Featherweight
Fanatics
Archives
July 1996
Sunday, July 28th - Saturday, August 3rd
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Date: Tue, 30 Jul 96 08:33:39 -0500
From: Featherweight Fanatics
Subject: FW Fanatics 7/28/96
To: Sue@quilt.com
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Message-Id:
From: "Lori"
Date: Sat, 27 Jul 1996 22:00:01 -0800
Subject: Winselmann TITAN
Hi I just wanted to tell about my new find. It is a hand crank
sewing machine by Winselmann Titan it does not have a manual but it
sure is pretty Its got lots of gold with a ships stearing wheel and a
woman sitting on a platform. I would rate it a 9-1/2 and it works
great even better when my 4 year old grandson turns the crank. If
any one has any information on it , please e-mail me Thanks
Also I am looking for a 301 singer if anyone has one for sale please
e-mail me lscott@sunset.net.
Lori Scott
lscott@sunset.net
Date: Sat, 27 Jul 1996 21:16:07 -0800 (AKDT)
From: Susan Wassenhove
Subject: need 401A manual
While I was on vacation and doing the inevitable sewing machine
search I stumbled upon a 401A...and for $30.00 I thought
I'd give her a try. However, she does not have a manual. If
someone here could help me out I'd really appreciate it. I'd
be happy to pay for copying and postage of course :)
Thanks in advance!
I finally realized what we are all doing...we're on the biggest
scavenger hunt of all time...just like when I was at camp decades
ago!
Scavenger Hunt list:
1. **Singer Featherweight***
a. black
b. white
c. ***Freearm model****
2. assorted attachments for Featherweight
a. buttonholer
b. monogrammer
c. zigzagging attachment
d. etc.etc...
3. other machines:
301, 401, 99, Elna,
4. Singer advertisements
5. old books and sewing lessons
6. folding wooden sewing box for attachments
What else is everyone looking for? This is such a fun scavenger hunt!
Good luck in the hunt!
Susan Wassenhove
lfsw@acad3.alaska.edu
Date: Sun, 28 Jul 1996 00:10:23 -0400
From: Larry Doyle
Subject: For Sale
Hi Folks,I have a few things you may be interested in to add to your
collections.
2-101 machines condition on both is 8 .They are in cabinets that are in fair
condition will sell just hea or in the cabinet for $125.00 ea.plus SH
Button holerSinger straight needle #48910 condition is 9-10 in the original
box with all parts color 1961 green. $35.00
2- 101 manuals 1- revised april,1929 nint condition $25.00
1- good condition 18.00 White
machine Circa 1940 in case condition is a strong 8 color grey $125.00 plus
SH
I will be having a FW anniversary model mint condition any one interested
e-mail me and i'll get the particulars for you.
Date: Sun, 28 Jul 1996 10:25:23 -0400
From: lanza@marie.mit.edu (Dick Lanza)
Subject: Elna #1
June &Leigh Ann:
The Elna #1 is a classic machine. Otto Landgraf in Oldtimer Sewing
Machines, on p. 83 has about 10 paragraphs to say about it, a bit
too long to quote verbatim here, so I will summarize.
A man named Roman Casas fled the Civil War in Spain
in the 1930's and went to Geneva. He had a background
in sewing machines, so went to work for Tavaro. They
started from scratch in the design. Innovations were
the rebirth of a free arm, used die-cast aluminum,
reducing the weight significantly; the green color was
a radical departure from the traditional black; the
case was cleverly convertible to a flat-bed table for
the machine; the design appearance was very ultra-
modern. The internal design of the motor, shaft,
gears, etc. were very innovative. This had the effect
of making other manufacturers re-examine their designs.
So Leigh Ann, your $30 for a well-working machine was a good buy.
The Elna uses standard low-shank feet. I don't know where in So
Cal you live, but Treadleart in Lomita is an Elna dealer &their
mechanics know about the older machines.
Sylvia
lanza@marie.mit.edu
Date: Sun, 28 Jul 1996 11:24:59 -0400
From: Millie MacKenzie
Subject: attachments for the 403 machine
The boxed set includes 8 attachments, 8 fashion discs/cams, 1 feed cover for
zig zag. Box has fought in a skirmish and wounds are bandaged with masking
tape. The original paper matching attachments to machine is in box - so it
you have the 403A1 LB-OW serial #NA933943 machine, this is the matching
set!! $20 includes shipping.
Thanks, Millie
Millie MacKenzie in CT and Cape Cod, MA
milmac@snet.net
Date: Sun, 28 Jul 1996 11:32:38 -0500
From: Beth Probasco
Subject: 1915 Treadle
Next weekend there is an auction sale with a 1915 Singer Treadle machine
listed. What is a good fair price to pay for this machine based on
condition, availability of attachments, etc. It is a three hour drive to
attend this auction but I have become severly addicted to looking for old
sewing machines. This list has not helped at all , it has only added
to my addiction by providing more information and knowledge (didn't they say
someplace about knowledge being dangerous?).
I have a 99 in a bendwood case with the knee control. It is in excellent
condition, sews great, and has lots of attachments (got it for $25). Singer
told me it was a model 24 but it is not a chain stitch machine. It has a
drop in bobbin. Does anyone have a manual for this machine.
WD-40: I tried some WD-40 to clean up the outside of my FW. The finish got
dull and I only used a soft rag. Does this mean there is a lot of dirt to
remove or have I ruined the finish?
Date: Thu, 25 Jul 1996 17:19:38 GMT
Subject: paper finds
From: ma@usa.pipeline.com (Maggie Arlotta)
Hi,
Att. Graham
Today I stopped by my local SM shop and the owner had such a nice
suprise for me.He had gotten his hands on 2 pamphlets and put them aside
for me.
One is a 4 page fold out advertisement for the NEW HOME rotary shuttle
sewing machine. It lists the models 914...915...9018... and the 9008 with
the list prices for the different cabinets.The simplest model 914 is in a
standard 2 drawer cabinet and sold for $50.Says Liberal discounts for
cash.As the cabinets become more ornate and fancy the prices rise from
there all the way up to $8o for the drawing room style enclosed cabinet.The
sales person then wrote in the cash selling prices in pencil and they are
1/2 of the retail price.Sure wish they still used that method now!!! The
pictures are great.Their main offices were in Orange Mass. and distributing
offices were in NYC 45 East 17th Street, Union Suare north.London office at
24+26 Denman St. S.E.
Others thruout the states.No date on the papers but they are very old and
in well kept condition.
The next is a 3 1/2 by 6 inch advertising pamphlet 16 pages long.It says"
THE NEW FLORENCE" rotary and vibrating shuttle sewing machines.Advertiser
is GREENHOUSE-SIEGL COOPER CO. NYC 6th AVE. Was a large department store I
think with sewing machines on the 5th floor.They also have all their
models pictured and described at length.Great cabinets!! They mention the
new "ball bearings" they use for their stands making things work easier and
better.Prices start at $65. and run up to $80 for the fancier cabinets. As
in the other advertisement cash brought the prices down to 50%. They also
sell "other good machines " for 12.90 to $49.95.You may pay $1 a week if
you wish.I love this!!They all came with a lifetime guarantee, anyone have
one?The head says Florence Rotary across the usual place.No dates on this
paper either.Wish I knew when they were printed.
GRAAAAHM!!!!!!! Can you give any feedback on these please?
Where are all these beautiful cabinets hiding. I think I just havn't
recognized them untill I joined this list and learned so much.I guess $80
at the turn of the century was quite an investment.But then again not
everyone had store bought so SM were more of a necessity.Its great
reading.Hope it was interesting to you all.
Maggie in muggy NY
Date: Sun, 21 Jul 1996 16:27:06 -0700
From: The Dougherty Family
Subject: Re: FW Fanatics 7/24/96
>From: "Mary C. Lehrhoff" <103452.560@CompuServe.COM>
>The Dougherty Family:
>
>Good luck on your 201...i love mine. I've always wanted a Pinking thing, if
>you're thinking of trading or selling it...and i have a 185 manual if you
don't
>get yours....let me know if interested.
>
Mary, thanks for the offer of the 185 manual--I'll let you know. The local
Singer dealer ordered the wrong one originally, and they are reordering the
right one. About the pinking attachment, the box says "Singer ball-bearing
Pinking Attachment for use on all Singer Lock-Stitch Family Sewing
Machines". I've got the box but no instructions. If you would like to have
it, make me an offer--I don't know how much they sell for, and I'll give the
money to the family that gave me the machine! You can pay the postage on
what it costs to send it--it's pretty heavy, but probably won't be more than
$5 US.
Teri Dougherty
Date: Sun, 28 Jul 1996 18:00:18 -0400
From: Clay &Shelly Leihy
Subject: Ryobi
Curious about something. We have a newer "Singer" vacuum cleaner, and on
the bottom it says "Ryobi Motor Products Corp., Anderson, SC." Is this
the old Singer plant, perhaps sold out to Ryobi, but still making stuff
for Singer?
Clay &Shelly
clay-l@k2nesoft.com
http://www.k2nesoft.com/~clay-l/shelly.html
Date: Sun, 28 Jul 1996 14:34:46 -0800 (AKDT)
From: Susan Wassenhove
Subject: scavenger hunt find!
I am now the owner of a nice shiney 99K in excellent shape. The model number
starts with EK but I haven't gotten around to looking it up yet.
It came with a box of attachments, a handful of bobbins, oil can,
Singer sewing skills project material, and the coolest circular (almost
circular anyway)
feeddog cover! Unfortunately, it also came in a cabinet...
I need another sewing machine in a cabinet like I need another
hole in the head!
The best part....it cost $12.50 (VBG!)
Are there cases available that fit 99s?
Thanks for listening....anyone else would think I was CRAZY.
Susan
lfsw@acad3.alaska.edu
Date: Sun, 28 Jul 1996 19:44:50 -0400 (EDT)
From: Kristina Santilla
Subject: Re: FW Fanatics 7/25/96
Bob Campbell, you asked:
> Several weeks someone on the list posted that they had a FW "cabinet". I
> know how these cabinets look however what I'd like to know is whether the
> top of the cabinet has a cutout similar to the FW card table.
The featherweight cabinet has an oval top that is 32"wide x 21-1/2"deep
that removes, and beneath there is another oval surface that has a
similar metal frame to the card tables to drop the FW into.
Happy Featherweighting,
Krisi
Date: Sun, 28 Jul 1996 20:05:16 -0400
From: SadieRose@aol.com
Subject: White Sewing Machine
A friend asked me to post for her, seeking information on a White Sewing
Machine she would like to sell. It is a treadle in an oak cabinet, complete
with attachments. Model #1243794. The cabinet is oak, and in good condition.
There is a tape measure made of inlaid wood on the lid. If anyone has
information on the age or value of this machine, or if you are interested in
purchasing... e-mail to SadieRose@aol.com. TIA, Karan
Date: Sun, 28 Jul 1996 20:51:47 -0400 (EDT)
From: "Joan E. Smith"
Subject: Strange Day
Hello all --
Well, it's a happy and sad day for me. Got another 301 that my MIL
spotted for me at a church thrift shop. At first the power cord/foot
control didn't work but we tried it with her FW cord and the machine was
fine. Well, once I took apart the plug off the end I discovered the
wires were disconnected. Obviously someone had yanked it out by its cord
one too many times. Anyway, it's beige and in beautiful condition. I
think it's got a longer bed than my current 301A but since I'm 5000 miles
from home I can't check!
My bad news is, I thought I was about to acquire a FW but so far it's
eluded me. A week ago my husband was rummaging around his mom's sewing room
and discovered a FW in a case -- not her FW that she uses day to day. When
he asked, MIL said his sister had bought it a while ago for spare parts
and that it didn't work! Today I finally met this machine and spent
several hours oiling it, cleaning out the lint, and unwinding thread from
the bobbin case area. Well, I finally got this thing humming and really
hoped my MIL would offer it to me, but so far silence! She's already
promised to will me her other FW, so I kind of thought ... Sigh. I've
gently instructed my SIL to continue buying any and all FWs, working or
otherwise.
Joan
********************************
* Joan E. Smith *
* MITRE-Pacific Operations *
* Honolulu, HI *
* (808)471-5672, joa@mitre.org *
********************************
____________________________________
FWFanatics@ttsw.com - Singer phone # 1-800-877-7762
And now a word from our sponsor:
Your quilt guild may enjoy a meeting and workshop with Jackie Robinson
including Quilts in the Tradition of Frank Lloyd Wright and a Trio of
Tessellations. email for literature to 103165.3132@compuserve.com and be sure
to check out http://quilt.com/AnimasPublishing
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Date: Tue, 30 Jul 96 19:50:16 -0500
From: Featherweight Fanatics
Subject: FW Fanatics 7/29/96
To: Sue@quilt.com
X-Mailer: LeeMail 2.0.5
Message-Id:
Date: Mon, 29 Jul 1996 07:30:13 -0400
From: TJanson280@aol.com
Subject: Our Collecting habits
Hi Everyone,
I just wanted to let you all know that our sewing machine collecting habits
are not that "crazy". I met a man at the Antique Steam engine show last
weekend that collects....now get this....antique barbwire! Just what can you
do with that stuff other than get cut and maybe tetnious (spelling)? At
least we can sew with our collection! :-DD
I also saw a treadle that was a Minnesota Model H. Not an A but H. Has
anyone
seen one of these before??? DH thought it was unusal but I'm don't have a
clue.
Can anyone help out with some information on this one?
I also got a Singer 66-4 portable in a 3 condition. A lot of the decals are
badly worn. The bed it quite pitted. I remember reading about this but
can't remember what the could cause the pitting?? It does however sew very
very good.
Thanks
Terri Janson. We finally got some rain in dry Michigan.
Date: Mon, 29 Jul 1996 09:02:20 -0500
From: ALOBSIG@cms.cc.wayne.edu (Amy Lobsiger)
Subject: No Standard for Me Today
OK--which of you snuck up and bought the lovely Standard I mentioned last
week? ;-D Oh well, there's probably another great machine around the next
corner. I did get the Boye needle case--and it had many wooden needle
cases in it and came with two additional boxes of wooden cases. At first I
thought that many of these cases were empty, but, aha, they were hand
sewing needles wrapped in paper and foil and didn't rattle.
Lydia, what are my chances of finding a good machine at the August
Springfield, OH flea?? :-)
Thanks for great FWF reading, everyone!
Amy
ALOBSIG@cms.cc.wayne.edu ...expecting rain in Detroit
Date: Mon, 29 Jul 1996 10:12:44 -0400
From: lorre.mccaffrey@po.state.ct.us
Subject: Singer Treadle
My friend's mother is interested in selling here treadle machine. it is a
modle 15-88 and 15-89 reversible feed oscillating shuttle. There were two
numbers they found one on the face plate of the machine (AD853494) and one
on the bottom of the machine (A125255). The manual does not have a cover.
There are attachments (Ruffler, Wide hemmer, Tucker and Binder) and 4 round
bobbins. the accessories box has a number on the bottom 382618 and a date
of 7/20/36. There is also an oil can oval with a plastic spout. The head
is in good shape although the gold trim is worn where the material feeds in.
the head and the cabinet were seperated from the treadle (it is currently
a coffee table) but they can be reunited. If anyone wants to make an offer
please e-mail me and I will pass it on.
I also want to thank Mille in CT for letting me adopt one of her
featherweights (born 4/1/41). My family and my featherweight will be going
on vacation soon to BI RI soon and I can't wait!
Lorre in CT where it cool for this time of the year
Date: Mon, 29 Jul 1996 12:30:58 -0700
From: finmmb@sonic.urich.edu
Subject: Model 27
Help! I have (finally) run across a freebie old treadle machine, but now
that I"ve got it, I don't know what to do with it. I'll bet, though,
that this is the group to help me! It's a Singer Model 27; the 800
number informed me it was born on 1/2/04!
(I'm a brand-new subscriber to this list , but I have
searched through the last couple weeks worth of archives, and didn't find
what I'm asking about...hope this isn't something y'all have recently
discussed to death!)
It's in perfectly *horrible* shape; table is beat up, both drawers are
missing, belt is of course rotted. However, when you move the treadle
it's very smooth and nice, and when you hand turn the crank (which the
belt would turn if it were whole) the needle moves up and down and the
feed dogs move. OTOH, it seems to have no bobbin assembly at all
(assuming that the bobbin should be under the needle, and there's nothing
there!). It also has something on the front, some mechanical thing, that
may well have been added by a previous owner...derned if I can figure it
out, adn it doesn't seem to match the "ambiance" of the machine.
I am in need of extensive guidance!!!
1) Should I try to fix this machine up so it will work? I'm not
interested in it as an investment, just as either a decoration or as a
usable novelty machine....and I don't think I can allocate $200 to fix it
up, either.
2) It's in need of cleaning (and de-anting!), but I don't know where to
begin. Is there a book or something I could start with? Our local
Singer dealer carries the "Family Sewing Machines" booklet, which may be
of use, but didn't have anything more specific to this machine. Should I
go for that, or is there a better source for what I need to know?
3) Are *new* replacement parts available for these old treadles? Rather
than haunting antique shops, etc., I mean. (My local singer shop is, um,
not the place I'd take this to have it worked on....)
I am so excited to have it, but kind of lost about it now. PULEEZE offer
guidance as to my best moves with this machine. I'd love to hear from
other owners of this model, but I think my questions are also kind of
generic, so anybody that wants to jump in, feel free!
Thanks in advance,
MaryB
finmmb@sonic.urich.edu
Date: 29 Jul 96 15:21:29 EDT
From: Graham Forsdyke <100661.3256@CompuServe.COM>
Subject: Contribution
To Marilyn et al
This tea thing really won't go away will it.
I thank everyone for their advices, warnings and encouragments.
At one stage I almost felt guilty at being critical over America's tea drinking
habits.
But now you tell me that tea comes with raspberry flavour.
I rest my case.
To Doreen
Can't refer to the book you mention as we ceremonially burnt the only two
copies
to get past our ISMACS censor and make it to Britain,
However I presume that you are talking about the Wheeler and Wilson no 9 which
was sold as a Singer for a few years after the Big S swallowed up its rival in
1905. The bobbin / rotary hook you mention just about
confirms it as Singer/Wheeler Wilson 9. I can provide a copy manual. No charge
if you promise not to mention that book again.
Far from 1879, the machine was introduced in 1890 and ran through to 1909.
Your Vassar was made by the National Sewing Machine Co formed in 1890. Went
belly up in 1954. Vassar was a model name used in the 1910 period.
Graham Forsdyke
ISMACS London
Date: Mon, 29 Jul 1996 16:33:50 -0700
From: Bobbie
Subject: Sewing Clip Art
Well, I got in the car and went over to Zedcor [only a couple miles
from my home]. They are really nice people.
Go out to :http//www.arttoday.com
You "ain't gonna believe" how much they have out there, and you can d/l
for a fee, till your heart's content.
Do a search for 'SEWING MACHINE' AND look at the neat FW under the
Christmas Tree, and in color too!!!
Have at it gang!
-=bobbie=-
Date: Mon, 29 Jul 1996 20:00:28 -0400
From: GWillie37@aol.com
Subject: Singer FW's For Sale
I have several Singer FW's for sale. One is a 1948 AH model with the scroll
face plate. Very good condition case with keys, bobbins, manual, attachments,
&has been serviced. The FW has the typical wear in the front area on the
Gold Scroll, sews beautifully, and has a satisaction guarantee or complete
refund. Price is $335 + shipping.
Another one is an AL 1955 model with a little wear in front, but looks really
good &sews great. It has the case, case keys, bobbins, manual, attachments &
has been serviced. Price is $320 + shipping.
3rd one is a really pretty one with a great looking case. It is an EG 1950
model with case keys, manual, attachments, bobbins, 2 screwdrivers, lube tube
&has been serviced. It is priced at $365 + shipping. If interested, please
E-mail me for details. Glenn Williams
Date: Mon, 29 Jul 1996 20:15:09 -0400
From: GWillie37@aol.com
Subject: Singer FW's using 220-230 volt motors
Those of you having the FW's made for the Great Britain, Austrailian, &New
Zealand market which requires the 220-230 volts for the motor, lamp, &foot
controller.... I have the least expensive way to convert these machines. I
have a small (approx. 2" X 2 1/2" X 1 1/2") 110-120 volt to 220-240 volt
step-up converter which doesn't require you to change the motor, lamp, or
foot controller to use your FW in North America (US &Canada). It plugs into
the wall (110-120v), and the FW plugs into the receptacle built into the
converter. That is all required for you to use these FW machines, without the
costly conversion of motors, controllers &lamps. These converters sell for
$19.95 + $3 shipping. If you have any questions or comments, please let me
know. Thanks!
Glenn Williams (gwillie37@aol.com)
1111 N. Riverhills Drive
Temple Terrace, Florida
33617-4215
(813)988-1970
Date: Mon, 29 Jul 1996 22:19:17 -0400
From: JSmith1860@aol.com
Subject: sm manuals
Hi all,
I wonder if anyone has a manual for a Singer 201 and a 66 that they could
sell me or copy for me? I would be happy to pay for them . TIA
I haven't been out looking for any machines lately but I do enjoy reading
about everyone else's finds. The next machine that I will be looking for is a
301 and/or a 99. Both of them sound like great machines. I want to be able to
sew on whatever I get.
This list is great! I just got back from vacation and couldn"t wait to read
what I had missed for a week.
____________________________________
FWFanatics@ttsw.com - Singer phone # 1-800-877-7762
And now a word from our sponsor:
Your quilt guild may enjoy a meeting and workshop with Jackie Robinson
including Quilts in the Tradition of Frank Lloyd Wright and a Trio of
Tessellations. email for literature to 103165.3132@compuserve.com and be sure
to check out http://quilt.com/AnimasPublishing
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id AA20387; Wed, 31 Jul 96 08:06:35 EDT
Date: Wed, 31 Jul 96 08:18:04 -0500
From: Featherweight Fanatics
Subject: FW Fanatics 7/30/96
To: Sue@quilt.com
X-Mailer: LeeMail 2.0.5
Message-Id:
Date: Tue, 30 Jul 1996 00:52:11 -0400
From: Millie MacKenzie
Subject: dolls
I know that some of you are interested in dolls. I have the phone number of
someone who has loads of doll magazines for sale. Small ones 25 cents each
and large ones 50 cents each. Easily a few hundred magagines. I remember
DOLL NEWS, TOY NEWS. Vintage 60's, thru current. Let me know if you want
to pursue.
Also I have a bunch of doll stickers which I purchased inexpensively.
Anyone interested in these? $5 includes postage.
For doll-makers or other crafty people, I have 3 tins of sequins of all
shapes, sizes and colors. Each tin is 5 inch diamater and 1 inch high.
There are thousands of sequins for $10, includes shipping.
And last, 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.
Thanks. Millie
Millie MacKenzie in CT and Cape Cod, MA
milmac@snet.net
Date: Tue, 30 Jul 1996 08:51:52 -0700
From: The Halls
Subject: Out with the old!
Hi, the really good news is I met Cheryl in detroit! An
enthusiastic fan, and a wonderful person!
She also took home 2 of my orphan machines :), and I'm
hoping she can make good use of them!
I also found a Fw and a Husky lock serger at a very low
price. Also a singer 99 portable in a 50's case, I love this case,
its canvas with a gold plastic handle that says "singer".
I said yes!
The bad news is I live in a small home. I love them all but
I have to sell a few cabinet machines. I've a pretty 1953 66 in a
four drawyer cabinet, I paid $50. and thats what I'd like to get. Its
in "good " shape, runs well. The cabinet is brown, not fancy.
I just dont have room. Is there anyone in michigan intrested?
I don't want to ship as it sends the price up too far.
My DH is patient, but I know he would be very happy to see
a cabinet machine go. I'd love to trade for a 301 in a case, or
a lighter weight machine. (one that will fit in a closet)
More good new's, I cleaned up my little 50's 99 and
shes a peach!
oh, I nearly forgot. Does anyone have a recipe for invisible
paint? Were I to use this, I could stash more machine.
How about a spray solution for making a house grow? I only need
another 300 square feet. Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks, Cheryl hall, in michigan
Date: Tue, 30 Jul 1996 08:38:23 -0500
From: Tim and Sherrie
Subject: Mystery Tables...
Hey, y'all , what's so mysterious about these tables? according to my tape
measure, my 301a would fit right in! and it needs a lip around the edge ,
it won't fit into my sewing cabinet for my 401a because it doesn' have one
of those.
So, anyone want to pass one along?
sherrie Groman
"May your sorrows be patched and your joys be quilted" - Philomena Wiechec
gromant@ebicom.net
home page = http://www.ebicom.net/~gromant - now complete with quilt and
firetruck pictures!
Date: Tue, 30 Jul 1996 10:58:18 -0400 (EDT)
From: suzy@mail.albany.net
Subject: Singers of course
I'm hoping someone out there can help me with some puzzles I have about my
latest machines. I responded to an ad in the paper about two 128s for sale
for $40. Turned out to be one 128 and one 99, both with bentwood bottoms,
but only the top to the 99. Of course, I couldn't resist. Now for my
questions: the 99 is made in Great Britain and so is 99K, and unlike my
earlier 99, does have reverse. So where does this machine fit into the
series - from the blue book, it sounds like the earlier models didn't have
reverse, but I thought the later ones only came in the red and white case??
Also, the 128 is strange - the ugly Godzilla finish, but the throat plate,
slide plates, end face plate are all black rather than the usual shiny
silver - unfortunately there's quite a bit of rust on them and I have no
idea how to clean it off that finish. Also this machine just has the knob
for adjusting stitch length - I know earlier 128's were like that, but this
is a centennial model - were they still using that primitive technology
then? I do love these old machines - each one is so different and
fascinating. Wish I could keep them all, but it's getting REALLY bad around
here now - my mud room really does look like a sewing machine shop and
that's only one of the places I've hidden my machines! Also about centennial
models, I now own several machines with this emblem: 2 fws, a 15-91, a 201,
and now the 128. I've also seen several centennial 15's for sale in cabinets
lately, although they were in too rough shape for me to buy. So I guess lots
of different machines had the centennial emblem - does anyone know of others
I should be looking for? It would also be interesting to know what serial
numbers were given it - mine are both AJ and AK?? Always enjoy reading my
digests - thanks to everyone for all they contribute! Sue M.
From: NEWSLETTERS_SEMI/SCOMM_SEMIMV@semi.org
Date: Tue, 30 Jul 96 09:50:15 -0700
Subject: Advise
Hello Everyone
I am seeking advise, input, wisdom, etc. about a 128. The cord didn't look
safe so I didn't plug it in to see if it worked. She is in a nice bentwood
case. No attachments. Needs cleaning. When running and cleaned up is this
a good machine? Birthdate: 12/24/1919
I sure enjoy reading about you all.
Thanks
Carollee in sunny California!
Date: 30 Jul 96 13:53:11 EDT
From: Graham Forsdyke <100661.3256@CompuServe.COM>
Subject: Copntribution
To Cathy re 99
I think you must be refering to the Singer Recognition Manual which Bobbie Kopf
is distributing. Contact her at bkopf@rtd.com for details.
If you decide it's a 99, I can provide copy manual.
To ??? re 222 from England
Your friend did well. There is currently a circular going around the sm trade
here offering to buy 222s ("any condition and voltage") for 600 pounds sterling
(that's close to $1000) and 221s for 200 pounds ($325). If the guy, and I
believe he's American, is going to ship, pay import duty. re-wind the motors
properly, he's going to be looking at $1300 for a 222 and $500 for a 221. Then
all he has to do is add his profit on and sell them. Some of the machines he
has
bought are ones that I have turned down because of condition c 4 to c7. Can't
understand the arithmetic of this at all unless he's found a new market in
Japan
or elsewhere.
He's also offering crazy prices for earlier Singer models.
To Clay
Never, never throw anything out if you've got room to keep it. For years I
junked machines from the 1900 to 1950 periods when they came in as part of
collections I purchased. Now I trying to find some for parts and it's terribly
difficult.
To Lydia
The Apollo hook is a term used in the trade for the rotating hook that goes
with
a drop-in bobbin. Why Apollo, I don't know.
To Rebecca re Wheeler and Wilson
The machine you saw dates 1868 and if the gold work on the head is in good
condition it's a good buy at $450.
To Lorie re Winselmann
Company formed by Gustav W, Leopold Osca Dietrich and Hermann Kohler in 1871 in
Altenburg, Germany. Titan name introduced in 1902 and used until the last
machines of 1959. Yet another German Singer clone in the early years but a very
well made machine
To Beth re manual for 99.
Can provide a copy. No charge. E-mail me if you need.
To Maggie A
The New Florence paperwork refers to machines made by the AG Mason Company, a
20th Century manufacturer who specialised (English spelling) in making machines
for department stores, mail-order houses etc. The same basic machine would go
out with many different names. Nothing to do with the original Florence company
which made machines in Florence Mass in the 1860s and 70s.
I would guess that both pieces of paperwork date from the 1910 to 1930 period.
I'd love a copy of each for the ISMACS archives and would then be able to date
accurately. happy to pay costs and postage.
Graham Forsdyke
ISMACS London
From: Viola Kimball Webb
Subject: oil can
Date: Tue, 30 Jul 1996 11:18:35 -0700
Subject: oil can
Doreen,
Your oil can sure sounds like mine. Does the cap have a pin that fits own
inside the can?
I paid 10 dollars for mine, and know nothing about it. I just thought it was
cute and I was pretty sure it was an antique.
Viola on Whidbey Island
Hello to all... I am curious about a tiny little oil can. It is oval
..1"wide..1/2" deep..2"high with 1 1/2 " spout. It has no label but there is
an oval indention on both sides where I assume a label used to be. On the
bottom it is stamped "Made In USA" patent dates April 23 05 and April ?? 07.
Can anyone help me identify this oil can and what would be a fair price to
pay for it? I want to buy it . Will post again as I've acquired 3 more
old treadles over the weekend!!!! Thanks a lot . Oh..the can is tin or
something..it is shiny with some scratches and dents .
Doreen
dfoote@cnmnet.com
Date: Tue, 30 Jul 1996 14:45:48 -0400
From: Courtvo@aol.com
Subject: FW Gathering
I just want to support Bob Campbell's idea for an East and West coast
gatherings of FW Fanatics. Lancaster, PA (all of PA) is an antiquers
delight. I have bought several of my old Singer's in PA. GO BOB - GO
LANCASTER!
A good murder mystery for quilters - The Persian Pickle Club. I rented it
during my recuperation (sp?) on audio tape. It was a delightful murder
mystery centered around a quilting group in a little town in Kansas (I think)
back in the dustbowl days when no one had any money. Unfortunately
Blockbuster Audio/Video Rentals does not put the author's name on the tape
case and it was not on the tapes either. If anyone has the time . . . I
reccommend it:-)
Courtney in Vienna, VA
Date: Tue, 30 Jul 1996 16:23:00 -0400
From: DickDreyer@aol.com
Subject: Greetings!
Just returned from MO, UT, WY, ID. Great trip! Even met Harrison Ford in a
small cafe in Wyoming. He was very nice and signed an autograph for my 8-yr.
old son. "Did you really eat eyeball soup," said Will. "No, just a movie,"
he said. ..."smoke 'n mirrors." Haven't had a DAY to read thru my FWF
e-mail, but have a few things to share. My great Aunt Millie in MO gave me
her Singer treadle head--her grandmother's. She removed it from a really
nice cabinet with a domed lid on top. I looked for a serial number but
couldn't find one. It has faint flowers, like thistles, only on a few places
on the machine. No fancy gold work. No faceplate! Very plain but very old
machine. Has four names on it--last is Singer. I need to clean it up,
obviously. It had been out in the barn. She had given it to her son Steve
to sell at a garage sale. Didn't think anyone would be interested. (!)
Also noticed an estate auction notice in town which advertised an antique
Singer vacuum cleaner. Didn't know there ever was one, but that might
explain why the two often are sold at one store. OH, we stopped in Kansas
City, MO near the University at an Antique Toy &Miniature Museum.
Wonderful! Had four toy sewing machine--a 1910 Singer and 3 German (name
escapes me) machines. Museum has mostly old doll houses, but workmanship is
incredible. Worth a stop if you're nearby. --Happy day! Mari in N. Cal.
Date: Tue, 30 Jul 1996 16:23:27 -0400
From: PKELLIOTT@aol.com
Subject: Re: new FW owner
Hi...I'm a fairly new owner..I bought a 221 about a year ago and I love
sewing on it. Would someone please e-mail the rating system you use. I am
not familiar with it. thanks Pat
Date: 30 Jul 96 17:15:36 EDT
From: kathy <104047.3251@CompuServe.COM>
Subject: Re: FW Fanatics 7/28/96
hi all
i just found a little green machine but for the life of me i cant find the 221
number. i do know that the 201 says so and so does the 301 but where do you
find the 221. also it doesnt have any attachements or manual but looks to be
in
very good(8) or better condition. it comes with the carrying case also i found
a 301a boy o boy is this place atreasure trove all kinds of used machines. by
the by what is a white 77. it is in a cab w/all attachements is it worth 60.
the 301a was priced at 49 but got him down to 40 and the fw was 130 got him
down
to 90 good deeeeeeeealllllllllllllll???? bye bye gonna go play kathy "happy at
last"
Date: 30 Jul 96 18:42:17 EDT
From: kathy <104047.3251@CompuServe.COM>
Subject: Re: FW Fanatics 7/28/96
201 for sale
its in a deco cab with attachments,no manual tho very good condition. the cab
is either mahogany or cherry or some facsimile. i'm asking 175+shipping asap i
saw an fw i'm dying for. kathy(kate)104047,3251@cserve.com
From: JP
Subject: want to buy Singer 99 knee control
Date: Wed, 31 Jul 1996 01:14:10 +0000
DH, I and the five machines that followed us got home from vacation on
Sunday. It was a wonderful relaxing week. DD is in Europe for couple weeks
and we decided to take advantage of that. DH was in a sewing machine buying
mood and who am I to discourage him! Got a Franklin in a wood case for $19,
a WWII era White with beautiful molded scroll work - looks like it never was
used ($15), a toy Singer for $15 (looks brand new), a Centennial FW in mint
condition ($300) and a Singer 99 in a bentwood case for $58. The knee
control is missing from the 99 and I would like to buy one if someone has
one to sell. Please e-mail me with price if you have one your're willing to
sell. The FW didn't have any attachments or oil can, but I bought a box
full of attachments, 3 black screw drivers, 2 lubes in boxes, Boyle wooden
needle case, 2 shuttles, small Singer dome oil can, a zigzagger and a
buttonhole attachment with manual in a green plastic case - all that came to
a grand total of $15. Last night I went through my attachment reserve and
found the green box full of attachments for the FW. Now the only thing
missing for my new FW is the small screw driver, manual and the oval oil can.
Saw a FW (AL) for $425 which I'd rate about a 9 in case with manual, oval
oil can and I think I remember seeing attachments. Had I not bought the
Centennial FW I would have bought it. Felt strange not getting it, but I'm
so excited about my Centennial FW. I must have been real tired from
traveling and I was feeling overwhelmed by all my new machines. Anyway, if
anyone is interested in that FW (AL), its at Yadkin Valley Antique Mall in
Hamptonville, NC. The phone # 910-468-6033. I've gotten two machines there
- a 1940 FW and the 99 and was able to get 10% off asking price but no more.
I asked the guy if I could spread the word about the FW and he said sure.
I bought two books, one hard cover &one soft "Machine Sewing Singer". Both
are like a combination of 127, 66, 15, 115 and 24 manuals. Folded in the
back of the hard cover was a note to Singer dealers on how to get women to
trade in their treadle machine for a 101, 99 or 66 and "explain that a
seperate motor works just the same and what an advatage it would be".
JP... whose dining room has become a sewing machine service center!
Date: Tue, 30 Jul 1996 21:22:42 -0400
From: duck@clark.net (Bob Campbell)
Subject: Centennial for sale
Hi:
I have a very, very fine black **CENTENNIAL** model FW for sale for the BEST
offer over $400.00 plus shipping and insurance (about $25) - payment by
certified check please . Serial number AK427734. Born on 5/10/51
Here's a detailed description so you know exactly how nice this black beauty
is.
Condition rating of the FW is a 9 -- There are 2 very light scratches in
front of the throatplate; 1 light scratch to the right of the throatplate, 2
light scuffs behind the throatplate. The gold trim is 99.9 % intact with
only a slight blemish visible (which I believe was original to the machine.)
The gold is "bright" and the Centennial Emblem is very bright and crisp.
The pedal and electric cord are original and in excellent condition. I
would rate the motor speed of this FW as a medium.
There was NO OIL CAN with this machine **. The FW comes with the original
attachments box with all 6 attachments. There is also the famous black
Singer screwdriver serial #25537, Seam Guide and mounting screw serial #
25527, Small aluminum screwdriver serial #120378, 5 bobbins, 2 packages of
singer needles (never used). The attachments box is in excellent condition.
Also the Green Singer Instruction book is in very crisp condition with only
a slight scuff on the spine. ( As many of you know it usually hard to get
this manual in good condition, since these were manufactured the same way as
comic books of this era and contain high acid content paper, which usually
deteriorate).
The case is in condition 8. It is the type that does NOT have a lift out
tray, but rather has a small metal compartment to the left for bobbins,
manual , attachments box. The case has the traditional FW odor, several
scuffs on two corners and a few light scratches. The hinges and latches are
in excellent condition and the handle is of the plastic variety in excellent
shape. The case came with the two original keys in their UNopened envelope.
(I've never seen this before).
Thanks for listening
Bob Campbell
duck@clark.net
Date: Tue, 30 Jul 1996 21:43:48 -0400
From: "l.mclaughlin"
Subject: Need Help Identifying Two Old Machines
Help!! DH recently brought home two old machines that we have
been unable to identify. I have searched through old sewing
machine books, but can not find any reference to the first
machine and can't find any pictures of possible models that are
exactly like the second.
The first machine is identified only as an Apartment Electric on
the arm. It is a portable in a very nice cherry or mahogany
case, has a shuttle bobbin and lots of ornate gold (and other
colors) decoration on the bed and along the front. There is very
little identifying info on the machine. There is a 5-digit
serial number preceded by a letter P. And it has a Westinghouse
motor, style number 281650. The plate on the motor indicates
that it goes to 70 volts AC which DH says means it is prior to
things being standardized. The machine has been well cared for
and is in pretty good shape except for some wear on the
decorative stuff.
The other machine is a Singer. It is in a bentwood case with
Singer in gold on the front. The case contains an oil can (D-2",
H-2 7/8"), a knee lever (stored in the top of the case) and a
holder for a foot pedal. The knee lever (part #19297) is
engraved that it is for the models 99, 128, 201 and 200. I've
eliminated the 128 because of the bobbin, but it doesn't look
exactly like any of the pictures I've seen of the 99 and 201
models and I haven't found a picture of a 200.
The machine itself is black and rather small (bed dimensions are
12 1/4 by 6 5/8 in; height - 8 in.). It has an etched "silver"
faceplate and lots of gold decoration on the bed and the machine
head. It has an AC prefix serial number. It has a round drop-in
bobbin with a release lever and the tension mechanism is on the
front of the machine. The stitch length regulator is a small
knurled chrome knob (approx. the size of a nickel) slightly above
and to the right of the "gold" Singer seal. It does not have a
round armplate/coverplate. It has a light with Singer on the top
(DH read that later models had Singer on the side of the light).
I have various part numbers to help identify this machine (slide
plate #32568; throat plate #32602; motor controller #92635; motor
catalog #BU7-E) .
I haven't had any luck getting through to the Singer toll-free
number for help in identifying the second machine. Not knowing
what the machines are is driving me crazy!! Any help anyone can
give me in solving the mystery would be most appreciated.
Thanks in advance,
Karen
Date: Tue, 30 Jul 1996 22:00:28 -0400 (EDT)
From: Lydia Pratt
To Beth: By and large WD-40 will not dissolve a sound finish on your machine.
I think there are a couple of possibilities. #1, your machine is very
dirty. #2, your machine is very dirty and was owned by someone who is/was
a heavy smoker. #3, the outer layer of varnish on your FW is failing --
don't panic, I'll explain. I have encountered this problem on my 1917
treadle. If you run your thumbnail over a "sound" finish, the only thing
that happens is that the oil from your fingertips makes a streak on the
finish, which you promptly rub off with a soft cloth, tissue, the corner
of your blouse, etc. However, if you run your thumbnail across a varnish
coat that is failing, you get tiny tiny little powder-like chips of
varnish flaking off from the surface. But I seriously doubt that even a
very early FW would be in bad enough shape to actually do this. Try
working on one spot on the back (motor) side of the machine head, and rub
away with WD-40 and a soft cloth until you get some sort of shine. Expect
the cloth to turn brown -- that means the cleaning agent is doing its job.
To Amy: I've never been to the seasonal market in Springfield. I do know
that the last couple of times I've been to the Scott Antique Market at the
fairgrounds (Columbus) there have been a couple of treadles there. If you
want to drive over to Columbus some weekend, there is a shop up in
Westerville that has several machines in refinished cabinets. I posted
about these a couple of weeks ago, but I don't remember exactly when. If
you're serious about looking at these, e-mail me privately. There's also
a Model 66 treadle in a shop in Oxford, OH (western edge of the state). I
brought her card back from vacation with me but I'm not sure where it is
just now. Clearly I'm going to have to start a file on this stuff.
To Cath (in Ca): The second clip inside the top of the bentwood case would
be (I think) for an oil can. Yes, Murphy's Oil Soap has been recommended
a couple of times for cleaning both the machine and the case. And I
personally would NOT strip the case. The nicks and scratches simply prove
that your machine "has a story to tell" -- think of them as honorable
battle scars won in good service to families everywhere.
To Flo: Well, between you and Millie I now have illustrations of three
different attachment sets in fold-out wooden boxes: Attachments for No. 24
Machine, Attachments Style No. 9 for Improved Family or Vibrating Shuttle
No. 2, and Attachments Style No. 11 for No. 27 Machine. Would you believe the
"rack" arrangement in my box does not match any of these?? I seem to
recall that
you had another illustration that I didn't ask for (because I naively
assumed that my 127 treadle would be the same as a No. 27 machine). If
you do, could I have a copy of that also? This is turning into either a
quest (or an obsession).....
Lydia in central Ohio, whose server graced her with the last three days'
worth of Digests in one fell swoop.
_ _
Lydia Pratt |_|X|_|
Columbus, Ohio |X|*|X|
lspratt@freenet.columbus.oh.us |_|X|_|
Date: Tue, 30 Jul 1996 22:44:46 -0400
From: JimAlmonte@aol.com
Subject: Questions about finds
I too was in the Outer Banks on vacation (after Bertha for me) and I saw the
green Singer machine that was mentioned in an earlier posting. It had model
285k on it--I didn't get it but was wondering for future reference if anybody
knew anything about that model. I also was in Virginia and found a turquoise
Singer model 185k in a cabinet at a antique/junk barn. It was very blue but
I couldn't find any manual or attachments for it. I will be back in that
area in a couple weeks--again, any information about that model would be
appreciated.
Before we went on vacation, I bought what I think is a model 66 treadle
machine with two boxes of attachments and a buttonholer. One of the boxes is
black metal with purple velvet interior. In the lid are six feet that I
think are binding feet, numbered 1 through 6. There are two other larger
attachments and some smaller pieces in the rest of the box. These are all
marked "Standard". My question is were these for a specific machine or were
they some sort of universal set of attachments? Also, does anyone know how
the attachments were supposed to fit in the box--I don't seem to be having
much luck with getting them all in and closing the lid.
Last question is concerning interesting shops in the Dayton Ohio to
Indianapolis IN area--I will be traveling from Wisconsin to Dayton this
weekend to pick up a child from camp and have gotten the family to agree to
some time hunting sewing machine stuff--any recommendations? Thanks
Date: Tue, 30 Jul 1996 22:57:16 -0400
From: Larry Doyle
Subject: Machines for sale
I have for sale:
White Rotary machine in a portable case the condition is an 8
no manual no attachments,just the machine and case $100.00
Singer 99 condition is 8 case and machine with reverse in excellent running
order $100.00
"Minnesota" made for Sears Roebuck Co. bent wood case very fancy decal
work.The condition is 9 &125.00
I also have for sale to some one who sews as well as collects a brand new
tailors iron.I bought it for my drapery business but found it is not what I
need.I have used it for maby 50 hours.It comes with the irom the gravity
feed water tank.soul plate cover.iron rest,and water purifying salts.I paid
$425.00 will sell for $250.00
Date: Tue, 30 Jul 1996 20:19:30 -0700
From: Bobbie
Subject: Sewing Machine Cabinets
Hi All,
I took a break from my newly founded "Publishing", and decided to
clean up an 1891 New Home Treadle I recently found following me home.
The cabinet has been in the front window [westerly exposure] of a
small sew &vac store for the last 6 years that I know of. Everytime
I go into that store, I rake him over the coals for leaving that
gorgeous machine in the window like that, and not protecting the wood.
Guess he finally had it, listening to me rag on him, and said, "it's yours!"
Of course he didn't mean for free, but the separation of the
last few $$ I had stuck away from my hand to his...and yes, it's mine.
I've always forbid myself from using any "strippers" or any products
in today's market to "refinish" these old cabinets. I've always used
Howard's Orange Oil. I thought I would share with you, the fact that
this particular cabinet had those terrible, yukky, black, greasy stains
in the wood. It took me about 100 hours of actual work, but that
orange oil lifted out that black grime, and at the same time never lifted
the grain, or the veneer, and never changed the color of the wood.
I used one of those foam backed scrubbie things; they sell them in Home
Depot, as something to be used in place of steel wool. I got the finest
one I could. I poured that orange oil all over that cabinet, and just
worked with the scrubbie. It took off all that dried shellac, and gave
me bare wood. Boy is it ever pretty.
Then I put the Feed N Wax made by Howards....9 coats. I would rub on a
coat, leave it overnite, and the next morning buff it. Allow the wood
to 'rest' and the next night, do the same thing. It truly is beautiful.
On the front of the cabinet, in small things that sorta resemble small
branches of a tree, the name New Home is put on.
As for the head of this machine. It had 100 years' worth of that horrible
brown yuk! That's a result of our grandmothers, and their mothers and their
mothers using that horrid 3 in 1 Oil....that oil has
lacquer in it...and that brown yuk is the result of years of that stuff
being used on these machines. I wouldn't let a can of that stuff in my
house.
I'm still working on getting the last 10 layers of that stuff off the head.
I also wanted to share two other things with everyone.
1. The new address and "800" phone number for Howards
Phone: 800-266-9545
Address: 560 Linee Road - Paso Robles, CA 93446
Their orange oil retails for $35.83 + shipping for 1 gallon
Their Feed N Wax retails for same price + shipping for a gallon
If you are an antique store, or business they will wholesale to you.
Second item I wanted to share about: I finally found a wax/cleaner
that DOES NOT lift the gold from the machine heads. After cleaning, using
WD40 and even using Murphy's [which is ok, but not great (my opinion only)]
I have been using a product called Super Finish II-T. It's a teflon and
carnuba wax lotion, non abrasive, made for automobiles &boats.
I paid $9 for a 15 oz. bottle, and I'm really pleased with the results
I get with it.
Usual disclaimer...I have no monetary interest, no relatives with the
companies I've endorsed, yaddah...yaddah...yaddah.
Hope this helps just one person out there NOT to strip and refinish,
but to restore a machine cabinet.
Stitches &Sunshine from Arizona
----**=Bobbie=**----
Check out my website at:
http://www.flash.net/~ericg/MARKET/Sewing/SEWING.HTML
From: Viola Kimball Webb
Subject: Singer 404G?
Date: Tue, 30 Jul 1996 19:44:05 -0700
I was looking in the ISMACS booklet and I have a sewing machine that =
looks like the picture of the 404G except that it has a lever on the bed =
to hide the feed dogs. The 401G has the same lever, but my machine is a =
straight stitch, slant needle machine.
This machine is out in a storage shed we have, and is too heavy (bad =
back) for me to pick it up and look for any model number. =20
Does anyone else have one of these?
.................................
The following is a quote from a person named Sherman:
I can't shed any tears because I know what the other side of the story =
is. I work for alarge international carrier. (not the ones in your =
story). Baggage limits are set for a reason and MUST be adheared to. =
Sure we bend the rules now and then, but as an employee we could be in =
trouble if caught.
I won't get into a discussion on safety because until something like TWA
hits the news, most people think air safety is a big inconvenience. (you
wouldn't believe the amount of people who feel it's perfectly fine to =
take
their highly combustible coleman stove or motor carborator on board.) =
What
is really scary is the attitude of Joe Passenger. Enough said.
Anyway, I know there are times when everyone has more than a suitcase to
take. That is why airlines have cargo departments. The agents at the =
front
counter are not hired because they are weightlifters. The baggage =
handlers
in the airport basement are stronger, but they don't qualify for the
Olympics and their backs are not made of oak. Most carriers have a =
baggage
allowance of 2 bags under 70lbs each. I'm 5'4", 115lbs and can manage =
to
lift up to 70lbs. Over that is a struggle. Excess charges will apply =
for
bags between 70 - 100lbs. Anything else should go to cargo. Sure the =
same
amount of weight will get on the plane, but when you multiply each
overweight bag by several hundred (not an unusual number during the =
course
of an average day) the results are staggering. (litterly staggering for =
the
poor agent trying to lift those bags.) If you could take your own bag =
and
put it directly on the plane, it would be different.
The amount of back injuries for baggage handlers and airline agents is
unbelieveable. =20
Sorry to take up so much time but this is a subject close to heart. So
please, next time you're traveling and packing your books and machines =
etc,
think of all the other people who have to lift your bags along with =
everyone
elses. Don't just shrugg us off with "well, it's their job." It's NOT =
our
job to throw weights. It IS our job to be sure that you abide with the
rules. They are there for everyone's benefit. Just pack your bags and =
call
cargo.
..............................................
There was no signature at the end. The reason why I quoted this, is =
because the reason that I can't pick up the sewing machine and check for =
the model number. I worked for Pan Am for many years and ruined my back =
lifting bags that were too heavy. I have had 2 back operations and =
remain quite a bit disabled for the past 13 years. Have pity on your =
Passenger Service Agent.
Viola on Whidbey Island, Washington where the temp is 68 F, with the sun =
shining and the breeze blowing.=20
Date: Tue, 30 Jul 1996 23:40:06 -0400
From: Cyberjaney@aol.com
Subject: Re: FW Fanatics 7/27/96
In a message dated 96-07-30 08:11:22 EDT, you write:
> And
>while we are on the subject, I still have a few sets of the copies I made,
>so email me if you want one.
I am interested in this....how much??
____________________________________
FWFanatics@ttsw.com - Singer phone # 1-800-877-7762
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id AA07736; Thu, 1 Aug 96 21:13:28 EDT
Date: Thu, 1 Aug 96 21:34:04 -0500
From: Featherweight Fanatics
Subject: FW Fanatics 7/31/96
To: Sue@quilt.com
X-Mailer: LeeMail 2.0.5
Message-Id:
Date: Wed, 31 Jul 1996 10:01:04 -0500 (CDT)
From: Steve or Terri Carl
Mari in N. Cal. said:
> Also noticed an estate auction notice in town which advertised an antique
> Singer vacuum cleaner. Didn't know there ever was one, but that might
> explain why the two often are sold at one store.
Singer *still* makes vacuum cleaners... I saw some the other day at
WalMart. And I've got a two-page Singer ad for sewing machines from 1961
that had a Singer vacuum cleaner ad on the previous page.
JimAlmonte@aol.com said:
> Before we went on vacation, I bought what I think is a model 66 treadle
> machine with two boxes of attachments and a buttonholer. One of the boxes
> is black metal with purple velvet interior. In the lid are six feet that
> I think are binding feet, numbered 1 through 6. There are two other
> larger attachments and some smaller pieces in the rest of the box. These
> are all marked "Standard". My question is were these for a specific
> machine or were they some sort of universal set of attachments? Also,
> does anyone know how the attachments were supposed to fit in the box--I
> don't seem to be having much luck with getting them all in and closing the
> lid.
I think you've happened across a good example of the law of physics that
has to do with the immutable nature of the space around sewing machine
attachments once it's been decompressed by releasing the attachments from
their box. They never all go back into the box again, at least not at the
same time, no matter how you arrange them.
Could the second box of attachments be for another machine -- maybe made
by Standard Sewing Machine Co.? I think they were acquired by Singer in
the 1930's, so they aren't around any more. The attachments might fit
other machines -- if they have a short shank attachment, they'll probably
fit your 66 (unless, of course, your 66 is a 66-1, which has the little
knob to attach feet at the back instead of the side.)
I've got some White attachments that are top-clamping, and their box
(also black metal, but lined with green felt) has little bars with knobs
on them for the feet to clamp onto, to keep all the feet neat and in
place. (They still don't all fit into the box, but that's another story.)
Kind of a nice arrangement -- doesn't have anything to do with your
Standard attachments, but since we were talking about attachments...
Terri (in Houston, where the heat is beginning to get to me)
Steve and Terri Carl
terric@neosoft.com
Date: Wed, 31 Jul 1996 15:10:18 GMT
Subject: toy
From: ma@usa.pipeline.com (Maggie Arlotta)
Hi everybody,
I'm looking for help identifying a SM toy I've found.About the size of
toy singers but no name on it.Black sheet metal w/delicate flowers- red
birds w/green wings and a lot of gold scrolling and gold outline.Hand crank
-works-great paint with no wear-stands on 4 small feet.No box or
manual.Came from the Firestone Estate on the Hudson in upstate NY.Not
cheaply made and in very good shape.The bright metal work needs to be
shined up,but other than that a nice piece.Has a number on the needle
plate,8790.Any help would be appreciated.
Also any mechanical bank collectors looking for a unique piece e-mail me
for info.Found a beauty.Black metal elephant.
Maggie in NY
--
Maggie in NY
ma@pipeline.com
Date: Wed, 31 Jul 1996 08:24:14 -0700 (PDT)
From: jdeboer@discover.net (Judy and Anthony)
Subject: FWF
A friend has ask me to post for her as she is not "computerized".
although first I want to say how much I enjoy FWFanatics and all the
information, plus love the stories. Need information on treadle machine
"Florence" Patented Nov. 12, 1850 - Oct. 30, 1855 - March 20, 1860 -
Jan.22, 1861 - July 18, 1862. The only other information I have is from
small picture Machine is in table with attached box type cover (looks like
front lifts up to sew. Also has two foot shaped metal for placing feet to
power. Looks to be in excellent shape and has attachments and key. Thanks
for any help you can give us.
jdeboer@discover.net
Date: Wed, 31 Jul 1996 11:29:58 -0400
From: lorre.mccaffrey@po.state.ct.us
Subject: Space and Feet
To: Cheryl Hall, in Michigan I have been trying to get my DH to work on a
TARDIS (Time and Relative Dimension in Space ((I think))). Any way it is
bigger on the inside then the outside. Think of it, you could walk into a
small closet into a space as big (or bigger) than a football field. It has
another advantage too, it can go backward and forward in time. So you could
go back in time and buy a brand new (old) SM and extra parts, spend weeks
sewing and return home before you left!
On the serious side I would like to know where I can find a belt for my
featherweight. My DH fears that the one one my FW came with is original and
will wear out soon. Also I have two feet that I can not figgure out one is
small and square with a singe hole in it at the front it has a lip that
turns up. the other is flat and square. It has 3 different sized slots and
again a single hole for the needle in back. It looked a lot like the bottom
part of the ruffler and for a while I thought it was part of the ruffler.
Any help figuring these out would be appreciated. (by the by the
ruffler/pleater works like a dream)
Date: Wed, 31 Jul 1996 12:10:29 -0400 (EDT)
From: Sheri Bacon
Subject: I'm back from Vacation and am now the owner of a FW!
Hi all, I'm back from vacation and would like to be put back on the list
(thanks Sue!) And I seem to have aquired 2 27s and a "Domestic" on my
trip and then came home to buy a sweet little 221-1. One of the 27s I
bought for $27, it was just the head. The other 27 is promised to me
when I move to Massachusetts, it's in very sad shape, the veneer is
peeling off in interesting strips and the head is probably about a 5 or
6, the metal base looks good but hey, it's free! The Domestic is an
interesting story, my great-aunt had it (she wasn't much for sewing) and
it seemed that the bobbin would drop out, it's a round side loader type
like the FW but I don't remember what size bobbin. She didn't get it to
a repair person and now she decided that she was just going to throw it
out, I nearly died! I immediately went over and rescued the poor thing.
The cabinet is cool, it's got an ink well and a pen rail in it, it is
made of real wood (not veneer like singer) and it doubles as a desk. My
Aunt thought it was 60 years old. The head has the light built right
into the arm up underneath and it's a brown godzilla finish. It's not
breathtakingly beautiful, in fact my boyfriend thinks it's ugly, but I
really like her, and she speaks to me. The bobin did drop out and I
discovered that it just had a piece of thread on the spool holder and now
it works fine! Does anyone have any information or know where I can get
info on this machine? Thanks!
The FW is beautiful, she's in one of the black cases that you put the
presser foot into the lid and it doesn't have that tray that people talk
about. It doesn't look like it ever had one. I'd say she was a 7 or an
8. I paid $250 for her, I surprised myself with that though, I didn't
think I would pay over $100 for a machine and I've turned my nose up at a
few FW because they were too expensive and didn't "speak" to me, I even
passed up a white one for $200, the problem with that one was that the
spool holder on the top was broken and the repair guy only had a black
one to repair it with. If anyone knows where a white one could be found
or if you're interested in it let me know and I'll get/give you more info!
My future Mother-in-Law is thinking of selling her 301a and of course I
want to buy it. I like the cabinet but the machine is that brown/tan and
I think it's pretty ugly (not to mention dirty). She wants me to come up
with a fair price (why do people do this to us?!) and I was thinking of
offering $50. Is this too low? The machine is probably a 7, well used.
What would you guys offer in a situation like this?
So I hope everyone had a good time while I was gone and
purchased/found/aquired everything they desired!!
Sheri Bacon
Date: 31 Jul 96 12:45:26 EDT
From: kathy <104047.3251@CompuServe.COM>
Subject: 201 4 sale
anybody in colorado wanting to buy cool machine bd '39 with a great cabinet art
decoish,with 3 bobbins,and the 6 attachments should contact kate ate
104047.3251@cserve.com
Date: Wed, 31 Jul 1996 13:01:36 -0400
From: DickDreyer@aol.com
Subject: (Mari Dreyer)
Does anyone know about "The High Arm Philadelphia Singer?" This is the
treadle head given to me by my great-Aunt Millie. The machine was her
Mennonite grandmother's, so I figure it definitely is late 1800's. It has a
small shuttle bobbin and needs alot of work to get the dust, rust and cobwebs
off from its time in the barn. Singer 1/800 couldn't identify without a
serial number. I can't find any number at all. Thanks! --Mari in N. Cal
where I spent 4 hours in the pool yesterday with the kids trying to keep
cool.
Date: Wed, 31 Jul 1996 11:41:47 -0700
From: Ken Behler
Subject: Model 27 &misc
To MaryB,
Welcome to the list. I just got a 127 in a cabinet over the weekend also. I
paid $175
for the machine and all its treasures. The cabinet is in excellent shape, the
owner
really took good care of it. The machine (dob 9/26/04) is about a 3 though.
Apparently,
it was use a lot. There are chips in the enamel and all the gold is worn off
the front.
It does sew very well. From your description, it sounds like you may be missing
the
shuttle under the throat plate that carries the long bobbin. I assume the
apparatus you
are looking at on the right front of the machine is the bobbin winder. It does
look
alittle out of place. I'm sure you can find a shuttle, belt and bobbins from
someone on
this list. There are many great sources here for that. I'd clean her up and
have fun. I
start cleaning with the easy stuff, like the bed, presser feet, and move on out
taking
pieces off and reassembling them. I usually get out my lint brush, a rag, and a
toothbrush and start cleaning.
My machine came with its original manual and I'd be glad to send you a copy if
you'd
like. I also got the oak fold out box of attachments and the manual for them
too. I have
an extra oak fold out box to sell. It is not complete. I need to go through it
and
figure out what's what. If anyone's interested e-mail me.
To all: I have aquired again a few odds and ends to sell. Here's what I have:
1. White plastic box of Touch-n-Sew attachments. Box contains 5 feet, 1 throat
plate
cover, 3 throat plates (all different), 1 spool pin, 4 bobbins, and a seam
gauge. Will
sell all for $15 includes postage.
2.3 feet that slip on from the front as on a White Rotary. The feet are a
hemmer, a
zipper foot, and I think a quilting foot. I have also a quilters foot that
slips up on
the needle bar from behind. I guess this makes 4 feet. Asking $6.
3. A high shank Greist buttonholer. This fits the older New Home and some
Singers (I'm
told). The buttonholer is complete in box with original manual copyright 1956.
$20
That's enough gabbing for now. I have a real strange buttonholer that I' still
playing
with. When I've got it better figured out I'll let you know what this is. It
reminds me
of a bronze camel. Later, Jacque in Boise, Idaho
Date: Wed, 31 Jul 1996 12:51:18 -0500
From: Rebecca Sunderman
Subject: Wheeler &Wilson &Other For Sales
Graham responded to my question about this machine - while I do not have the
room or the funds for this machine, if anyone is interested in it, please
e-mail me privately and I will give you a contact name and number - I just
hate to see this little jewel sitting in an antique shop/barn, unloved and
unwanted.
To Rebecca re Wheeler and Wilson
The machine you saw dates 1868 and if the gold work on the head is in good
condition it's a good buy at $450.(The gold on the head IS in greetr
condition !)
I have also decided to sell some of my machines. I will get a list
together and post them later.
Date: 31 Jul 96 14:21:54 EDT
From: Graham Forsdyke <100661.3256@CompuServe.COM>
Subject: Contribution
To Terri re Minnesota H
Davis who made the Minnesota for Sears didn't start and alphabetical model
designation for their machines until the 1910 period. Company went bang in 1924
so I think we can guess the H was pretty near the end of the line.
Barbed wire I can understand. Great emotive and historical importance. Many,
many patents taken out in the 1850 to 70 period. There's a thriving collectors'
society and specialist dealers all over your country.
What I can't fathom is plastic Desert Storm memorabillia. The war was only
yesterday and the products so cheap and shody that they will never have any
value. Have seen pitch after pitch filled with this nasty junk at antique shows
in the States. Can't remember seeing any Vietnam collectables though
To JSmith
Can provide copy 66 manual, no charge, e-mail me your snail.
Graham Forsdyke
ISMACS London..
Date: 31 Jul 96 14:34:11 EDT
From: Chris Vagtborg <71155.1072@CompuServe.COM>
Subject: post
Hi All...
For MaryB... Welcome to FWF! RE: #27: Well, since it was free, it would make
a good machine to learn restoration techniques on to use on a machine in
better condition in the future. Yes, new parts are available for your
machine. I'll email you a list of some of the parts and manuals that we carry
for the venerable #27 (*my* favorite - I've got 3!).
For Karen with unidentified Singer - my humble guess - it's a 99-13.
For Lydia in central Ohio: I too, have a #27 with the fold up box with the
rack arrangement that doesn't correspond to the booklet for the Style #11 box
-For example, the section that the screwdrivers and under braider mounts to
is rotated 180 degrees from the one shown in the picture. The second section
is correct and identical to the picture (the hemmers). The third section is
as shown in the manual, but I don't have #188, what ever that is... Section
four with the ruffler (?) and bobbins is as shown. I have a feed dog cover
plate and a cording foot that are not shown.
For Viola - 404 - The US model 404 (as opposed to the 404G) is a slant needle
straight stitch with the lever to drop the feed dogs. It also has a spool pin
on the bed just to the right of the thread guide to feed the bobbin winder
located just under the hand wheel - similar to a 301...
For All: Living here in Coastal Georgia has taught me how to make really
decent Iced Tea - never cloudy, never bitter. AKA "Sun Tea". Take eight
regular tea bags, pull off the paper tags at the end of the strings and tie
them all together. Drop into a clean 1/2 Gallon Glass container. Fill with
cold water. Cover container with lid. Put in a sunny spot for 3 hours or so.
Remove and discard tea bags. Keeps two to three days, refrigerated. Enjoy
with a lemon squeeze and a few drops of sweetener.
For Graham - if you think Raspberry Tea is strange, we've got a local micro-
brewery here that makes a Raspberry flavored stout - it's actually pretty
good in a strange kind of way. I guess you wouldn't want to drink a lot of it
though - kind of a 'fruity' hangover...
From: TSGB45B@prodigy.com (MRS CATHY A SANDHOEFNER)
Date: Wed, 31 Jul 1996 15:06:59, -0500
Subject: Re: FW Fanatics 7/30/96
Thanks so much to all who responded here and in email, regarding my recent
find. I now know that it is a 99K, born Aug.1st, 1922. Received lots of
good advice on cleaning her up. My hand is about to fall off from all the
rubbing I did on it Sunday! I'm giving it a rest and intend to get back to
it as soon as I pick up some of the products recommended.
Graham...I'd love to take you up on your offer of a copy of the manual.
Thanks so much! Please email me with details.
Are parts to be had for these machines? Specifically, this machine is
missing the light. My hub says he can put a light on it, but it wouldn't
be original. hmmm...anyone have an original they're willing to part with?
This is so much fun! I'm saving up more play money so I can do more
searching for machines. g! Hey! I thought I was only watching for fw's!!!
This obsession is going in a whole new direction now! GGG!
Am thinking of having the antique lady call me should any other machines
come in. Do you think that THEY think they can get more for them, if you
tell them in advance you are interested in old machines??? Seems you'd be
more likely to get a deal if they just get a machine in and think 'oh, who
would want this'...and slap a price sticker on it. 'course, then you
wouldn't hear about the machines sometimes before they were sold to someone
else!
Regarding Courtney's mention of the mini novel "Persian Pickle Club"... I
didn't realize it was on tape, but it was published in the September 95
issue of Good Housekeeping. The author is Sandra Dallas and it begins on
pg. 177. You might be able to still find it if your library carries magazines.
Thanks again to all for your endless fountain of knowledge!
...cath (in ca)
Date: Wed, 31 Jul 1996 16:51:48 -0500
From: Tim and Sherrie
Subject: straight stitch 401g?
Viola,
I had a 401a, for years! (poor thing was schizo or something - I finally had
had it and got rid of it 10 years ago).
anyhow, last time I went into the local Singer shop, the salesman tried to
sell me an old 401a that was a straight stitch machine. It truly was a 401,
said so! And it really was only a straight stitch machine.
so perhaps that is infact what your mystery machine is!
After listening to everyone brag on your treadles, I've finally decided I
want one...that i don't have to de-rust extensively before using :-). dh
says why can't I be satisfied with my 2 FW, Spartan, 128, 301, and my Pfaff???
Graham - you will be pleased to note that I am entertaining visitors from
London next week, and while the menu is destined to be very Southern
(catfish, okra, black eyed peas), I have nixed the idea of iced tea. they
might think I was a barbarian! And, of course, since we don't speak the
same language (ha) , I wouldn't be able to explain it to them...
Sherrie Groman, settling in for another day of thunderstorms...
gromant@ebicom.net
Our Home page =http://www.ebicom.net/~gromant/fire.htm
From: TSGB45B@prodigy.com (MRS CATHY A SANDHOEFNER)
Date: Wed, 31 Jul 1996 18:34:19, -0500
Subject: Re: FW Fanatics 7/30/96
This is a p.s. to the note I wrote before.
How do you know when you should buy a machine and when it's too far gone
to bother with.
For instance...that treadle I saw last weekend. They wanted $140 for it,
the wood on cabinet was coming off in places...the treadle part didn't
move, the part (don't know what it's called) that attaches the machine to
the treadle was missing...the needle didn't go up and down...etc. Can
they all be saved? Can parts that don't move be de-gunked to the point of
working again? Can you get almost any part to fix an old machine up (or
make do with something else?) As I said, this machine was $140 and that
seems like a lot to me for a machine that didn't even work...but I'd hate
to pass up a bargain of a machine (that could be fixed up) just because I
didn't know it was one! Y'know???
Comments??
...c (in ca...the amateur fanatic)
Date: Wed, 31 Jul 1996 21:08:09 -0400
From: Kilda@aol.com
Subject: for Lydia:Wooden Boxes update
Lydia, every time I try to e-mail you directly, it bounces. I only had info
about the two boxes I sent you. I'd love a copy of the other box if you have
a spare.
Flo
Date: Thu, 1 Aug 1996 03:14:32 GMT
Subject: unknown
From: ma@usa.pipeline.com (Maggie Arlotta)
--Hi all,
A couple of weeks ago someone wrote me with their want list for hand cranks
in great detail.Conditions, pricing etc.My computers black hole swallowed
it up and if you know who you are I'd appreciate it if you could resend it
to me.Don't get excited, no I haven't found one yet but an auction is
comming up and I'd like to use it for a reference if I spot one.Sorry I
can't remember the name, my brain has a black hole all of its own.
Maggie in NY
ma@pipeline.com
Date: Wed, 31 Jul 1996 23:58:18 -0400
From: Cyberjaney@aol.com
Subject: Re: FW Fanatics 7/29/96
hi Sue--
My sister has the following for sale:
Willcox &Gibbs Sewing Machine with box of attachments and manual. She would
like people to email her at Rudy269 @aol. Thanks in advance for putting this
in.
:-)
____________________________________
FWFanatics@ttsw.com - Singer phone # 1-800-877-7762
And now a word from our sponsor:
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including Quilts in the Tradition of Frank Lloyd Wright and a Trio of
Tessellations. email for literature to 103165.3132@compuserve.com and be sure
to check out http://quilt.com/AnimasPublishing
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id AA20680; Fri, 2 Aug 96 19:26:32 EDT
Date: Fri, 2 Aug 96 19:47:10 -0500
From: Featherweight Fanatics
Subject: FW Fanatics 8/1/96
To: Sue@quilt.com
X-Mailer: LeeMail 2.0.5
Message-Id:
Date: Wed, 31 Jul 1996 23:15:47 -0500 (CDT)
From: Steve or Terri Carl
Subject: Sewing machines in Quilt Sampler magazine
Marilyn Root said:
> In a magazine called "American Patchwork and Quilting Quilt Sampler"
> which is out now there is a picture of a beautiful Singer with a hand
> crank on page 45. Can't tell what model. The gold designs are
> beautiful.
I bought this magazine (because I like it, and because my local quilt
shop is featured -- Great Expectations in Houston!) and of course
looked up the machine on page 45. It looks just like a 99 I've got,
except that mine has a motor instead of a hand crank. (The mfg
date is 1926 or '27 -- can't remember without looking it up -- so it
might have been converted.) It is a pretty thing.
And flipping on through the magazine -- lo and behold, another quilt
shop I've been to was featured: Creations, in Kerrville. In fact, I
was just there this last weekend, and the Singer on page 86 was in
the window (along with a small watercolor quilt.) The Singer really
caught my eye -- I'd intended to post about it anyway, even before I
saw it in the magazine. It's a model 66, with no visible means of
propulsion, although it looks well-used up close. But what was really
odd about it was the paint work -- the design was the one I think
was called the "lotus" design -- lotus blossoms all around the edge of
the bed. But instead of being gold, all the decorations were in
color -- red, blue, turquoise, green, gold (non-metallic). I know it
had to have been repainted, but it was beautifully done, and was done
long enough ago that the wear on the machine had affected the newer
paint just as the gold decorations would have shown wear. (Although
the paint was probably not protected as well as the gold would have
been, so it showed wear faster.)
When I saw it, I started thinking about an old 128 I've got that
the paint is shot on (with the "Memphis" decorations) -- it's in a
treadle table I'm confiscating for another machine that is in much
better shape. It's a pity the 128 is in such bad shape cosmetically,
because it runs like a champ. Now I have all these visions in my head
of how the Egyptian designs would look redone in the colors used in
faience... I could carefully trace the designs, then find a way to
repair/replace the japan black coat...
Just what I need -- another project! Oh, well, it keeps me off the
streets and out of the pool hall.
Terri
Steve and Terri Carl
terric@neosoft.com
Date: Thu, 1 Aug 1996 02:14:04 -0400
From: Millie MacKenzie
Subject: oil cans,etc.
Viola and Doreen, the cute oil cans you are describing are referred to as
'pocket oil cans' I believe. I have 2, one intact and one with out the
screw-on top. If there was a label on the can at one time, it's amazing
that all of ours have only the oval and no label. I was told by antique
dealers that they are Singer items, but have not verified that fact.
J.P., beware of what you ask for! The knee levers for bentwood cases come in
at least 2 species, possibly 3. I am aware of a round end lever and a flat
end lever. Examine the hardware in the little hole of the case to figure
out what you need. They are not at all interchangeable!!
Regarding cleaning machine heads with Murphy's Oil Soap, I agree with
Bobbie, as I have not found it to be very effective. I use Fantastic (wipe
off quickly) for the most part for surface dirt, but for those really hard
to clean spots (layers of dirt, grease, whatever) I have experimented with
lots of products and find that SMART SCRUB by Dow beats them all. Caution:
do not use it on any painted area as it is gritty and will remove the paint.
The aqua bottle says 'not gritty', but don't believe it. I put a small dot
of it on my finger and rub it on the dirty spot - very small area, then
using a damp sponge I rub it gently. The black gop comes right off! For the
next area, just use the sponge again and again until there is not enough
left on the sponge to be effective. Then get another small dot of it.
Costs about $2 at grocery store. And while at grocery store, look for SPOT
SHOT aerosol spray to remove all kinds of carpet stains (it removed urine
stains when my dog peed behind the dining room table and by the time I found
it was all dried). (Just call me Heloise - actually I have a friend who
cleans houses and tries all the products!)
RATING SYSTEM - Created by Graham Forsdyke.
This scale takes no notice of mechanical condition. If something is broken
or missing this should be stated, not hidden behind a number.
10: Just like the day it left the factory. Not a scratch or mark upon it. I
think I have every seen only two machines in this category.
9: As 10 but with the small, odd scratch or wear mark evident to very close
inspection.
8: Very good used condition. All paint good; all metalwork bright. What the
average antique dealer would call "perfect".
7: Good condition but rubbing of paint evident and some nickel plating worn.
6: As in 7 but more wear to paint and some surface rust to the bright work.
5: The average, hard-used, ill-cared-for machine looking for someone to love
it.
4: Poor condition, chipped enamel, rusty metalwork but acceptable for a
collection if a rare machine.
3: In need of restoration but a reasonable job for a dedicated enthusiast.
2: Total restoration needed to paintwork and bright metal. It's a brave
collector that takes it on.
1: Spare parts only and these would be in need of extensive restoration.
############################################################################
Someone mentioned a quilt mystery book this week. Well, now I should tell
you that in my spare time I love to read and decided to do a book review on
Persian Pickle Club for my quilt guild newsletter. Since then I have done 4
others. They also appear in the online newsletter PATCHWORDS and, out of
thatcame a request form a PATCHWORDS reader askING for permission to publish
them in her quilt guild's newsletter in VA. So I am happy to share with
anyone who wants to pass them on. I am including below for all you FWF's my
review of said book:
Book Review
submitted by Millie MacKenzie
February 1996
Book: The Persian Pickle Club
Author: Sandra Dallas
Type of book: Mystery
Publication: 1995 by St. Martin's Press, New York
It is Kansas in the 1930's. The depression is in full swing, and a drought
had burned the crops and put able-bodied folk out of work. It is a time
when people help out their friends and neighbors, all the while preserving
pride and dignity as best they can. There are no government programs to
feed off of.
Queenie Bean is a young farm wife who has lost her best friend to the city.
Along comes Rita to take her place. Rita is a city gal who has trouble
adjusting to the desolation of the country and the hard times in general.
She yearns to be a journalist and secures work writing about happenings in
Harveyville.
Queenie and Rita are members of The Persian Pickle Club quilting bee. When a
club member's spouse is found murdered, Rita sees an opportunity to make a
name for herself and sets out to solve the crime. Suspense and intrigue
follow asRita conducts interviews, gathers information and zeroes in on the
likely
suspects.
This murder mystery centering around rural quilters is very well written and
entertaining. It is easy to picture the characters from the descriptions
and dialogue.. Because quilting is featured, modern day quilters will enjoy
the traditions of the mid-west a half century ago. Much in the tradition of
Agatha Christie, a surprise ending awaits the reader.
##############################################################################
Millie - back at Cape Cod till end of month...
Millie MacKenzie in CT and Cape Cod, MA
milmac@snet.net
Date: Wed, 30 Jul 96 09:02:41 EST
From: "Nancy Brand"
Subject: 201 and 15 machines
Saw a grungy black Singer s/m in an antique store this weekend, wrote
down the s/n and called Singer on Monday. Was told it's a 201, so
went back Monday night and bought it for $35. AL 378689, dob 4-8-52.
Hope it cleans up. The cabinet is in horrible shape, but perhaps can
be made at least usable. The metal circle on the back of the machine
and the faceplate are both striated, not elaborate like my other 201,
which has a dob of 3/17/37, s/n AE 436650. The 201s were evidently
made for quite a few years.
Have two model 15 machines, AJ 457101, 3/27/50, and AJ 989465,
11/10/50, and remember reading on FWF that these were not very good
machines. I bought them thinking they were 99s. Can someone please
tell me (1) why the 15s aren't very good, and (2) the differences
between a 15 and a 99 (both features and performance)?
Thanks to everyone for such interesting stories and adventures, in
addition to the knowledge you share so willingly.
Nancy
Date: Thu, 1 Aug 1996 09:19:49 -0400
From: JimAlmonte@aol.com
Subject: Re: Ryobi
Clay &Shelley:
You are correct--the old Singer plants in Anderson, SC and Pickens, SC were
sold to Ryobi (although still often called the Singer plants). This was at
least by 1989, maybe earlier. I used to be on the engineering faculty at
Clemson University in Clemson, SC and worked with some people from both Ryobi
facilities on some research contracts. At least one plant was making lawn
care equipment--the other might have been making the vacuum cleaners, but I'm
not sure. I'm told that all of the 301's were made at the Anderson plant
during the 1950's.
Cyndi Jara-Almonte
Janesville, WI (where it feels
like fall has come)
Date: Thu, 01 Aug 1996 15:40:08 -0700
From: "Leland W. Stewart"
Subject: Thank You
Thank you for you internet page!
You see I am a 4-Her and did a presentation on how to clean a sewing
machine.During my presentaion I metioned the Fetherwhieght 221.When writing My
presentation I got some info on this page. I saw the pictures of the
Fetherwhight and
memorized them. I won my presentation at district so I went to N.C.'s Club
Congress.
At Club Congress I lost but we were soppose to do cummunity service during that
week.
My county was soppose to work at a hospital. Luckily my friend and I were to
young
(11) to work there so we got to sew coats for the unfortionat. When me and my
friend
walked into the room I saw the 2 Fetherwhieghts.I ran to sit down infront of
the
machines. I knew it was a Fetherwhieght. Thanks to your pictures I had one of
my
dreams come true.That was the hilight of my trip!
In Conclusion I thank you for your pictures and plan to sew on a
Fetherwhieght some
time in the near future.
Karen Stewart
Date: Thu, 1 Aug 1996 12:56:46 -0400
From: shelley@winthrop.slic.com (Shelley Fracalossi)
Subject: Anyone interested?
Hello all,
For several months I have had several items sitting here that I could not
decide whether to keep or not. One is an empty 301 case in a good 9 1/2
condition. I purchased it in April in Washington DC and used it to bring
home my excess baggage in. I got it at a yard sale and was hoping to find
the machine that goes in it but haven't had any luck so far. I am asking
$25 plus shipping. It is a tan cloth covered type case with dark brown
trim, wide at the bottom and narrow at the top with two latches.
The other is a Spartan machine. It is a 192 K made in Great Britain in the
fifties. I did call Singer about it, but can't locate the date of
manufacture they gave me. The machine itself is in nice shape, at least a
#7, with a few little chips out of the enamel on the bottom edge. It runs
well and the bobbin area is nice and clean and the red felt wick for oiling
is still nice and red colored so it was obviously a well kept machine.
There is a black plastic base that came with it which is cracked right
through the middle and which I have taken off the machine. The machine
stands level without it anyway. I am asking $100 plus shipping. That
should run around $10. I shipped a FW to my friend in DC and that ran me
around $8 (I packed it myself) but this machine is heavier.
Any takers email shelley@slic.com
Thanks again.
OH and that book the Persian Pickle Club is an absolute must read -
finished it up in two hours the other night and I cried and laughed and
thoroughly enjoyed it all the way through!!!
Date: Thu, 1 Aug 1996 15:34:11 GMT
Subject: Attachments
From: ma@usa.pipeline.com (Maggie Arlotta)
-Hi again,
Would anyone have a picture or list for the wooden attachment
box that comes with a model 15 treadle.Mine came with one and an awful lot
of other attachments I can't seem to identify.A real puzzle putting this
box in order.So far I've found I think 2 of the correct positions but would
love to fill it up correctly.
The treadle I bought is made of Tiger oak, anyone else have this kind of
wood.Very different from standard oak.The grain is so strong looking.More
contrast in the colors too.it has 6 drawers on either side and a pull down
one in the middle. Drawers are carved and there is fancy work done to the
sides in the shape of scrolling hearts and medalions. Anyone like to share
and compare?
Maggie in NY
ma@pipeline.com
Date: Thu, 01 Aug 1996 12:31:34 -0700
From: Ken Behler
Subject: Motor needed
Help please, I just brought home a real cute '39 model 66 in a cabinet.
I cleaned her all up nice and pretty and lo and behold her motor has
been burned up. can anyone help me?
On another note, I think in yesterday's digest someone brought up the
difference among the oak fold out boxes. Do I understand that the color
of the lining of the box designates what accessory box it is and which
treadle machine model it goes with? If that be the case I have a green
lined box with just about all of the attachments that definately do
belong in the box plus a few that probably don't. I'd like to sell this
box. All is in very nice shape. Asking $35.
Oh yeah, I do need a manual/copy for the model 66. I'd like a copyright
date pretty close to the 1939 since I noticed by 1948 the bobbin casing
assembly has changed. TIA Jacque in hot Boise.
Date: Thu, 1 Aug 1996 12:32:24 -0700
From: ayjones@tacoma.nwrain.net (Yvonne Jones)
Subject: Special Day
A little birdie told me it is someones birthday, HAPPY BIRTHDAY BETTY WAGNER!
%~}
May you find all the sewing machines you dream of, and they will all be 10's.
Happy Quilting.
Yvonne
ayjones@tacoma.nwrain.net
The Quilt-R :)
Date: Thu, 01 Aug 1996 23:08:53 -0500 (EST)
From: MANVILLE@delphi.com
Subject: attachments
Hi all,
I'm getting hooked. Bobbie sent the wonder manual and today I
identified a 127 in an antique shop. It had a messed up tension and a bad
cord and no bobbin case, but at least I think I knew its name. I left it
there.
But I did buy an atttachment box that you may be able to help me
identify. It was with an old machine marked Minnesota A, but I'm not at all
sure the box went with the machine. I didn't feel guilty about separating
them because the machine is now a lamp!!
The box is black, with a rose decal on top. The inside is lined with
purple velvet. There are six small brackets in the lid, each of which holds
an attachment which I would call a binding foot. In addition, there is a
seam guide, and, I think, a tucker. The binding feet have patent marks
(Pat. Oct. 13 96). The thing which I think may be a tucker has Pat Feb 4
96.
What do you think I have?
Another question. On my Featherweight, I tried to take out the bobbin
assembly to check for wedged in threads. Nancy Johnson-Srebro's book told
me to remove the tiny screw, then snap out the bobbin case base with a
finger pull or a small pair of pliers. She cautions us not to pull on the
center stud, lest it break off. Well finger pulls didn't work, and small
pliers (wrapped with cloth so as not to scratch) didn't work either. Is
there a way to urge the bobbin case base out? I think I have stuck threads
and it feels as if my poor machine wants its "teeth flossed."
Thank you all for the shared enthusiasms.
Sharon
on the spindle in the center of the case, so I
Date: Thu, 01 Aug 1996 23:29:31 -0400
From: Clay &Shelly Leihy
Subject: Re: FW Fanatics 7/31/96
Sheri Bacon:
We have a tan/white 301A, and think it's the most beautiful thing. (A
tie with our FW, IMHO.) If you don't want your FMIL's, just say the
word, and we'll take it. (Geez, no accounting for taste )
Tim and Sherrie (Re: 401a straight stitch):
Sounds to me like someone pieced something together from "leftover"
parts . . . kinda like the black 301a a local dealer here "made" from a
black head and black-painted parts from a tan one. Sometimes these guys
are just a little too creative. (Then again, maybe that 401a is some
kind of rare oddball?)
Clay &Shelly
clay-l@k2nesoft.com
http://www.k2nesoft.com/~clay-l/shelly.html
____________________________________
FWFanatics@ttsw.com - Singer phone # 1-800-877-7762
And now a word from our sponsor:
Your quilt guild may enjoy a meeting and workshop with Jackie Robinson
including Quilts in the Tradition of Frank Lloyd Wright and a Trio of
Tessellations. email for literature to 103165.3132@compuserve.com and be sure
to check out http://quilt.com/AnimasPublishing
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Date: Fri, 2 Aug 1996 00:28:23 -0400
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To: FWFanatics@ttsw.com
From: duck@clark.net (Bob Campbell)
Hi:
Just some comments on a related collectible -- namely toy sewing machines.
In the course of 3 years of collecting FW's I was somewhat interested in toy
sewing machines but never bought one. About 4 months ago my wife gave me a
copy of Glenda Thomas' book on them and since that time I've bought 25 toys
(known as TSM's to serious collectors).
The prices are all over the place (from $5 to $1000) with dealers always
referring to Thomas' book as the bible. I've come to agree with Graham
about authors who insist on producing books with "price guides" in them.
All these price guides do is permanently inflate prices and make it very
difficult for collectors to bargain for the machines they find ...
potential sellers hold on to their toy as though they are in possession of
the rarest gem in the world. A case in point are the Singer Sewhandy Model
20's. Don't get me wrong, these are nice collectibles, but they are very
easy to find (I've got 4 of them and have turned down perhaps 20 of them in
a 4 month period), yet they are outrageously priced due to no real reason
other than Thomas' book. Unless you find a Singer Sewhandy in condition 9,
complete with box, clamp and instruction book, please laugh in the face of
any seller who asks $150 -- please just walk away, there are simply too many
of these particular models to warrant the hype and overstated asking price.
Sorry, I'll get down off my soapbox.
The real reason I'm posting is to see how many fellow FWF are also into
TSM's. I've thought about setting up a homepage devoted to TSM's. The
primary purpose of the homepage (besides letting me experiment with website
creation software) would be to showcase good photos of your favorite TSM,
and exchange other info on them. There are several publications devoted to
TSM's but I am not aware of any internet sites.
If you collect these toys and would like to contribute a good photo or two,
please Email me personally, so that I can determine if there is enough interest.
Thanks for listening
Bob Campbell
duck@clark.net
=====
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Date: Thu, 1 Aug 1996 22:59:18 -0500 (CDT)
From: Steve or Terri Carl
To: Featherweight Fanatics
Subject: My trip to Kerrville, TX
Message-Id:
Mime-Version: 1.0
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I've already posted about seeing the quilt shop and the Singer that
are pictured in Quilt Sampler magazine in Kerrville last weekend, and
I forgot to mention the an-ti-que shop down the street. It's more of
an antique mall, with each dealer having separate booths. This is
pretty much carriage trade -- or tourist trade, anyway -- but I was
still shocked at a thing or two I saw.
The quilts were quite expensive, for one thing, so I was sort of
prepared when I ran across a model 66-1 in a treadle cabinet. The
cabinet was the ordinary oak one, with veneer peeling off the curved
piece at the back (covering the area the head drops into.) The drawers
were missing a couple of pulls, and all in all, it was in pretty rough
shape. The head wasn't much better -- it was the design I've seen on
every 66-1 I've run across, with red &green &gold flowers -- but it
was maybe a 4 or 5, and mechanically not in terrific shape either.
(The wheel almost didn't turn.) It was missing the sliding plate over
the bobbin -- which was also gone. The serial number put the machine
bd somewhere around 1915 or 1916.
And the asking price was $495! I almost fell over. I guess all that
distress made it much more valuable. I didn't look to see if it had
all the attachments. That probably would have added to the value, of
course. (Silly me.)
I also saw a Franklin, just the head. It was also in pretty rough
shape -- rusted almost solid, and the painted designs were so far
gone on the front I had to look on the back to see it was a Franklin
for sure. It was a model 27-type machine, with a bullet-shaped bobbin,
which was actually still in the machine! And it was a real bargain --
only $27!
And that was the extent of my machine hunting last weekend. So much
for bargain-finding in the boonies!
Happy hunting!
Terri (in Houston, where the heat isn't looking so bad after all -- and
tomorrow is garage sale day!)
Steve and Terri Carl
terric@neosoft.com
=====
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Date: Thu, 01 Aug 1996 18:45:10 -0800
From: corbin
X-Mailer: Mozilla 2.01 (Win95; U)
Mime-Version: 1.0
To: FWFanatics@ttsw.com
Subject: what machine?
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Hello all. I'm kinda new to this group, but could sure use some help. I picked up a
singer today, serial no. begins with an F, so according to the schedule I found it's a
1924 machine. I can't find a model # on it, and have no idea what it is. I'd like to,
tho, if anybody knows. This is my first old machine, so I'm pretty clueless right about
now :). It came in a bentwood case, it's pretty heavy, top loading bobbin, no reverse
and beautiful gold scroll work on front and the side has a nice engraved plate on it. I
couldn't be so lucky as to have attachments with it, luckily the case key was under the
machine! I also saw a 301 and a 201 today, and it looks similar to the 201, altho the
201 I saw did have the model # on it. I don't know how rare any of these machines are,
and I passed up the 201 &301 since I thought they were overpriced ($79 each, and each
with a small problem).
Anyway, any help is much appreciated. Thanks in advance, Sharon
=====
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Date: Fri, 2 Aug 1996 07:15:57 -0400
From: TJanson280@aol.com
Message-ID: <960802071555_170105724@emout17.mail.aol.com>
To: FWFanatics@ttsw.com
Subject: Martha Washington
Hi !
I thought I had read eairler something about a Martha Washington sewing
machine cabinet. Last night I brought home an old electric White rotary in a
cabinet. This cabinet has a silver round medillion under one of the flip up
sides. On it says Martha Washington model. Does anyone have any information
about this cabinet??
Also I got (the head only) a model 500A singer. It's not pictured in the
manual from Bobbie. I don't know anything about this machine except how to
thread it. It was only $5. Works very good. Does anyone have a manual I
could get a copy of? This machine has the flip up top to expose the thread
posts and some sort of black round thingy????? It also has a knob on the
front for doing????? I don't have a clue. Also the flip up top part is
gone. Can these be replaced? Boy, am I full of questions..
Thanks for any help.
Terri Janson in Michigan where you can cut the fog with a knife this
morning...
=====
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Date: 02 Aug 96 08:22:38 EDT
From: Graham Forsdyke <100661.3256@CompuServe.COM>
To: Featherweight Fanatics
Subject: Contribution
Message-ID: <960802122237_100661.3256_EHV51-3@CompuServe.COM>
To jdeboer re Florence
This is a real colelctors' piece. Made in Florence Mass and invented by a guy
called Langdon. Not super rare but very attractive. Earliest models were covered
with floral patern, later ones were more plain. Some had very pretty "pierced"
cast iron legs.
The patent numbers mean very little but I can probably date the machine from the
serial number.
Can also provide copy instruction manual etc.
I also wrote a history of the company some time back and could provide copy of
this -- if I can find it.
To Cathy re $140 basket case machine
Cathy run, do not walk, away from it.
There are tens of thousands of machines out there -- and a great many good ones
at less than $140.
Graham Forsdyke
ISMACS London
=====
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id AA25424; Fri, 2 Aug 1996 06:42:12 -0700
Date: Fri, 2 Aug 1996 06:42:12 -0700 (PDT)
From: Zsuxxa
To: Featherweight Fanatics
Subject: Re: FW's For Sale
In-Reply-To:
Message-Id:
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The following Featherweihts are For Sale. Shipping, handling, and
insurance for the amount is $30. If you need further information feel
free to "e" or phone at 619-753-5418.
AG - Case, Compy of Manual, a few attachments, wear on the machine but
nothing drastic. $360.
AJ - Case, manual, good condition, even wear, attachments $450.
AL - Case, manual, good condition, even wear, attachments $450
AM - Superior Condition, great case, attachments, manual, later edition
scrollwork. Case is supreme, and the machine has light trace marks but I
find it in wonderful condition. $550.
Again let me thank you for all the support during the past
months, it is my incentive to keep on trucking for those machines that
are so wonderful. I am setting up a website and that should be up and
running soon, it will include featherweights, but the concentration of
the page will be in teaching the art of quilting and textile arts. Zsuxxa
=====
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Date: 02 Aug 96 12:13:45 EDT
From: "Sandra F. Smith" <76017.2624@CompuServe.COM>
To: FeatherWeight Fanatics
Subject: Feet
Message-Id: <960802161345_76017.2624_JHC34-1@CompuServe.COM>
To: Lorre - One of your feet is most likely a gathering foot - the one with the
lip in front. The other may be an edgestitcher. I have both of these to go
with my FW; they were part of the original attachments. Look closely and you
may find the parts #s on each.
To: All
I have been lurking on FWFfor several weeks; I enjoy all the posting about
people's finds and conversations about old machines. Last week somone was
asking about the blonde tables and I knew right off I had seen one in my
mother's house years ago. After e-mailing my sisters, I found one of them still
has the table but we aren't sure what machine fit into it. I have a feeling it
was some kind of Slant-O-Matic. My mother gave the table to my sister when she
moved to a house with other sewing space. She eventually moved to CA and took
the machine. While there she bought a cabinet for the machine and it was left
at the retirement home she was living in when she died, because none of the 3 of
us wanted it. We all have other machines, including each with a FW which we all
got when we graduated from college.
I feel fortunate to have a FW which still is in very good condition even though
I used it for many years. I also have the card table, zig-zag attachment,
buttonholer with extra templates, all the original attachments, oval oil can,
grease tubes, large and small screw drivers, etc. Also the original carrying
case, in good condition, with the slot for the foot pedal on the top of the
case and the section on the left-hand side for the booklet(which I still have)
and the attachments. I even have the two keys in their original envelope and a
tag with the serial number on it, that was originally attached to the machine.
It is an AL and birthday of Jan. 1955. I must have taken really good care of
all this stuff!!
My DH's aunt was a sewing teacher in the Boston public school system for many
years and must have used lots of Singer products. I have inherited a number of
items, including many bobbins and several attachments. I have no idea what the
machine was that all this stuff goes to. There are two buttonholers in one box,
which says "Buttonhole Attachment No. 121795 for Singer Lock Stitch Family
Sewing Machines. One is very dirty and used looking. They both have the same #
on them and there is a booklet in the box. The latest copyright date is 1946.
The box is the orginal box for at last one of them. Have two rufflers, both
Singer; can't find any number on them, but they have only two slots on the top,
numbers "5 * 1";
a black zipper foot #15429; a Singer attachment box with a zipper foot, a
ruffler with the four slots, a narrow hemmer, a binder foot with only one slot
and no prongs on the end , an adjustable hemmer, and a large screw like the type
used for attachments. The bobbins are in a Singer Needle box; they are solid
metal except for a small hole on each side, 13/16th diameter, and of course, a
hole in the middle. Do these bobbins sound familiar to any one? What machine,
etc? I might be interested in selling some of the aunt's things as I either
can't use any of them on my Featherweight or they duplicate what I already hame.
I am keeping a tucker foot that does fit my machine; unfortunately, I am not
sure how to use it. Does anyone have instructions for this attachment?
I was discussing all this paraphenalia with my DH; he said he had a small
screwdriver like the one with my FW. Off he went; comes back and says, "Oh, too
bad, it's not a Singer, some Japenese brand called 'Simanco'" !!!! I pointed to
the needle box, where it says in rather large letters, 'trade mark, Simanco'.
Now he knows and I have inherited another small screwdriver.
Thanks for listening; look forward to more information.
Sandra Smith in NH
=====
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Date: Fri, 02 Aug 1996 16:10:10 -0500
To: Featherweight Fanatics
From: jfisher@sunset.backbone.olemiss.edu (Julie Fisher)
Subject: Veni, Vidi, VISA
X-Mailer:
Well, actually it was cash, to be exact.
Those who have been on the list for a while will recall that I have been
scouring my little section of the country for a FW for a few months. I then
posed some questions about voltages for motors in FWs made in the U.K. Many
on this list were kind enough to answer those questions. Special thanks go
to Graham for pointing me in the direction of s.m. repair shops rather than
antique shops on my recent visit to England/Wales.
I checked phone books everywhere we went and also stopped the car when I
even saw a s.m. in a shop window (thank God I was driving!). No luck. I
visited shops and made phone calls--think I contacted about 25 shops and
people all total. Replies were of 2 kinds:
1. No. Sorry. We don't carry any old machines. I do have a nice new
Singer, though. Why do you want one of those old ones?
2. You and everyone else. No, they used to be plentiful here, but all of
you quilters have snatched them up. Haven't we had this conversation
before? Aren't you the American lady who bought all 5 I had last year?
So, I gave up. I was also in search of antique laces for heirloom sewing.
Bought some nice ones in Bath. Well, we had to return to Bath to drop off
the rental car, and I had about 30 minutes to play while hubster went to
tour the abbey with the friend who accompanied us on the trip. Friends who
live in Bath had suggested I visit some antique shops that carried laces and
gave me the address. Well, the streets twisted around, there weren't many
street signs to be found, and there I was, cursing the air blue over the
whole business. I looked behind me for a sign and saw a s.m. repair shop.
Some 1970s machines in the window, as well as a hand crank. I almost went
on but then thought "why not?"
Me: Do you have any Singer 221s for sale?
Owner: No, but I have a 222.
M: Could I see it?
O: Well, it's just upstairs.
M: Could I see it?
O: Actually, I'm waiting on a bobbin case for it.
M: Could I see it?
O: Well, could you come back next week when I have the bobbin case?
M: I'm leaving today. Could I see it?
O: Well, it doesn't have a bobbin case.
M: Is it for sale?
O: For the right price it could be.
M: How much do you want for it?
O: 120 quid. (About $180)
M: COULD I SEE IT?!!!!!!
(NOTE: The British do *not* raise their voices.)
The owner finally brought it out. Money changed hands and I squealed loudly
all the way down the street. No manual, two attachments (ruffler and
something else), no bobbin case, no plug for wall outlet end of electrical
cord (looks like someone tried to yank the plug out by the cord one too many
times). Machine is about an 8, as far as I can tell. I have to admit that
I haven't had it out of the case since I got home as I got in very late on
the 31st and had to work yesterday and today--also had friend under foot
until this morning. The black case is a 9--only one corner is slightly
rubbed--and has the tray on the righthand side. I know the case well now
because I petted it all the way home.
Graham, I had no trouble passing the machine through security at Gatwick.
They didn't even slow the x-ray belt or ask questions. Security at Detroit
(you have to clear security again after clearing customs, even though there
is no way you could have acquired a pipe bomb unless one of the customs
officers handed it to you) x-rayed it for about a minute, then had me unpack
the whole thing. I think the two women just wanted to see what it looked
like! Did I overpay, considering I only had about 20 minutes to complete
the transaction, or do I merit a "well done?" (I have successfully
bargained for 4 vehicles here--3 at the same dealership. The 3rd at the
same dealership was for my brother. My mom and I walked onto the lot at
1:30 and didn't leave with the car until 8:00. My brother said the salesman
pulled him aside after the deal was made and asked if he thought he'd gotten
a good deal. My brother said yes, he thought so. The salesman said good,
just don't bring those women back here.)
Questions: How do I go about locating a 110 volt motor for it? Is $65
about standard for a bobbin case? Could someone describe the oil can that
originally came with this machine (I think that's what the bracket in the
case is for)? Does the Nancy J-S book also cover the 222? Was there a
separate Singer manual issued for the 222, or did it have the same one as
the 221?
Julie
jfisher@olemiss.edu
=====
Received: from jwilson.uky.campus.mci.net (s17-pm02-nat.campus.mci.net [204.71.75.80]) by uky-01.campus.mci.net (8.7.5/8.7.3) with SMTP id TAA15000 for ; Fri, 2 Aug 1996 19:10:40 -0400 (EDT)
Message-ID: <3202690F.38D7@uky.campus.mci.net>
Date: Fri, 02 Aug 1996 16:46:07 -0400
From: "James L. Wilson"
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To: Featherweight Fanatics
Subject: Warning...
References:
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I just tried out a Griest ruffler on my Featherweight and 1) it was rubbing the bed of
the machine and if I had not noticed it it would have scratched the bed rather severely.
2) the arm of the ruffler that that fits around the needle clamp was hitting the bottom
of the arm of the FW. I then tried another Greist ruffler...same type same
machine...and it had neither problem.
Something to watch out for on old attachments that may be bent out of shape.
Jim
--
James L. Wilson
jwilson@uky.campus.mci.net
http://www.geocities.com/soho/2755
http://www.geocities.com/soho/2755/sewing.html
=====
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Date: Fri, 02 Aug 1996 16:27:53 -0800
From: corbin
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To: FWFanatics@ttsw.com
Subject: Found one!
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Yes, it can be done living out in the boonies! I found a great one
today, 221 J, and rated a 9, for $25.00. I never thought I'd be writing
this! And in Alaska, I was sure they were few and far between,
especially yesterday when I hit a couple of pawn shops and they told me
I'd just missed another person looking for one. Anyway, had to talk
about it to someone, my family just doesn't understand...
Sharon
=====
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Date: Fri, 2 Aug 1996 20:48:32 -0500
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To: Featherweight Fanatics
From: Tim and Sherrie
Subject: Dr. Who!
Lorre said;
To: Cheryl Hall, in Michigan I have been trying to get my DH to work on a
TARDIS (Time and Relative Dimension in Space ((I think))). Any way it is
bigger on the inside then the outside.
Oh, finally my years of Science Fiction mania pays off! I never realized
that all those afternoons of watching Dr. Who would help my fabric and
sewing machine addictions. DH wants to know if the good Doctor will mind if
we clutter up the universe with all this 'junque'. I think it's a great
idea, put me on the list when your DH finishes his model, I'll be glad to
beta-test it!
Sherrie Groman - gathering all her fabrics and machines together ready to
load up the next red phone booth she sees!
gromant@ebicom.net
Our Home page =http://www.ebicom.net/~gromant/fire.htm
=====
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Date: Fri, 2 Aug 1996 21:49:24 -0400 (EDT)
From: Lydia Pratt
Sender: Lydia Pratt
Reply-To: Lydia Pratt
Subject: Stuff
To: FWF
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To Lorre: You got TARDIS right on! After all the Dr. Who videos my son
has collected, I should have thought the same thing up a lot sooner. Let
me know if you ever manage to figure out how to do it!
To Chris: I would say our boxes are indeed twins. Mine also has the
star-shaped rack for the screwdrivers, etc, rotated 180 degrees from the
illustration for the Model 27. But the attachments for
the Model 127 do not fit in this box. My underbraider (35937) is shaped
very differently. It has tabs which fit into the space around the rim of
the circular throat plate, and is a straight feed rather than a
right-angled feed. Also, although the cloth guide is the same in both
attachment sets (25527B), I can't get mine to seat in far enough in the
holder to allow the box to close properly. Now that we know what we don't
have, do you suppose anyone can tell us what we DO have? BTW, #188 is a
tucker.
To Cathy: If the treadle is in as bad a shape as you describe, $140 is
IMHO an outrageous price. I know from reading the Digest that things tend
to be more expensive on the west coast, but this one is REALLY out of
line. My own (somewhat neglected these days) needs work on the wood, but
the mechanicals were in good shape and I paid $40. Keep looking. They're
out there, and once you start really looking they'll start popping up all
over the place (more or less).
To Maggie: I've never heard of Tiger oak; I have seen antique pieces in
something called Tiger maple. Your treadle cabinet sound a lot like mine,
but you said "6 drawers on each side", and that's 12 drawers total. My
cabinet is shown in a 1913 Singer ad appearing on page 152 of the Grace
Cooper book and identified as "Embossed Cabinet Table No. 6". If you
can't find her book at your local library, I have one extra photocopy I
can mail you for comparison purposes. E-mail me your snail mail address
and I'll get it out.
To Jacque: I'm not sure about the significance of the color of the lining
for the fold-out boxes. For the record, the one in my "mystery" box is
purple. Do you know for sure what type of machine your box was designed
to go with? If you do, I'd love a photocopy of the contents so I can see
if it matches mine. Would those of you who have identifiable fold-out
boxes mind posting the lining color so we can start to figure this thing out?
For Sharon: The attachments you describe may well have gone with the
Minnesota. Last year I got Susan Risty's copies of the old Sears catalog
ads for the Minnesota machines. Attachment boxes are shown for both the
Model S and Model A machines, and they seem to be similar to what you
describe. I picked up a similar box of "extra" attachments at a house
sale earlier this spring. The top of the black metal box has a lovely
decal of a small bouquet of white flowers on the top. The sale also
featured three treadles, one of which was sold by the time I got there.
Since this box had no manufacturer or model name anywhere on it, I have
always suspected that I got the box that originally went with the Princess
machine, and that the attachment box that went out with that machine was
an extra box purchased separately.
To Susan Risty: Hi if you're still out there!
Lydia in central Ohio, where the Ohio State Fair starts today.
_ _
Lydia Pratt |_|X|_|
Columbus, Ohio |X|*|X|
lspratt@freenet.columbus.oh.us |_|X|_|
=====
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Date: Fri, 2 Aug 96 22:29 EDT
From: makeefe@edcen.ehhs.cmich.edu (Martha A.M. Keefe)
To: FWFanatics@ttsw.com
Subject: 301/301a Markers?
Reply-To: makeefe@edcen.ehhs.cmich.edu
Hi all,
In the past we have shared some things to be aware of when purchasing a FW
such as checking to make sure the bobbin case is there, possible thread
behind the bobbin case, etc. Are there similar things to be aware of when
purchasing a 301 or 301A? Could anyone elaborate? Are there any special
parts of the machine that one should test? Thank you for any hints and
help that you can give to me and others on the list.
Marti
=====
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Date: Fri, 2 Aug 1996 23:12:49 -0400
From: MargelS@aol.com
Message-ID: <960802231248_170688092@emout19.mail.aol.com>
To: FWFanatics@ttsw.com
Subject: Oil Can Question
I found an oil can the other day but I'm not to sure about it. Maybe someone
here can help. It is short and the pointed spout is soldered (I think) onto
the screw on lid. The can was Royal Sewing Machine oil. Any information on
this FWF's.
My SIL has a 99 in a cabinet that she wants to sell. She says it is in
good condition. I don't remember it so I can't rate it. Anyway, if anyone
is in the South Bend, IN area or the Kokomo, IN area and would be interested
e-mail me privately. She would like to get $75. I think this might be
slightly negotiable, personally.
Margel in South Bend, IN - I thought it was suppose to get hot in the
summer???
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Date: Sun, 4 Aug 96 20:56:35 -0500
From: Featherweight Fanatics
Subject: FW Fanatics 8/3/96
To: Sue@quilt.com
X-Mailer: LeeMail 2.0.5
Message-Id:
Date: Fri, 02 Aug 1996 22:08:51
From: TLBCut@gnn.com (TERESA L. BARRON)
Subject: 99k's
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
I suspect it's vague on fifties Singer portables in square cases.
I'm sure she thought it was a FW. She also had a Singer toy with
parts missing for $499. On the other hand did buy a huge bag of
Singer and Greist attachments you name it and it was in there in
triplicate and a genaric metal attachment box $3.
A sad little story I was at a yard sale the other day and spotted
the little black box, and was told it was sold I should have said
O.K. thank-you and moved on, but No I have this need to torture my
self so I asked how much? She said oh you know it's old $25. Could
I stop there noooo I ask to look at it!! It was centenial in
excellent condition with book,attachments oil can and a ton of
bobbins! Well while I was kicking myself for not getting there
sooner I saw the antique dealer who just happened the day before
sold me a FW (it's in excellent shape too!!) for $225. I went over
to talk to him before it dawned on me yep!! he did $25. I try to
console myself with I know that's how he makes his living!!
In this case The early bird really did get the worm!!!
Any info on the Slater Value Guide??
Thank-you, Terri
Date: Fri, 2 Aug 96 12:35:56 EDT
From: Tiffin Sewing Machine / A B C Reruns
Subject: Boye Needle boxes
I just had a lady walk into my store with four Boye needle boxes. She wanted
to know if I knew of anyone who might be interested in them. They are a
10,9,7 and a 4 on the scale. If anyone is interested please let me know.
mhayes@bpsom.com
Date: Fri, 2 Aug 1996 09:39:55 -0700
From: lisa huening
Hi All, my name is lisa and I am new to the featherweight list. My parents
and I are avid garage salers. My dad also goes to car part swap meets where
people also sell other things. Recently he found me a black featherweight
(with the foot in the lid and a tray with it, no oil can though). There were
a lot of attachments with it including a box with a automatic zigzagger
(with intstruction manual) and all the pieces are there. Then there is
another box that is just zig zagger cams (4 of them). It has the original
instruction manual to the machine and it is dated 1954. The machine's serial
number starts AL. The machine is in good condition although the gold scroll
on the base (where the presser foot is) is a little rubbed off.
Previous to this find my dad found a white featherweight at the swap meet.
When I called singer they said that the serial number was a 328 but there is
no way this is so. My machine says 221k and there is no doubt about it. I
don't have the manual for it and am wondering what came with the machine if
anything. It is in the green and white case and is sooooo clean. It is in
great condition. There is a touch of dirt but not much.
So now that I have bored you with details, what is the best way to clean
them up. The black one needs more cleaning than the white one but I want to
be careful with their finishes of course.
lisa in CA
Date: Sat, 3 Aug 1996 06:15:24 -0400
From: Millie MacKenzie
Subject: 99-13 manual
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
Millie MacKenzie in CT and Cape Cod, MA
milmac@snet.net
Date: Sat, 03 Aug 1996 06:28:19 -0400
From: Susan Risty
Subject: bobbin case base removal
Response to Sharon's request of thread removal, I had great help from Gordon
Jones on this. I've also found it helps to remove the throat plate so you
can see what you are doing from the top as well.
Turn the hand wheel until the tiny screw is about 8:00 or 10:00 instead of
what the book says (5:00?). Then when you get the screw out and the
crescent shape hook pushed over to the side it has more room to move (the
hook). If you can't get the csh to move, try a little WD-40 on the hinge.
Once it is swung over, grab the center of the bobbin case base with your
fingers and gently turn it around and around until it decides to give up and
come out. Now you can find the thread. Once I even had a thread behind the
parts you are now looking at, which I was able to remove from the top of the
machine because I had taken off the throat plate.
You replace the bobbin case base the same way, gently turning it around and
around until it decides to seat itself again.
Hope this helps.
Susan
Date: Fri, 2 Aug 1996 08:28:55 -0700
From: bhickey1@ix.netcom.com (Betty Hickey )
Subject: Singer Mystery=
unique sewing machines. You guys let that bug bite. I already own 2
featherweight babies, an American and a British model 99, a wonderful
treadle 15-96.
Last weekend I picked up another Singer. It had a book with it,
but nothing indicates what model I have. It seems to be a general use
sewing machine manual put out by Singer, "Short cuts to Home Sewing.
The modern Singer way". The front cover has a picture of my machine.
Between the covers, the pictures do not match my machine at all. My
machine's serial number is AD345954. Wouldn't that put it in the
1930's? The motor is mounted on the back and appears to be gear
driven. The stitch length adjustment is a silver knob that is mounted
on the bed of the machine, vice the head like most. It is a drop in
bobbin. It's decal work is pretty basic and plain. After much fussing
and warming of the motor grease, I have gotten it to work. What a joy
to stitch with!!!!!!!!!
I have received the ISMACs recognition manual, but nothing seems
to fit there. Any ideas? I'm still trying to get through to Singer's
Customer Service line and get some help.
Curiouser and Curiouser
Betty
Date: 02 Aug 96 10:24:22 EDT
From: Charlene Anderson-Shea <72460.2362@CompuServe.COM>
Subject: $650 FW
I just returned from a weaving conference in Portland, OR. Once vendor in the
commercial exhibit area had a 1956 FW for sale. It was beautiful...not mint,
but
very nice indeed. BUT, the asking price was $650! I was quite shocked, to say
the least, and left empty-handed. I'm still searching for the elusive 1957 FW.
Charlene in Jackson Hole, WY
Date: Sat, 3 Aug 1996 07:00:48 -0700
From: lisa huening
Subject: New featherweight owner
I forgot to mention in my description of my machines that I paid $120 for
the white featherweight and $175 for the black one.
lisa
Date: Sat, 3 Aug 1996 10:46:54 -0400
From: RDort@aol.com
Subject: Re: FW Fanatics 7/30/96
Please help! A truly nice lady sent me a copy of the Singer 99k manual and I
can't find her e-mail address to say thanks! The only part of her address I
have is: friend@cybervers. I want to send her a package! Can you provide
the rest of the e-mail address? Thanks, Rhonda
From: Diana McAninch
Subject: Re: FW Fanatics 7/31/96
Date: Fri, 2 Aug 1996 12:40:28 +0000
>My future Mother-in-Law is thinking of selling her 301a and of course I
>want to buy it. I like the cabinet but the machine is that brown/tan and
>I think it's pretty ugly (not to mention dirty). She wants me to come up
>with a fair price (why do people do this to us?!) and I was thinking of
>offering $50. Is this too low? The machine is probably a 7, well used.
>What would you guys offer in a situation like this?
Sheri,
I would take my affianced (?) and the machine to a local dealer, explain
that the lady wanted to sell and see what the dealer would pay for it
(himself) Then give her $10-$20 more. In this situation, you will want to
stay on reasonably good terms with this lady :)
Diana in Penna.
From: sharon@cvo.oneworld.com
Date: Sat, 3 Aug 1996 11:56:50 +0000
Subject: sewing machine find
DH and I went to estate and garage sales today. The first machine I
saw was a 15-91 in a desk for $125. The part around the light was
broken and the top was used as a pin cushion. It just didn't "grab"
me. The second machine I saw was a treadle that someone had
electrified. It was still in a treadle cabinet (in so-so condition),
but the paint on the machine was in bad shape and the feed cover
was missing. Price $100.
A co-worker I saw told me that she had been to another sale where she
saw an old machine. I didn't expect it to still be there, but it
was. It was a 301A with many attachments, a buttonholer and a
manual. It's an 8.5 - one scratch keeps it from being a 9. It was
on top of a desk that was made for another sewing machine size.
Price $140 for machine and desk. Even though they wouldn't let me
buy just the machine, I bought it anyway and left the desk there. DH
was shaking his head the whole time, but let me have it anyway.
This is my first old sewing machine, and I love it! I didn't even
wait to clean off the dust before I experimented with it. (I will
regret this because I'm allergic to dust.) Anyway, did I pay a
reasonable price? Even if I didn't, I don't mind; I'd just love to
tell DH that we didn't overpay.
I'd appreciate any advice on use and care. My only experience so far
has been with a Touch &Sew. This may be a dumb question, but the
manual says to only use Singer oil. Does that really matter?
Sharon
In cool Oregon (had to wear jeans and a light jacket this morning)
Date: Sat, 03 Aug 96 15:15:38 -0700
From: Kevin Weeks
Subject: Featherweight accessories
I have a series AJ Featherweight 221 (anniversary emblem). I have no
attachments except for two small unusual items which I have been unable
to identify yet. One is a small post about 1" long with a point that
looks like the point of a top. The other is a straight post about 1-1/2"
long with a round platform at the bottom. Any help would be appreciated.
I am interested in obtaining attachments for my Featherweight, would
appreciate any information. Thanks.
Date: Sat, 03 Aug 1996 17:57:51 +0000
From: lrolando@attmail.com (Linda J Rolando)
Subject: Re: FW Fanatics 8/1/96
Does anyone have the base plate for a 221 and a white/green 221K....I am
willing to buy both....please e-mail me directly if you can help. Thanks.
Linda in humid/rainy NJ
Date: Sat, 3 Aug 1996 21:10:35 -0400 (EDT)
From: Lydia Pratt
Subject: Fold-out boxes &sale stuff
Sometime after I logged off yesterday evening it occurred to me that the
box that I saw at the Springfield Antique Mall (the one that the "racks"
had been removed from) had a pale tan or beige lining. Maybe there's
something to the lining colors after all.
I have the following items for sale:
1) Complete buttonholer for Free Westinghouse/New Home machine, in
original (although faded) velveteen-covered cardboard box. Includes
buttonholer, 5 cams, feed dog cover and attachment screw, original
instruction manual. $25.00 + $3.00 postage.
2) Singer Zigzag attachment #160745 for Class 301 (NOT for a FW) machine.
Inlcudes original box, attaching screw, edge guide, and original manual
with latest copyright date of 1952. $25.00 + $3.00 postage.
3) Singer Blind Stitch attachment #160616 with attaching screw in original
cardboard box. No instructions. $15.00 + $3.00 postage.
E-mail if interested.
To all: You should all be very proud of me. After I finished stitching
down the binding on my guild quilt, I noticed that the needle I had been
using now had a small but obvious depression worn into its right side. So
I started puttering with the machine to see if I could figure out what was
wrong (this is the presumed Necchi, not the FW). I took off the throat
plate and tilted the head up to see what was going on. I got out the
illustrated parts list that came with the machine so I could describe the
problem intelligently if I had to take it in. Sure enough, a part of the
shuttle hook was coming into contact with the needle on every stitch. I
had to figure out how to either shift the needle to the left, or the whole
shuttle/shuttle driver assembly to the right. Then just for fun I got out
the 221 Service Manual (Thanks, Linda!!), primarily because both this
machine and the FW have side-loading bobbins, which means they form a
stitch more or less the same way even if the individual pieces are shaped
differently. I sorta figured out what I was looking for, and then in a
moment of either reckless adventure or reckless stupidity, I picked up a
screw driver and started experimenting with the underside linkages of the
machine. There were really only two possibilities, and I got it right the
second time! I was able to shift the assembly so that the needle no
longer makes contact with any of the shuttle parts. I don't know if I got
the "0.005 inch" tolerance that the manual recommends, but I tightened
everything up and IT STILL SEWS!!! This is the most adventurous thing
I've done since I backflushed the input valves on my washing machine right
after we moved to Ohio. Gee, oiling, lubing, tightening up the stitch
length lever, and now mechanical adjustments.....shouldn't I be getting a
Merit Badge or something???? Anyway, I'm VERY pleased with myself that I
tried it, did it, and didn't screw up!
Cheers!
Lydia P
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