Featherweight
Fanatics
Archives
August 1996
Sunday, August 4th - Saturday, August 10th
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Date: Mon, 5 Aug 96 08:49:57 -0500
From: Featherweight Fanatics
Subject: FW Fanatics 8/4/96
To: Sue@quilt.com
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Date: Sun, 4 Aug 1996 00:55:14 -0400
From: kRAIG STROM
Subject: HELP
My mother was injured in a car accident several years ago now. As a result,
she has been less active and more prone to doing things around the house. To
keep herself occupied, she has taken up quilting in a major way. To say that
she has gone crazy with it might even be an understatement. Her birthday is
coming up and we are trying for a unique gift.
She has been talking about a certain type of sewing machine for weeks now. She
sees it at all the quilt shows and retreats she goes to. It is the
Featherweight and now here I am. My dad asked me to try and find one to buy
her. If you can be of any assistance, I would greatly appreciate it.
Thank You
Kraig Strom
Date: Sun, 4 Aug 1996 15:20:30 -0400 (EDT)
From: suzy@mail.albany.net
Subject: Wilcox and Gibbs
I am now the proud owner of a Wilcox and Gibbs sewing machine! I went to an
antique show yesterday with lots of gorgeous antiques with very high prices
- only saw one treadle Wheeler and Wilson, but not an early one. Then I saw
this beautiful wooden case with a sewing machine inside - a portable
electric Wilcox and Gibbs from 1924!! It had just everything with it:
Original manual in great shape, all the attachments in their original boxes,
needles in what look to be their original package, a key for the case, a
wrench to put the needle in, a business card from the original salesman. It
was bought from the original owner by the antique dealer and she obviously
took great care of it - he said she was still using it to sew with - but
it's in wonderful condition. It's pictured on p.80 of Sincere's book. I paid
$200 for it, which was probably too much, but it was so complete and in such
good shape and something I'd never seen (or even heard of) before that of
course I couldn't resist. Hope I didn't make a mistake, but it's mine now
and I'm happy with it. I'd love to know if others own or have seen machines
like this - it looks just like a regular Wilcox and Gibbs treadle with a
motor attached to the side and a separate foot shaped foot pedal. I have NO
will power when it comes to these great old machines!! Sue M.
Date: Sun, 4 Aug 1996 15:23:38 -0400
From: TJanson280@aol.com
Subject: Frozen Machines
Hi all,
In response to Cathy Sandhoefner's question about machines that are "frozen"
up. I had also wondered if they could be "un-frozen". I took a chance and
bought a Damascus treadle that would not move. When trying to spin the fly
wheel, it would not budge. I've used WD-40 with a lot of luck on this type
of problem before and thought I'd give it a try. I sprayed it inside all of
the oil holes and let it do it's job. Worked like a charm. This stuff is
truly amazing.
We have a small (40 or so) antique clock collection and I always thought very
badly of WD-40 because it can cause havoc when used on a clock movement. It
will get a movement running again, but for only a short time, in which case
further damage is inflicted on worn parts that needed attention in the first
place. Eventually the clock will again sieze up with even more problems.
When cleaning such a movement, it also pollutes the cleaning soultion, which
is very costly. Anyway, I now have a new
found respect for this stuff.
Just make sure to oil your sewing machine well with oil after freeing it up,
and keep the WD-40 away from your clock movement. :-D
I really love this list! I enjoy reading it and look forward to it every
day. Everyone here is always so happy to help me out w/my questions.
Graham:
Thank you for responding to me about the Minnesota H. I was just looking at
an old 1927 Sears catalog in an antique store and found the advertisement for
it. Also on the same pages were the Franklin, and Minnesota A models. They
wanted $68 for this catalog! I sure which I could have photo copied those
pages with the sm ads. Oh, well. I also loved your story about the motel
room in California. I read it to my DH and sister. We all laughed. :-D
Terri Janson, in Michigan.
Date: Sun, 4 Aug 1996 13:05:57 -0700 (PDT)
From: Sherman
Subject: quilting with Dr. Who
Opps - I seem to have missed something here. When did Dr. Who start
quilting? Great thing to do in the TARDIS. All ye fans, please email me.
I'm with a group that is putting pressure on the FOX network to turn the new
movie into a series. Just think of how many extra hours that will give us
to stitch infront of the ole box. Pls email me if you want more info or if
you just want to chat.
tks
Tricia
Sherman@uniserve.com
Date: Sun, 4 Aug 1996 16:40:51 -0400
From: Amishcrazy@aol.com
Subject: FWF
Hi FWF's,
I was wondering if someone out there could help me. I am looking for a
hand crank sewing machine to add to my collection (I have only 2 SM's so far,
a FW and a model 66 treadle). I wanted to have kind of a diverse collection,
so I thought a hank crank would be nice to have. Only problem is, I just
don't know where to start. I've been to a few antique "malls" but found
nothing except some great treadles but I have no more room for another. I
live in Massachusetts and if anyone could help point me in the right
direction or if you have any other ideas or suggestions, I would be very
grateful. You can e-mail me at Amishcrazy@aol.com.
Thanks,
Vicki
Date: Sun, 4 Aug 1996 17:07:30 -0400
From: LFisher902@aol.com
Subject: Re: FW tables
Had to share with you my latest finds of todays swap meet. I have now found
four Fw tables in the last month(actually one was for a 201, which I now know
the difference). The vendors usually have their tables covered up with
tableclothes, but on this latest find I spotted the traditional black edge of
the FW table. The vendor did not want to part with his table for what else
would he put his wares on. After looking a little more I spotted another one
with this same vendor and it turned out to be the 201 table.
Also saw a nice 99 for $125, which I passed up for I have one. The vendor
told me"They are just like the Featherweight!"- I wonder if she had lifted
this one up! Laura
From: Diana McAninch
Subject: 99K/Strange Attachment
Date: Sun, 4 Aug 1996 21:23:03 +0000
I went auctioning on Saturday and came home with a 99K in a carrying case.
It has a crazed and somewhat rough finish -- is this the Godzilla finish? I
oiled it and adjusted the tension and it seems to work well. Are there any
tubes on the motor that need lubricant? The case is cordovan brown and a
kind of grass cloth stuff. The grasscloth is loose and almost shredding in
places -- what's the best thing to do with it? I was just going to glue it
down. The case is structurally pretty good although it's missing a rivet
from the latch. I may take her to work to sew on my lunch hour instead of
my FW.
With it is "A Manual of Family Sewing Machines," which isn't really a 99
manual, but is shows how to thread No. 127, No. 66, No. 15, and No. 101,
shows how to use many of the attachments, and shows some of the tables and
cabinets that were made. It also came with an attachment/piece that I don't
recognize. It is dark metal, shaped like a half circle with a small hole in
the center and clips at one side . . . ? Does anyone recognize this? Is it
a feed dog cover?
I wish I'd find something more exciting. Well, the flea market's Sunday so
there's always hope!
Diana in Penna.
Date: Sun, 4 Aug 1996 18:49:43 -0400
From: Tsuneko1@aol.com
Subject: Another Zigzagger
Hi everyone. Lately it seems like I've been finding a lot of attachments.
One that I found last week is a Singer zigzagger #121706. I had never seen
one of these before. It is very simple in construction, no cams, and is not
big and bulky. It came in a box about half the size of the other Singer
attachments and the last copyright date from the manual is l939. It is an
interesting little thing, but although I haven't tried it out yet, I have a
feeling it didn't do a very good job of zigzagging. It looked to me like the
fabric could slip quite a bit. Is there a complete list of attachments and
what machines they will fit? If an attachment says Singer Lock-stitch Family
Sewing Machine will it fit any low-shank machine? Do any of the low shank
attachments/feet fit slant needle? Sorry for these newbie questions, I am a
bit thick about these things.
Last week I saw an old green Elna at the local thrift shop. It was in bad
shape, but interesting looking. I've heard others mention that some of the
old, small Elna's were very good machines. Does anyone have any of these?
I think someone mentioned a Stella and Lotus? If anyone has first-hand
knowledge of any of these machines, I would appreciate any information. And
if anyone has one for sale please let me know.
I hope all you Midwesterners and Easterners are enjoying your cool summer,
because we Westerners are absolutely baking! We finally 'cooled' off to 95
today after a long series of l05+ days last week. I am really looking
forward to cool fall weather. Claire Fukuda
Date: Sun, 4 Aug 1996 18:02:27 -0500
From: Doreen Foote
Subject: machines
Hi, Wanted to share my joy of finding an Elias Howe Jr. It will be my first
handcrank and I will pick it up Monday morning.I will be so thrilled to have
it home!! Wouldn't it be great if we could all get our pictues together and
put all our machines on a page? I would personally LOVE it!
I have a 99 in bentwood case, 15 in cabinet, tan 301A, very nice 201, and a
403A ,and table for sale. Also White, Western, Olympia, and Domestic. Some
buttonholers and a few attatchments for sale..Now I am really out of room!
If interested e-mail me at dfoote@cnmnet.com
Still looking for the ever elusive featherweight!!
Treadlin' Doreen
dfoote@cnmnet.com
Date: Sun, 04 Aug 1996 18:33:03 -0700
From: Bobbie
Subject: Sewing/FW Reply
At 08:56 PM 8/4/96 -0500, you wrote:
>
>Hi, I was in a 2nd hand store the other day and found a 99k in the
>case, condition 8-9 but no book or attachments a $350. Yes three
>hundred and fifty!! I have one I paid $25. at a second hand
>store,so I was surprised so I asked her why so much, she said her
>reference was the The Slater(?) Value Guide? Does anyone have it,
>use it, or value it!!! If it's a useful reference let me know, but
That's Jim Slaten, Teresa, and fwiw, forget you even
heard of it. [My opinion only, of course] I have never
been treated so rudely as the 5 times I unfortunately had
to communicate with Mr.{using the term loosely} Slaten.
And to top it all off, he 'advertises' a Singer Museum.....
he has what most of us have, some machines we've collected,
nothing to qualify as a "Museum".
bobbie
Check out my website at:
http://www.flash.net/~ericg/MARKET/Sewing/SEWING.HTML
>
Date: Sun, 4 Aug 1996 21:45:31 -0400
From: Dalaugust@aol.com
Subject: featherweight sewing machine
HELLO
WANTED
where can i purchase a
model 221 feathweight singer sewing machines
PLEASE E-MAIL Dalaugust@aol.com
thank you
Carolyn
Date: Sun, 4 Aug 1996 22:28:58 -0400 (EDT)
From: "Joan E. Smith"
Subject: Shipping SMs
Could someone share some info on how they have successfully shipped
sewing machines? What carriers you use, how the machine is packaged, is
it best to remove from the case, etc.? I'm considering selling a 301 and
don't want it to get trashed if I end up shipping it.
Another topic -- a week ago I was whining about a FW I had fixed that my
MIL owned. Well the final straw was when I completely rewired the foot
control/pedal and got that working too. She just couldn't take it any
more and has given it to me -- hooray!! It's an AL in very nice condition
and came with a case, attachments and oval oil can. No manual, anyone
have one to sell or copy? Since I had to bring home my new 301, the FW
is still sitting in Virginia. Another reason for asking about shipping
machines ...
Thanks all!
Joan
From: Mary Rothenbuhler
Subject: RE: New finds!!!
Date: Sun, 4 Aug 1996 20:45:10 -0600
Hello
I've been very busy finding new machines. Last week DH and I flew up to
Washington for another family get together, at SIL's suggestion, we went to
the town of Snohomish to go antiquing. We thought they'd have a few shops
and we'd kill a couple of hours. Well, 6 hours later we still hadn't seen
all the shops, but we had to go. If anyone has some time the next time
they're in the Seattle area, make an effort to go, we found out later that
it is considered the antique mecca of the Northwest.
While there, I found a SPARTAN, and I hate to blow the theory that they
didn't come in a case, BUT, mine did. It's a tan and brown grasscloth and
leatherette type that reminds me of saddle shoes. It's in really nice
shape, but I haven't yet called Singer to find out the BD. In the bottom
of the case, under the machine, it says Northgate Rentals. Obviously it
was a rental machine, and maybe that's why it came in a case, because it is
definitely the case that was original to the machine. I also found a FW in
about a 9+ condition, all the attachments plus screwdrivers, lint brush,
lube tube, manual, and a buttonholer with the box of 4 extra templates, the
case was in 9+ condition too. No, it was not a bargain, but DH acutally
insisted I buy it because it was such a nice machine and it had all the
goodies. It's an AK, but I haven't called Singer about that either.
Last week I went on my usual Wednesday thrift shop tour, and I got Lucky!
I found a tan 301a in the carrying case, with a buttonholer, extra
templates, 10 bobbins, zipper foot, all for $14.00. I was so excited. I
now have 3 301/301a's, and they're all tan, but each one is just a little
bit different, so I keep them all. I still dream of the all black 301,
with a case, and all the attachments. But Jacque in Boise got to the
garage sale before me....at least it went to a good home. Someday my
princess will come to me.
Mary in Idaho
Date: Sun, 4 Aug 1996 22:50:31 -0400
From: JimAlmonte@aol.com
Subject: Parts for a 301
Two tan 301's came home with me from this weekend's trip to pick up a child
from camp. One of them, a short bed, was in great shape and is already
cleaned up, oiled, and sewing. My 11 year old son really likes to clean
machines up and did a wonderful job on this machine today.
The other 301, a long bed, needs a few parts--specifically a spool pin, a
Belleville spring (sort of like a cupped washer) that goes on the screw
holding the folding bed to keep it in position, and a power cord and foot
control. Can anyone suggest sources for any of these items? I am planning
to try the local Singer repair place in the morning, but as I've not gotten
much cooperation from them in the past as regards older machines, I don't
have high hopes there.
On our trip, in an antique mall in Indiana I saw a very old fiddle based
treadle machine in the neatest cabinet. It was a walnut cabinet that had all
these hinged pieces on top that folded up to make a box around the machine
head. The cabinet was in really good shape but the machine showed its age
(the tag on it dated it 1870-1880). Asking price was about $350.
Anyways, TIA for any information about the parts for the 301.
Cyndi
Date: Sun, 04 Aug 1996 22:09:59 -0400
From: "James L. Wilson"
Subject: Lucasville Ohio
For those of you who asked me to find out when the next Lucasville Ohio flea
market is
... it is the 12th and 13th of October.
Jim
--
James L. Wilson
jwilson@uky.campus.mci.net
http://www.geocities.com/soho/2755
http://www.geocities.com/soho/2755/sewing.html
Date: Sun, 04 Aug 1996 19:29:41 -0800
From: corbin
Subject: FS: 401
A friend of mine has a 401 slant-o-matic she would like to sell. She
wants $50, and lives in Ohio. If anyone is interested, please contact
her at taterpie@essex1.com. Thanks.
Date: Thu, 01 Aug 1996 22:41:46 -0700
From: Mark &Katy
Subject: Cathy's Treadle Question...
I think this is a good question and one that needs time and experience to
answer. I
bought a treadle a few weeks back for $25. The machine was frozen solid and the
cabinet
top needs all the veneer replaced. The drawer banks, in sharp contrast to the
top, are
fantastic. When I bought it, I was thinking that if nothing at all could be
done with
the machine or the top, the lovely drawer banks were worth it to me.
Please don't shoot me for suggesting sewing machine abuse!!!
We have to stop and realize that there are gazillions of these machines out
there and
not every one is worth saving and putting megabucks into. It has to be of some
value as
is or you should wait for another. As you look at a machine, think...does it
have a foot
pedal , does the motor run, does it have a case mentally tally up what it will
cost you
to get this thing going. Wiring is cheap and easy to do, parts for 99s and 66s
seem to
be easy to come by, as we all know FW bobbin cases are not. If you get it
going, is it
cosmetically good enough that you will want to leave it out and look at it all
day (some
of us do :) or will you cringe at the damage it has suffered.
I gave my treadle machine head a thorough soaking with WD-40 and gently
scraped away at
90 years of crud. When I was about to give up, she moved. Now she sews
beautifully. The
head is not perfect cosmetically but she is nicer than many I have seen and now
she
sews. I now have to tackle the top of the cabinet. It is bad enough that I may
find out
what it will cost to have it re-made by a furniture shop. This may very well be
cost
prohibitive. This may well end up a success story but I have put a lot of time
into it
already and we are far from done.
The point I am making is, don't price a machine by what it COULD be but rather
by what
it is. Personally, I wouldn't pay over $100 for a treadle that needs much work
at all
(unless it is rare etc.) because there are still gillions of them out there and
they
just don't seem to command that high of a price.
Many parts are still available, ironwork can be almost always fixed up and
cabinets can
often be refinished but I have seen many that just weren't worth putting that
much work
into.
I recently saw two priced at $25 each and the only thing good left, were the
iron bases.
I would NEVER destroy a good machine/cabinet but if someone made these into
tables, they
would be improved upon.
I am off my soap box now... Katy in Michigan
Date: Sun, 04 Aug 1996 23:53:47 -0400
From: Larry Doyle
Subject: For Sale
Hi Everybody,I do hope my spellim\ng errors and typos are not offensive to
too many of you. I have for sale the following:
2-buttonholers 1960's varity pod shape mont cond.$25.00 ea.
Singer booklet "Making a Dress"1943 $18.00
Giest attachments in orig.box $20.00
McCall's sewing paperback sewing book "1969"great cover $20.00
FW Anniversary model Mint condition-attachments,manual,oil can ,case
condition is a 9 this machine did olmost no sewing $650.00
____________________________________
FWFanatics@ttsw.com - Singer phone # 1-800-877-7762
And now a word from our sponsor:
Hickory Hills Antique Quilts - Offering a variety of antique
quilts, tops, blocks and fabrics at reasonable prices. Personal service,
credit cards accepted. http://quilt.com/HickoryHill
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Date: Tue, 6 Aug 96 13:43:50 -0500
From: Featherweight Fanatics
Subject: FW Fanatics 8/5/96
To: Sue@quilt.com
X-Mailer: LeeMail 2.0.5
Message-Id:
ONLINE CHAT SCHEDULE
Hi Everyone,
Now that we've tested the software and things seem to be running well, we will
be running regular online "live" chats. We're going to start with 2 days per
week, but may expand later. So, every Wednesday evening from 7PM to 10PM and
every Sunday afternoon from 2PM to 5PM the ttsw chat palace will be open.
Times are EAST COAST USA. For more information about the chats, please check
out our chat info page at http://quilt.com/Chat Any questions, please e-mail
me directly, Sue@ttsw.com or Eric@ttsw.com.
Hope to see you there.
Thanks,
Sue T
From: EGRC75A@prodigy.com (MS SANDRA L SKEWIS)
Date: Sun, 4 Aug 1996 23:57:16, -0500
Subject: Finally a Find!
After not finding any machines in months, a little voice told me to
go to the antique/junk store today, so I waited for dh to get home
and off we went. He headed for the old tool room, wandered back to
me and asked if a Spartan machine was anything good. After reading
about them on here, I quietly said "where is it", and he showed me.
The price was $100, but when I pointed out that there were no
attachments, no manual, and no top for the case, the dealer lowered
it to $65. The machine itself is an 8, but other than 2 bobbins, and
it's regular presser foot, and the plastic (?) base it's sitting on,
came with nothing else. Does anyone know where I can find a top, or
at least describe one to me, so I will know what to look for? Also,
if anyone would be willing to copy a manual for me, I would be happy
to pay whatever it costs. Please email me if you have a manual to
copy. The machine is black, black base, with striated face plate.
Does anyone know where in the archives the Spartan info is? I looked
briefly, but archives only go to May, and I know I've read lots on
the Spartans recently (I just don't remember any of it!) Oh, dh made
me buy him an antique bamboo fishing rod as a thank you for him
spotting the machine (as if I wouldn't have found it eventually). We
both came home very happy!! Thanks in advance for any Spartan info.
Sandi in once again wet Olympia, WA (Happy belated
birthday, Betty!)
Date: Mon, 5 Aug 1996 02:14:51 -0400
From: Millie MacKenzie
Subject: misc
To interested parties:
silkee@internexus.net - this is the address for signing up for the
Patchwords monthly newsletter
Yesterday's FWF had the following ad submitted by me:
I have for sale a manual, copyrighted 1925, for a 99-13 with knee control.
$115 includes postage. Email, first come, first served. Thanks. Millie
No takers, so I think I'll reduce the price by $100 to only $15......Hope
you all had a good laugh over my faux pas.
At the Bayberry quilt show at Cape Cod, there was a vendor who had one of
those see-thru tables that you use with the FW to giveyou more sewing
surface. $35. Also lots of stencils for quilting. A catalog is available from:
Kitty's Quilt Korner
64 Standard Street
Newington CT 06111
860-666-4414
I have no monetary interest here. Just tell them that Millie sent you from
online.
Millie MacKenzie in CT and Cape Cod, MA
milmac@snet.net
Date: 5 Aug 1996 12:53:05 +0000
From: "Lehrhoff Mary MSM SUPH US"
Subject: Catching Up
Before I forget: Graham, do you perchance have the name (e-mail or smail)
and address of anyone in Germany who might possibly be able to locate an
estoteric part for me? My 431G (free arm) has the left part of its arm
missing, the part that folds up (like on the FW and 301). I didn't notice
it until I got the manual from another Feather...he's looking too, but my
favorite Singer guy suggested the best thing would be to try Germany since
that's where the little darling was made...also, since you are the Ultimate
Repair person, do you have any ideas on what I should do to (repair, paint
over, fill in?) a spot about the size of a silver dollar where the paint is
chipped to the metal...(this is one of the tannish pinkish beige colored
machines). Or is it ok to leave the bare spot? This is a real neat machine
and sews like mad...I don't know what in heaven's name I'll do when we get
around to moving to Florida. My DH seems to think it would be perfectly
correct to downsize to a 2 bedroom (!!!!) condo with him, me, and my mom.
In Florida, there are no basements, no attics and the garage is filled with
garage stuff and is TOOOO hot anyway......I don't know how I am going to be
able to do it....sigh, sob, sob...I need at least a 3 br condo just for
myself! How do you manage in London where I understand the price of
accomodations is very dear and I suspect you have....a lot of stuff.....
To Mari in California:
I remember seeing in one of my magazines or manuals a list of all the stuff
Singer made, eg., besides the vacuum, an iron and I can't remember...what
else, but there was stuff.
To Sheri Bacon:
I can't believe some of the machines in my collection that I love. A few
years ago, I didn't even look at anything beige or brown or tan. Now, I
have a rocketeer (500a) a Real Star, a 301, also terrirrrrific, a
431G...real cool...and they have Become Beautiful To Me....strange, isn't
it? But then, I remember not being overly anamoured with the Black Singers
- but this was back in the 60's...that changed pretty quickly...by the 70's
they were looking so good, I've never looked back again...I paid 125 for my
tan 301 (from a dealer) and 140 for my black 301 (from a feather on Net). I
feel these were fair prices. I had been looking for along time without ever
even seeing one, so I went for them...often these "well used" 7 looking
machines clean up to a higher number...but, as long as it works...
General:
I have to check with my sister in Ohio. I could swear her Minnesota is a
Minnesota M...it's in a very nice cabinent, very ornate and machine looks
very good...no manual tho'.
To Cathy Sanhoefner:
I don't consider myself any sort of expert, but you do develop a sense of
worth after awhile, from collecting and belong to this digest. I think the
treadle you describe sounds overpriced, but hey, sometimes it speaks to you
and you have to have it. I've paid $25 for one with a beautiful red-head
Singer in it, in very nice condition. I've gotten a beautiful Royal in
great condition for FREE....a valuable old treadle for $7.50 (along with a
great hooked rug and a rosary!) So, you never know. But there are those
out there who think somethings valuable because it's old.....and someone
will go for it..... What can I say, except educate yourself. Because I
don't really have an excess of disposable income to spend, I am naturally
cautious. A few months ago, I was lucky enough to buy a BEAUTIFUL 99 for
mom, in a cabinet. I almost thrrrew the cabinet away since it was covered
with contact paper...turned out to be much nicer that I had first realized,
and it would be very nice cleaned up.....so my point, is be careful, pay
attention, check things out...look at any possibility...it's at least an
educational experience even if it's not a Keeper...of course, it's soooo
tempting to look at the little darlings!
To General:
I have a Singer 24 that needs to be cleaned up, and looks like it will be
very pretty. It doesn't have a crank or a threadle
To Shelley:
If you still have the 301 case, I need to get it for my mom...so let me
know...I'll email you at your email also...
To Ken Behler:
I have the 1916 and 1941 manual...which one would you like? let me
know...and send your smail address.
To Bob Campbell:
I have about 3 Toys, nothing special. If I ever find any that aren't
"Collector's Prices" I natuarlly would buy them, but alas, they are usually
"an arm and a leg!"
To Terri in Houston:
That Dealer is just a Crook. When people try to gouge other people, I think
of it as crroookkkerry!
To Terri in Michigan:
$5 for the Rocketeer? You have done very well! This is a Cool Machine...I
paid $20 for mine and thought it was a Gift From Heaven..there should be
dealers with parts etc. out on the net who can help you out with parts...
To Teresa Barron:
re: Slater...he stinks, big time....phoney baloney, etc...
To Lisa:
YOu could never, never, never bore any FWF with a tale such as yours....it's
what we are all about....FWing, etc...and did very well....keep it up!!! I
don't have a white one yet and here you are, a Newbie and already, you have
one...you are a bona fide FWF!
To Charlene:
The vendor selling for $650 should have his feathers CLIPPED!!! What a
chisler...and creep. Oh well, they say it takes all kinds, but who needs
his kind???!!
General:
I was very lucky on Saturday. I went to see my favorite Singer
Person...this is the kind of guy that everyone should have. His dad was a
Singer man and his brother is in Vermont...he sold me a Blind Stitch
Attachment.....and the Pinking thing for..........$5.00...WOW! Also...he
LOANED me his Service manual so I could copy it....he has a lot of good
machines, FWs, Toys, etc. and is a really nice person...I'll post next
time, his brother's address &# in Vermont...I misplaced it....I think he
will soon be on the Net...he's BOB, at Union County Machines, 1149 E. Jersey
Street,
Elizabeth, 908-355-1125....also, I'm hot on the trail of investigating a
Singer Veterans' Club...in Elizabeth....should be interesting...
Have to go now....
Happy FeatherWeighting All
Date: Mon, 5 Aug 1996 08:52:44 -0500
From: Tim and Sherrie
Subject: WD-40 and 128
I think the thing to remember about WD-40 is that it is NOT oil! It is a
solvent. It will momentarily lubricate parts, but not for long! That's why
things sieze back up. So, use your WD-40, then oil afterwards! My sewing
shop here has some stuff for cleaning gunk, I'll check it out today and
report back...has a boat and car on the label, but when I read the back it
sounded perfect for sewing machines...
Well, DH may be good at finding FWs, but his talent for other machines just
took a beating! He went to an antique barn and came home with a 128 in
about a 4 condition. Bentwood case , no knee lever, rusty tension, no paint
to speak of on bed...rusty throat plates. Nice Face plate, has the
grapevines! Actually , the bed is not that bad, but this machine is so used
the Godzilla finish is smoothed out!
However, the case is in good shape, so I propose to do the following: clean
up the case and buy it a new handle (outside of the case is about a 6, or
maybe 7), and sell the poor baby for parts. Contact me if you need anything
from a 128. I have no idea if the motor works, its wiring is shot. Shuttle
case is there and looks good. All parts move smoothly and look to be oiled!
At this point, unless someone convinces me otherwise, I will use the case
for my other 128, and put my spartan in the cabinet for the other 128.
Sherrie Groman - who is sewing dresses for a wedding instead of quilting,
boo hoo!
gromant@ebicom.net
Our Home page =http://www.ebicom.net/~gromant/fire.htm
Date: 05 Aug 96 11:20:26 EDT
From: "Sandra F. Smith" <76017.2624@CompuServe.COM>
Subject: Piecework Magazine
The current issue, September/October, of Piecework magazine has an interesting
picture of an old sewing machine on page 34 and 35. It looks like an old hand
crank Singer. Does anyone know what model? It accompanies an article by a
woman whose mother immigrated to the US from England in 1923 and brought the
machine with her. It is now part of a display at the Ellis Island Immigration
Museum.
From: jdo@mail.wincom.net
Date: Mon, 5 Aug 1996 12:41:13 +0000
Subject: Re: Lotus design
Terri
When I saw your post about the unusual paint on ths machine I pulled
out my copy of the magazine to take a look. That machine is the same
as the one on the calander at my Singer dealer. I never checked to
see what model it is , but the paint is all exactly the same as in
the magazine, including the colours, and it is beautiful. My dealer
told my Singer printed the calander of some of their rarer machines,
and he's trying to find one of each of the machines pictured. Next
time I'm over at his store I'll take a look and see what the model is
called.
Also While on vacation I picked up a 127 hand crank in a square
walnut case which has cross-hatch carving on the front. It was the
first time I have seen a hand crank, and the case looks like the bread
box cases you see on some treadles, anyway, at $70. Canadian I just
couldn't leave it there. It sews beautifully. My only problem is when
I call Singer with the serial Number that starts with a J they say
they have no records for J numbers as they were made in Canada. When
you call the Canadian Singer number they say they don't give out
manufacture dates any more, so I'm out of luck. So now I have 2
301A's without dates, a 99 without a date, and a 127 without.
I can't buy any more machines until I've been back to work for a
while to make a bit of money to pay for this obsession. Bye for now.
NancyD
Date: 5 Aug 1996 16:47:00 +0000
From: "Lehrhoff Mary MSM SUPH US"
Subject: Stuff
To Laura Fisher:
Re: 221 and 301 tables: next time you run across those guys who need their
tables for their wares, offer to buy them a new table! That's for SURE what
I would do...btw...where IS this swap meet??? I've never gone to one...but
will try once...it sounds like fun.
To Mary in Idaho:
About your Spartan....what did you pay for it, if I may ask? It seems the
market for them is very flexible. I got mine for $10, saw someone recently
offering one for $100, and then you got your 301 for....$14.00....what a
bargain! That black one will come along; mine did for $140.00... I'd like
to get a nice case like yours (the one for the SpartanHappy sewing.....
Toodles...must get busy working...this is 2nd message of the day...Happy
Feathering, ye Feathers..Mary in warm, muggy Summit, New Jersey....
Date: Mon, 05 Aug 1996 12:49:03 -0500
From: Robert Smith
Subject: Persian Pickle Club/Featherweights
Just back from the mall and Waldensbooks----The Persian Pickle Club is
only for sale in hardback for $20.95 but it will be coming out in paperback
sometime in September......
Secondly, I spent Sunday in Adamstown, PA (The Antique Capital of the
USA----so they claim....) I did run into about seven or eight 221s for sale
so if you are ever in the area or interested in a road trip...check it out. I
did buy a mint condition 221 from Great Britain (the white version) for
$225 which I thought was very reasonable. The woman had a second
white 221 for the same price and also a black 221s for $300 . Most of
the black 221s were in the $350 to $385 range before the buyers
discount...usually 10 %. If anybody is interested in specific shop names
that had the 221s please let me know. Also I have the phone number of
the woman with the white 221 .
If interested---- e mail me at RESMIT@ARK.SHIP.EDU
Happy Hunting - Bob Smith
Shippensburg, PA
Date: Mon, 5 Aug 1996 11:27:44 -0400 (EDT)
From: Marilyn Root
Subject: salvaging the good parts
All I want to say today is to Katy from Michigan. Right on!!! If the
cabinet is never going to look good, use the drawers. Some of these
machines have been terribly abused. I got one cabinet where someone had
carved their initials. We will sometimes buy a non-salvageable machine
just to use for parts. Funny thing is, both times we did that the
machines turned out to run after the DH was through with them. But it
just makes sense to buy a piece of junk just for the foot pedal, spool
pin, bobbin case, whatever.
BTW email me and tell me what shape the veneer is in and maybe the DH can
help you fix it.
Marilyn
Date: 05 Aug 96 14:03:41 EDT
From: Chris Vagtborg <71155.1072@CompuServe.COM>
Subject: post
Hi All...
For Lorre re: FW belt. We have 'em, two styles to choose from - original
Singer or improved 'lugged' belts. Email me for details...
For Jacque in Boise re: 66 motor. Got one in good condition. Email me for
details...
For Sharon re: Bobbin Case removal. Did you remember to move the GIB (long
curved 'finger thingy') out of the way after you remove the screw? The GIB
holds the bobbin case base in place in the hook.
For Julie re: 222 - Well Done!
For Terri re: Slaton book. Ummm, we don't talk about that book on this
digest. Too many people take his inflated machine values as gospel and the
result is the prices you talked about in your post. Screws it up for the rest
of us...
For Millie in CT re: 99-13 manual - does a machine come with the manual?
For Joan re: shipping 221's. I have successfully shipped several FWs with the
following method: first, find a box that the machine will fit into with about
1" clearance on all sides. It should not be higher than 11.5 inches. Take a
toilet paper roll tube (cut it to a length just longer than the spool pin)
and tape (masking) to arm top to protect spool pin. Wrap machine in bubble
wrap and put in box, standing up. Stuff newspaper around machine tightly.
Seal box. Empty case. Wrap attachments in newspaper. Wrap foot control in
newspaper or bubble wrap. Put Oil Can and\or Grease Tube in zip lock baggie
and wrap in newspaper. Put all into case. Add extra newspaper (or bubble
wrap) to fill remaining void in case. Wrap lid (if removable type) in
newspaper and put in case UPSIDE DOWN. Wrap case in newspaper and seal with
tape. Find a 18"x18"x12" box. The case and box w/machine now go into this
larger box. Make sure SM is still standing up. Fill remaining voids around
inner box and case with foam or peanuts. Make sure it's packed tightly, so
nothing moves. Ship via UPS Blue Label (or Fed Ex Economy). Air service gets
better treatment than ground. Don't forget to insure it.
For Cyndi re: 301 parts. Email me for info on the parts you need...
Bye for now! Chris(tian) in sunny, t-stormy coastal Georgia, where the
touristas from the Olympics are stopping by on their way to see Mickey...
Subject: Jim Slaten
From: judy_hill@juno.com (Judith A Hill)
Date: Mon, 05 Aug 1996 23:18:01 EDT
I had the unpleasant experience of speaking to Jim Slaten last week. I
would advise anyone who needs to do so to put on their armor as he comes
out fighting before you even speak. His prices seemed reasonable but I
would never do business with a man with his attitude. If he treats a
potential customer this way I would hate to have a problem with him. I am
glad the dealers I bought my 3, 99Ks from had never read his guide. As
for his museum I will certainly not waste my time even though he is not
far from my home. Ah that feels better I am so glad I read your comment
Bobbie.
--------------------
Judy Hill
Judy_Hill@juno.com
____________________________________
FWFanatics@ttsw.com - Singer phone # 1-800-877-7762
And now a word from our sponsor:
Hickory Hills Antique Quilts - Offering a variety of antique
quilts, tops, blocks and fabrics at reasonable prices. Personal service,
credit cards accepted. http://quilt.com/HickoryHill
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id AA29161; Wed, 7 Aug 96 13:10:30 EDT
Date: Wed, 7 Aug 96 13:27:42 -0500
From: Featherweight Fanatics
Subject: FW Fanatics 8/6/96
To: Sue@quilt.com
X-Mailer: LeeMail 2.0.5
Message-Id:
Date: Sat, 3 Aug 1996 22:04:12 -0400 (EDT)
From: "Patricia E. Emerick"
Subject: Birthday Presents
I just had to share -- not too many of my friends would understand how
excited I was to get *old stuff* for my birthday, especially an old oil
can -- but I knew you all would understand.
I got a green oval Singer oil can with a lead cap! I have been looking
for a Singer oil can for a long time, but have not found any (not even in
bad shape). This is in great shape, hardly a scratch on it! Can anyone
tell me how to date (and perhaps value) the old oil cans? My friend said
there was also a red Singer can -- would that be older or newer?
But the best *old* present is a 1914 Singer toy sewing machine. That too
is in very good condition, thanks to my wonderful husband's TLC in
cleaning it up.
Thanks for listening! I knew you'd understand.
Bye for now.......Pat
**************************************
Pat Emerick in the Lehigh Valley, PA
emericpe@ttown.apci.com
**************************************
From: Mike &Julie Schaer
Subject: Featherweight Heaven
Date: Tue, 6 Aug 1996 13:20:20 -0700
I, along with all the rest of you people, own a wonderful Featherweight. =
The best part is that it was given to me along with the table. I never =
use the table and I am considering selling it. Anyone out there that is =
interested, let me know. I will be taking offers. Can't wait to hear =
from other Featherweight lovers. The machine is fantastic and so easy =
to use. So long, for now!
Date: Tue, 6 Aug 1996 17:16:44 -0400
From: lanza@marie.mit.edu (Dick Lanza)
Subject: Old Elnas
Claire Fukuda
I am a real fan of the old Elnas (and the not-so-old Elnas). Elna
was first made in the late 1930's or early 1940's. I think all
Elna's were olive green until the late 1950's, when they came out with
tan. The first Elna, Elna #1, looked like a c-clamp in profile and
was a straight stitch machine. Then they developed a zig-zag, which
was very chunky, but rounded in a Deco look. Both designs were very
inovative, both in their appearance and in the underlying engineering.
If you can find either one in working condition, you can use them
with today's low shank attachments. Also the Super, (the zig-zag)
has cams for fancy stitches, and you can still get most of them
today, even though Elna has discontinued making them in the last year
or two. The Lotus and the Stella are 1980's portable machines,
also very well engineered and designed. The Lotus is the older model,
it weighs about 9 pounds, has zigzag &a couple of stretch stitches,
and is a flat bed machine. It is called a Lotus because it has a
case that is part of the machine, like flaps that fold out from the
base (like a Lotus flower). I have a Lotus &I use it as my portable
machine (sorry FW). The Stella is the successor to the Lotus, it
has the flaps, but they can also be removed, and it is a free arm
machine, and also has the air-pressure speed control. Both of these
machines seem to be offered at about $400 when they can be found.
Sylvia
lanza@marie.mit.edu
Date: Tue, 6 Aug 1996 14:39:36 -0700
From: Nancy Slater
Subject: question on machine
have a quick question on a machine a friend has to sell. i don't know what
model it is. it's has a shuttle bobbin, and i think it was made in 189?.
it's in great condition, only has straight stitch. no gold leaf, just
black. no scratches that i can see. about what would the price be for
a machine in that shape? please email me privately at nancy@aspect.com.
tia!!!
nancy
Date: Tue, 6 Aug 1996 18:01:50 -0400
From: Fritz906@aol.com=
Subject: Re: FW Fanatics 8/5/96
Ok I am having great difficulty getting on the FWFanatics
Home page , also Gailee's home page,what am I doing Wrong. Sandy
Date: Tue, 06 Aug 1996 15:45:18 -0700
From: Monrad
Subject: (no subject)
I have been enjoying all of the wonderful correspondence and sm info.
In my collection I own a #28 K, 1908; a #2 vs, 1893; a #66, 1921; and a
222 K, 1957. I also have a shell of a Windsor B, 31-42295 and have
not heard of this. Can anyone give me any info on this one?
Thanks, Twink in Tucson
Date: 06 Aug 96 19:09:24 EDT
From: Graham Forsdyke <100661.3256@CompuServe.COM>
Subject: Contribution
To Mary L Re Germany and storage
Sorry but I don't have a single e-mail contact in Germnay. However, suggest you
try Stefan Maxen, Grosse Bruchstr 15, 41747 Viersen 1, Germany. He's a young
enthusiast who runs a sewing machine business and is very sympatico. Tell him
you are an ISMACS member and I suggested you contacted him.
As far as storing stuff goes, London must be the worst possible place. Maggie
and I have, apart from the 400-strong collection, a dozen classic motor cycles,
half a dozen cars, smaller collections of old telephones, scientific
instruments, optical toys, books, ephemera etc etc. Maggie is also into 1960s
jewelery in a big way (she clanks as she walks). She's got a one-bedroom
apartment next to the Tower of London and I've got a small three-bedroom house
on the outskirts of town. None of which answers your question. We rent some
buildings in an old army camp for the bigger items and the smaller bits are in
a
storage facility. Rent on all this storage comes to more than the food and city
taxes bills.
As far as the bare spot on the machine goes, I'd live with it. You could get an
auto paint shop to do a pretty good job of colour matching some paint for you
but you would still see the mark -- and you'd have a quart of paint left over.
Look at the spot as part of the machine's history -- that's what I'd say if I
were selling it! g.
To Judy
You would be wasting your time. The museum doesn't exist. Never has, although
he
has been "advertising" it for over a decade.
Graham Forsdyke
ISMACS London
Date: Sat, 03 Aug 1996 20:09:31 -0400
From: Clay &Shelly Leihy
Subject: Re: 301/301a Markers? (Marti)
Since they are so similar to the FWs, I'd say look for those same
things. Also, I've seen two with the front cloth table screw missing,
one having been replaced by something that didn't anywhere near match
up. And, I've known of one SM man to put tan parts (painted black) onto
a black machine for sale, and make no mention of it to prospective
buyers. Caveat emptor. Very caveat.
Clay
Date: Sat, 3 Aug 1996 20:39:17 -0400
From: LFisher902@aol.com
Subject: Re: What does a 301 look like?
I have been reading this wonderful Fw fanatics for about five months now and
am hearing so much about the 301. It was not in Grahams book and I was
wondering if it was pictured on any of the web sites? Would love to see what
it looks like, so I could hunt for it. Thanks, Laura
Date: Sat, 03 Aug 96 18:04:55 0000
From: leames
Subject: (no subject)
Hi all...just picked up a heavy old singer in pretty bad shape for $7.
The serial # is AH684301. Can anyone tell me what kind of machine this
is??
From: Mary Rothenbuhler
Subject: What I spent on my Spartan
Date: Tue, 6 Aug 1996 19:23:54 -0600
Hello again,
Mary in New Jersey, I don't mind telling you what I spent a bit, I just
wish it had been $10.00, but alas, it was $65.00. All I got with mine was
the dreaded seam gauge, and of course the elusive case. It's in really
good shape, about an 8 on the scale, and the case is probably an 8 also.
It really is just a stripped down 99, It's funny, but when stuff is
written about a machine that you don't have, you really don't pay much
attention to it. Then you get one, and you spend hours going over the old
lists and devour everything you can on it.
Which reminds me, what ever happened to the FWF who was compiling a list of
all the different types of Singers, their differences, and was going to
post it at a later date? I dutifully sent in my list, but I have a feeling
it turned out to be daunting task.
I want to let you all know that I found one of those Singer Oil bottles,
it's so neat! I also got myself a yard stick with Singer advertising on
it. I have more Singer collectibles than machines at this point.
Mary in Idaho
Date: Tue, 6 Aug 1996 21:42:44 -0400
From: LFisher902@aol.com
Subject: Re: FW Tables
To Mary Lehrhoff,
I did tell the vendor he could buy two new cardtables for what I was paying
for his old beat up one. I guess he could tell a desperate and excited buyer
when he saw one! When I find a FW table, I do tend to get a little excited!
The swap meet is in Pasadena , Calif at the City College, On the first
Sunday of the month.
To all,
I have heard so much about the 301's and have never seen one or a picture
of one. They were not in Grahams manuel. Is there a web site out there
where I could see a picture of one? Thanks, Laura
Date: Tue, 06 Aug 1996 20:01:05 -0700
From: Ken Behler
Subject: oak boxes
Thanks to all who responded about the 66 motor. As luck would be I foun=
d an old=20
treadle at a garage sale Sat. that someone had tried to electrify then to=
ok the motor=20
back off. The treadle was absolutely trashed so I asked to buy just the m=
otor. Got it=20
for only $5.00. Its a Universal motor and it runs great. DH put new wirin=
g on it and=20
brackets fit perfect. I'd say I got lucky.
Lydia: Getting back on these oak boxes. My box has the purple lining. =
It came with=20
the 27 treadle. I also have the manual for the attachment box. The cover =
of the manual=20
reads: Instructions for using The Singer Manufacturing Co's Attachments S=
tyle No. 11 for=20
No. 27 machine. This picture inside the manual and the arrangement of the=
the box do not=20
correspond exactly either. The section with the screwdrivers and bobbin h=
older is turned=20
180=BA just as you had described. I'd be glad to copy this manual for you=
but I think you=20
already have it. Let me know if you don't.
Cheryl: I received your check and package went out today. Enjoy.
Still looking for a case for my black 301, but I guess so are alot of u=
s. Please=20
e-mail if you've got one to sell. Thanks, Jacque in Boise
From: sharon@cvo.oneworld.com
Date: Tue, 6 Aug 1996 18:58:59 +0000
Subject: 301a birthdate
I called Singer to ask about the birthdate of my new black 301a
(serial # NA267022). Singer told me that the 301 is a current model,
and they do not have the ones with serial numbers beginning with
"NA" listed. She also said that 301's were made between '53 &'59.
They had to have been made in 1951 because my manual is copyrighted
'51, '52, &'53. My guess is that mine was born 1953.
A quick funny story. I went to an antique store today and asked
if they had any sewing machine items. The owner mentioned he had just
gotten in a cabinet, and it was upstairs. So he and a helper go
upstairs and lug it down. I almost died when I saw it. It was the
cabinet that I left behind this weekend when I bought my 301a because
the cabinet was for a different machine. I didn't have the heart to
tell him after he did all that work, so I said that it wasn't what I
was looking for.
Sharon Reese
Date: Tue, 6 Aug 1996 22:06:35 -0400 (EDT)
From: Marilyn Root
Subject: Books I found
Hi Fanatics. Went uptown today to do an errand and didn't intend to go
Singer-ing. But I decided to stop in an antique store I hadn't checked
out in a while. No sewing machines. No bottles or oil cans or
attachments. But.....I found the mother lode of Singer books. Here's a
list of what I came home with:
1. Singer Teacher's Handbook of Machine Sewing. 1960. Pictures of the
401 and 403.
2. Dressmaking by Singer. 1958.
3. Chainstitching With Your Touch &Sew Sewing Machine. 1964. Shows
throat plates and bobbin cover and thread guide for basting with a chain
stitch.
4. Instructions for Using Touch &Sew Deluxe Zig-Zag Sewing Machine.
600E. 1964.
5. Singer Sewing Skills Reference Book 1954.
6. Singer Sewing Book by Mary Brooks Pickens. 1954.
7. Singer Sewing Book by Mary Brooks Pickens. 1953.
8. Singer Magic Fusibles in Fashion Sewing. 1977. (A Golden Book)
9. Singer Dressmaking Course in 7 Easy Steps. (hardbound) 1958.
10. Singer Dressmaking Course in 8 Easy Steps. (looseleaf) 1961.
11. Machine Sewing, A Treatise on the Care and Use of Family Sewing
Machines. 1950. Price $1.00 (gratis to teachers of home economics).
Hardbound. Shows among other things the adjustable zig zag attachment and
the hand pinker. Describes the 221 and shows various models of cabinets,
the Queen Anne being No. 40.
12. Singer Teacher's Textbook of Machine Sewing, A Treatise on the Care
and Use of Singer Family Sewing Machines and Their Attachments. 1953.
Hardbound. $1.50 (gratis to teachers of home economics). Shows sewing
tables for schools with 2 cutouts and inserts in one table. Shows 2
motors-the BA3 and the BZ.
13. Singer Sewing Fashions Showcase - a magazine for fall and winter of 1966.
14. Ideas for Zig Zag Sewing by Singer. 1963.
15. Sheer Magic with Your Singer Sewing Machine. A pamphlet on sewing
sheer fabric.
16. A pamphlet showing rules and prizes for the 1956 Singer Sewing Contest.
17. A pamphlet "Singer Presents Fashion Magic in Decorative Zippers"
published in cooperation with Talon.
18. An unused Singer pattern with 6 designs for decorating little girls
dresses.
19. A 4 x 5" folder of Singer Hand Sewing Needles (in case I ever want to
bind books or mend carpets or sails.) Says "Made in Redditch, England".
and last but not least:
20. Singer Souvenir Sewing Book, New York World's Fair 1964-65. This is
a 96 page book showing many sewing projects. On the back it says....We
hope you will remember.....Impressive displays of Singer products - sewing
machines, vacuum cleaners, floor polishers, typewriters, home
entertainment equipment, and many more.
Many of these books will be useful in maintaining the machines and using
the attachments. There was one big surprise. In one book they showed
several machines, one of which was a 328K. Below it was a machine called
a Spartan and it wasn't the little black machine that looks so much like a
99. It was a 328 with a plate on the front that said Spartan. A cheaper 328.
I know you won't mind me taking up so much space to tell you about my
finds. Now if I could only find that $25 Featherweight.
Marilyn in Westerville, Ohio
Date: Tue, 6 Aug 1996 22:30:38 -0400 (EDT)
From: Lydia Pratt
Subject: A Spartan and A Puzzle
Sandi: Odds are that your Spartan didn't come with a case. Most of them
that have been described here seemed not to. The black "plastic"
base that it sits in is probably all there is. Earlier this week "Mary in
Idaho" described the case she got with her Spartan as "tan and brown
grasscloth and leatherette type that reminds me of saddle shoes".
Re: Dr. Who: It's not so much the Doctor that we're interested in as the
TARDIS. Someone recently commented that anything that's bigger on the
inside than it is on the outside would be a major asset to those of us
with small closets and ever-growing fabric collections.
A Puzzle: A sewing machine repair place near me (he also handles new
Vikings) has a very interesting machine on display in his shop. It is a
very small machine, a chain-stitch mechanism, but it has a Centennial
medallion. It seems to be some variation of a Model 24. It corresponds
fairly well to the illustration of the Model 24 in my copy of "Machine
Sewing...A Treatise...", BUT the bed is different. The illustration in
the book has what I would describe as a pedastle-type bed: the bed area is
approximately square, and has four distinct straight edges. This machine
seems to have a somewhat larger bed area, but the area itself has only
three distinct straight edges and the right side of the area melds into
the upright part of the machine head like a FW. It also sits in what
appears to be a plastic bed, similar to a Spartan. One of the men who runs
the shop told Marilyn that this little thing was originally a treadle and
then had been electrified, but the motor had burned out and they were
trying to find a new motor for it. This machine is also missing a throat
place, which would be circular and about 1" in diameter, with two small
screw hole in it. Questions: would Singer have been making that small of
a chain stitch as late as 1951? If I'm remembering right, the serial
number started off as "G7" which would have put it earlier. Anyone alse
ever seen anything like it. Anyone know where to get a replacement throat
plate? I'm not exactly fond of the owner (he gives me really wierd
looks if I mention the Internet, like he thinks the 'net is right
up there with the Tooth Fairy), but it would sort of make my day to
walk in with his much desired throat plate and innocently say
something like: "Oh, is this little thing what you've been looking
for?? Everybody on the 'net knows they carry these at xxxxxxxx". Apparently
they have been talking to a machine shop about getting a replacement made,
but it hasn't happened yet.
Lydia in central Ohio, where we're back to what someone used to call the
ugly-mugglys: 90-plus degrees and sticky as all getout.
_ _
Lydia Pratt |_|X|_|
Columbus, Ohio |X|*|X|
lspratt@freenet.columbus.oh.us |_|X|_|
Date: Tue, 6 Aug 1996 22:53:40 -0400
From: Courtvo@aol.com
Subject: Survey results for 127, 128
Hi all. I have not recieved any surveys in a long time so I thought I would
give you all what I had so far. If your machine doesn't fit my description
for your model please e-mail me so I can update the description for everyone.
Following the descriptions of Model 127 and 128 today I will include a
slightly abbreviated version of my original survey which I am still
accepting. Each day or so I will send FWF a description of another model
(limited to 27, 28, 127, 128, 15, 2, 201, 24, 66, and 99) I will do a
general description of the 301 but the earlier survey and discussion of the
301 and 301a by Joy Froyd was more detailed than I will get. Thanks to all
who contributed to the survey.
Model 127
There are 4 machines included in the survey ranging from 1916-1926. They are
all treadles with shuttle bobbins, high mounted bobbin winders, and spoked
chrome edged balance wheels. They all have shiny black finishes. All have
flat face plates and round plates on the back right side with floral/leaf
designs. The stitch length adjustment is made with an unmarked knob on the
front right side (longer to right, shorter to left). They have no reverse or
zigzag stitch option. The upper thread tension is unmarked in the front on
the left side of the machine. All 127s in the survey had Shinx decals and
large 1 5/8 inch Singer medallions. The head measures 14.25 from face plate
to far end of balance wheel and the bed measures 14.5 inches wide by 7 inches
across. The machines were straight needle and low shank. The 127 is
threaded from left to right.
Model 128
There are 6 machines in the survey ranging from 1919 - 1951, all electrics, 5
with foot pedal, 1 with knee lever. All had shuttle bobbins and high mounted
bobbin winders. The earlier machines had spoked chrome edged balance wheels
and the later machines (1948,1951) had solid, black balance wheels. The
early machines also had a shiny black finish while the ‘48 and ‘51 had the
godzilla (matte, crinkle) finish. They all had a flat face plate, the early
ones with a grape design, the ‘48 and ‘51 were lined. The early ones had
upside down pear shaped plate with grape design on the back right side, the
‘48 and ‘51 had round plates with lined design. The stitch length adjustment
is an unmarked knob on the front right side (lengthen to right, shorten to
left). The 128 has no reverse or zigzag stitch option. The upper thread
tension is in the front on the left side and is not numbered. The decals
were assorted from 1919 heavy floral, 1919 red green and gold, 1937 minimal
decals, 1937 simple geometric, scallop design, 1948 Singer only, 1951 center
bed design only no border. All machines had the large 1 5/8 inch Singer
medallion (the 1951 has a centennial medallion). The head measures 12.5 inch
from face plate to far side of balance wheel. The bed measures 12 inches
long by 6.5 inch wide. Of the machines surveyed 4 reported to be low shank
and 2 reported to be high shank. 4 machines had a light in back, 2 had no
light. All were portable in bentwood cases measuring 17.25 inches long,
8.25 inches wide, 11.75 inches high. The 128 threads from left to right.
Survey for Old Singer Sewing Machines
For treadles, hand cranks and electrics not including 221 (see FW Survey on
the WWW at http://quilt.com/FWF. Goal: to create a more detailed
descriptions of each model for distribution to FWFs. Select more than one
answer per question where appropriate. Call Singer customer service for info
by serial # at 1-800-877-7762. ** I have removed some questions so please
pay attention to question number.
1. Serial #:
2. Date/Year of Manufacture:
3. Model #:
5. Power: a)treadle b)hand crank c)electric, knee lever d) electric, foot
pedal
e) electric, knee and foot
6. Bobbin: a)shuttle b)round, side load c) round, top load d) no
bobbin/chain stitch
7. Bobbin winder: a) shuttle, high mounted b) shuttle, low mounted
c) round bobbin, thread goes through cleat on right of machine
d) round bobbin, thread goes through tension disks on right side
e) other (describe) f) round bobbin, nothing on right side of bed
8. Balance wheel: a) spoked b) solid c) chrome edge d) same color as
machine
9. Color of machine: a) black b) tan/beige c) white/green d)
other____________
10. Finish of machine: a) shiny b) matte/crinkle/godzilla
11. Face plate: a) flat b) not flat
13. Plate on back right side of machine: a) none b) round c) upside down
pear d)other
15. Stitch length adjuster: a)unmarked knob b) unmarked knob in short
slot
c) flat lever in numbered slot d) thumb screw in numbered slot
e) thumb screw in slot next to numbered slot with indicator
f) other (please describe or draw if mailing)
_____________________________
16. Reverse stitch: a) yes b) no
17. Zigzag built in: a) yes b) no
18. Upper thread tension: a) unmarked in front b) unmarked on left side
c)numbered in front d) numbered on left
21. Head size: measured face plate to far end of balance wheel: length in
inches______
22. Bed size: length _______ , width _______ , fiddle shape?
27. Treadle cabinet: a) # of drawers: __. center drawer: b) tilt out c)
slide out d) none e)box covers machine on top of cabinet f) machine
folds down into table.
extension table: g)full size folds over top h)small that folds down to
side
i) box top that unfolds into table extension to sides and back
j) closed cabinet (drawing rm cabnt) k) machine goes straight down into
cabinet 28. Portable: (provide length of case) a) bentwood/dome top/breadbox
case
b) fabric covered case (color ________) c) case detaches from base of
machine and pulls off d) side opening case (like suitcase) e) other
29. Built in electric cabinet: a) knee lever b)foot pedal c)both
d) one piece table extension to one side e)split extension part to each
side
31. Your name and E-mail address
32. City and State
33. Add anything here that was not covered in the questions above.
Thanks.
Snail mail to Courtney VanOsten
1805 Abbotsford Drive
Vienna, VA 22182
or E-Mail to Courtvo@aol.com
P.S. I would be interested in collecting information sheets sent out by
Singer if you would not mind snail mailing to me. Thanks again.
Date: Tue, 06 Aug 1996 18:51:34 -0800
From: corbin
Subject: 301a &66
I went back to the store that had the 301a and what I thought was a 201. I
dickered
with the owner, got her down to a reasonable price and went home with my
treasures.
After closer inspection, the 201 is not a 201, just has the 201 manual and
attachments.
It had a receipt with it that labeled it a 66-16. Anyway, would anybody be
interested
in swapping manuals? Anyone know if the attachment feet are interchangable,
and if not,
wanna trade? It's a later machine, I guess, since the serial # starts with AJ.
Thanks,
Sharon
Date: Wed, 7 Aug 1996 03:01:39 GMT
Subject: No Subject
From: ma@usa.pipeline.com (Maggie Arlotta)
Hi everybody,
To Betty,
Sounds like maybe your find might be a model 66?
Found another 99 in a bentwood case following me home today.All is intact
and she sews a nice stitch.You can tell the 99s were a popular model
because I havn't seen one yet where the decals are still strong and intact
on the bed.Must mean they saw a lot of sewing going on.I'm beginning to
really favor these next to my 2, yes I said 2 FWs.Added another one to the
ever growing singer family in my house. Thanks to Millie I now have a back
up just in case something unspeakable should happen to my AH.Anyone ever
hesitant about shipping these should know what a nice job Millie does to
insure their arriving in one piece.My new AL born in 53 is a beauty and
spanking clean.Now I have to start some projects to keep them both
busy.Thanks Millie.
I found a manual for a Singer Hemstitcher and Picot Edger part #121387 for
Lockstitch sewing machines. Anyone wanting info on it just write me.I might
even have the attachment for all I know.
Maggie in NY
ma@pipeline.com
Date: Tue, 06 Aug 1996 23:22:48 -0500 (EST)
From: MANVILLE@delphi.com
Subject: Fixed the bobbin case
Hi fellow fanatics,
Thanks to those of you who gave advice and encouragement, I "flossed" my
FW's bobbin today and she is feeling much better. The bobbin case came out
easily, once I freed myself from blindly obeying the directions and used my
brain. Wonderful tool.
The two other tools that helped were my magnifying lamp, which gave a
good clear view of the problems and possibilities and an odd little gadget
from my dentist. It's called a Butler Proxabrush and is used to clean under
permanent bridgework. The brush is round, like a bottle brush, and very
tiny. Quite useful to reach tiny nooks and crannys.
When DH expressed concern that my machine was "broken" I had to reassure
him that I was just tinkering. It dawned on me that this passion is similar
to the passion for classic cars....but MUCH less expensive. (Smug grin.)
To Chris: I've tried repeatedly to query you about parts, especially a
belt, but my mail to you is returned. Could you contact me at
Manville@Delphi.com? That way your correct address will automatically
register in my address book. Thanks.
Sharon
____________________________________
FWFanatics@ttsw.com - Singer phone # 1-800-877-7762
And now a word from our sponsor:
Hickory Hills Antique Quilts - Offering a variety of antique
quilts, tops, blocks and fabrics at reasonable prices. Personal service,
credit cards accepted. http://quilt.com/HickoryHill
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id AA11159; Thu, 8 Aug 96 11:50:49 EDT
Date: Thu, 8 Aug 96 12:08:37 -0500
From: Featherweight Fanatics
Subject: FW Fanatics 8/7/96
To: Sue@quilt.com
X-Mailer: LeeMail 2.0.5
Message-Id:
Date: Sun, 4 Aug 1996 01:00:53 -0400
From: WRDipple@aol.com
Subject: Saturday Auctions
Bought a 15-90 at a local auction today. It didn't look like much of a
machine -- no attachments, no books -- but my best friend talked me into
bidding on it -- she's a bad influence. It was in a cabinet with a knee
lever and bro-ther was it a dull dusty mess. As the bidding came around to
the SM -- one of the property holders halted the auctioneer -- seems the
stool they had started to bid on was supposed to go with the SM. After a bit
of a hassle the stool took it's rightful place under the SM cabinet and the
auctioning continued. I got the machine for $38. My limit was $40.
Upon loading the machine and bench the top popped off the seat and lo and
behold, stuffed under and around a decade of sewing stuff, there was the
books, seven original bobbins, the attachments, screwdrivers, a complete
black buttonholer with manual, a #11 attachment book from 1896 (for the
foldout-quartered wooden box) and a little domed shaped OIL CAN!! Suddenly I
was REALLY excited.
The dull head cleaned up to an 8 with enough WD-40, and after pulling the
fuzz out from the stitch mechanism, the baby sews like a dream. (Isn't it
aMAZing how much fuzz you find under the throat plates of these old machines
- I think we should have a contest to see who can weight in with the biggest
dust ball.)
Her name is Betty (yes, Graham, we do have a tendency to name the various
inanimate objects in our lives) for the SM's original owner, my neighbor, who
recently passed away.
The worst part of all of this is now I have to deal with Ellen gloating about
being right. Guess I'll cope.
Now -- in the back of the 15-90 booklet there is reference to a "Universal
Threader and Seam Ripper" made by Singer. Has anyone seen this little
do-hickey? Does anyone have one for sale?
Warm and muggy in Iowa - Wanda
Date: 04 Aug 96 06:34:18 EDT
From: Graham Forsdyke <100661.3256@CompuServe.COM>
Subject: Contribution
To Karen Gagner re New Williams
Sorry, Karen, could not locate your e-mail number. Pictures o the New Williams
received safely.. It sure is in great condition.
Dating is going to be guesswork. Tension system suggests very early this
century
as does the fancy brace between the treadle legs. I'm going to go for 1905 to
1915.
To Bob Campbell
Am replying via FWF as I believe there could be a large following for a toy
sewing-machine Internet site. If you go ahead ISMACS would be happy to
co-operate although most of our archive concerns the earlier machines. Pictures
of just about anything you might want can be had from the MS collection and
would be happy to send you a batch to get things going. Would also be happy to
link the ISMACS site with yours.
Would also be happy to publicise the site through ISMACS
Couldn't agree more about the price-guide plague. You will notice that the
early
machines from Maggie's collection in the Thomas book do not have any price
quoted -- we refused to co-operate with the scheme.
To all re typos
There must be a name for the syndrome whereby you carefully check what you have
written before posting. Only when the material appears in FWF, or anywhere else
for that matter, do you notice the typos that litter every line......
To all re rare Singer models
Every time I check FWF there is a posting asking how rare various Singer models
are. The answer is in 99.9 % of cases -- not very.
The original Singer Family Model 12 from 1865 isn't too easy to find nowadays
but the only "rare" models are those which preceeded this -- The No1 with
square
bed plate and four stilt legs, the original No 2 (similar but with rectangular
bed), the "Turtleback" (also on stilts) and the Letter A ( similar to a 12 but
with raised bed and "square top arm).
Yes I know that the 222 free-arm FW doesn't turn up every day but I know of at
least two available for sale in the UK although recent mailshots from America
have hoisted the prices to $1000 apiece.
To Julie re 222 find
Congratulations on picking up the 222 in Bath -- that's one I missed.
Yes there was a different manual for the 222. I can provide a p.copy if you get
no luck with an original. The NJS book doesn't cover the 222.
You have three ways to go with the voltage problem.
1) A transformer to up your house voltage to 220-240. Radio Shack or similar
should be able to provide for around $30.
2) Find a good sewing-machine electrical expert whoi can rewind your motor to
110-volt specification. Don't bother with sewing-machine repair shops. Try to
find a company that specialises (English spelling) in motors.
3) If all else fails I can have the motor re-wound to original 110-volt spec.
Perfect job and not expensive (the guy charges me $90 apiece for batches of 10)
but you would be into postage both ways.
Let me know if I can help.
Liked the story of your negotiations with the car dealer -- he must have really
needed to move those wheels. Remind me to never try to sell you anything! G
To Margel re oil can
There was a Royal Sewing Machine company operating in England in the 1860 to
1890 period and its products are very collectable today (Founded by a Thomas
Shakespear so he had a head's start with a name like that). But I've also heard
of a Royal company in the USA which produced various lubricants in the first
half of this century and your can is more likely to be from them.
To all Re 221/222k
The following is part of a private e-mail reply from me which may be of
interest
of other readers
Most 221Ks were black. The black ones were produced here between 1949 and 1955.
From 55 to 64 the white/pale tourquois model was made. Whether these were
exported for the full production period is not clear.
Without setting machines up side by side I couldn't expound on the differences
between the K and American-made machines (I do not have a USA machine for
comparison but will make a point of having a good look around some during my
forthcoming trip to America).
The standard attachment with a 221K were Binder, Edge Stitcher, Gatherer, Foot
Hemmer, Adjustable Hemmer, Quilter. Sometimes an Under Braider was also offered
as a "free extra".
To all re 201 manuals
Have just picked up a bunch of Singer literature which includes 201 manuals
from
the 1930s and 1950s. Can provide p.copy of either on request.
Graham F in London where it's 85 degrees and I'm wondering how I'm going to
handle Texas and Vegas in a couple of week's time.
Date: Wed, 7 Aug 1996 08:15:29 -0500 (CDT)
From: Mary McCreadie
Subject: Re: Singer stuff, and a treadle sighting
1. Re misc. Singer manufactures: the first portable radio I ever had was a
Singer, red, cream &chrome and about 6"x 3"x 1". May still have it
somewhere around home...
2. Saw a black SInger treadle for sale last weekend in Evanston IL at a
garage sale. Don't know model# of machine, but it wasn't in pretty shape
and someone had attached (welded? bolted?) a bare bulb light socket to the
back of the machine. What was notable was the treadle cabinet. It looked
like a reg treadle cabinet in a floor-length skirt: had a wood base all
the way to the floor, with double doors front and back for treadle pedal
access, and tall doors on either side for stuff. Think there were two
drawers, one each side. Wood finish was very bubbled. Priced at $135, with
signs on it that said "Don't touch sewing machine!" So I didn't (and
left). Anyone seen a cabinet such as this on a treadle, or might it have
been a custom job?
Mary McC
m-mccreadie@nwu.edu
From: JP
Subject: 99 knee control
Date: Wed, 7 Aug 1996 13:48:38 +0000
I am looking for a round knee control the 99 in a bentwood case I bought
couple weeks ago. Please e-mail me if you have one to sell. Thanks Millie
for enlightening me to the fact that there are couple different styles.
I bought another Centennial FW on Saturday. To make a long story short, it
belonged to a woman whose husband gave it to her when she was pregnant with
her daughter. When he passed away couple years ago she moved and gave it to
her daughter, who died suddenly within a few months. Once again she had the
FW, and didn't have anyone else in the family to give it to who would
appreciate it. An antique dealer wanted to buy it, but she couldn't bear
not knowing who would get it. So I have a beautiful FW that has been loved
and taken good care of. This is one I will never sell and it will be loved
by me.
JP
Date: Tue, 6 Aug 1996 23:54:37 -0400
From: Millie MacKenzie
Subject: Items for sale - C list
I cleaned/tested some additional machines this week (a handcrank, 2 FW's)
and they are ready for sale. Following them is a list of machine-related
items for sale. Some you have seen before, others are new. Email directly.
Thanks. Millie
Singer hand crank. 1925, I think. MACHINE: The paint is shiny, the decals
(red, gold, green) are bright on the body of the machine. The base of the
machine shows wear with faded decals. Missing are 1 bobbin cover plate,
shutttle bobbin case, needle clamp, manual, attachments. The crank is
fully functional. I pulled a bobbin case from another machine and got it to
sew ok. The face plate is the silvery grapes and grapeleaf design which you
find on the 127 machine, which is possibly what this is. I will need to
find out from Singer. Serial is G692273 which places it around 1909. Machine
condition: 6-7.
CASE: On one side of the top of the case is a great Singer insignia. Not
just the more modern SINGER in block letters. Rather, a 6 in long, 2 inch
high logo with curlies and scrollies. In the center is what looks like a
religious statue, maybe Mary. Upon closer inspection, I see that it is a
shuttle bobbin standing on point! There is green paint on the box, which
detracts from its original beauty. Case condition: 6-7. Handcrank/case $100
plus shipping.
EG312411 Featherweight- 1950 - Made in Clydebank, Scotland. Black machine
with striated face plate. No case, manual or attachments. Condition 8. $300
plus shipping.
AH131727 Featherweight. 1947. Scrolled face plate. Has case w/top tray;
original manual (very good condition), bobbins, key, 5 attachments, felt
circle, small and large screwdrivers, plastic oil tube. Also, the original
set up order ticket and a card indicating that 2 attachments are misssing
and, by presenting the card to your Singer shop at a later date, you will
receive them with out charge. Condition of case is 8, machine is a 9. $400
plus shiping.
C1 - Singer zigzag attachment # 160745 for model 301. In green/white Singer
box. Includes manual, edge stitched w/screw. condition excellent. $35
includes shipping.
C2 - Set of two screwdrivers. Flat handled, silver, one large, one small.
$10 includes shipping. Second set has black large screwdriver.
C3 - Ruffler, for slant shank machine. $6 includes postage.
C4 - Pocket oiler. Metal with no cover, looks like a likstick tube but is
twice the length. In tiny print on side is etched 'Perfect Pocket Oiler'.
$10 includes shipping.
C5 - Set of 5 zipper foot attachments. Plastic with instruction sheet. For
applying TALON invisible metal zipper. Not 'old'. $6 includes shipping.
C6 - Singer sewing library booklets - 10 in all. Condition excellent. $3
for the first, $2 each thereafter. Includes postage. 1960's vintage. Titles:
no. 102 How to Make Draperies
no. 104 How to Make Bedscreads
no. 106 How to Measure, alter and fit
no. 107 How to Make seams and finishes
no. 108 How to Make sleeves
no. 109 How to Make Buttonholes and pockets
no. 110 How to Make collars, finish necklines
no. 113 How to Make Slip covers
no. 116 How to do Dressmaker Tailoring
also
no 102 1960 How to make draperies
no 104 1960 How to make bedspreads
no 106 1960 How to measue, alter and fit
no 107 1960 How to make seams and finishes
no 108 1960 How to make sleeves
no 109 1960 How to make buttonholes and pockets
n0 110 1960 How to make collars, finish necklines
no 113 1960 How to make slip covrs
no 118 1961 (3) How to do dressmaker tailoring
C7 - 12 metal bobbins for models 221 and 301. In plasstic case. $15 includes
shipping.
C8 - 'Singer Sewing Skills reference book'. 1955. Condition excellent. $10
includes postage.
C9 - 'Textile Handbook' 1960. Published by the American Home Economics
Association. Soft cover, 108 pages. Condition excellent. $8 includes postage.
C10 - 'Successful Home Sewing Made Easy' - lesson 3. Illustrated sewing
course and practice projects for NECCHI Supernova Ultra. Published by
Necchi-Elna Home Arts Center. More modern, like 1950's perhaps. 16 large
pages. $6 includes postage.
C11 - Singer buttonholer for short shank machine. In green space-ship case,
has cover plate w/screw and 6 templates. Original manual included. $20
includes shipping.
C12 - Same as above, but 5 templates and no cover plate, no manual. $14
includes shipping.
C13 - Greist Rotary buttonholer for short shank machine. Includes cover
plate w/screw and 5 templates. $15 includes shipping.
C14 - Singer attachments for short shank machines. In red/green box,
includes 6 attachments: ruffler, binder, seam guide w/screw, tucker,
adjustable hemmer, and hemmer. Box top has 1/4 of it missing. Fits your
Featherweight. $30 includes shipping.
C15 - A Little Wonder Booklet #205 titled "Clothes" by Mae McCrory. 1954.
For children, it reads like a grade 2 primer: " Sue and Nancy are running to
school. Sue is wearing a jumper. Nancy wears a cotton dress and a wool
sweater." 32 pages. It tell about how clothes are made from sheep, plants,
fur, coal, worms, etc. I read it and learned a lot, and it has been some
time since I was in grade 2! $10 includes shipping.
C16 - Boxed set of buttonholer templates. Made by White. Sizes are 3/8,
1/2, 1 5/16, and keyhole 5/7.
C17 - Boxed set of buttonholer, coverplate/screw with 20 templates for
sale. Newer, designed for a Touch and Sew or other "vertical needle zigzag
machine". The manual shows 2 cover plates, a generic one and one
specifically for the Touch and Sew. The former one is included, not the
latter. Yours for $20 (includes shipping).
C18 - Top of a treadle stand minus the hood - an oak furniture piece with 2
ornate drawers on either side and one in center. Also 2 keys for drawers.
No treadle and no machine, although it appears that a Singer model 27 was in
it last. There is a hole in the top for the machine and my guess is that
there was a hood which fitted over it, i.e., the machine did not drop into
the cabinet. A short side extention is held up by a fancy black piece of
hardware on left side of cabinet. The finish is really good, considering its
age (1888, I believe). One piece of wood missing from left-most side of
center drawer. Please email me if you want more info. I have measurements
available. Best offer.
C19 - A nice toy machine in box. Green/white plastic. Manufacturer is
Kidimates and name is Lockstitch DressMaker. Not an antique for great for a
child to practice on (before she/he tackles your FW). Battery run, foot
control. $15 includes shipping.
C20 - A glass bottle 2 inches by 4.5 inches with SPERM SEWING MACHINE OIL
in raised letters. $10 includes shipping.
C21 - Hardware for cabinet drawers. Two say SINGER MFG CO and three have no
lettering. Most are 1.5 inches square. Two have pull rings. $15 for all
includes shipping.
C22 - Singer manual for Style-Mate Model 347. 1967. 56 pages. Of interest,
on back cover are 3 pics of other Singer products, including a 'white/mint/
Featherweight and green/white case. Very good condition. $15 includes
shipping.
C23 - Singer skirt marker. Excellent condition. $12 includes shipping.
C24 - Small dome-shaped oil can, copper. $15 includes shipping.
C25 - A handful of sheets of doll stickers. $5 for all includes postage.
C26 - A booklet by Singer titled SMART FASHION STITCHES. 20 pages. Included
is a large chart of steps to take to produce each of the 7 fashion stitches.
$4 includes postage.
C27 - two buttonhole templates. 5/8" and 1 1/16 ". Reg not keyhole. $1 each
includes postage.
C28 - Singer manual and maroon plastic case for your lonesome #160743
buttonholer. Buttonholer NOT included. $8 includes shipping.
C29 - Singer attachments(8) for model 403. Also zigzag bobbin cover plate, 8
fashion cams/discs. $20 includes shipping.
C30 - Small dome-shaped oil can by Brother. Shiny silver, clean. No trace of
oil. $10.
C31 - Trade card. Domestic Sewing Machine. Pastoral scene on front.
Domestic Sewing Machine Co. address (Hartford) on back. $3 includes postage.
C32 - Cloth guide and screw. $3 includes postage.
C33 - Singer oak fold-out box chuck full of attachments. Purple velvet
lining. Very good condition. $45 includes shipping.
C34 - Two more copies of Nancy Page quilt patterns, 40 from newspaper
clippings 1932. $5 includes postage.
Millie MacKenzie in CT and Cape Cod, MA
milmac@snet.net
Date: Wed, 07 Aug 1996 14:52:01 -0400 (EDT)
From: DAVE ALLEN
Subject: two finds
Hi Fanatics
Went slumming with my antique-hunting husband last weekend. We found and
bought (1) an antique zig-zagger attatchment, the kind that moves the fabric,
not the needle. It is still in the original box. Lacks the instructions.
Does have the extra accessory wheels. Called: greist Decorative Zigzagger.
In a red leatherette box, in good condition. The corners of the box are worn.
Also - TaDAH! A rectangular wooden attatchment box, beautiful hardwood, lined
in purply/blue velvet, that opens out like a puzzle. Each of the four sides of
the box lays flat. The "ends" of the box divide themselves up into triangles,
if you see what I mean. It is full of attatchments, and even has metal
needle-holders with one needle still there. I recognise six different width
hemmers, a quilting foot, and there are several other gadgets I'm not so sure
of. The item numbers are on each item, though. The box is wood-stamped with
an oval, and it says "Patented 1883 February 19"
YES I'd be interested in selling either of these items, and will take offers,
or send a more detailed explanation if anyone is interested. My husband says
that both will work on most of the old machines, including the featherweight,
he is pretty sure.
E-mail me DIRECTLY, as I don't often get to read the digest.
My featherweight isn't sewing, and I can't figure out what's wrong with it!
BOO HOO! If I can't get it working right shortly, I'll e-mail you-all again
with symptoms. (Thanks).
Ruth Allen in central NY dallen@mr.oa.ithaca.edu where it is too hot to sew!
Date: Wed, 7 Aug 1996 16:56:12 -0400 (EDT)
From: Ickes
Subject: Re: FW Fanatics 8/6/96
While on vacation in Vermont several weeks ago, I made my husband stop at
almost every antique store, tag sale, sewing machine store, etc., in
search for the elusive FW. Not a bit of success, unfortunately. I'm very
jealous of those who report with glee when you've found one--and at a
reasonable price. I did find a machine that was touted by the sewing
machine dealer as being a FW, but it had Dressmaker across the arm where
the word Singer would be. The case appeared to be identical to a FW's. I
don't remember if it had a tray or not, or what accessories it came with.
It appeared to be as "heavy" as the FWs. Does anyone have a clue to its
history? Thanks in advance. Sally Ickes sickes@suffolk.lib.ny.us
Date: Wed, 7 Aug 1996 13:48:48 -0700
From: smiller@gv.net
Subject: Hmmmmmmmmmm
Calling someone a "chisler...and creep" (sic) knowing nothing more about the
deal than a price seems pretty severe to me. So, are we going to get into
flaming when opinions differ? I, for one, certainly hope not!
One thing I've enjoyed about this group, and I've heard the same from
others, is the friendliness and cooperation of all.
Stan
From: TSGB45B@prodigy.com (MRS CATHY A SANDHOEFNER)
Date: Wed, 7 Aug 1996 18:06:37, -0500
Subject: A Survey, just for fun!
Well, PARTLY for fun, and partly for education...
If you were going 'treasure seeking', which machines would you most want
to find and which ones would you laughingly turn and walk away from?
(can you give prefixes to serial numbers so we'd know them if we saw them?)
As for me, I've pretty much decided I NEED to watch for a GOOD treadle
(hopefully I'll know it when I see it---have no idea which model numbers
and such were good), and always keep my eyes open for those sweet lil'
fw's! ('specially the DEALS!--there's a $25 garage sale/thrift store find
somewhere out there with my name on it; I just know it!)
Thanks to all that have commented on the $140 treadle... I'm becoming
more sm enlightened by the minute! g...
...cath
Date: Wed, 7 Aug 1996 17:44:14 -0400
From: duck@clark.net (Bob Campbell)
Subject: Toy Sewing Machines
Hi:
Two things:
First I'd like to thank everyone for your expressed interest in my creating
a webpage dedicated to toy sewing machines (TSM's). I've decided to proceed
with putting one together and am now in the process of upgrading my "old"
Pentium powered PC and, most importantly, learning more about webpage creation.
I'm doing this for fun and as a means of showing off the many TSM's some of
you have collected and it is free. It will take me a while to get up to
speed, however, if you have not already done so, would you please Email me
and let me know of your interest. As a starting point I'm looking for good
photos of your best and most unusual TSM's so that I may "publish" them on
the webpage (with your permission of course).
Secondly, today I purchased my first Muller cast iron TSM. It's a model 12
with about 95% of the gold trim intact, complete (except for one nut) with
a fair amount of rust on the chrome and painted iron portions. Overall I'd
rate it a 6. Based on the some of the Mullers that are shown in Glenda
Thomas' book, it looks like that is about average condition for the older
Mullers. I did not steal this particular machine and paid what I think is a
fair top price for it -- but considerably lower than some of very high
asking prices from dealers.
Can Graham, Maggie or other TSM collector let me know what is the best
product to use to clean this model 12 without risking damage to the gold
decorations? I've heard that some TSM collectors spray their machines with
a top coat of some fixing agent to prevent further deterioration of paint
-- any recommendations would be appreciated. Also, what are your thoughts
on polishing the chrome parts or even having them re-chromed (bad idea?).
Thanks for listening and hope to hear from some of you soon.
Bob Campbell
duck@clark.net
Date: Wed, 07 Aug 1996 19:21:51 -0400
From: Clay &Shelly Leihy
Subject: Re: Picture of 301
We have a picture on our modest little website:
http://www.k2nesoft.com/~clay-l/shelly.html
There'll be more in the near future, as well as some of our new FW, and
the 401 (after we get it next week, and polish it up.)
Also have a couple more on the hard drive, and could easily snap MORE
with the cap card. E-mail us if you want and we can send you some. No
bother at all for a fellow Fanatic.
Maybe if there's enough interest we'll put up a "Pics from FwF" page to
give a place to show other people's babies as well. Something like a
page of thumbnails that yield bigger images when clicked. I know it's
driven me crazy when I've heard of some neat machine and wanted to see
what it looked like, only to find that all those great pages out there
are full of "content", but light on "eye candy".
Clay &Shelly
clay-l@k2nesoft.com
Date: Wed, 07 Aug 1996 19:38:03 -0400
From: Clay &Shelly Leihy
Subject: Looking for book
Found these great books from the "Singer Sewing Library" recently, but
only got 3 out of the set of 4. So, does anyone have "Singer Sewing
Library -- No. 3", "How to Make Children's Clothes the Modern Singer
Way", Mary Brooks Pickens, 1930. We would dearly love to complete the
set.
TIA,
Clay &Shelly
> Date: Sat, 03 Aug 1996 19:57:12 -0400
> From: Clay &Shelly Leihy
> Subject: FW Mysteries of the Unknown
>
> Has anyone noticed any magical powers held by FWs, like perhaps an
> attraction for each other, or for FWfanatics? Here we were, plugging
> away with a 301A, when we saw a note about a FW about 200 miles from us.
> So, we drove it, and paid $150 for one with a missing bobbin case and a
> nasty grungy layer that took hours to scrub off. Okay, we have a FW, now
> we can be happy and get our friendly old Singer guy to clean up that 401
> in his warehouse for us, what with that FW thing out of our systems.
>
> So, about lunchtime Friday, I (Clay) stopped in a little consignment
> shop (odds &ends, mostly furniture) to see what kind of sewing stuff
> she has. "By the way," she says, "I was at a yard sale down in town this
> morning, and they had a little black Singer in a case, like you were
> looking for, for $150." I figured it may be a FW, so I was obliged by my
> illness to go and have a look.
>
> Got there and glanced around, thinking it was probably already grabbed
> up when I saw the case, way down at the end. Pulse quickening, I looked
> inside, and nearly fainted. She was beautiful. Keeping calm, I put on my
> best naivete. "Oh, cute. My wife's a quilter and she would love to have
> a little portable like that. The new machines are just so expensive, and
> I've heard those old ones are really good. Would you take $100 cash?"
> She said it was her mother's, and she didn't really know much about it
> herself, but did warn me that it threads funny, right to left.
>
> Back at the office, I decided to check her out. (Oh yes, I bought her,
> the disease, you know.) I was trembling. Beautiful finish, new-looking
> Simanco bobbin case, ALL the attachments look new (but the oil can, oh
> well). Nice case with both latches intact (even the springs). Pop off
> the throat plate to get the little finger up there where it belongs, and
> turn the needle around (are they always in wrong?) and she sews like a
> dream. Even the bulb is good! Singer says 1938. So now we have pre- and
> post-war.
>
> On the way home, I show her to a collector friend of mine, so he can see
> what these Featherweights everyone is looking for look like. He tells
> me, by the way, that there's a case much like that sitting in his house.
> He doesn't know what it is but will check and get back to me.
>
> Now I know this fanatacism is a serious illness, but are there also
> unknown forces at work here? Do these machines just like to be with each
> other, or are they cleverly punishing us for our addiction by slowly
> burying us under them? Maybe this is one for Agent Mulder . . .
>
> Thanks for your indulgence,
> Clay &Shelly
> clay-l@k2nesoft.com
From: sharon@cvo.oneworld.com
Date: Wed, 7 Aug 1996 18:02:02 +0000
Subject: Slaten's book
If anyone feels strongly enough about Slaten's book, you can write a
review for it for Amazon books (they say they're the worldest largest
bookstore). The webpage is www.amazon.com. Search by author,
and his book will come up. Then select the option to write a review.
Of course, they may not print it since it wouldn't help sell the
book...
Sharon
Date: Wed, 7 Aug 1996 21:04:55 -0400
From: Millie MacKenzie
Subject: forgotten items
C35 - Cast iron piece from treadle base with SINGER logo. Possibly the left
side support piece. Best offer.
C36 - Old and tiny 'monogram embroidery guide'. To be used with presser
foot. Free to the first taker.
I had an unusual request yesterday - to sell/ship a FW cross country in one
day! Thanks to the magic of 'visa' and UPS Next Day service, it should be
there in time for the birthday party! Modern technology is super! $64,
includes insurance.
Also went to a flea market today, late in the day, mostly to look for my
first FW or 301 table when the dealers cleared their tables at the end of
the day. All I found for my troubles was one FW case key, and that was free.
If anyone has for sale a bobbin winder for a black FW, pleasse email price
and details. Thanks. Millie
Millie MacKenzie in CT and Cape Cod, MA
milmac@snet.net
From: Gail Pickens-Barger
Subject: FS: Free Arms!!
Date: Wed, 7 Aug 1996 19:49:27 -0500
Hello All! Parents and I have been out of the country for a while.
Whew! Over 300 messages to read....
Anyway.....Dad (Dale Pickens) has a couple of FreeArms for
sale! (Lots of Accessories too!)
Give him a call at (405) 765-6125.
Gail Pickens-Barger, daughter of Dale and Deloris Pickens, those
featherweight safari hunters! (http://www.icsi.net/~pickens)
From: Gail Pickens-Barger
Subject: Inquiring minds want to know.....
Date: Wed, 7 Aug 1996 20:05:52 -0500
I received this question recently. I didn't know the exact answer....Any clues
or answers? Thanks!!! Inquiring Featherweight minds want to know!!
Gail Pickens-Barger
Any info on who thought of the nickname Fw for the Singer 221 ? Why and
when did this start?
Date: Wed, 07 Aug 1996 16:41:27 -0700
From: Susan Slesinger
Subject: Re: Oil Can
My DH found an object which he thinks is THE FW oil can. It is a lengthwise
oval, green, and
says Singer Household lubricant. Is this the magic oil can?????
Susan
Date: Wed, 7 Aug 1996 07:57:48 -0700
From: lisa huening
Thank you Mary. I am glad I am not a boring newbie. :) I have cleaned up my
white FW and it looks so good. There wasn't a lot of cleaning to do on it.
It is in mint condition.
However, could someone tell me what if anything these came with. Mine does
not have a manual with it and I would like to find one or at least get a
copy of it if someone doesn't mind.
I haven't started cleaning the black one yet. That will be another day.
Maybe when I get these kids off to school. We have just been so busy I feel
like I am rarely home right now.
lisa
Date: 07 Aug 96 22:37:49 EDT
From: "gary w. candlish" <76514.24@CompuServe.COM>
Subject: Re: FW Fanatics 8/6/96
To All:
I had a few free hrs. today so decided to do some FW hunting. No machines
found
but found a Singer Sewing Book (hardback) with a 1969 copyright be Gladys
Cunningham. At an antique store I found a Singer Sewing Library book #4 by
Mary
Brooks Picken about how to make draperies, copyright last date was 1929. Also
someone recently was asking about a manual for a DOMESTIC SM. I also found one
of those today. No copyright date but picture of the fiddle base treadle,
attachments and explanations of what they are and how to use them. I would be
happy to copy this manual for a very small fee to anyone interested. Please
reply by private E-mail. Enjoyed finding some interesting items! My latest
machine finds are a 99K in a very nice cabinet and a 185J, green, in a plain
1960's cabinet. All found at the local Goodwill. Happy FWing!!!
Carol in MN where the weather was really nice today!
From: "l.mclaughlin"
Subject: EGYPT Treadle Machine - Who Made It?????
Does anybody know anything about an EGYPT treadle sewing machine or the
company that made it? Are they rare or highly collectable?
Any info you could email would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Karen (using DH's account)
l.mclaughlin@popmail.csuohio.edu
Date: Wed, 07 Aug 1996 23:38:46 -0400
From: Larry Doyle
Subject: For Sale
Hi Folks,I have some things for sale:
2-1960's Pod shaped buttonholers green one in the original box one with
addition cams in its original box $20.00 ea.
Greist attachments in original box$20.00
"Singer Illistrated Dressmaking Guide"1943 $18.00
Anniversary Model FW mint condition w manual,attachments,oil can
case,like $625.00 Plus S&H 99
condition 9 $100.00
____________________________________
FWFanatics@ttsw.com - Singer phone # 1-800-877-7762
And now a word from our sponsor:
Hickory Hills Antique Quilts - Offering a variety of antique
quilts, tops, blocks and fabrics at reasonable prices. Personal service,
credit cards accepted. http://quilt.com/HickoryHill
Received: from ttsw.com ([204.249.244.11]) by pcnet1.pcnet.com (4.1/SMI-4.1)
id AA00427; Fri, 9 Aug 96 16:00:19 EDT
Date: Fri, 9 Aug 96 16:31:45 -0500
From: Featherweight Fanatics
Subject: FW Fanatics 8/8/96
To: Sue@quilt.com
X-Mailer: LeeMail 2.0.5
Message-Id:
Date: Wed, 07 Aug 1996 23:46:53 -0400
From: Larry Doyle
Subject: SEEKING CLAIRE with elna
claire,I have tried to send e-mail with the address you gave
in the digest but it keeps coming back. imay be interested in the elna
machine if you are not.E-mail if you wish I can give you some information on
Elna machines I use them
Date: Mon, 05 Aug 1996 12:54:49 -0800
From: corbin
Subject: 401 for sale
Yesterday I posted that a friend has a 401 for sale, but had the wrong
state listed for her address. It should have said 401 slant-o-matic for
sale in Illinois, $50 plus shipping, if necessary. I think she has a
cabinet for it, plus attachments. Her address is taterpie@essex1.com,
please contact her directly. Thanks, and sorry I screwed up before.
A question while I'm at it, does anyone know exactly how many
featherweights were produced in America, and in total? Thanks again.
Sharon - Alaska
Date: Mon, 5 Aug 1996 21:23:06 -0400
From: Pnwi@aol.com
Subject: Greetings
I have been online for only a few weeks and enjoy the FWF.
I would like Bobbie to send me an identification manual.
I have manuals for Singer model 27, 66 and 128-13. I, also have a manual
"Instructions for using The Singer Manufacturing Co's Attachments Style No.
11 with its No. 27 Sewing Machine". Along with the manual I also have th
box of attachments. The box is oak with red fabric lining. I have never
seen an instruction book like this and thought it might help some of you in
figuring oout where all of the attachments fit. There are no dates on any of
the manuals. I would be happy to forward a copy to any of you FWF who might
need them.
Someday when I get some time (ha ha) I would like to make a web page of
sewing machine manuals. Anybody interested?
Paul Newhof
Date: 8 Aug 1996 13:07:09 +0000
From: "Lehrhoff Mary MSM SUPH US"
Subject: Spartan
Re Spartan:
When I called Singer about mine, they gave a birthday: 2/25/59, telling me
it was 192-K. It's serial number is EP073726, if this helps any other
Spartan owners who might be able to relate it somewhat to theirs.....
Someday, when I have the time, I'll complete the survey and contribute with
the low downs on my little darlings...toodles for now....
Date: Thu, 8 Aug 1996 09:09:27 -0400 (EDT)
From: suzy@mail.albany.net
Subject: Singer toys
This may not be of interest to many, since it's not about sewing machines,
but in reading the postings lately about other Singer items, I remembered
that back in the 60's, I owned a Singer portable record player - actually I
think I still have the bottom, but the top was lost along the way. It's
fairly small and was battery operated with a clip-on plastic cover. Nothing
my stereo fanatic husband would come near, but it satisfied me at the time.
Singer sure did branch out over the years! Sue M.
Date: Thu, 8 Aug 1996 09:36:27 -0400
From: Courtvo@aol.com
Subject: Models 15, 27, 28
Here are the survey results for Models 15, 27, and 28. If your machine
differs, please let me know and/or fill out the survey that followed
yesterdays survey results so I can update all FWFs.
Model 15
There are 6 machines in the survey ranging from 1904 - 1952, 2 treadles
(1904, 1923), 2 electric knee lever (‘33,’49), and 2 electric foot pedal
(‘49, ‘52). All had a round side loading bobbin. Bobbin winding varied: 1
machine had thread go through a cleat on the bottom right side, 4 machines
had thread go through tension disks on bottom right side, and 1 machine did
not have anything on bottom right side. Balance wheel: 2 spoked and chrome
edged (‘04, ‘23), 1 solid and chrome edge (‘33), and 3 solid black (‘49-’52).
All machines had shiny black finishes. 5 machines don’t have flat face
plates and 1 survey reported a flat face plate. The designs on the face
plates included 1 with floral, 3 lined, 2 other. The plate on the back,
right side is surveyed as 5 round and 1 upside down pear shaped with the
following designs: 1 floral, 3 lined, 1 art deco (1 not described). I
received 6 different reponses on the stitch length adjuster: 1 unmarked knob
(‘04), 1 unmarked knob in short slot (‘23), 1 thumb screw in numbered slot
(‘33), 1 flat lever in numbered slot (‘49), 1 other (‘49) and 1 not described
(‘52). The early machines had no reverse stitch (‘04,’23), the rest of the
machines (4) did have reverse. None of the machines had zigzag. The upper
thread tension was: 3 unmarked on left side (‘04 - ‘33), 2 numbered on left
side(‘49s), 1 numbered in front ? (‘52). The machines had assorted decals
and the large 1 5/8 inch Singer medallion. The head measures 13.5 inches
from face plate to far end of balance wheel. The bed measures 14.5 inches by
7 inches. It has a straight needle and low shank. There was no light on the
2 treadles. The later machines have a light mounted in back. There is 1
portable in a bentwood case and 3 electrics in cabinets.
Model 27
There are 3 machines included in survey ranging from 1907-1910, 2 treadles
and one portable electric (foot pedal). The 27 has a shuttle bobbin, one
machine (1908) with high mounted bobbin winder and the other two (1907,
1910) with low mounted bobbin winder. Two machines had spoked balance wheels
with chrome edges (1907, 1910), one machine had a solid balance wheel (1908).
They all had shiny black finishes and flat face plates and round plates on
back right side with floral or grape designs. The sitich length adjuster is
an unmarked knob on the right side. Model 27 does not have a reverse or zig
zag stitch option. The upper thread tension is not numbered, located on the
left side of the front of the machine. The machines had assorted decals.
The head measures 14.5 inches from the face plate to the far end of the
balance wheel. The bed of the machine measures 16.5 inches long by 8 inches
wide. It has the large 1 5/8 inch Singer medallion. The portable has a blue
fabric covered case which detaches from the base of the machine and pulls
off. The 27 has straight needle, low shank.
Model 28
There are 2 machines included in the survey ranged from 1903 - 1923. Both
were hand crank machines with shuttle bobbins and high mounted bobbin
winders. Both had spoked chrome edged balance sheels. They had shiny black
finishes and flat face plates (left side) both with the grape design. The
1903 machine had a black and gold plate and the 1923 machine had an
upsidedown shaped plate with the grape design on the back right side. The
stitch length adjuster is an unmarked knob on the front right side of the
machine. The 28 had no reverse or zigzag stitch. The upper thread tension
is an unmarked knob on the left side in the front. The decals vary but tend
to be heavy florals. The 28 has the large 1 5/8 inch Singer medallion. The
head measures 12.25 inches from face plate to the far edge of the balance
wheel and the bed measures 12 inches long by 6.5 inches wide. The machines
were straight needle and low shank. Both machines in the survey were
portables in bentwood cases.
Hope this helps.
Courtney in Vienna, VA
Courtvo@aol.com
Date: Thu, 08 Aug 1996 09:11:15 -0700
From: "captpica@shianet.org"
Subject: wilcox and wilson
Dear Friends,
Hi, I was running errands yesterday, and late, so of course I
stopped when I saw a few things on someones grass "for sale" ( It
would be much less fun if it wernt forbidden!)
I found an old bowl and a table for a friend who likes
antiques, and I met the nicest folks. They were moving to
florida, and couldnt take everything. Well as luck would have
it, they had an old old machine they didnt want much for.
It was her great grandmothers and in good shape for a
basement on a flood plane.
Well I have absoultely no room for another machine, so of
course I bought it. I know Wilcox and Wilson has been on the list
before, could anyone who has any info on these please E mail me?
I know very well this has been on the list, but I cant rember
much about them.
Also, there are small pieces of veneer missing on the
drawyers, does anyone have a good resource for working with veneers?
This cabinet is in overall very good shape, and has beautiful
carved desingns glued ? to the veneer? I know very little about
working with veneer, I could disguise the missing pieces, but i
think I'd like to take a few layers of darkening off if it
wouldnt hurt the finish.
So i'm hoping someone can send the name of a good reference
book on wilcox and wilson machines, and any important tips on
working with damaged veneers. I dont want to make it worse.
Oh- The best part! The lady promised a page or two of information
about her grandmother (the quilter) and the history of this machine.
I took her back some machine needles and notions from the
drawyers. Of course she was a cross sticher and I had a pile of
fabric and books i wouldnt ever use. ( I refuse to go completely blind!)
They only charged me $5. for the machine, they were very happy
to sell it but They were very confused when I said I collected old machines.
I also am very confused about this, so of course we got on very well!
I feel so very lucky as this is the fourth machine I have
found in a month. I think there are enough out there for us All!
Oh about 99's, I have seen more, but have bought 3, and I know someone
had seen alot of them with a good deal of wear on the bed. I think
I must be remarkable lucky, I cant really rate the machines very
well but I think nearly all the machines I've found have been in
terrific shape.
The only one I have with worn scroll work is the little Fw I
found this month, and she also has a few chips on the bed beside the
cover plate for the feed dogs. GRRRRRR someone who was NOT
mechanically gifted as we all are, put the cover on with out
the shuttle arm being in position and used an air wrench to
torque it down.... I knew there was a bit of trouble as I took
off the bottom plate and that had been overtightend. Am I the
only one that can tell immediatly from the feel of a bolt if a
machine has had a hacker work on it?
Well sorry for rambleing and rumbling, I thank you all for
the wonderful contributions.
I promise pictures will be taken of all my machines in the future,
so we can all share. Take care, Cheryl Hall
little FW I found this month. She also has chips
Date: Thu, 8 Aug 1996 17:08:36 GMT
Subject: hardware help
Hi,
Would somebody out there have a bentwood case top thats been trashed
and they'd consider selling me one of the hardware pieces?I need the piece
for the top part of the case that the key would go into.I've a nice case
that someone removed the locking side once they lost their key.Took it out
completely and of course it won't stay closed upon picking it up.Please
mail me if you do.Or if anyone has another suggestion I'd really appreciate
it.
I've got 3 bentwood cased 99s now after not finding any for so long.The
1 hardware piece was the only thing missing from any and they are all in
beautiful condition.Decided to sand down my last case, for the shellac was
flaking off.It now looks brand new, no kidding.Put a flat oil finish on it
and it looks like a different case.Think it took me all of 1 hour.Well
worth the effort.All my cases are made from different woods
also.Interesting to compare them.
Anyone looking for a 99 in great sewing and looking condition mail me as
I might be tempted to part with one.I think after the fw they're the
best.And the cases look good anyplace you leave them lying around.
Hey Lydia! Been getting my mail ?
--
Maggie in NY
ma@pipeline.com
Date: 08 Aug 96 13:21:39 EDT
From: Graham Forsdyke <100661.3256@CompuServe.COM>
Subject: Contribution
To Bob re Toys on the Web
Glad you are going ahead. Will get a few exotic toy pictures off to you at the
weekend. Need snail address please.
Congratulation on the Model 12 Muller. This was one of the most popular and was
produced from 1902 to 1940.
A couple of suggestions on cleaning. Firstly, this model did not have a chrome
finish. The plating was nickle. Some collectors replate, others do not. I would
always pay less for a machine which had been re-plated than I would for one
that
was rusty even. Replating the bright parts on a machine where the paint wasn't
in 9 condition would look incongruous (sp?). And if the paint was a 9, the
bright metal wouldn'y need plating -- right?
Clean off the rust, polish the metal and leave it at that.
The gold work on these machine is usually pretty good and will take a mild
detergent and soft brush treatment followed by a wax protection. The only time
I
would ever add a protective top coat would be it the gold was "live" and in
danger of falling away when the machine was handled. I'd go the same route as
the original manufacturer -- shellac disolved in methalated spirit.
To Karen re Eqypt machine
Have checked my archives plus those of the Smithsonian and British museum. No
mention of Egypt.When this happens it's usually a German machine, imported
without a name and sold in bulk to a retailer who added his own brand identity.
Date: Thu, 8 Aug 1996 13:43:56 -0500 (CDT)
From: Lisa
Subject: Re: black 221K
Graham...
Well, I'm confused. I have a black 221K (with an ES serial number), which
Singer says was born in 1961. Don't tell me that Singer has that
wrong? I should call them again and see if I get a different answer, eh?
Lisa
Date: Thu, 8 Aug 1996 17:26:58 -0400
From: DickDreyer@aol.com
Subject: finds
Hi all! In a mad dash into an antique shop today, I managed to buy a Singer
pamphlet from 1957 which has photos and discriptives of the 301, 15-91, FW,
99, 306, toy and 319 and eight cabinets to select from ($1). Oh yes, Singer
vacuums on back. Saw a cute Pfaff oil can, copper or brass with a green
transparent plastic spout. Darling! But would you pay $16? Anyone know how
old? Thanks! --Mari near SF
Date: 08 Aug 96 17:22:31 EDT
From: Graham Forsdyke <100661.3256@CompuServe.COM>
Subject: Contribution 23
True story number twenty-three
This is a sad story with a moral -- don't cheat on the revenue.
The antique business is a funny old game not least for the fact that it is
about
the last bastion of cash left in the Western world.
That's real cash, the folding type that you see in old movies on late-night TV.
Every antique dealer carries his wad. That's a casually-folded pile of grubby
bills totalling, perhaps many thousands, stuffed in the back pocket of the
jeans
he probably slept in for the past two nights.
To outsiders he might look rich, at least excentric, but that pile of folding
is
simply his tool box which he has to use to earn a living. Unless he uses the
wad
he has no stock. The wad goes up and the wad goes down. That's the antique
business.
Now there are those individuals who (how shall I put this) use this cash-driven
trade to alow a little laxity on revenue returns.
You can understand the temptation. Dealer Doug is at an antique show. At 7am
he
buys a clock for $600. A couple of hours later he rounds up his purchases and
is
loading them into the truck when Picker Pete comes along. "How much is the
ticker, Doug?"
Doug, ever the optimist, quotes "Gotta be a Big One, Pete".
Eventually they settle for $850. Now, you know and I know that Doug has just
earned $250. But will the Internal Revenue ever know?
If Dealer Doug is of the type who resents his tax bills -- and there are a few
out there who do -- he might forget the clock, and quite a few other
tranactions
as well.
Soon he is stuffing spare wads under matresses but what to do with all this
bent wealth. Holidays can take up a little, a better car perhaps, but in
England
many feel the answer is Home Improvements.
We're not talking about replacing the odd shingle here but the complete
transformation of a near ruin into a profitable asset. Profits on the sale of
one's residence are not taxable.
Let me tell you about Charlie, his wife Ann, their dog Butcher and Harry the
builder.
Charlie and Ann had quite a few "spare wads" tucked under the matress and
evolved the Home Improvemnt Plan to legitimize it without paying tax.
They sold their small apartment and with the proceeds bought a run-down town
house that was barely habitable. A few nights spent in the local pub led to an
introduction to Harry, a builder not adverse to a little moonlighting for cash.
Harry went to work and a year later had transformed the house. Charlie and Ann
sold it, explaining that they were both keen do-it-your-selfers and, under
British law, did not pay any tax on a profit .
Then they did it again, and again. Harry the builder was almost a permanent
fixture in the home and, as the houses got grander and grander even had his own
self-contained apartment so that he would be on the job 24 hours a day.
Then it all went horribly, drastically and dramatically wrong.
Charlie came home late one night. No Ann. No Harry.
Just a note telling that they had run off together.Possibly to spend some of
those wads that were bulking up the builder's mattress.
I hear you asking, where does Butcher, the dog, come into all this?.
Ann got custody.
Graham Forsdyke, ISMACS, London
Date: Thu, 8 Aug 1996 17:57:18 -0400 (EDT)
From: Kristina Santilla
Subject: Re: FW Fanatics 8/7/96
Graham you wrote:
> Most 221Ks were black. The black ones were produced here between 1949 and
>1955. From 55 to 64 the white/pale tourquois model was made. Whether
>these were exported for the full production period is not clear.
According to the birthdates Singer in N.J. gives out on the British
machines, black 221k's were made from 1947-1961. All tan 221k's we
know of were made in 1961. We don't have any white (turquoise) machines
on the database before 1963, but the ending date is at least 1968 if not
1969, since there are serial number prefixes SInger can't date.. Maybe the
dates you have refer to U.K. sales, not production for export. The dates on
the manuals appear to support the dates I've given.
222k's have "birthdates" ranging on the database from 1954 to 1960.
And Millie, that piece of a treadle you have - I would never destroy
one, but since it's already in the shape it's in - the oval part that has
the Singer logo makes a wonderful trivet with a little felt on the
bottom, if you have the equipment to cut cast iron. (Ask me how I know.
Oh, no, the Singer stuff is spreading from the sewing room to the
kitchen!)
Happy Featherweighting, Krisi in Maryland
Date: Mon, 5 Aug 1996 22:10:21 GMT
Subject: $650.00
From: ma@pipeline.com
Hi to all,
Hey Larry,
$650.00? No disrespect intended but did you forget to mention that the
Centinial FW was previously owned by Jackie O? Plated in gold? Or signed by
Singer himself?(BG)
--
Maggie in NY
ma@pipeline.com
Date: 8 Aug 1996 21:22:59 +0000
From: "Lehrhoff Mary MSM SUPH US"
Subject: FWF &SM Stuff (of course!)
To Wanda: Your experience with the fuzz and and stuff reminded me of the
first time I was fooling around with one with the red felt in the top bobbin
area...I kept trying to get that red (felt) thingy out. I wasn't
successful, thank the FW Goddess, and as it turned out, it was supposed to
be there...so check it out first...I only slightly wrecked it.
If the Universal Threader and Seam Ripper is a little green thing that looks
like a Very Early Swiss Army Knive (made by Singer), I was lucky enough to
get one or two...they're not easy to find, and so cute...I'm still waiting
for the total absolutely definitive lilist of each and everything make my
Singer (aside from the boring parts)...
General:
Last night, my DH came home from a hard day out on the boat in the sun and
surf fishing his little heart out. The guy who went with him, a mutual
friend (Who loves to antique, fleee, yart, estate, &garage sale) brought me
over a present. A very cute little orange and white machine called Crystal
made in Japan....I actually found it in my Toy Sewing Machine Book. I was
so excited...even DH got into it....he paid $1 for it. So, now I have about
5 or 6 toys....hummmmm....I think I'm getting interested in them...and they
are so much smaller (GRAHAM: how many toys do YOU (&Maggie) have???
My SM guy that I mentioned a couple of days said he/his brother might be
interested in producing some of the knee bars...if there is enough interest,
I'll let him know...I have no clue as to how practical this would be for him
to do....althou I'm sure that the FWs out there would be very happy...
Would anyone have or be able to provide a copy of the instructions for the
Pinker and the Blind Stitch thinngy I got (for $5!!!) I'm dying to try
them...
To Graham:
A question about your I don't understand this, as they started in 1933/4 up to and
including early 60's, right? So, I'm not sure what this statement
means...did I miss the point?
To Millie:
I'd like one of your 2 copies of Nancy Page Quilt patterns....would you send
me your smail to McLehr@AOL.com (this is work, and I'm home on the weekends
Fri, Sat., Sun).
To Sally:
WOW! What a DH....if I can even get mine near an antique store, flea
market, etc., beyond 5 or 10 minutes, he's READY TO GO! Kiss your DH for me
for being such a sweetie.
To Stan:
On reflection, I guess it is harsh to catagorically call someone a creep or
chisler....we should definitely continue the theme of niceness. It's easy
to get all steamed up and go on and on, and then the message lingers....a
good point, well taken....thanks.
Have to go now....it's getting late....Happy Feather Hunting, et al......go
out and beat the bushes and get those little darlin's...Mary in hot, sunny,
muggy New Jersey....toodles...
Date: Thu, 8 Aug 1996 17:18:29 -0500 (CDT)
From: Steve or Terri Carl
Subject: Singer treadle cabinets
Mary McC (m-mccreadie@nwu.edu) said:
> 2. Saw a black SInger treadle for sale last weekend in Evanston IL at a
> garage sale. Don't know model# of machine, but it wasn't in pretty shape
> and someone had attached (welded? bolted?) a bare bulb light socket to the
> back of the machine. What was notable was the treadle cabinet. It looked
> like a reg treadle cabinet in a floor-length skirt: had a wood base all
> the way to the floor, with double doors front and back for treadle pedal
> access, and tall doors on either side for stuff. Think there were two
> drawers, one each side. Wood finish was very bubbled. Priced at $135, with
> signs on it that said "Don't touch sewing machine!" So I didn't (and
> left). Anyone seen a cabinet such as this on a treadle, or might it have
> been a custom job?
It was very likely original -- I've seen Singer cabinets from an elaborate
Victorian one with carvings all over to a 1920's cabinet that looked like
a piece of Arts &Crafts work, with doors that closed up. With the lid in
place, no one would ever know it was a treadle. (The elaborate Victorian
cabinet with a c. 1900 Singer in it -- a model 15, if I remember correctly
-- has a rather elaborate price tag, too -- $1000 in an antique shop that
specializes in Victorian oak furniture.)
Steve and Terri Carl
terric@neosoft.com
From: JP
Subject: FW for sale
Date: Thu, 8 Aug 1996 22:46:38 +0000
AM652656 in case for sale - copy of manual, no attachments nor oil can. The
FW is rated an 8 (2 small paint chips on the handwheel, several pin knicks
near light switch, 2 very small marks and a 3" pin scratch on the extension
table). She has a beautiful shine and has a good stitch. On one back corner
of the case the fabric is frayed and about 1" of wood is exposed. Serviced
8-96 so she's ready to sew! $320 plus $30 shipping.
Please e-mail me if interested.......JP
From: "l.mclaughlin"
Subject: USED 301 BOBBIN WANTED
Hello,
I am seeking a Singer 301 used bobbin. Apparently the average price for a
new one is about $60. I don't want to pay such high rent to get the 301
running considering that it may have some other problems. I was hoping that
someone may have a used bobbin case for sale in good condition for a more
affordable price.
I may just have to put the machine in the closet until I come across another
301.
Thank you.
Karen
Date: Thu, 8 Aug 1996 19:26:50 -0400
From: Qltrathart@aol.com
Subject: Look What I Found
Hi everyone,
I just returned from our annual 2 week vacation to visit DH's family in
Minnesota. The town we stay in has more antique shops than last year. I had
a couple hits and a couple misses.
Hit #1: Found a really interesting booklet by Singer called _Smart Fashion
Stitches_. Published in 1952, at a cost of 10 cents, the introduction reads
"New high-style stitches without attachments. Smart decorative touches that
will impart individuality and style to any garment. Here's the cleverest
collection of fashion stitches you have ever seen.......and every one is a
breeze on a Singer sewing machine."
Included are directions for the following stitches - Ornamental, Etching,
Signature, Spark, Boucle, Cordonnet, Spiral, Cable, and Metallic. I wonder
if this could have been an attempt by Singer to draw people from those new
foreign machines that included zig-zag?
Included in the back are diagrams that show preparations needed to do the
stitches on the following machines: 201, 15-90 &15-91, 221-1 &66.
I can't imagine having my stitches turn out as decorative as in the book but
I'll try some day when I have time to play.
The neatest thing about the book is the previous owner has written notes to
accompany each stitch that reminds her what settings worked for her machine.
Miss #1: The same store had a beautiful treadle called the Free. The
cabinet was very delicate looking and in great shape. To expensive for me at
$245.
Hit #2: Down the street at another shop I found a Singer Trade card. The
couple shown represent Salamanca Spain. Where the women are described as
being " small, delicate and very reserved". I found it in a pile of
postcards. It was priced at $5 but I had to have it. I'm going to frame it.
Miss #2: Attended an auction which advertised "2 treadle sewing machines -
MINT" and aslo 2 additional sewing machines. I was shocked to see how much
junk had come out of a little tiny house. Looked over both treadles,
machines in rough shape. Maybe mint meant they stuck a mint candy in each
drawer? The other 2 machines were both 15s. One, a centennial model was in
great shape. In a nice cabinet with 6 drawers sutffed to the brims with
sewing stuff. A buttonholer in a green case was included. I stayed for 2
hours waiting for them to get through all the junk but finally had to leave
due to a family commitment. It was hard to go. I saw several people eyeing
it and I really wanted it but how was I going to squeeze another cabinet
model into my house nevermind my car so it was for the best.
Well, better get back to reading through all the digests that came while I
was gone.
Helen in Maryland
Date: Thu, 08 Aug 1996 20:41:46 -0700
From: "William F. Campbell"
Subject: seam ripper
Wanda,I have 2 Singer seam-ripper and needle threaders.They came in a
white envelope with the red and white Singer Seam Ripper &Needle
Threader on green background on front of the envelope.The gadget itself
reminds me of a pocket knife with a fold out cutter blade and the other
end folds out with a hook to thread the machine.Envelope has 4 extra
hooks in it also.......Yesterday we were checking out antique stores in
the area,we found a treadle Singer head which had been converted to
electric.No cabinet,machine was in a newer case.$15.00 was the price
of machine,included was a box of attachments in a black metal box with
purple lining.The machine head is decorated with a pastel floral design
which I have never seen before.Naturally the machine didn't sew right but
after DH used the WD-40,oiled and cleaned everything,repositioned the
motor and waxed the head of the machine,I put in a new needle and it
sewed a fine stitch.I called Singer today, machine is a 2VS{Vibrating
Shuttle] b-day Oct.31 ,1893.This machine had a lot of use but it shines
again. I wonder what wood the original cabinet was made
from........Melva ,in hot and humid Ohio.
Date: Thu, 08 Aug 1996 21:37:23 -0700
From: "William F. Campbell"
Subject: toy machine pictures
Last week someone[Bob Campbell]I think was discussing taking pictures of
toy sewing machines.DH did this and the pictures of 24 of my metal
machines turned out fine.......any one else have any
pictures?.......Melva
Date: Thu, 8 Aug 1996 18:58:05 -0700
From: lisa huening
Subject: I Feel SOOOO dumb
I feel really dumb tonight. I was looking at pictures of singer machines on
the wed tonight and remembered the treadle cabinet in my family room. This
belongs to my mom but I have "borrowed" it for years when my husband and I
were first married and I needed some furniture. (so that has been 10 yrs.) I
decided just now to go take a look at what the machine inside was. I knew it
was a Singer but just didn't think about it. It is the 66-1. I found the
manual in the cabinet and it is dated Oct. 03, 1906.
I have seen people talk about these on the list but don't know much about
them. This one is in really great condition in terms of the paint. There is
a slight amount of paint that is off in the front of the painted trim that
goes around the base of the machine. It is very little though. The rest of
it looks perfect. The belt is broken. How do I find another one to see how
it works?
My roots are not blonde but they ought to be.
lisa
Date: Thu, 8 Aug 1996 19:40:15 -0700
From: lisa huening
Subject:
Mary, the treadle in my family room is in a cabinet very much like the one
yu have described. The exception is that on the right is one fake drawer and
then a tall door (to access the belt to the foot pedal. On the left are 5
drawers. It opens to the back and the front like you have described. (a
fully enclosed foot pedal).
PS the 66-1 treadle in my family room has a serial number of D957734 and I
mentioned that the manual is dated 1909. I guess I should call Singer to
find out the actual date of manufacture.
lisa
Date: 08 Aug 96 23:43:50 EDT
From: "L. L. SMOCK" <102455.447@CompuServe.COM>
Subject: Re: FW Fanatics 8/7/96
Subject: Can You Figure This one Out?
DH was out of town for work and found the following. (No he didn't copy the
serial number down--didn't want to "appear to interested..") A hand crank
singer in the wooden case. Machine in excellent condition and wooden case is
good condition. No attachments, but button case mechanism was intact. Head
plate similar in looks to my 66 treadle. Machine was VERY HEAVY. Asking price
was $186 USD.
Any ideas on models to guess at? Any ideas if this is a good/fair price?
Also (not wanting to appear to newbie, but.....what is it that y'all are
talking
about with treadles saying you put in the shuttle.....my machine sews great but
I don't think there is anything to put in or lose? Help, please...
Lyn O/Phoenix (where it's still 107 and we are praying for rain to make the
humidity go away!!)
____________________________________
FWFanatics@ttsw.com - Singer phone # 1-800-877-7762
And now a word from our sponsor:
Hickory Hills Antique Quilts - Offering a variety of antique
quilts, tops, blocks and fabrics at reasonable prices. Personal service,
credit cards accepted. http://quilt.com/HickoryHill
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id AA21463; Sat, 10 Aug 96 20:41:07 EDT
Date: Sat, 10 Aug 96 21:02:48 -0500
From: Featherweight Fanatics
Subject: FW Fanatics 8/9/96
To: Sue@quilt.com
X-Mailer: LeeMail 2.0.5
Message-Id:
Hi,
Just a reminder that our next online "live" chat will be at 2PM tomorrow,
Sunday, east coast usa time. Questions, sue@ttsw.com or http://quilt.com/chat
Thanks,
Sue T
From: TQKW64A@prodigy.com (MS MARGO A ROCCONI)
Date: Thu, 8 Aug 1996 23:47:46, -0500
Subject: feed sack
I just found some purple feed sack at an antique store in Wisconsin.
What is a fair price to pay for a sack? I'm not even sure what
decade it is from. There is more left at the shop and was wondering
if I should send someone to get the rest of it. It is $6 per sack.
Thanks, Margo
Date: Thu, 08 Aug 1996 16:06:32 -0500
From: jfisher@sunset.backbone.olemiss.edu (Julie Fisher)
Subject: 222K Manual, etc.
Well, I had my little British transplant out last night to show my friends.
They were suitably impressed. Does anyone happen to have a spare original
manual for this machine? I'm getting a photocopy but would, of course, like
to have an original.
Wanda,
I loved your auction story. What a great find! Just think what would have
happened if that stool had been sold separately!
JP,
I'm glad that Centennial FW found a good home with you. A machine with a
story is, IMO, more valuable than one just bought off the shelf.
Julie
jfisher@olemiss.edu
Date: Thu, 8 Aug 1996 16:13:10 -0500 (CDT)
From: aagarita@txdirect.net (Mary-Ruth )
Subject: Re: FW Fanatics 8/7/96
>Aug.7-1996 per Graham:::
>Graham F in London where it's 85 degrees and I'm wondering how I'm going to
>handle Texas and Vegas in a couple of week's time.
Wear a hat with a good brim and ALWAYS have a small bottel of water with you...
If you keep well hydrated (drink lots of water, regardless of what eles
you have) the heat will be easyer to handel..re. the water, take a swig
every time you get in the car and it will help with dehydration, thats what
gets most people and leads to heat exaustion and heat stroke..Good luck!!
Mary-Ruth L. Flores
aagarita@txdirect.net
San Antonio, Tx
Bonsai &Quilting forever, Housework whenever
Date: Fri, 9 Aug 1996 08:00:31 -0400
From: Courtvo@aol.com
Subject: 2,24,201,301
Here are the survey results for Singer models 2, 24, 201, and 301. If your
machine differs please let me know and/or fill out the survey so I can add to
and/or correct the descriptions.
Model 2
There is 1 Model 2 in the survey, a treadle manufactured in 1891. It has a
shuttle bobbin and a low mounted bobbin winder. The black shiny finished
machine has a spoked chrome balance wheel and a flat face plate. The plate
on the back right side is black cast iron and shaped to go along with the
shape of the back of the arm. The decals on the plate match the Sphinx
decals on the rest of the machine. The stitch length adjustment is an
unmarked knob on the front right side of the machine. The 2 had no reverse
or zigzag stitch. The upper thread tension is unmarked on the front left
side of the machine. It has a large 1 5/8 inch Singer medallion. The head
measures 14.5 inches from face plate to outer edge of balance wheel and the
bed measures 14.75 by 7 inches. It is a straight needle, low shank. The
treadle does not have a light.
Model 24
There is 1 model 24 (24-62)in the survey manufactured in 1920. The model 24
is a chain stitch machine and therefore has no bobbin. It looks
significantly different and smaller than a typical Singer of the early 1900s.
The 24 in the survey is an electric, knee lever, portable. It has a solid
balance wheel with a chrome edge. The machine is shiny black with very plain
decals. It has a plain face plate that is not flat. The stitch length
adjuster is beneath the bed of the machine with the numbers appearing through
a window in the bed. There is not reverse or zigzag stitch. Upper thread
tension is unmarked in the front of the machine. It has a large 1 5/8 inch
Singer medallion in the middle of the base of the machine. The head of the
machine is 7.75 inches long. The bed of the machine is 5 by 6 inches but the
bed of the machine is raised above the table surface (like the Willcox &
Gibbs chain stitch machines). The 24 is a straight needle, low shank machine
with a light mounted in back. The machine is attached to a wooden base onto
which a bentwood case attaches.
Model 201
There are 2 model 201s in the survey dating 1939 and 1955. Both are electric
machines with foot pedals and top loading round bobbins. When winding the
bobbin the thread goes through tension disks on the right side of machines.
The 1939 machine has a solid and black balance wheel with a chrome edge
while the 1955 machine is solid, black but without the chrome edge. Both
machines had shiny black finishes and “not flat” face plates. Both had round
plates on the back right sides of the machines. The 1939 had a scroll fluer
de lis design on the plates and the 1955 had lined plates. The stitch length
indicator is described as a round plate with a thumb screw and a flat lever
in a numbered slot. The 201 has a reverse stitich option but no zigzag. The
upper thread tension is numbered in the front of the machine. The decals
were described as “none, plain gold lettering only” and “other”. The
machines had large 1 5/8 inch Singer medallions. The head measures 14.5
inches from face plate to far edge of the balance wheel. The bed measures
14.5 by 7 inches. They are straight needle, low shank machines with a light
mounted in front. Both machines were built into cabinets.
Model 301
There are 7 model 301s in the survey. According to the Singer 800 number the
301s with serail number NA018250 - NA196408 were all reportedly manufactured
on 5/29/51, the first three (NA018250 - NA085869) are model 301s. While
NA196408 - NA493524 (4 machines) are 301As, the latter three manufactured
between 1953 - 1959 (Singer won’t give a specific date or year). The most
notable thing about the 301 is the metal handle that folds flat into the top
of the arm. The 301s have the same bobbin and bobbin case as the FW (221),
round, side loading under the fold up extension bed, also like the FW. The
fold up bed is either short 2 3/4 inches or long 5 1/2 inches. During bobbin
winding the thread goes through tension discs on the bottom right side in 6
of the 7 surveyed machines. The thread went through (around) a cleat on the
bottom right side on the other machine. 5 machines are black and 2 are tan,
and all the machines have shiny finishes. All the balance wheels are solid
and the same color as the machine. The face plates are also the same color
as the machine. They are shaped to go around the left end of the machine and
hinged on the back side so it swings open to the left (like removing the face
plate on older machines). There is no plate on the back right side of the
machine. The stitch length adjuster is a narrower thumb screw in a
rectangular numbered plate on the right side. The 301 can go in reverse but
does not have a zigzag stitch. The upper thread tension is numbered on the
front left side. The decals are described as “deco”, like old FW, “like
interlocking paperclips”, minimal, and none. It has the large 1 5/8 inch
Singer medallion. The head measures 13.5 inches from the face plate to the
balance wheel. The bed measures 13.5 inches (not including folding extension
bed) by 7 inches. The 301 is a slant needle machine. A light is built into
the front of the machine with SINGER in gold letters in the center. The
spool pin is in the back on the right side. It has a second spool pin on
the bottom right side for winding another bobbin while sewing. The feed dogs
may also be dropped. Five of the 301s are portables. Three of the cases are
described as tan with brown trim and side opening (like a suitcase). 2 of
the machines are built into cabinets in which the machine folds down into the
cabinet and a split tabletop closes over the machine. The needle is threaded
from right to left. Joy Froyd did a more detailed survey and description of
301s and 301As a few months ago.
Thanks, please e-mail me with additional info, for a copy of the survey, or
with any questions. I will try to answer or direct you to a better source.
Again, thanks to all who took the time to complete the survey.
Courtney Courtvo@aol.com
Date: Fri, 9 Aug 1996 13:57:30 GMT
Subject: foot pedal
From: ma@usa.pipeline.com (Maggie Arlotta)
Hi everyone,
I've got a very different foot pedal on my hands I'd like to describe
to see if anyone recognizes it.
Use your imagination please,
Picture a fat T.Like a childs Alphabet piece.Black.Place a
rectangular box on its side, on top of it running the length.On the bottom
end of this box is a protruding lip for your foot to press and its got a
round white disk there for a good grip.Its wired much like the FWs are,
with a double chord.Hardware on end would attach to a SM just like the FWs
power chord would, but its much smaller .Has 3 holes for the connection to
a SM like the FW.Not cheaply made, heavy in comparison to other pedals,and
my guess is about 50s looking at the wiring.
Anyone have a guess as to what kind of SM this went to?Serial num. on the
bottom says 11014.Someone want to guess?
ChrisV:
Your usually pretty good at these things.Any ideas?
Bob C:
Great idea for a toy page as I know next to nothing about them.
Maggie
--
Maggie in NY
ma@pipeline.com
Date: Fri, 9 Aug 1996 09:12:36 -0400
From: Courtvo@aol.com
Subject: 66, 99 and survey
Here are the last 2 model descriptions from the survey. Let me know if your
model differs from the description so I can update the description for the
rest of the FWFs. Following the descriptions is a copy of the survey
(slightly abbreviated from the original) in case you want to fill it out.
Remember this is not a register, it's just for informational purposes.
Model 66
There are six model 66s in the survey ranging from 1910 to 1948, 5 treadles
and one electric in a cabinet with both knee and foot pedals. The 66 has a
round, top loading bobbin. During bobbin winding the thread goes through a
cleat or tension discs or nothing on the bottom right side of the machine. 5
machines have spoked balance wheels with chrome edges and the 1948 machine
had a solid black balance wheel. All have shiny black finishes and the face
plates are not flat on any of the machines. All have round plates on the
back right side. Both plates had the same design which fit into the
following catagories: 3 had floral/leaf designs, 2 had oval/leaf designs, and
the 1948 is lined. The stitch length adjuster is an unmarked knob on 4
machines, a flat lever in a numbered slot on the 1948, and not described on
one machine. There is no reverse or zigzag stitch. The upper thread tension
is unmarked in front on 5 machines and numbered in front on the 1948. The
decals are described as red, green and gold and/or heavy floral for the first
four machines and delicate floral for the 1926 and 1948. All machines had
the large 1 5/8 Singer medallion. The head measures 14.25 from face plate to
far end of the balance wheel. The bed measures 14.5 inches by 7 inches. The
66 is a straight needle machine. 4 surveys described the 66 as a low shank
and 2 surveys called it high shank. The 66 had no light until the 1948 that
had a light in the back. The first 5 machines are treadles and the 1948 is
electric and in a cabinet with knee lever and foot pedal. The 66 threads
from left to right (through the needle).
Model 99
The are 6 model 99s in the survey ranging from 1923 through 1955. Five
electrics with a foot pedal and 1 hand crank. All have a round, top loading
bobbin. During bobbin winding the thread goes through a cleat on the bottom
right side (3), tension discs (1), other (1), and not described (1). The
balance wheel is spoked with chrome edge (1), solid with chrome edge (1),
and solid and black (4). All machines have a shiny black finish. 5 surveys
reported flat face plates and 1 reported a not flat face plate. Face plate
designs varied, 1 floral/leaves, 2 lined, and 3 other. The earlier 5
machines have an unmarked knob for stitch length adjustment but the 1955 has
a flat lever in a numbered slot. The 99 has no reverse or zigzag stitch.
(Although the later ones appear to have reverse stitch). Most surveys
reported delicate floral designs as a decal description. 4 surveys reported
large 1 5/8 inch Singer medallions (including 1 Anniversary and 1
Centennial), 2 surveys reported small 1 1/4 inch Singer medallions. The head
measures 11.75 from face plate to far end of the balance wheel. The bed size
is 12 inches by 6.5 inches. The 99 is a straight needle, low shank machine.
5 machines had lights mounted in the back, 1 had no light. 3 are portables
in bentwood cases and 3 are electrics mounted in cabinets with foot pedals.
The 99 threads from left to right.
Survey for Old Singer Sewing Machines
For treadles, hand cranks and electrics not including 221 (see FW Survey on
the WWW at http://quilt.com/FWF. Goal: to create a more detailed
descriptions of each model for distribution to FWFs. Select more than one
answer per question where appropriate. Call Singer customer service for info
by serial # at 1-800-877-7762. ** I have removed some questions so please
pay attention to question number.
** This survey does skip numbers so pay close attention. I took out some
questions to shorten it but I need to keep question numbers the same so it
will fit with the old survey.
1. Serial #:
2. Date/Year of Manufacture:
3. Model #:
5. Power: a)treadle b)hand crank c)electric, knee lever d) electric, foot
pedal
e) electric, knee and foot
6. Bobbin: a)shuttle b)round, side load c) round, top load d) no
bobbin/chain stitch
7. Bobbin winder: a) shuttle, high mounted b) shuttle, low mounted
c) round bobbin, thread goes through cleat on right of machine
d) round bobbin, thread goes through tension disks on right side
e) other (describe) f) round bobbin, nothing on right side of bed
8. Balance wheel: a) spoked b) solid c) chrome edge d) same color as
machine
9. Color of machine: a) black b) tan/beige c) white/green d)
other____________
10. Finish of machine: a) shiny b) matte/crinkle/godzilla
11. Face plate: a) flat b) not flat
13. Plate on back right side of machine: a) none b) round c) upside down
pear d)other
15. Stitch length adjuster: a)unmarked knob b) unmarked knob in short
slot
c) flat lever in numbered slot d) thumb screw in numbered slot
e) thumb screw in slot next to numbered slot with indicator
f) other (please describe or draw if mailing)
_____________________________
16. Reverse stitch: a) yes b) no
17. Zigzag built in: a) yes b) no
18. Upper thread tension: a) unmarked in front b) unmarked on left side
c)numbered in front d) numbered on left
21. Head size: measured face plate to far end of balance wheel: length in
inches______
22. Bed size: length _______ , width _______ , fiddle shape?
27. Treadle cabinet: a) # of drawers: __. center drawer: b) tilt out c)
slide out d) none e)box covers machine on top of cabinet f) machine
folds down into table.
extension table: g)full size folds over top h)small that folds down to
side
i) box top that unfolds into table extension to sides and back
j) closed cabinet (drawing rm cabnt) k) machine goes straight down into
cabinet 28. Portable: (provide length of case) a) bentwood/dome top/breadbox
case
b) fabric covered case (color ________) c) case detaches from base of
machine and pulls off d) side opening case (like suitcase) e) other
29. Built in electric cabinet: a) knee lever b)foot pedal c)both
d) one piece table extension to one side e)split extension part to each
side
31. Your name and E-mail address
32. City and State
33. Add anything here that was not covered in the questions above.
Thanks.
Snail mail to Courtney VanOsten
1805 Abbotsford Drive
Vienna, VA 22182
or E-Mail to Courtvo@aol.com
P.S. I would be interested in collecting information sheets sent out by
Singer if you would not mind snail mailing to me. Thanks again.
From: mattlan@ix9.ix.netcom.com
Date: Mon, 9 Sep 1996 10:27:41 +0000
Subject: Abbreviations
To Clay and Shelly,
Enjoyed the new website with photos of your machines. Keep'em
coming!
To anyone:
I am a fairly new member and don't understand all the abbreviations.
Some are easy enough to figure out, but others leave me
stymied, such as ISMACS. If anyone can send me a listing of the
commonly used ones either by private e-mail or in this newsletter, it
would be appreciated.
Some time ago, someone said they had extra clasps for sale for the
FW cases. I didn't get that person's e-mail address, but if they are
still available please write me by private e-mail.
Thanks in advance,
Kathleen
Date: Fri, 9 Aug 1996 15:51:34 -0500
From: Doreen Foote
Subject: machines
Hi, I still have 301A(tan)..201..403A..cutout
table...buttonholers..99..and 15 for sale. Am looking at a 1919 Minnasota
treadle to buy...can hardly wait. I use Old English oil on my
machines after I clean them with wd-40 and Never Dull. I let the oil set for
30 minutes and apply another coat and they are beautiful treadles once
again. I have also located a source for veneer to restore my 1908 treadle
cabinet. Happy sm hunting everyone.(still waiting for my Elias Howe).
Treadlin' Doreen
dfoote@cnmnet.com
Date: Fri, 9 Aug 1996 15:23:04 -0700
From: donjerow@oberon.ark.com (don jerowsky)
Subject: Reliance treadle
I,ve got a treadle(head only)called a reliance.It has made in USA.I can,t
find a seriel number anywhere.Anyone know about this machine?TIA
Don
Date: 09 Aug 96 19:29:38 EDT
From: Graham Forsdyke <100661.3256@CompuServe.COM>
Subject: Contribution
To Paul re manuals on Web page
Be happy to provide material but it sound like a pretty big page to me.
To Cheryl re Willcox and Wilson?????
Don't know why this happens -- and I've done it myself -- but we are either
talking about a Willcox and Gibbs or a Wheeler and Wilson.
I can help you with a handbook on either but you have to make a decision first.
If W&G no problem, one book does them all. If W&W we need to know which model.
Repairing veneer is simply not easy. Matching up the veneer colour and wood is
the least of the problems. Biggest headaches are getting grain to match,
getting
joins predominantly along the grain where it is easier to hide them and getting
the veneer in the correct thickness. Last century machinery for shaving wood to
produce veneer was fairly crude and produced thick veneer. Today the machinery
is more sophisticated and can produce thiner material which of course it does
to
save production costs. If there is a very important machine in the MS
collection
I will repair veneer but it's a long and costly job. For a less important
machine I'd probably strip the veneer from the entire job and start over to
avoid matching/thickness problems.
Sorry to be disheartening.
To Lisa re 1961 FW
My records show ES numbers from Oct 1960 to Oct 1961. I know the Singer Roco
Manual says no black machines after 1955 but remember that means none sold in
the UK, they were still produced for sale abroad.
To Krisi/Mary and all others who noticed my faux pas re 221 dates
You are quite right. My mistake. I usually try to be very carefull and state
the
Singer Recog Manual relates to sales in the UK not production for abroad. For
the record black 221s were sold in Britain until 55 but production continued at
least until 61
Hate to say this and create an international incident but quite a few German
collectors cut the trade-mark sections from treadles and use them as wall
decorations.
To Mary re toys
I've lost count of the toys in Maggie's collection. It was easy at first when
only cast-iron pre 1900 was admitted. Then she got into 1910 tin plate, then,
later, cast-alloy machines.
I've just bought a collection of around 120 toys -- just to get one very early
French example (1880) -- and at least half of this was 1960s to date plastic.
Maggie was last seen looking at a couple of the plastics and saying things like
"well, really, it's quite cute". Now I forsee having to go through scores of
storage boxes where I've dumped the plastic for the past 15 years to look for
more "cute" ones.
To Lyn re shuttles
The following is simplistic so please don't hit me with some of the exotic
exceptions.
There are two basic forms of sewing machine. Lock-stitch and chain-stitch. The
lock-stitch uses two thread sources one from above the stitch plate, the other
from beneath. The chain stitch uses only one, from above the stitch plate.
Lock stitch machines come in two basic forms, rotary and oscilating shuttle.
Rotary machines use a circular bobbin for the lower thread. This is either a
stationary bobbin with a hook that runs around it or a bobbin that rotates
within a stationary hook.
Oscillating shuttle machines have a shuttle similar to that found on a weaving
loom. Looking somewhat like a boat or a bullet, they have a small bobbin
inside.
The machine's mechanism slides the shuttle past the needle and thru the loop it
has provided in the thread to make the stitch.
It's this shuttle that so often goes missing from old machines.
The hand crank machine that looks like your 66 treadle could, of course, be a
66
hand crank or a 126/127.
Date: Sat, 10 Aug 1996 00:12:26 GMT
Subject: singer
From: ma@usa.pipeline.com (Maggie Arlotta)
Hi,
Today, while at the salvation army store in my never ending quest to
totally fill my house with anything having the singer name on it, I came
across a set of Singer electric hair curlers.They sure did branch out.I
left em.
Hit 5 or 6 tag sales and found nothing remotely sewing related but for
120 very nicely crocheted collars.Had to buy them. Why? I don't know
except the price was right.Figured they'd make for some nice quilt
embellishments if nothing else.Thats if I ever start sewing again.17 sms
and I'm not sewing a stitch lately. DH keeps asking when I'll put them to
good use and I keep saying soooooon.
Tell me this disease does heal itself after awhile.It can't be chronic
with SMS being the only medicine that'll work, Can it?
Maggie in NY
ma@pipeline.com
Date: Fri, 09 Aug 1996 19:05:11 -0700
From: Mark &Katy
Subject: Zigzagger/ Model 15 For Sale
I picked up another zigzagger, the kind with the top hat shaped cams,
number 160985. This will fit all low shank Singers including FWs. It is
in good condition in the original box. No manual but I can provide a
photocopy of one. I'd like $28 plus shipping.
I also have a beautiful 1955 Singer model 15 for sale if anyone is
interested. Cosmetically this is the nicest machine I have seen, very
shiny, no pin neck. It is in a fabric covered wooden case, not original.
It does not have a manual or attachments. It sews very well. It does
have reverse. This is not a 15-91, the only difference that I can tell is
that it has a belt driven motor rather than the direct drive built on
motor like the 15-91. I would prefer to sell to someone in Michigan so
they can see it first and not have to pay shipping, however, if you
really want it and live elsewhere, I will ship. I would like $50 plus
shipping.
Thanks and have a great day, Katy
Date: Tue, 6 Aug 1996 21:15:53 -0400
From: TJanson280@aol.com
Subject: Rocketeer!
Hi Fwf's,
Does anyone have any attachments for sale for the Singer 505a? I don't even
have a regular foot. I only have the zipper foot which is what was on it
when I got it. It's the Rocketeer machine as I am told. I also need the
flip up top. I sure is a neat looking machine. I'm glad to have it.
We bought a treadle about a few months ago. The cabinet is the "Sit Easy"
Franklin. It's rather plain and was missing 2 of the drawers. A few days
ago we went back to the place where I got it and pawed through all of the
stuff (it's rather a mess) and low and behold, were the missing 2 drawers.
They were in parts but now the cabinet is whole. :-)
BTW, who said WD-40 WAS an oil???
Terri Janson in hot humid Michigan..
From: TGKU14A@prodigy.com (MRS SANDRA L COPELAND)
Date: Fri, 9 Aug 1996 21:36:32, -0500
Subject: Singer 630
Can anyone give me any information about the Singer Touch and Sew 630. We
picked one up at a garage sale but it doesn't want to stop sewing once it
starts. My DH thought it might be the foot pedal and put a new diode in it
but that doesn't seem to be the problem. When you take your foot off the
pedal, it continues to sew for about another foot or so. Thanks for any
help. Sandie (in middle PA where the humidity is finally supposed to
decrease for a couple of days)
Date: Fri, 9 Aug 1996 22:03:45 -0400
From: JimAlmonte@aol.com
Subject: 301 case
Hi--
When I got a couple of 301's last weekend the man I bought them from insisted
that I take this plastic top to a Singer case--he said it went with one of
the 301's. Of course, neither of the machines are setting in the base needed
for the case to latch to and I thought the 301's all came in a suitcase type
case. So, does anyone know if plastic cases were made for the 301s at any
time and secondly, does anyone have use for a very pale green plastic case
top? It says Singer on the lip around the bottom of the top and has a very
sturdy handle, chrome latches on either end that should fasten over a base.
E-mail me privately if you can use this piece.
Yesterday I found what appears to be a complete box of attachments for a
301-- it has motor lubricant, two screwdrivers, ruffler, edge stitching foot,
binding foot, adjustable hemmer, foot hemmer, shirring foot, and one felt
disc for the spool pin. Of course I bought it but what I was wondering was if
this is indeed what came with the machines originally. For example, for
other machines I have, I have found a seam guide in the attachment box but I
don't know if this was an extra accessory. I have seen lists of what is
supposed to be with a 221 if it is complete but not one for the 301--does
anyone know?
Cyndi
(in Janesville, WI).
Date: Fri, 9 Aug 1996 22:26:32 -0400
From: WRDipple@aol.com
Subject: Mysteries
I finallly called Singer to get the birthday for my treadle. According to
the books that the SM came with it is a No. 27/VS#2. It looks like a normal
treadle with the Sphinx design on the head and the "spool" bobbin winder low
in front. In fact, it looks alot like a 127K in the ISMAC book with the
exception of the bobbin winder placement. According to Singer it's an
"Upholstery Model 31" born May 16, 1899.
Upholstery Model 31??? Now, I've seen Singer industrial machines - big three
and four needle embroidery treadles, leather and tack machines that run from
overhead drive belts, and so forth -- but I've never heard of an upholstery
machine. Does anyone have any specific information on the Model 31? Was
there a separate book dedicated to the virtues of this machine's upholstering
abilities? Or was this a Singer turn-of-the-century marketing ploy -- you
know: "It just so happens, sir, we have a machine JUST FOR UPHOLSTERING --
please notice our competitors don't -- but WE DO." Ideas anyone?
Wanda -- blue skies and sunshine in Iowa.
Date: Fri, 9 Aug 1996 22:47:16 -0400
From: JimAlmonte@aol.com
Subject: Singer Treadle Cabinets
In reference to the treadle cabinet Mary McC saw in Evanston-- I saw one just
like that in an antique mall in southern Wisconsin. It had double doors
front and back with the tall side doors, one of which covered the treadle
belt. They wanted $65 for it---I don't remember anything about the machine
that was in the cabinet so it must not have been notable. Anyways--maybe
what you saw was not one of a kind but maybe one of a few.
Cyndi
Date: Fri, 9 Aug 1996 22:58:59 -0400 (EDT)
From: "Joan E. Smith"
Subject: Shipping SMs
Thanks to Chris and all the others who e-mailed me privately with advice
on how to ship sewing machines. I thought the info would be valuable to
others as well and have quoted two of the responses below.
From Millie MacKenzie:
I begin by wrapping all moveable objects in batting, fabric, etc. Pack them
inside case and allow no movement. Close the case and bring it to my local
MAILBOXES. I ship via MAILBOXES/UPS to any state and have Mailboxes pack
the machine as then it is covered in case of damage. Shipping (packing,
insurance) runs according to state. Figure $20 to $30 for most 48
contiguous states. I like to ship on Monday so that machine can reach
destination by Friday and not have to sit in a warehouse over a hot weekend.
I have heard about packing the machine separate from the case, but it makes
no sense to me. I want the machine as well protected as can be, and the
case provides that.
Be sure to tell shipper to pack machine upright (I had one packed sideways
once - changed shippers after that!!) and mark THIS SIDE UP on carton.
Include phone number of person you are shipping to on UPS label.
You may get advice on it being cheaper parcel post. But I like my scheme
cause package is covered in case of damage and also traceable. I have
shipped about 20 machines this way - works well. Best of luck!!
------------------- and from Jim Wilson:
Take the machine out of the case. Take the foot off the machine and
lower the presser bar. Put some bubble wrap around the machine such
that IF the extension gets folded up during shipping it will not get
scratched...and then take some and stretch it across the bed extension
and tape it to the bottom (not to the machine itself but to more bubble
wrap that has been wrapped around the machine) such that there is
tension holding it down. There should be two inches or so of bubble
wrap and plent of room in the box for peanuts. Wrap the controller and
any thing else and leave them in the case I guess and then wrapp the
case separately. This should ensure that everything arrives safely.
Date: Sat, 10 Aug 1996 00:31:56 -0300 (ADT)
From: robsonpj@ra.isisnet.com (Peter J Robson)
Subject: Spartans
I am a happy Featherweight owner who came across a Spartan today. I don't
know anything about them or what I should be expected to pay. It looks in
good condition but I haven't tried her out yet.
Any advice???
Thanks,
Barbara
Halifax, Nova Scotia
Canada
____________________________________
FWFanatics@ttsw.com - Singer phone # 1-800-877-7762
And now a word from our sponsor:
Hickory Hills Antique Quilts - Offering a variety of antique
quilts, tops, blocks and fabrics at reasonable prices. Personal service,
credit cards accepted. http://quilt.com/HickoryHill
Received: from ttsw.com ([204.249.244.11]) by pcnet1.pcnet.com (4.1/SMI-4.1)
id AA24620; Sun, 11 Aug 96 20:49:51 EDT
Date: Sun, 11 Aug 96 21:11:18 -0500
From: Featherweight Fanatics
Subject: FW Fanatics 8/10/96
To: Sue@quilt.com
X-Mailer: LeeMail 2.0.5
Message-Id:
Date: Fri, 9 Aug 1996 19:37:43 -1000
From: "Charles B. Law"
Subject: New antique sewing machine web page
I have created (currently under construction) an Antique sewing machine
web page. There are lots of pictures and hardly any description (since I
know more about using a scanner and writing web pages than sewing
machines). The url is
http://www2.hawaii.edu/~claw/sew/
I noticed that its pretty hard to describe different models of sewing
machine in words, while its much easier to distinguish them apart when you
know what each model looks like. I also have oiling and threading
diagrams for a number of machines up on the page. As I find more pictures
to scan, I'll update the page accordingly...
Charles.
Date: Fri, 9 Aug 1996 23:14:15 -0400
From: Millie MacKenzie
Subject: C37 thru C40 items
Spartan ER43827 7/21/60
A couple more items for sale:
C37 - Small pocket oil can. It's the kind described recently, has an oval
where a label apparently was once afixed. About 3 inches tall, 1 wide. With
cover. $12 includes postage.
C38 - Softcover book by Nancy Martin THE BASICS OF QUILTED CLOTHING from
that Patchwork Place. 1982. 68 pages. Color photos of clothing. $8
includes postage.
C39 - Softcover book CLASSIC QUILTED VESTS by Fons and Porter. 1982. 42
pages. Includes pattern sheets. Color photos of vests. $8 includes postage.
C40 - Softcover book QUILTING AND PATCHWORK 1974 from Sunset Books. Color
photos of various projects. $6 includes postage.
By the way, you will probably be happy to hear that all the Nancy Page quilt
pattern copies -C34- are officially gone, never to be heard from again...
I've gotta correct myself on the following item:
C35 - Cast iron piece from treadle base with SINGER logo. Possibly the left
side support piece. Best offer.
I saw a treadle today with the same piece of iron and it is the CENTER of
the treadle base, not the side. Apologies..I am ever learning....
Machines for the discerning buyer:
A Wilcox &Gibbs machine in small treadle (iron base, wood top) also set up
for electric. Three attachments, original manual (cover missing), Western
Electric motor, foot pedal shaped like footprint. Really cute. Nice
condition, no rust. Best offer.
Singer model 99-31. This is the 99 which comes in a maroon and gold case.
It is the third one I have bought, but I have only seen one other mention of
it months ago. It is 3/4 head and black with gold trim. Original manual
(1955) and 7 attachments, extra bobbins. Condition 9. $100 plus shipping.
Featherweight - machine only. AF572753. 8/15/40. Scrolled face plate.
Missing bobbin case and pin which it hooks onto. No case. No manual. No
attachments. $200 plus shipping.
Millie MacKenzie in CT and Cape Cod, MA
milmac@snet.net
Date: Fri, 9 Aug 1996 23:16:03 -0400
From: Millie MacKenzie
Subject: A Quilters' Gathering - Westford MA
Listen up, you North-easterners! You need to know about a huge 4-day event
held annually in Westford, MA (north of Boston, not far from New Hampshire).
this year it is scheuled Nov 7 thru 10 (Thur thru Sun). I have my hands on
the 20-page announcement put out by the presenter: Eastcoast Quilters'
Alliance.
Is this an opportunity for a first mini-FWF gathering, or what?
There is absolutely too much info for me to post here, but check your
calendar and your bank balance and, if you are smiling, send me an SASE with
64 cents of stamps and $1 bill and I will copy the 20 page announcement and
get it right out to you. There are all kinds of workshops and 'special
events' like luncheons, lectures, dinners and some classes are already
filled. So the sooner the better...
Exhibits, Workshops, Lectures, Vendors.
also Special Events:
opening night banquet,
luncheon lectures,
evening gathering of quilters,
free Bernina classes,
exhibit of contest quilts,
fashion show of clothing contest,
exhibit of 'Fabulout Fashions',
invitational exhibit of 'Amish Quilts'.
Let me know via email:
(1) if you want a copy,
(2) what days you would likely be there,
(3)would you be staying overnight and would you need to book a room, what
you would pay for a room, and would you want to bunk in with other FWF's and
(4) what I can do to facilite your plans.
In the meantime I will call the Westford Regency Inn to check on room
availability, prices, other nearby motels, etc. If there is enough interest,
wouldn't it be great to get some rooms together for an overnight so we can
stay up all night showing each other pics of our babies...
Now, if anyone has attended this event before, please email me. I will want
to get all the details and advice.
I checked my calendar and, thank goodness, my niece decided to get married
on the following weekend. That would have been some toss of the coin, to
decide which event to attend!!!
Are you excited as I am over this????
Millie
Millie MacKenzie in CT and Cape Cod, MA
milmac@snet.net
From: BXTJ10A@prodigy.com ( ALTON DAVIS)
Date: Sat, 10 Aug 1996 10:56:19, -0500
Subject: Illinois Sewing Machine
Hi All:
If anyone is interested in obscure machines, there's a decent Illinois
manufactured by the Illinois Sewing Machine Co in Rockford, IL sitting in
the lower level of the Mineral Springs Mall in Alton, IL. Company only
existed for a short time - 1895 to 1897 or so. I think they wanted
something under $100.00 for it but I didn't write it down so I'm not sure.
If anyone is interested I'll go back and look more closely.
Al in IL
Date: Sat, 10 Aug 1996 10:36:42 -0500
From: Rebecca Sunderman
Subject: Greyhound "P" Machine ???
Hi, All !
I have been stubling onto the most unusual ( for me, anyway) machinees
lately and wondered if anyone has any information of a Greyhound "P"
Machine, made by New HOme, I think. the head is black, with Greyhound P on
the fronnnt of the arm and a picture of a greyhound racing dog just above
it. The machine is probably a 5, in dire need of cleaning and de-rusting,
but runs like a racedog! It's poor suitcase carrier must have been sitting
someplace unkind to sewing machine cases, because it is beginning to come
apart, but for less than the cost of a decent country lunch, I just had to
bring it home or, I should say,D"strong"H hefted the thing into the van and
we drove it home, where I promptly reemoved the cobwebs and other creepy
crawlies from it, dusted it off and gave it a really good looksee. Trouble
is, my reference books don't seeem to have anything on this model - perhaps
some of you FWF's might, and would be willing to share...??
TIA
Piecefully,
Becky S.
Date: Sat, 10 Aug 1996 11:24:24 -0400 (EDT)
From: suzy@mail.albany.net
Subject: Singer stuff
With regard to other Singer items, I just received some ad copies from
wonderful Shirley in AZ (thanks, Shirley!) and have more things for you to
look for (as if any of you need any MORE ideas!). The ad (from 1949) shows
various Singer things one could purchase as Christmas gifts including:
sewing boxes, scissor sets, Singer Room Heater, Ribbonaire no-draft fan,
vacuum cleaners (full size and hand held), irons (regular and folding),
cabinets (of course), AND: "Singer Featherweight Portable, an 11-pound
wonder that does work of a full-size model machine! Stitches forward or
backward. Has handy carrying case. Always a favorite, so order WELL in
advance"!! I just love reading these old ads - learned that in the late
30's, you could rent a Singer machine for only $.75 a week with weekly
sewing instructions included. A lot of the ads talked about this, so it must
have been fairly common. So nice to be able to step back in time, at least
for a little while. Happy hunting to all of you! Sue M.
From: Gail Pickens-Barger
Subject: Updates: Web Page
Date: Sat, 10 Aug 1996 11:18:53 -0500
Hello All!
I've updated the Featherweights Re-Digest page. Most
of the categories have some new additional information.
http://www.icsi.net/~pickens
As I've mentioned before, Dale Pickens (Dad!) has some freearms for
sale. Also, he will give out freely (well you have to make the phone
call) advise on your featherweight, and talk to you over the phone
on problems that you might have..... Lots of accessories and
manuals. (405) 765-6125
When we were in Peru, we went to the "fabric" section of Lima.
While there we found this little device that you just "hook" onto
your where your needle is tighten into...then you can feed yarn,
or lightwt cord, and sew the yarn right straight (curved, zigzagged)
onto your fabric. (Like the fancy machines do!) You don't need
a fancy machine to do this. Has anyone else found an
attachment like this that they can put onto their featherweight?
(Sorry, we didn't buy a lot, just a few for ourselves!)
Yes, I bought fabric while I was there. But of course, it was
measured in Meters!!
Hot in South Texas (Victoria!), Gail Pickens-Barger, daughter
of Dale and Deloris Pickens, those featherweight safari hunters!!
Date: Thu, 8 Aug 96 15:02:35 EDT
From: Gene Baker
Subject: Cleaner
I might have posted this before, I can't remember.
Try "Sun of a Gun" by STP when cleaning old machines. It will cut the old
grime and grease much better than WD-40 and leaves a protective finish. You
can find it at any automotive counter(or your husband's workbench). It is
made to clean and renew
automotive interiors and works on leather, plastic, etc. and really cleans
the outside of cases. No, I don't own stock in the company.
We still have keys for the "Bentwood" and "Featherweight" Cases. E-Mail for
information.
Thanks
Gene Baker
You can find us on the World Wide Web at:
http://www.esinet.net/cabg/real_estate/bakerinc.html
Date: Sat, 10 Aug 1996 12:56:38 -0400
From: Millie MacKenzie
Subject: the Singer fortune
If you have been kept awake at night wondering what happened to the fortune
left by Singer, here is your sleeping pill: The Cape Cod Times yesterday
had an article on the vacation home in which Al Gore and family are staying
in Truro, Cape Cod this week. Owners of the home are Martin and Anne Peretz
and Mrs. Peretz is id'ed as "heir to the Singer sewing-machine fortune". So
that's your trivia lesson for the day...
I am halfway thru reading the neatest little book by Beatrice Siegel called
THE SEWING MACHINE, one of a series of Machines That Changed Our Lives.
Tells the history of the sm in 50+ pages and easy to read/understand. Did I
mention that it is from the Juvenile section of the library? J681 siegel.
I keep finding stuff I have bought and forgot about:
C41 - Softcover book by Bonnie Leman titled QUICK AND EASY QUILTING. 1972.
190 pages. $6 includes postage.
C42 - Hardcover book by Marie-Janine Solvit titled PICTURES IN PATCHWORK.
1976. 112 pages. $6 includes postage.
FREE: 3 Singer paper items: Individualized Measuements Chart/1947, Slip
Cover and Curtain Measurements Charts/1946, and 4 'stitching charts'. First
email gets them...
Email me with interests. Thanks. Millie
Millie MacKenzie in CT and Cape Cod, MA
milmac@snet.net
From: Mary Rothenbuhler
Subject: Another 301a
Date: Sat, 10 Aug 1996 11:34:12 -0600
Hello,
I can't believe it, another 301, but not my elusive black princess. This
time it's a two tone tan and cream. This makes my fourth 301, 3 tan and
now this one.
DH and I went to an estate sale that advertised 2 sewing machines, we
waited in line for about 40 minutes to get in. I rushed back to where they
said the sewing machines were, and there was one newer Kenmore, moved that
over to get to the one still inside the cabinet. There on top was a 301
manual, and a box of attachments. I started to get excited, could this be
the Black dream? No, it was the two tone baby, oh well, I said sold. Oh
yeah, does it run? Yes it did. The cabinet is definitely 50's, a blond
type of veneer, with a bench that is covered in the coolest turquoise
vinyl, very very 50's with abstract squiggles. DH found the buttonholer on
a separate table along with one for a straight shank, while moving the
cabinet and bench out to the car, the lid to the bench fell off [does this
sound familiar?] and inside was a baggie with all sorts of stuff, needles,
lube tube, cording feet, etc. I was getting more excited. At the next
garage sale I ran into Jacque in Boise, we pulled it out to show her, and
out falls the zig zag attachment that had been stuck in the back out of
sight under the machine. Now I was totally out of control. Oh yeah, I
paid $55.00 for all of this. Made my day. And I really wasn't in the mood
to go out this morning, but DH dragged me along, I owe him big time huh?
Jacque and I are beginning to think that maybe the 301 is the new
collectible, which means in a few years the prices are going to go through
the roof like FW's have. Does any one else think along those lines?
I called about my Spartan, the SN is ER 353208, and the lady said it was
born on 8-11-60, and is a 192k. My first 3 301's have serial nos. that
begin NA, the new one is a NB. The manual is copywrited 1956, the others
are earlier. Since Singer can't/won't date these, what's the difference?
Mary in HOT Idaho......who's on cloud nine.
Date: Sat, 10 Aug 1996 12:28:34 -0500 (CDT)
From: Tom Jaworski
Subject: FW find, class, etc.
Yesterday DH was downtown and spied a black box in a pawn shop but
figured "it couldn't be..." Luckily he went in to check! I now have an
AM FW, born 1/29/57 according to Singer (where I didn't have to wait on
hold at all!). She's gorgeous, almost a 9 on the scale, in a case that's
a 9 for sure and with some of the attachments. Also she has the
new-style gold design. No manual, no oil can, alas, and not quite the
$25-at-the-Goodwill-store bargain...but at $115 I'm still thrilled! And
1/29 is my birthday, tho *not* 1957.
And this after I'd been to a garage sale and paid $30 for an old Singer
with both a Singer and a Griest buttonholer. It has the long barbell
bobbin and lots of decals; the lady said it had been converted to
electricity (and the cord looks pretty bad). I've got a lot of clean-up
work to do on it, but at least it'll be pretty when it's done; there's
some rust on the bobbin covers but the insides look pretty clean and
everything turns OK. I have an old treadle cabinet that DH rescued from
a farm sale 20 yrs ago, which I've used decoratively tho it's in rough
shape...I'm hoping this machine will fit the cabinet. Anybody who can
give details as to what sort of mechanism makes a treadle pedal move the
wheel? My treadle wheel rotates fine but the pedal has been just floppy
and loose ever since we rescued it. I'm sure I'll need a part or two,
huh? This old machine is B756001, which Singer told me was an industrial
model 31 from 1909...I'm having a hard time believing it's industrial
since it has all the decals and stuff--any ideas? After I clean it up a
little I'll check it with Graham's manual, etc.
By the way, thanks for the 99 manual, Graham!
At QuiltNebraska I was fortunate enough to take Gordon Jones's class on
"Maintaining your Featherweight." It was such fun! Gordy really knows
his stuff...any time anyone has the opportunity to take a class, go for
it! We had 25 FWs in the same room, all sorts of little differences and
all sorts of histories...one gal had hers that she bought new as a young
woman, had the original receipt and everything...other people had
everything from near-mint condition to one that had been rescued from
unknown horrors, sandblasted, and reworked totally jet-black.
Guess I've rambled long enough for now--it's been a good few weeks!
Rita in NE
jaworski@esu9.esu9.k12.ne.us
Date: 10 Aug 96 14:35:06 EDT
From: Chris Vagtborg <71155.1072@CompuServe.COM>
Subject: post
Hi All...
For Cheryl... Do you have a Wilcox &Gibbs or a Wheeler &Wilson?
For Karen... You're right in that a NEW Bobbin Case will run you $60 or so;
but an ORIGINAL Bobbin Case is worth *a lot* more... In fact, we sell both
new and original parts and the originals average 2 to 3 times the price of
new. Probably because the only source for the original parts is by
cannibalizing old machines. And it's kind of like eating lobster - you throw
away a lot more than you get to eat...
For Lyn O... Early home Singers employed the 'vibratory shuttle'. Kind of
looks like a Dutch Wooden Shoe, but made of nickel (?). A long bobbin (thin
rod with 'mushroom caps') goes in the shuttle and the shuttle drops into the
shuttle cage. The cage/shuttle assy swings on an arc during the sewing
process. The Vibratory Shuttle #2 and the model #27 often lose their shuttle
as it's not secured into the Shuttle Cage. The newer #127 (128) machines had
a captive cage that holds the shuttle securely in place.
For Courtney in VA... Is it possible that the #27 with the high mounted
bobbin winder is actually a #127? Is this also the portable electric you
mention? I could be wrong, but it's my understanding that all 27's had low
bobbin winders and that no #27's can be electrified as there is no means of
attaching a motor... or a hand crank. I guess the #28's you mention are
actually #128's for these same reasons.
For all... Went 'sailing' today. Didn't see much, but did find two
interesting commercial machine heads. One, a Singer model 47W62, employs an
oscillating hook (like a 66 or 99), but the bobbin case is to the right of
the needle. This is a free arm machine and looks very similar to the 45W8
shown in the Carter Bays book. I could probably pick it up for $5, but do I
need another door stop? The other machine head was, I believe, a Union
Special. The unique thing about this machine is that it has a rotary feed dog
that engages with a clutch mechanism. I bet this puppy would fairly rip
through *any* sewing task. It'd also fairly rip through errant fingers if
they got in the way...
Bye for now, Chris in sunny St. Simons Is., where we have a sea breeze today
and it's 5 degrees cooler than the mainland...
Date: Sat, 10 Aug 1996 14:29:11 -0800
From: gravelle@ridgecrest.ca.us (Ellene Gravelle)
Subject: Wooden attachment boxes
The mystery continues over the wooden attachment boxes. I thought I had
mine identified out, but after examining the schematic pictures so kindly
provided by Flo Jolly, I discovered it was neither for models #27 or #24
(although it was closer to matching #27. Maybe someone can help me
identify it: Wooden fold out box with brown velvet lining, the outside of
lid says in a small oval, "Patented, February 19, 1--9 (difficult to read)"
The attachment holders are numbered from 1 to 18 and some of the
attachments have corresponding numbers. Help, help!
Date: Sat, 10 Aug 1996 22:23:08 GMT
Subject: FOR SALE
From: ma@usa.pipeline.com (Maggie Arlotta)
Hi,
I have some items for sale.E-Mail me for more info.These oil cans are
really neat!
1) Dome shaped copper plated oil can-holds about 1 ounce.Base diameter
about1 3/4 inches.Total hight 5 in.Curved at tip of spout for hard to reach
places.No dents, some plating showing wear from cleaning I guess.No
markings.$13 plus $2.50 shipping
2)Dome shaped Copper colored metal oil can.5 1/2 inches high.Holds about 2
ounces of oil.Long slim straight spout.Silver metal underneath showing
through in some places.No dents, no markings.$13. plus $2.50 shipping.
3)Copper colored metal oil can.12 inches high,with handle.Holds about 1
cup of oil.This is a DisneyLand collectors item.Says "DISNEYLAND R.R." also
says" Property of Chief Engineer".
Nice for someone who does a lot of oiling or collects disney and oil cans
too.Very long, 8 inch curved spout.Made in Framingham, Mass.$20. plus $4.00
shipping
4)Singer Adjustable zig zagger attachment #121706 for lockstitch
SM.Origional box and manual copy right 1939.$15. plus $3 shipping.
5)Singer buttonholer in dark green plastic treasure chest type box-w/manual
copyright 1948 and all its parts.$20. plus $4.00 shipping.This is the metal
and black model.
6)Singer foot pedal .This is the black footpedal used by the FWs, has the
black knob .Missing parts inside and no wireing is there.Best offer plus
shipping.Part Num.194584
7)Fun Grab Bag full of old snaps and hooks and eyes still on their old
packaging.Some missing a couple, some not.All kinds of Rick rack in all
colors.bindings in all colors, some new and some older, most still in
package and clean, some white velvet ribbon still in package,old woven
trims and some newer ones, elastics in different widths.Plus 10 yds. of new
black velvet 1 1/2 in. wide, woven edges nylon/rayon ribbon, washable.This
grab bag has LOTS of stuff, all of it clean and usable.Plus a singer
tracing wheel,thimbles in sz. 7 and other sewing related items.Too much to
list.You won't be dissapointed.$20 plus $4. shipping.
8)8 Large(over 2 in.) wooden thread spools all but 1 still full of
thread-Kismet-THE AMERICAN THREAD COMPANY-CLIMAX-CRESCENT are the names I
can read on some of them.All in a oreo Christmas tin from1993. $8. plus $4.
shipping.
9)Machine made-new crochet collars.Half moon style seen in quilts, great
for crazy quilting-antique color.About 9 inches long and2 1/2 wide.These
lay flat and are not bulky.Kinda like heavy lace.All matching in a paisley
design, washable.50 cents apiece and I have plenty.
10)Old Sterling Silver Thimble.About a size 8.Raised floral design around
the base.Stamped Y8308 on the inside.Nice weight to it.Very pretty, cleaned
up really nice.$25.plus $4 for ins. and shipping.
Mail me for more details!
Maggie in NY
ma@pipeline.com
Date: Sat, 10 Aug 1996 20:23:13 -0400
From: Larry Doyle
Subject: For Sale
I have for sale te following;
FW in case with manual attachments the condition is 9 $450.00
2-Green 1961 pod shaped buttonholers mint condition $20.00
McCalls step-by step sewong book excellent condition 1969 $5.00
Griest assorted attachments in original box $15.00.
Rotary attachments original box $18.00
Date: Sat, 10 Aug 96 20:25:03 0000
From: leames
Subject: help!
I went out and found another old machine that I've never even heard of
and was wondering if anyone out there could help me with finding some
info on it. It's a Western Electric, serial #2656715. It's greem with
gold decorations, although they're not nearly as fancy as the FW's. It
is in the bottom of a case and looks like it could go into a cabinet
because it has the hinged thingies on the back. It is belt driven and
the bobbin winder mechanism is on the front of the bed. The bobbin
winds onto a metal pin and the case looks like a bullet that slides back
and forth. The motor is made by Grainger and the foot pedal is Simanco.
The face plate is smooth and there is a list of which needle to use with
different weights of cotton fabric etched on the metal by the throat
plate. The presser foot looks like the FW, but I haven't directly
compared them. Does anyone know any specifics about this machine, or
have a copy of an owner's or service manuel yhey could copy for me??
Any help would be greatly appreciated! TIA, Treece.
Date: Sat, 10 Aug 1996 23:49:18 -0400
From: Clay &Shelly Leihy
Subject: Re: 301 Attachments (Cyndi)
Thought I'd pull out a manual and see what it says. There is a section
titled "Instructions for Using Attachments", which gives detailed
instructions for their use. My assumption is that these are the ones
which originally came with the machine.
Here's the list:
foot hemmer
adjustable hemmer
multi-slotted binder (with guide pins)
edge stitcher
gathering foot
ruffler
There are descriptions of the zigzagger, buttonholer, darning and
embroidery attachment, seam guide, and gauge presser foot (which I'd
love to find), but no instructions for their use, so I'm presuming they
were extras.
(Info from Singer 301 manual, Copyright 1956, Form 20542, Rev. 7-76)
Clay &Shelly
clay-l@k2nesoft.com
http://www.k2nesoft.com/~clay-l/shelly.html
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