mentioned Dr. Scholls and I want to second that. I had a FW
with just a moderate musty smell. I bought the largest size of odor
eaters, and placed them in the case for several days. When I opened it, it
was much improved. Then I discovered that those cedar drawer liners you
buy in packages which are kind of a tongue and groove style would fit in
the bottom of the case, so I inserted those. They gave the case and
machine a cedar odor, but I think that is much to be preferred over the
musty odor.
Thanks to everyone for their interesting messages. To the Feather who just
missed 5 or 6 FWs, I would have been literally sick, I'm afraid. I used to
collect Fiesta ware (it has gotten too expensive now), and came up on a
woman at a flea market who had just purchased a big box of it for $7. She
was just getting her money out! I was so blue about that--had to give
myself a good talking to about values, etc. (and I'm not referring to money
or worth here!)
Betty
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Date: Wed, 24 Sep 1997 11:11:13 -0400
Subject: Black case buttonholer, etc.
Hi Feathers,
Per this thread, I have one of these that I paid $2.00 for at a flea
market. I wondered, after amassing zillions of the green cased units, if
something were wrong with a green one and it had turned black!
Last weekend I bought a Singer "Stocking Darner" (#35776), the oval
contraption, which I find fascinating. The date in the manual is 1953. The
box is intact but stained. Having never seen one of these I was delighted
to find it.
Nancy
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Date: Wed, 24 Sep 1997 08:21:42
Subject: Re: Treadle machine
Hi everyone:
We received a treadle sewing machine which was converted to electric from
my aunt and uncle who are moving to a seniors apartment. My husband went
to pick it up on Monday after work. He had the machine in the front of the
pickup and the cabinet on its side in the back of the truck. (There is no
tailgate on the truck) He was stopped at a stop when a lady pulled up
beside him, opens the window and hollers, " Is that machine for sale?" My
husband told her he'd just picked it up and had to look at it first, but
maybe. Someone was behind her and honking at her, so she had to move one!
The machine is very dry and dirty. My husband has it all apart and is
cleaning it up. It seems to have a thin film of oily stuff all over it. I
know we've discussed cleaning up machines often on this list, but I don't
have that anymore. What do you guys use to clean up the inside parts?
What about the outside? I think it's a model 15....it has the tension
machanism on the back. The plate on the side (where the needle goes up and
down!) has flowers on it instead of the straight up and down lines, pressed
into the metal (hope that makes sense). The back plate where the light was
attached also had the same flower pattern in it. I saw a machine at Mike
H's once that also had that flower pattern on the back plate, but not at
the side. The serial number starts with G. Does that mean it's made in
Germany? Anyone know how you can find out the age of a German machine?
Just read a post about the toilet tissue. I had read this on a quiltlist
I'm on and many ladies called or wrote the company about that crazy ad.
The company then changed it! I guess it does help to call companies up,
doesn't it.
Got a call from a friend of my cousin! and she has a couple of old machines
she wants to get rid of. Supposed to go see them Friday. I'm excited
about that. One of the machines belonged to her grandmother and supposedly
works really well. We'll see. Will let you know!
Happy sewing, hunting, quilting, etc.
Jacqui
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Date: Wed, 24 Sep 1997 11:10:49 -0500 (CDT)
Subject: Different Singer decals
Graham (or anyone), would you care to list a description of some of the
different Singer decals along with a general indication of which are more
common or less common (or more collectible)? None of the websites I've
looked at seem to have this kind of info. Are there too many decal
styles to list?
Rushing thru a flea market this weekend, I noticed 2 I had not seen before
(not that I've been looking all that long). One had leaves, 4-petaled
flowers, shells, and scrolly designs that were a scroll outline with
dividing bars regular spaced perpedicular to the scroll direction. I
think this had a chrome wheel with some light rust, bobbin case on the
left side but it was missing (G408957). This was in a fairly nice treadle
cabinet. The decals were in pretty good shape, maybe a 7, maybe not
quite. I thought $150 seemed about right? Or is the missing bobbin case
bad? Had most of the manual and some attachments.
The other was what I guess they call a vibrating shuttl). The decal was
all birds and flowers. The metal plate on the side of the machine had
flower patterns in it, too.(D933941) It was in a decent treadle cabinet
with closed front. $285 seemed a little high to me unless it was
something special? If I remember right, this was maybe a 7 also. Decals
in pretty good shape, though.
If I recall correctly, the decals in both machines were rather colorful.
Anyway, I find the different decals to be one of the most interesting
machine features, and was wondering if they are a big factor in
collectibility of the machine?
Thanks for any feedback,
Lori
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Date: Wed, 24 Sep 1997 11:43:34 -0500
Subject: Musty smell
For Pamela and others bothered by a musty smelling SM:
An article from the Minneapolis Star & Tribune suggested several ways of
removing odors from SM cases. (1) Sprinkle fresh coffee grounds inside
the case for at least 24 hours, (2) sprinkle baking soda inside the case
and let it stand for at least a week -- repeat if necessary, (3) parch
several handsful of uncooked rice in a shallow pan in the oven and place
in the case -- repeat as necessary, (4) spread cat litter inside the
case and close the lid for several days, and (5) place charcoal chips in
the case. Before reading this information, I had already scrubbed my FW
case with a bleach/water solution and placed it in the sun for a day.
It seemed to work.
Good luck!
Ellie
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Date: Wed, 24 Sep 1997 18:30:54 +0100
Subject: Wanted: 503
Dear Feathers,
I am interested in buying a 503 from one of you. Please e-mail me
seperately if you have one you are willing to sell.
Marie
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Subject: Re: FW Fanatics 9/19/97
Date: Wed, 24 Sep 1997 23:26:09 +0100
To all re research
I'd like to publically thank Mike H of the Woodstock Sewing Center in
Toronto for donating a copy of his Singer reprint set
to the ISMACS archive. It's a wonderful source for cabinets , part numbers
etc and is even ready punched for putting into a folder.
The presentation and copying is as good as the information provided and I
thoroughly recommend this to all collectors.
Graham
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Date: Wed, 24 Sep 1997 18:09:02 -0500
Subject: Re: FW fanatics 9/22/97
To Laura,
I saw that Northern commercial and thought it was a joke too! Glad to
hear all of you wrote and made a difference. Congratulations.
To all,
yesterday I received a "Terry's Village Holiday 1997" magazine- out of
Omaha NE- sells lots of "stuff" crafty things, shelves, country stuff
etc.
Inside the back page are three white little teddies sitting on and
hanging on FW 221! The teddies are for sale, not the FW. First time
I've seen one in a recent advertizement.
RE: Murphy's Oil soap
Okay I finally bought some. Do I dilute it to clean up my machine or
use it straight? (Dilute would be my guess)
Thanks in advance.
Kathleen
where I'm off to the Fargo Quilt Convention this weekend! (I get out of
moving our office into the new building!) Well, I can't change MY plans
and I've already paid.....Sorry boss.
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Date: Wed, 24 Sep 1997 20:56:52
Subject: FEATHERS AHOY
DEAR FWS; THINGS are getting busy here have leads for 3 fws, and a
cardtable have too go hustle and wheel and deal. The book as I will now
refer to it, is selling well, and i expect as people get it and are happy,
more will sell as time goes by. Loaned the local museum a nice 1903 27 in a
walnut set no 4 treadle for hands on use, and for making period costume,
took their rough 27 a local fixer sold them and going to fix it up
properly. the cast is broken so when you push down on the kick plate it
hits the floor on the left, he was going to nail a piece of wood to the
floor to hold it up. I said mickey mouse and my daughter said he lives in
disney world, he doesnt do sewing machine repairs. My master told me a long
time ago do it right or dont do it. mike
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Subject: Re: Elna Supermatic
Date: Thu, 25 Sep 1997 02:35:14 +0000
On Sunday I checked out the local Thrift Store and found a green metal case
with a Elna Supermatic inside.....its a freearm....in very good
shape....needs cleaning. I need a manual and any information I can find out
about this cool sewing machine. Please e-mail me with any info and if I can
buy a copy of the manual.
Thanks......Liz
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Date: Thu, 25 Sep 1997 00:23:49 -0700
Subject: FW case -- allergic?
Speaking of the musty odor often found in FW cases, when I bought my
FW at a garage sale I didn't think the case smelled that much. Of
course, the it had been open with the FW balancing on top of it so
perhaps it had had a chance to air out a bit. Anyway, the case was
pretty dirty so I didn't put the FW into it when I brought it home. I
decided to stick the case in the garage until I could find time to
clean it. I figured that would be safe because here in Southern
California garages are NEVER damp. (The FW itself I put in the house.)
Anyway, a few weeks later I brought the case inside and opened it up
to take a look at it. There was a slight musty odor so I thought maybe
I'd leave it open for a little while and left the case in the spare
room. Then my nose started bothering me and my chest started hurting.
(I happen to be rather sensitive to fumes and suchlike having suffered
from a chemical inflamation of the lungs some years ago.) So I decided
to shut the case before it contaminated the room.
After a while my chest started feeling better, so I decided to take
the case outdoors and let it air out in the sunshine. Opening the case
made my chest hurt again. I let it air all afternoon. When I went out
to bring it in my chest felt fine, but I took the precaution of
holding my breath while I shut the case. Chest started hurting again.
The next day I came down with a very bad sinus/cold type thing which
may just be a coincidence . . .
Anyway, has anyone else had such a bad reaction to a FW case? I sure
don't see how I'm going to clean it up if I can't even open it without
a reaction. At least the FW itself is not triggering anything.
--Mary
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Date: Thu, 25 Sep 1997 09:26:33 -0400 (EDT)
Subject: Carter Bays???
Hi All!
Could someone tell me What Carter Bays Encyclopedia is? I am wondering,
is it a book that could be found in some libraries or is it a manual or field
guide sort of thing. I've been trying to find it on the computer in or
library system with no luck.
Thanks so much,
Johnnie
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Date: Wed, 24 Sep 1997 21:28:05 -0700
Subject: Liberty treadle sewing machine
Do you have any information about this machine? If so please forward.
Thank you very much.
Delores
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Date: Thu, 25 Sep 1997 12:15:49 -0400 (EDT)
Subject: Singer Ads
A Singer was sighted in the recent TV ad for Joseph A. Banks clothiers
appearing on the CNN Headline News in the Philadelphia area. It features a
tailor constructing a mans suit using probably what might be a 201. Also in
the holiday catalog for Terry's Village on page 67 is a FW appearing in an
add for mini angel bears. This firm is a backer of Breast Cancer Awarness
month (which happens to be October). For those who are interested the phone
number listed in the catalog is 1-800-200-4400.
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Date: Thu, 25 Sep 1997 13:49:20 -0400 (EDT)
Subject: info
Not sure just whom I am writing to but since I have two Featherweights now,
will see if there is info out there for me. I had (and have) a 1951 version
for some time but when on vacation on the Calif. coast a couple of weeks ago,
my husband and I found another in an antique shop. It is a 1934 edition,
complete with case in perfect condition (the leather handle shows a little
wear but is not in the slightest broken), complete with the tray and the
book! At the time, it did not run due to the "brush" being missing from the
motor. My husband took it to a Singer repairman in Mendicino and he "sorta"
cleaned it and got it running. However, it does still run a little sluggish.
The motor has some words scratched on it saying it was "replaced in 1964".
Anyway, to get to my question - what all can I use to clean it? I do not
want to use just any product on it. Also, I have Nancy's 221 book and
understand she has a new one - does the new one give more information about
maintenance and cleaning? Thanks for any help out there. Shirley
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Date: Thu, 25 Sep 1997 14:31:44 -0400 (EDT)
Subject: Sewing Straight, Finding FWs
A couple of comments:
1. Someone asked about the FW dragging fabric to one side. It was mentioned
that the cause might be the wrong presser foot. My FW was doing the same
thing, though I knew I was using the correct foot...terrible visions of
expensive feed dog replacement danced through my head as I brought my it to
my So.Cal. FW guru, Frank Pocello. He took one look at it, tightened the
'pressure bar adjusting screw' a turn or two (that's the screw vertically
above the pressure foot, on the top of the machine)---and voila! Fabric
sailed straight through! Apparently, the pressure hadn't been tight enough to
maintain a straight stitch. He made it so tight that it took some force to
pull the fabric out....
2. Someone asked how to find a FW. There are zillions of them out there.
I've found two great ones through classified ads for used appliances. They
said, "Singer portable for sale." You have to call and question them
intensely, and then drive to their house (not a trivial matter in L.A.),
carrying cash, so you work for your prize. A slightly easier (and perhaps
more expensive) route---go to the hugest flea markets you can find. I've
seen plenty of FWs (black and white) at these, a few decently-priced.
Those dealers go to more garage and estate sales than any one employed
parent of a preschooler ever could. Keep in mind that, in addition to the
purchase price (which can be a great bargain), both methods can entail a
substantial extra cost: cleaning and repairing the machine, to bring it up to
speed (unless you do it yourself). That's when, if you can afford it, the
third route starts to look attractive---buying a FW from an experienced
mechanic/dealer---plenty of them are mentioned in this newsletter. Guys like
Frank make sure it runs perfectly before they sell it, and if there's a
problem, they fix it right up, as a matter of pride. They tend to sell
machines with all the attachments and cases, too, which can cost a bundle,
otherwise. I've read about lots of other ways (garage sales, dumpster-diving,
inheritance)---but none of them have worked for me, so far!---Cathy
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Date: Thu, 25 Sep 1997 12:50:06 -0700 (PDT)
Subject: Re: FW fanatics 9/22/97
I finally found a 201!!!!!!!!! And if anyone else is interested, I
answered an ad in the local free ad paper for "used sewing machines,$35,
Singer's, $50 and up". The guy has a garage full of machines from parted
out pieces up through the 600 series Singers. He had two other 201's, a
couple of 66's, a 15-91, a 99, a beautiful New Home (black & shiney with
gold decals), a godzilla (brown) Free Westinghouse with instruction
manual, and those are just what I can remember. He also had a couple of
boxes of parts, and a bunch of other brand machines that I can't remember.
He's gone through all of the machines to make sure they work, and they're
as clean and shiney as we'd all like to see. Anyway........he doesn't
have a computer, but if anyone's interested, his name is Dennis and the
Phone # is 208-882-5022. I have no financial interest in any of these,
just had to hold myself back in a sea of shiney black Singers! Ann
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Date: Thu, 25 Sep 1997 15:04:58 -0400
Subject: Stinky FW Cases
Hi All!!
On Sunday Sept. 21st, Curtus posted about a musty smelling case
and I would like to relate my own experience.....
Mine was/is probably one of the worst smelling cases, here's a list of
all the things I've tried.....
1. Fabric softened sheets
2. Leaving open to "air" for several weeks
3. White vinegar in a shallow dish, case shut for about two weeks
4. baking in the sun
5. mild solution of clorine bleach wash
6. activated charcoal shut case for about 4 weeks
None worked.
7. am presently trying a bar of open safeguard soap with the case
completely sealed in a plastic bag. The jury is still out on this
one....it's been sealed for about two months, when you take out the soap
and smell - the odor is still there......
Well, I think, my case has character, maybe it's just "meant to be" -
Joy F., I said that for your sake ; )
If anyone comes up with another suggestions, I'm all ears.
Linda
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Date: Thu, 25 Sep 1997 16:54:15
Subject: My "New" 301
Oh Boy, Oh Boy, Oh Boy...am I haveing fun now! I had shared with the FWF
last week that I had spotted a tan 301 in an antique shop. Well when they
reopened today I was almost the first one in. I had talked to the
gentleman who has the shop and asked if he would be interested in a trade.
Today I brought in an antique yarn winder, or sometime clock winder. All
hand made down to the gears. He liked what I was offering and I liked the
machine...so we traded.
The good part is, the lady who had the machine must not have used it much.
It has no lint or dirt at all on the inside or out. I got the manuel, oil
can, a tube of the Singer Lube ( still in its box). I have all the
attatchments that are listed in the manuel, the foot hemmer, ajustable
hemmer, the multi-slotted binder, the edge stitcher, the gathering foot,
the ruggler, I also got two zipper fot attatchments. There was also 4
packs of Singer machine needles, a material guide, two screwdrivers and an
extra bobbin. There was also another box with a tucker in it.
There is not a scratch on it except a couple of small black marks on the
back where it rubbed up against the foot petal. Even the outside of the
case looks new. Very little ware on the edges. In my amature opinion I
would say this was a machine that was not used much at all.
And the best part about it is it sews too!!!!
Several of the FW'ers had e-mailed me to let you know if I got it or
not....so...did I do good?
Pam
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Subject: Singer Medallion
Date: Thu, 25 Sep 1997 17:00:59 -0400
I was fortunate to find a 221K7 yesterday. The machine and case are in
excellent condition except
the Singer Medallion is missing from the front. These were "glued" on this
model so all I've got is
the dried residue. Does anyone know if it's possible to replace the
medallion and where I might
look for one??
TIA
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Subject: New "Featherweight"
Date: Thu, 25 Sep 1997 21:27:55 -0700
Someone brought one of these to a class I was in. It broke
thorougly right there in the class... needless to say, no one ran out
and ordered one. Frankly, it is so light that I can't imagine
controlling anything more than the simplest piecing in it. Any
volume of fabric would simply drag it off the table.
Captain Dick
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Date: Thu, 25 Sep 1997 18:37:32 -0400 (EDT)
Subject: Parts and manuel
I am looking for the left side door on the head of the 500A Series Singer
machine. If you can give me any help it would be greatly appreciated. Someone
posted in the sewing section that you may be able to help. Please send prices
and also the price for a manuel for this machine. Thank you so much for your
time. Please E-MAIL
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Date: Fri, 26 Sep 1997 01:35:00 -0400
Subject: Singer Picture/Buttonholer cases
Graham, my picture is black and white. I guess in terms of sales, the
original owner could have done better :). Can you tell me about when
they were given out? It measures about 21" x 29". In case anyone is
interested, I paid $100 for it but it is worth MUCH more to me. Not that
I had more than that to spend, but it would take much more to get me to
part with it. Yes, it is going to France. I can't bear to put it in
storage for two years.
Re: black buttonholer cases. I got one with my first 99k and have seen
several. Not as many as the green cases but I really don't think they
are exceedingly rare. Probably people just have not noticed them before.
I think the one on e-Bay sold VERY high and as a result, many more will
come to light. Just my .02 worth.
Add me to the list of green with envy over the $2.00 FW. And yet, it
gives me hope that one day I too will find one at this price.
About the plastic cases, I got a 201K in one once. Just goes to show you
can't overlook ANY SM case in your search. I have even picked up an
empty case like this becasue they are nice to store machines in when you
run out of room for cabinets.
Taria, perhaps your FW is the "blackside" version discussed in the new
Nancy J-S book. Sounds very cool.
Sighting: I saw a very beatup FW at the local antique mall last weekend.
Price: $375 firm. Looks like someone dripped paint on it.
Enough musings for now. Happy hunting everyone. Katy
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Date: Thu, 25 Sep 1997 20:36:48
Subject: TWO IN ONE DAY.
Dear fws; just want to clarify a small minor detail, somehow we keep
getting mixed up that we are in Toronto. We are in the hamlet of Woodstock
named after its counter part in GB, otherwise known as England. Second we
are now using oxford.net e mail but no big panic havent shut down the old
one yet. I want to thank everyone that has recommended and supported my
book, capt Dick, Graham. I am just trying to help some of the collectors
who want to know what they are buying and restoring and I have found this
book, ie the original a lot of help over the last odd twenty years or so.
Featherweight fever has struck bought two blue badge 51, and a cardtable
today and off to buy another tomorrow. Have a nice weekend. yours mikeh.
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Date: Fri, 26 Sep 1997 08:12:40 +0000
Subject: Singer black tin box
Hello to all! I have recently found an empty Singer tin box at a flea market and
I have no clue what it is for. Maybe some of you can help. The box has a
crinkle shiny black paint finish with rounded corners. It measures 6 1/2 inches
long by 3 inches wide by 1 1/2 inch high. The cover is on metal hinges. The
Singer logo is embossed on the top in a rectangle that is also embossed
around the Singer name. Just below, small capital letters "M.R." are also
embossed. On the bottom part, just on the edge, are engraved the words
"Made in Great Britain". There is no part no. anywhere. Can someone tell me
for what kind of accessories or attachment is was destined for, what is its
approximate manufacturing date if possible, and what the letters "M.R."
means. Those letters are also on a centennial 15-88 I have just below the
centennial logo. TIA
Anne
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Date: Thu, 25 Sep 1997 20:39:13 -0400 (EDT)
Subject: Slightly Stale Stems and Pieces
Hi All!
For a number of reasons, including having my gallbladder out two weeks ago
(NOT an emergency, I'm happy to say), I've been off of the Digest and am
just now catching up. If I'm redundant with a lot of other replys, I
apologize.
To Karen : Your mystery foot #161921 is most probably an Overedge
foot. It's used while zig-zagging or with a couple of the flexi-stitch
cams on the later Singers. It keeps the raw edge that you're zig-zagging
from getting all puckery from being stretched by the pulling of the
thread. When you use the foot, the little wire should be right at the
edge of the fabric. Try it -- you'll REALLY like it. I can photocopy a
couple of pages for you from my 750 Touch N Sew manual if you like. E-mail
me privately.
To all: Just curious, how many "celebrity" machines can we account for now?
1 --> Centennial (1951)
2 --> Texas Exposition (????)
3 --> San Francisco Exposition (I forget the date)
4 --> Anything else???
To Teri : Not sure about your dimensions, but my Spartan has a
keyhole-shaped cutout near the rear on the flywheel side. The hole is
meant to let the cord pass through the machine bed if your Spartan is in a
cabinet. Yes, I said cabinet. I actually saw one of these in a Thrift
Shop about two years ago (didn't buy it), and I think Chris on St.Simon's
HAS one.
To Ellie: I don't own a Simplex but I saw one in a Thrift Store this
spring. From a distance it was very easy to mistake for a Singer, and in
fact if you were in a hurry and didn't read the decals you might believe
you were buying a Singer until you got it home and REALLY looked at it.
A couple of weeks ago I picked up a newer Singer buttonholer, 102576, plus
brown & green cams for larger buttonholes than the "regular" buttonholers.
Anyone have a book I can get a photocopy of? The thing seems to fit the
401, but I couldn't make it work (although at the time I didn't try very
hard).
To Nancy from Michigan: Please e-mail me privately, I have a
question for you.
Lydia
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Subject: Re: Gib Screw & Red Eye Decal?
Date: Thu, 25 Sep 1997 15:16:21 -0700
> I just wanted to warn everyone of the danger of operating your FW without
a
> gib screw holding the gib in place. Either I'm the ONLY one who had this
> experience, or everyone else is lucky.. both seem unlikely...
> SusanK
Hi Everyone!
I hate to sound stupid....but, what is a Gib Screw?]
Also, can someone explain what a Red-eye Decal is?
Thanks,
Ann
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Date: Thu, 25 Sep 1997 23:01:29 -0400 (EDT)
Subject: Re: FW with black trim
Hello!
To Taria: In a message dated 97-09-25, you write:
>Hi Feathers- Taria here. I picked up a FW that has an oddity I havn't
noticed >before. The pressure reg.,several screws,bobbin winder thread
guide and the part >that hold the needle are all black. Doesn't appear to be
the blue-black, but black. >This is an AK,Singer dates 7-'50. Not a
centennial. Anyone familiar with this? >>
I just got a Centennial FW (5-10-51) and on mine the pressure reg., several
screws, bobbin winder, and the piece you put the bobbin on to wind it are all
black. The part that holds my needle is silver. I must have some of your
leftover black parts!
Linda
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Subject: Little Known Facts
Date: Thu, 25 Sep 1997 21:38:04 -0700
Hi;
Herewith some "Little Known Facts":
* Each evening, Captain Dick enjoys one cigar.
* Very soon, Captain Dick will be lighting his cigars with a Singer
Centennial Zippo Lighter.... Yes, indeed. As soon as it arrives, I
will put pictures on the web site.
* How many of you knew that there was a Model 221 that had a real,
honest to goodness zigzag stitching option built in, right at the
factory? There is... Don't send questions, because I won't anser
them! I will say that Sharon Reese has seen this machine and can
vouch for it's existence. I'm going to tease you all and reveal
more about this extremely rare and little known example day by day.
More will be revealed tomorrow, and will be even more startling! By
Sunday or Monday, I will have told you all about it and have pictures
up. (Stop drooling into your keyboards!!!!)
Captain Dick
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Date: Fri, 26 Sep 1997 09:48:05
Subject: Re: "New" featherweight
To Char:
No impressed either!
I went to a quilt show yesterday with my Mom and we stopped at a craft shop
in that town. They had a sale flyer there and they were advertising this
new Featherweight for $179.99 (this is Canada, of course). I looked around
the store to take a look at it, but couldn't find it. It was the exact
machine that was on that URL you posted. The thing that didn't impress me
was the "made in China". I am so sick of products made in China...so often
they are of cheap material and fall apart. I definitely wouldn't want one
of those machines. If I have to spend $179.99 anyways (plus 15% tax), I
may as well buy a "real" one and know I have a good product.
Jacqui
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Subject: Treadle Belts
Date: Fri, 26 Sep 1997 10:08:43 -0700
Ina recent response I made on ISMACS I mentioned that I got so many
requests for treadle belt installation instructions I had put
together a standard response and keyed it so I could just send it
whenever I needed to. I got so many requests as a result I am
posting it to both lists. It's long. If you aren't interested just
scroll on down.
Captain Dick's Treadle Belt Installation Instructions:
Putting on a treadle belt is really very easy. They come too long,
and with a metal staple on one end. Feed it on (If you can,
carefully observe how the old one fed) and pull the two ends along
side each
other until the belt is just barely snug. Mark the correct length
and cut it off there. (Just thought I'd mention it... don't cut the
end with the staple!) Use an ice pick and a block of wood and poke a
hole in the cut end to accept the open end of the staple. Put the
staple through the hole, roll the belt onto the wheel and try the
action. (It is helpful if you don't bend the staple closed for this
trial. You may be trying it several times and if you repeatedly open
and close the staple, it may break off. Bend it closed when you have
achieved a good length.) At this point, the belt may well be too
loose, which is way better than too tight. From this point, repeat
the process, only with each attempt, cut the end off exactly at the
staple hole (which should be about 1/4" in from the end.). You will
be suprised at how much difference that tiny adjustment can make.
Anyhow, when the belt turns the machine smoothly and easily, stop.
In a week or two of use, the belt may well stretch and you will have
to make another fitting adjustment. The key thing is not to get it
too tight. It will cause the machine to be sluggish and your foot to
get tired. The treadling should be easy and the belt just tight
enough to sew, but not to slip. Another little trick... Lots of
times old belts get greasy and leave the treadle wheel and hand wheel
grooves greasy. Take a rag with alchohol or gasoline on it and clean
the grooves by holding the rag down into them while you turn the
wheels. When they are nice and clean, dry them. When oiling the
machine, try to keep oil out of the grooves and off of the belt.
Another helpful hint: I keep my belt quite loose by most people's
standards. However, I also keep a block of fiddle bow rosin (resin?)
in my drawer, and periodically when I'm winding bobbins, I let the
belt run over the rosin block. This gives it good gripping quality
and it seldom slips, while providing nice easy treadling.
Second helpful hint: Go to a commercial sewing machine repair store
or shop. They carry leather sewing machine belting in a larger
diameter, which they sell by the foot. buy 5 feet plus a clinching
brad or staple and use this instead of the thin belts normally sold
for treadles... again, it provides more gripping surface.
Captain Dick
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Subject: slide plate/Redeye levellers
Date: Fri, 26 Sep 1997 13:01:08 EDT
Kathy wrote
" I was wondering if any of you had parted out a Singer 66 and had
for sale the sliding plate that fits over the bobbin. "
I called sewing machine shops in the Dallas, TX area asking for a 66
slide plate. The main Singer dealer had them for $9.99. Another shop,
Johnny's Sewing Center, (972)475-0492, Rowlett, TX, had them for $6.95
plus $1.00 shipping plus tax on credit card orders. Is this a
reasonable price?
Connie wrote
"I would like to place my Redeye atop a book shelf ... aren't there some
sort
of rubber foot-like things to fit on the bottom that will level it up?"
I'd like the same information.
Regarding repairs to my second Singer 66:
1. I need a new red oiling felt/"wick" (bobbin area).
Can I make one out of felted wool or cotton felt?
2. The thread guide on the face plate has broken off.
Is there a way to attach another one--say using a part of a paper clip or
something else?
3. What is the best way to remove rust from the parts in the bobbin
area?
Linda
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Subject: Decals
Date: Fri, 26 Sep 1997 10:03:06 -0700
Hi, all.
I guess I have input on two subjects, decals and treadle belts, both
long posts. I will split them up. They are going to both lists, so
if you read it on one you can ignor it on the other... also, if you
aren't interested in the subjects, scroll on down...
Decals. Someone asked for a list of decals... don't know of such
specifically. However, here's the one's I know:
- some very early VS #2's have flowers of them. They actually look
hand painted. Very pretty.
- the "Memphis" or Egyptian decals, very common
- a decal of kind of pearly flowers and leaves... don't know why, but
it reminds me of Tiffany art
_ a lovely Scots thistle
- a very wise looking owl (don't have one of these and would like to
get one)
- on the 9W1 only, a system of Celtic knots, or alternatively, a
large #9
- the redeye on the 66
- on the 128, a nice gold and red floral on the pillar
- After all of the above, things went to plain black, but some of the
bed decals differ, notably the floating bird and the sunburst with
Singer in the middle. These are both shown on my web pages at the
moment... check the special postings and sewing machine pages.
With apologies to Graham, the best reference I know to see a few of
these is the Slaten book. Whatever objections there may be to it, it
is at least in print and can be ordered... most newcomers to the
interest are not in a position to do searches for obscure out of
print books. Also, I firmly believe that if you are interested
enough in a subject to pursue it, you owe it to yourself to obtain
all reference works available. Once you do that, you can make
judgements as to what parts of each are of the most value. The
Slaten book does have photos that show the decals.
Captain Dick
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Date: Fri, 26 Sep 1997 12:03:16 -0600 (MDT)
Subject: Wanted;quilt blocks
Dear Fw/quilters,
I am looking for Overall Bill/Cowboy Bill quilt squares that are already
stiched ..completed! I am a quilter and a fw owner, who also teaches 8
year olds so I am busy, as are we all.Most likely these would be older
squares which is o.k.
Please email me with costs and amount of squares, and the
quality/condition the squares are in. Also, please send me your
email and or snail mail address.
Thanks all!
Debbie
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Date: Fri, 26 Sep 1997 15:13:05 -0400
Subject: help in identification
Hi everyone, I'm debating on purchasing this sewing machine and I don't know
if it is a TSM or other and I'm hoping someone can help me out, I'll do my
best to describe.
Treadle with 2 drawers on left side.
Ironwork on treadle base has a capital "C" and a capital "R" this section of
ironwork is about knee high above the one piece foot pedal.
Sewing machine head is very small and is more on the right of the treadle
top, if a Singer 128 is a 3/4 machine then this is half the size again. The
machine appears to be cast iron, has gold scrolling with NO.1 on the
horizontal section of head. The needle shaft or bar which accepts the
needle is unlike any other sewing machine which is round, this one is
square. The bobbin is also very strange it is what I would call front to
back operation with a very small boat type case ( just like the Singer Touch
and Sew) finally the sewing bed would be about the size of a tea saucer. I
know it's not much to go on but any help will be greatly appreceiated.
Please e-mail.
Regards
Bob
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Date: Fri, 26 Sep 1997 16:10:39 -0400
Subject: post
Hello Everyone...
For All... Just got my copy of Sears' Wish Book. On page 137 they show two
toy SMs - both battery driven. One's a chainstitch for $20 and the other's a
lockstitch for $50. Both have foot controls. Think I'll buy the chainstitch
for my Grandaughter, put it away, and give it to her when's she's 21...
For Connie , re GIB: A GIB is an adjustable piece of metal, etc., for
keeping moving parts of a machine in place. The GIB on the Featherweight is
part of the hook and helps keep the Bobbin Case Base in place. Removing the
GIB screw allows it to be swung away from the hook and frees the Base. This
process is fundamental in keeping a FW sewing properly after thread jams...
For Pamela, re musty smell: I've had great luck putting a Fabric Softener
sheet, you know, the type you throw into the dryer to loosen wrinkles, under
the machine in the case. Originally, there was a cardboard sheet under the
machine with cut-outs for the bed cushions. Put the sheet under this
cardboard...
...Chris @ Stepping Stones Quilts, your complete Quilt Shop on St. Simons Is.
GA where it's grey and rainy and I'm working on a '13 #66 RedEye. Capt'n Dick
will be proud of me - I'm removing the electrification and puttin' her back
into a treadle!
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Subject: Humor
Date: Fri, 26 Sep 1997 22:36:07 -0600
MONDAY: For sale: R.D. Jones has one sewing machine for sale. Pbone
948-0707 after 7 P.M.. and ask for Mrs. Kelly who lives with him cheap
TUESDAY Notice: We regret having erred In R.D. Jones' ad yesterday. It
should have read "One sewing machine for sale cheap. Phone 948-0707
and asked for Mrs. Kelly, who lives with hime afrer 7 Pm"
WEDNESDAY Notice: R.D. Jones has informed us that he has received
several annoyiny telephone calls because of the error we made in the
classified ad yesterday. The ad stands correct as follows: "For sale -- R.D. Jones has one sewing machine for sale. Cheap. Phone 948-0707 after 7 P.M. and ask for Mrs. Kelly who loves with him."
THURSDAY Notice: I, R.D. Jones, have no sewing machine for sale. I
smashed it. Don't call 948-0707 as I have had the phone disconnected. I
have not been carrying on with Mrs. Kelly. Until yesterday she was my
housekeeper but she quit!
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Date: Fri, 26 Sep 1997 23:27:22 +0100
Subject: Re: FW fanatics 9/22/97
To all re postings
Sorry that my responses and postings are seeming to come in bunches
nowadays. I'm only getting time to play a couple of days each week but I
read everything each day so if you have an urgent request it will get dealt
with at once.
Graham
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Date: Fri, 26 Sep 1997 23:22:00 +0100
Subject: Re: FW Fanatics 9/21/97
To all WARNING
Reproduction Clown toy machines are now being made in Europe. I'm sure that
the people involved have the very best of intentions but, as the next issue
of ISMACS News will point out, the machines are identical to the orginal
and the easiest job in the world to age up to look old.
We are offering a certification service to models with a known history in
an atempt to counteract any possible fraud, intentional or accidental
To all
Totally off topic but I'm hoping you will forgive one transgression.
Looking for record or casette or anything by Tom Lehrer who was a Harvard
professor with a fine line in piano-accompanied anti-everything songs in
the early 1960s. Will trade for sewing machine manuals (how's that for back
to topic?)
Thanks, won't do this again.
Graham
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Date: Sat, 27 Sep 1997 07:42:13 -0400
Subject: Re: FW Fanatics 9/25/97
Hi fwf fans,
Just had to write and tell you of my most recent find, I was in
Springfield,Ohio and found a fw folding table! I had never really seen
one before. I also collect TSM's and saw a few nice ones there w/ big
prices and since I had just paid the college tution payments.....I had a
limited amount to spend. I hope I paid an appropriate price for it(
meaning --I got a deal). I actually so another fw table first which had
been painted light tan....when I inquired about it the dealer had to ask
his friend how much he wanted for it.....and he told me he had another
tucked away. He searched behind some furniture and pulled it out. Dark
tan metal legs and sides (looks like it has not been repainted and a
stained wooden top , it is missing the insert and has a water spot on
the finish (ring) where a coffee cup may have set. I was so exciting to
see the real thing it was hard to look calm and try to deal....He of
course said he did not really want to sell it and his price was $125. I
walked away to think about it ...that Mueller o was calling me as
well.But returned fairly soon as I was afraid someone else might know
what it was. I was a little nervous on the 5 hr. drive home...what if
it didn't fit one of my fw's. It did! and I have some of my TSM's
displayed on it. Please let me know if the price I paid was in the ball
park. Smiling . Sylvia
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Date: Sat, 27 Sep 1997 09:17:27 -0700
Subject: Re: Musty Smell
A long time back I read a pointer in Polly or Heloise on removing such
odors from refrigerators. The suggestion was to crumple up lots of
newspapers & stuff inside with activated charcoal. I haven't tried but
it seems worth a try.
VJo
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Date: Sat, 27 Sep 1997 09:38:47 -0400
Subject: breaking thread
Hi Feathers,
I am having a problem with my treadle. I have six blocks done on my
Xmas Sampler Quilt and ran out of thread and bobbin thread (which came
with the machine) I have wound a bobbin with Coats & Clarks white
cotton thread and now the thread keeps breaking. I have adjused the
tension and it seems okay but then starts breaking again.
Does anyone have a suggestion as what to do remedy this. I have spent
three days fiddleling with the tension, but just can't seem to get it to
sew again. Please help!
Linda
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Date: Sat, 27 Sep 1997 10:15:22 -0400 (EDT)
Subject: Re: FW Fanatics 9/24/97
To Patti, Re: AlphaSew Foot. I bought one from Dale Pickens but it does not
have the quilt guide - just a plain 1/4" foot. Mine does not sit "awry". It
sews a very perfect 1/4" seam, with the fabric feeding perfectly straight.
Perhaps removing your quilt guide from the foot will give you better
results. Good Luck! Diane
To Everyone Re: Northern Commercial. In the October 97 issue of Quilter's
Newsletter Magazine, there is an excellent editorial on this subject. Worth
reading.
Re: Black Buttonholer cases. Saw one this week at an antique store (for the
221), complete with all parts for $25.00. Did not buy it. Just wanted you
counters to know there is another black case in this universe. Store also
had 3 complete green cases for the same price.
Diane
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Date: Sat, 27 Sep 1997 09:48:39 -0500
Subject: Carter Bays book
Johnnie said:
> Could someone tell me What Carter Bays Encyclopedia is? I am wondering,
> is it a book that could be found in some libraries or is it a manual or field
> guide sort of thing. I've been trying to find it on the computer in or
> library system with no luck.
It's a glossy-paged book that pretty comprehensively lists sewing
machines from about 1880 and before, with lots of black & white photos.
The author is Carter Bays; the name of the book is "The Encyclopedia of
Early American Sewing machines." If you have web access, go to:
http://kbs.net/tt/zone/carter/carter.html -- his home page, where the
book is available with a discount. Or you could go to
http://www.amazon.com -- they also have it, but not at a discounted
price.
I don't know if the Oklahoma county libraries have it (or even if you're
in Oklahoma Co) but the Houston Public Library has a copy at the
downtown location, so they might.
The pictures are great, it's more inclusive of early machines than the
other books I've seen, but take the pricing with a grain of salt...
And if you happen to be looking at the library... take a look for the
Sincere books -- there are two that might interest you. One is a
history of the sewing machine, and the other is a repair and service
manual... You might even find a copy of Grace Rogers Cooper's book on
the development of the sewing machine, which is also a great source.
Terri
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Subject: More Copies
Date: Sat, 27 Sep 1997 08:12:52 -0700
Hi;
Wanted to let you all know that I have gotten a report on another
Chinese copy... This one a model 15 with the floating bird decal,
"Made in Taiwan" on the bottom of the head when you tip it up. so
all of the lovely floatng birds are not the old Model 15-96/98. Most
of these that we have seen have been in the Singer trestle style wood
or steel treadle. The Chinese copies seem so far to all be in the
copied cast iron treadle. Incidentally, these are extremely low
quality metal. So many break in shipping that one dealer told me
"you have to order two to get one"!
Captain Dick
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Date: Sat, 27 Sep 1997 11:38:45, -0500
Subject: 301A
Hi Feathers - enjoy the lists - I read them every day - just don't
post much.
I found a 301A yesterday - it is in a #9 shape is where I put it. It
has all the attachments, manual, original case in GOOD condition, and
many, many bobbins - I am so thrilled with my purchase!!! Brought it
home, threaded it, had to loosen the top tension once, but it sews
like a dream!!! Was wondering - does anyone know if there is a
difference between the 301 & 301A?
While I'm here - also wanted to post that I bought a 'featherweight
copy' from a man in Olympia - who really sold me on the works of this
machine - it turns out that I had to have work done on it & it's NOT
worth the metal that is in it. It looks just like a featherweight,
case & all, markings just like a Singer except it says 'Mini' on it.
Just wanted all to know not to get one of these & get burned like I
did.
Hope you have many good finds this weekend. My find of the 301A was
$25 so I was really pleased.
Debi
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Date: Sat, 27 Sep 1997 12:42:36 -0400
Subject: Atlantic City antique show
The Show is October 18 and 19th AND IS 20.00 to get in on Sat. and 10.00
on Sunday. I personally think thats outrageous so I'm not going its
being held at the A.C. convention hall. It is suppose to be good but
they already are getting a large fee for the venders who are renting
space so I don't see why admission is so high. Well who ever goes have
fun and bring a camera there are lots of sewing machines from what I'm
told!! frish
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Date: Sat, 27 Sep 1997 13:09:41 -0400 (EDT)
Subject: Re: FW Fanatics 9/25/97
Hello for the first time. I own a FW my husband found at a garage sale a few
years ago. I loved it before I knew what it was. I need the attachments for
it. It is a AJ383536, in pretty good shape. It has some scratches on it but
runs good. The rubber feet are gone, need to be replaced. Where do I get
these things? Well, today I fell in love with a bent-wood case singer. It
has a drop in bobbin and runs well. #EF638052. Black, says Singer
Manufacturing Company of Great Britain. $35. Need some feet for it, too.
Will feet fit both of them? How do I find out what I have? Do I need
Captain Dick's book and how do I get it? I just love this newsletter and
can't wait to read it every day. Pat
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Date: Sat, 27 Sep 1997 13:58:45 -0400
Subject: Re: FW case -- allergic?
>...Then my nose started bothering me and my chest started hurting.
>The next day I came down with a very bad sinus/cold type thing which
>may just be a coincidence . . .
>
>Anyway, has anyone else had such a bad reaction to a FW case?
Mary,
I'm so glad someone else has had this problem! I have chronic sinus
problems and have become extremely sensitive to chemicals, etc as a result.
Mold and mildew are the worst of all. I, too experience a terrifying
tightness in the chest when exposed and a burning sensation under my nose
when I breathe in the airborne stuff. I have found that wearing a bandana
over my nose and mouth will help if I know there are a lot of spores
around, ie when cleaning mildewy things. To alleviate the tightness and
the encompanying panic, I suck on a menthol or herbal cough drop and that
seems to open up my lungs and clear out my nose. I own a quilt shop that
does sewing machine repair and I actually cringe when I see those little
cases come on...I do have one of my own (1955), that I love dearly, but it
wasn't musty when I got it, just smokey from cigarettes and now that's gone.
I guess I would suggest doing some of the things other people have
suggested with cat litter, charcoal etc, and letting it sit someone for a
week or so where you won't be directly exposed. I find that once they have
aired out, my reaction is no more than a slightly stuffy nose. May be
store the case away from the machine.
A side note: I got my fw from a person who got it at a yard sale. It's an
American machine with a green UK case. I want to know where that UK fw
went to! I do want a white UK FW...were they manufactured in Scotland
during 1966? (My birth year).
Lisa
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Subject: New Machine - Yard Sale
Date: Sat, 27 Sep 97 15:12:35 PDT
Went to several yard / moving / estate sales today hoping for a Featherweight. Unfortunately, it was not to be. I did, however, find an interesting White machine. The manual says that it is a White Triple-Matic ZZ Sewing Machine Model 670. It came with a box of 14 cams that had a sheet of paper that shows all the stitches that can be made with them. The machine is a bit dirty / linty but not too bad. The grey metal attachment box had several attachments in it, along with a 'straight stitch throat plate', but alas the 'embriodery / darning throat plate' was missing. I haven't checked yet to see if all the feet are there or not. The machine is green, the case is green and white. It weight a TON!!!! I paid $5 for it.
Has anyone else heard of these machines??? Were they a good machine? I'm not sure if I'm bonding with the machine or not. With my Featherweights, I can just sit and stare at them for hours. While I'm really curious about this machine, and would like to know more about it, I'm still not that attached to it. Has anyone else had that before????
I also saw a Necci Super-something-or-other (I can't remember now) at the
Salvation Army Thrift Store. It was a pink machine, looked old, maybe '50's. By that time, it was getting late, close to lunchtime, I was tired and hungry, so I didn't look too close at it. They were asking $20 for it.
I found out today that the Thrift stores are getting smart. They had a big "Antiques and Uniques" sale today. Say they're going to do it yearly. Heard they had brought in a bunch of Antique Dealers to price everything, and then let them buy stuff several days before the sale. Personally, I think that is a conflict of interest. I would think that most dealers are going to price the things that they are buying at dealer's prices (e.g. cheap), and then mark everything they're not buying at full-price. Most of the antiques that I saw were marked pretty comparable to what I would see at an antique mall. There was a New Home treadle machine that had a pretty case, although it needed a lot of TLC. The machine was in pretty sorry shape.
Ta ta for now....
Barbara
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Date: Sat, 27 Sep 1997 15:14:33 -0400 (EDT)
Subject: Re: FW Fanatics 9/25/97
In a message dated 97-09-27 02:51:50 EDT, you write:
>>Several of the FW'ers had e-mailed me to let you know if I got it or
not....so...did I do good?
Pam >>
But you forgot the important part - what did you pay for it? THEN we can
judge if you did good! But regardless, it sounds wonderful is it called a
301A, by any chance, and how can you get the date?
Ellen
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Date: Sat, 27 Sep 1997 13:55:59
Subject: Questions
Hi, all,
DH just came home from an auction and said, "Ask those people on that list
you're on...." =)
So, he saw a National Treadle. About a third of the name National was
missing (gold work), otherwise, nice enough. The wood on the cabinet was
good, he said drawers were all there and worked, but he didn't count how
many. He rated the machine at 60-70% of new (that's his terminology). He
didn't have a date. The man at the auction told him it booked out at $800.
The opening bid was $100 and no one would come up with it, so they didn't
sell it. My question is, what is this machine? DH said he might have gone
the $100 if he had known something about the machine.
Second, he saw a greenish Singer in a nice cabinet, a little older than the
403 his mom has. He didn't stay around to see if it came up with a bid,
but any information on that?
Third, he saw a Lindberg sewing rocker. He said it was small, round cane
bottom and in very nice shape. The auctioneer told him it booked out at
$700. Starting bid was $200 and no one came up with it. Any information
on these?
Mostly this is curiosity - this is the first interest DH has shown!
Susan
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Date: Sat, 27 Sep 1997 17:57:26 -0400 (EDT)
Subject: 301A
Hi FWF's
DH came back from his old car club meeting yesterday with a 301A! He found
it in a St. Vinney's for $20. :-) It's a little dusty & linty, but
otherwise seems fine. Haven't actually sewed with it yet. No accessories or
manual, tho. How do you tell the slant needle accessories from the straight
needle ones? I don't remember them looking different on my old 401A that I
had. Seems like a neat little machine. Does anyone have a manual for it?
Also, were there covers or cases for them? It fits perfectly in the table I
had for my 401A, too. :-) Now I have a machine again for my table.
He also got a buttonholer in the pink Jetson case there, too. Unfortunately,
it doesn't have the feed dog cover plate so I'm in the market for one of
those too.
He also saw a 185 J in the Goodwill in Fond du Lac for anyone who's
interested.
Gail
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Date: Fri, 27 Sep 1996 18:11:25 -0400
Subject: Boat Anchor :0D
Hi Guys,
I bought a boat anchor today :0D Now before you all laugh at me, let me say
that I was just roaming around garage sales today looking around. I didnt
intend to buy anything. I wanted a really cheap machine for my 4 yr old to
learn to sew on. I figured if it runs, hey, why not. Well, for $5 I came home
with a Singer Futura Model 900. I made the people plug it in and tried sewing
with it. It does sew, but the stitch length regulator seems to be stuck in one
position. Again, since this is for a 4 yr old to learn to sew on, Im not all
that concerned. Somehow or another I'll get it unjammed and if I dont, oh
well. What I need is a manual! This thing came with all sorts of cams and
gadgets that I havent the foggiest idea how to use. I'd like to be sure that I
have it threaded correctly, also.
So how about it? Can anyone help me locate a manual for this puppy? A photocopy
would be fine. Should I try calling Singer to see if they have one for it?
Thanks in advance for any help I receive.
Grins,
Theresa
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Date: Sat, 27 Sep 1997 15:56:25 -0700
Subject: Serial # G
The G before a serial number means that it was built between 1909 and
1924. What is your seriel number and I will tell you the year more
precisely? Or you can go to http://www2.hawaii.edu/~claw/sew/sewing.txt
and get your own list of seriel numbers and manufacturing dates for
Singer. Or you can call Singer,(1-800-877-7762) and they will tell you
the exact day the machine was built. They will send you a copy of the
book of instruction for the machine.
Bill
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Date: Sat, 27 Sep 1997 15:36:25 -0700
Subject: Re: Mildew Smell
To All:
An old real estate broker remedy to get smells out of
carpeting might work for the FW case smell. Try tipping the case upside
down and putting about a pound of fresh dry coffee grounds in the lid.
Leave it there for a week or so. The coffee grounds absord the smell and
leave a nice ordor.
Try it you might like it, but don't make coffee with the used grounds(?)
Bill
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Date: Sat, 27 Sep 1997 18:32:11 -0600
Subject: Quilt Festival
Priscilla asked about Quilt Festival in Houston, Texas
Quilt Festival will be held Oct. 23 - 26, 1997 at George R. Brown Convention
Center, 1001 Avenida de las Americas, Houston, Texas.
Classes begin Tuesday, Oct. 21 (same location). To get a registration
brochure of classes, send $3.00 check or money order to Festival Brochure,
7660 Woodway, Suite 550, Houston, TX 77063.
Tickets are $8.00 at the door. Senior citizens (65 and older) $5.00.
Margie
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Date: Sat, 27 Sep 1997 19:19:07 -0500
Subject: 221k - need help
I have learned so much from this group but now I need help. I just
cleaned and oiled my new fw and made sure everything was in working
order but when I went to sew on it, I found the fabric would not feed
through. I can't seem to get any tension on the foot. I have the
Pressure Regulator screw as tight as it will go, but I can move the foot
up and down. Is there a spring or something that might need replacing?
The machine sews beautiful if I guide the fabric through, but will not
guide by itself. Has anyone else had this problem? Any help would be
grately appreciated. Thanks
Janet
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Date: Sat, 27 Sep 1997 19:54:04 -0500 (CDT)
Subject: Response on Patchwork foot
&It work's great. It looks like the Patchwork foot on Gailee's (sp.?)
&Homepage, only this one has a quilting guide arm. It's sets slightly
&awry but
&the seam is still very accurate when sewn. Has anyone ever bought the
&foot from the Pickens'? Is it the same thing or is the Pickens' type
&made
&specifically for FW's ?
The quilt guide is an added feature to the foot. You do not
have to use it with the foot, but you can. Out of 400-500
patchwork foot that my parents have sold, 4-5 are not square.
If you have received one of those, you can always get your
money back, or get another foot. We no longer sell the patchwork
foot by itself, it comes now with the quilt guide. Same price
$10 plus $3 for shipping and handling.
No, this patchwork foot (alphasew foot) is not specifically
made for the featherweight, it works with low straight shank
machines--but it works on the featherweight so well because
it covers the all three of the feeddogs. (This foot also
works on the 201.) (The 301 & 401, 501 takes a slant shank,
and of course, mom and dad sell that one too!)
Someone had asked about the 306 or 406 machine, and my parents
don't have any info on that one.
Gaileee'
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Date: Sat, 27 Sep 1997 21:17:15 -0400 (EDT)
Subject: Help, quick, I need help!!
I have posted this letter to the ISMACS digest already, and now am posting it
here, so if you receive it twice, please forgive me, as I am desperate to
find out what you all know about these machines.....and how you might feel
about their status, as to whether they are "have to haves" in your
estimation, or just "might be nice to have", or "don't care if I ever have
one of those".
I have quite a dilemma. I hope someone can help me with some quick
information tonight, as I am leaving on a sewing machine quest early in the
morning. I have seen several machines in various places lately, and before I
do anything I need some information. Does anyone have the Carter Bays book
to help me or any personal knowledge, please.
First: Tell me about this model-- "The Free No. 5" is the name written on
the arm. My husband tells me it is really dirty, but pretty with big flowers.
The SN on it was C57224. Would this be a really good machine to get? I
walked by it cause I thought it was a piece of furniture and didn't even know
I was passing up a sm!! But DH looked....he said the doors that open out go
all the way to the floor covering the treadle mechanism. He was unable to
open it for some reason, but was able to lift it enough to see what was in
it.......What about it people???? Do I need to get this machine???? Is it
a really good find?
Second: A Western Electric portable electric with the foot control that is
shaped like a foot, really ugly control, but unique.... the decals are really
beautiful on this one, many colors, didn't get a number, but it was in a
different shaped domed lid box, kinda bell-shaped, and rough on the bottom of
the box, but all in all the box was in good shape as was the machine. It
showed a little wear right in front but otherwise everything was there.
Third: How about an Improved Family Singer? It is a fiddle base with manual
and attachments and much stuff in a 4 drawer cabinet---it is a treadle with a
fiddle base. The decals are flowers and still there on many places on the
machine. The sn is 7311339 which I think dates it to the late 1800's, am I
right?
I will be going on my mission to maybe get a sewing machine or two tomorrow,
so, please if you can possibly do it, I would really appreciate some quick
answers and/or information about these machines.........
I'm so confused...wish I had been at this longer and knew more and had a
Carter Bays book.....why are they out of print anyway, with all of us looking
for them????
What do we have to do for them to do a reprint of that book? There is so
little out there to help us with information, that is why I run to you all,
the "wise ones" for help all the time!!!!
Laura
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