Featherweight
Fanatics
Archives
July 1996
Sunday, July 7th - Saturday, July 13th
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id AA27841; Mon, 8 Jul 96 08:43:28 EDT
Date: Mon, 8 Jul 96 08:58:21 -0500
From: Featherweight Fanatics
Subject: FW Fanatics 7/7/96
To: Sue@quilt.com
X-Mailer: LeeMail 2.0.5
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Date: Sun, 07 Jul 1996 00:42:05 -0400
From: Larry Doyle
Subject: Tea Time Books
Hi All and to Grahm,I to had a great introduction to making tea.As a young
boy I worked for a well travled lady,she was also an English teacher a
Radcliff Collage here in Cambridge,Mass.It was here belief that people who
did not make good tea ,also did not make good bed folk.At her house we would
take a good earthenware pot fill it with water that had come to a rolling
boil.Fill the kettle again,bring that to a boil,empty out the first water
[ut the amount of tea in the pot pot as needed.cover that with just enough
boining to cover it.Asigh the lid to its proper spot,let the tea steep for
five good minutes.Then add the rest of the boiling water tho fill the
pot.Serve this good and hot with plenty of rich biskets.
What is the book you all are talking about from Grahm and Bobbie.It sounds
as if I must have it.Please let me know.
Date: Sun, 7 Jul 1996 11:42:09 GMT
From: Alan Pritchard
Life is Good!! Bought a Singer hand crank machine yesterday. I've been
looking at it for couple months when it was $80. Three weeks ago the antique
dealer told me I could have it for $25, but I didn't get it. I think DH was
tired of hearing me crying the blues because yesterday we drove down there
(its about an hour from here) and I asked if I could still have it for $25.
It now has a new home. The bentwood case is in good shape (one stain), no
key and I think once I get all the grime off the machine it will be probably
a 7 to 8. Very little of the nickle plating is gone, and I think the
machine will clean up - at least the part I cleaned last night has a nice
shine to it. According to the blue book it was made in 1924, but I'll call
Singer on Monday.
I enjoy reading the postings of hiding machines from DH. I had back surgery
in the fall and am not suppose to lift over 5 lb so my DH goes with me when
I look for machines, so there is no way I can hide one from him. If DD went
along instead of DH, she would make an announcement as soon as she walked in
the door!
I did learn a lesson when I got the first machine after my surgery and he
was with me - do not promise to sell one machine so that I buy have another!
Other than the fact that I can't sneak machines or attachments into the
house any more, I'm glad that he goes with me. It gives us some time
together and he now finds more than I do. I work on Saturdays and he often
will go to estate sales while I'm at work although I think he does it to
postpone doing yard work.
Could some one please tell me where the Virginia Quilt Museum is in
Harrisonburg (my hometown)? We're going there in two weeks and I would like
to visit it.
Still looking for a 15-30 ...
JP in North Carolina where its been in the low 80s, low humidity and no rain
(a rare treat for July).
Date: Fri, 5 Jul 1996 21:37:09 -0400 (EDT)
From: Lydia Pratt
Subject: Short Note
To Viola: I have used a ton of WD-40 on the decomposing outer layer of
varnish on my Model 127 treadle and it does NOT harm the gold provided you
rub with a soft cloth and a gentle motion. In some places I have used
about a 2x14" strip of nylon net wound around my fingers into a pad to
gently "scrub" an area, and I have had no problems -- although I don't
remember if I actually did this over a gold area. Avoid alcohol
-- it will work but it will probably take off more than you want it to.
***> DO NOT USE <*** acetone (nail polish remover) -- it will take off
everything INCLUDING the japanned finish.
Small note: For those of you who find yourselves working with solvents
other than WD-40 and who don't have what I would call a mess-proof
location to work in. I have found that empty foundation (as in make-up)
bottles make excellent containers for small quantities of solvents. They
tend to have low centers of gravity so they don't tip easily, they tend to
have thicker bottoms so they don't tip easily, they have small
openings suitable for dipping q-tips (cotton swabs) and then squeezing out
excess along the opening edge, and they all have nice, tight-fitting caps.
Graham, Al, Gene, Chris: how you explain your (presumably) newfound
interest in cosmetics is up to you.....
To Elaine: Six FWs and one Spartan under a crib -- thanks for the tip. I
may need it eventually.
I'm/we're off for a week at a State Park resort on the western edge of
Ohio. We've been there twice before, but now I have reason to pay
attention to all those signs that say "antiques" along the way. If I'm
lucky I'll have lots and lots of goodies to "share" with you all when we
get back. Maybe I'll find a 7/29/49 99K of my very own.
I'm taking a machine to finish machine quilting my guild quilt that was
originally due in May. I've decided to take the Bernette instead of the
Spartan because the Bernette has a built-in top handle and the Spartan is
still in search of a suitable case. Also I know the walking foot works on
the Bernette (I've used it before), and the Spartan's performance in
machine quilting is still an unknown quantity (and I should have had this
quilt finished LONG AGO). "ERnie" is pouting a little, but I've promised
him he gets to piece the next ABC Quilt top.
Hugs to everybody, especially Sue!
Happy stitching and "see" you in a week!
_ _
Lydia Pratt |_|X|_|
Columbus, Ohio |X|*|X|
lspratt@freenet.columbus.oh.us |_|X|_|
From: "Lois Whelan"
Subject: Carrying Cases
Date: Sun, 7 Jul 1996 10:11:40 -0400
For anyone looking for a carrying case for their machines: Wal-mart is
selling white plastic cases for $20.00. They appear to be large enough
for models other than FW and will offer protection. They are in the
fabric dept. - worth a look.
A SM shopowner told me he was getting in cases for the FW ($20. also). He
didn't have any in stock so I can't tell you what they look like. Just
thought I'd pass this information along. Lois Whelan
Date: Sun, 07 Jul 1996 11:03:50 -0400
From: Susan Risty
Subject: help, I'm moving
Fwf friends, please help me out. In about a year my family is moving to
beautiful San Diego. Anyone knowledgeable about high schools, rents, and so
forth, please share with me. Sorry if this is not exactly sm related, but I
don't know who else to ask.
One of my fw's is originally from SD, so she will be happy to go home I'm sure.
thanks much for all/any help.
Susan, still in sunny northern Virginia
risty@erols.com
Date: Sun, 7 Jul 1996 11:39:29 -0400
From: Tsuneko1@aol.com
Subject: Re: FW Fanatics 7/5/96
Hi everyone, were many of you able to get to the Chat? I must be really
thick--guess I'm going to have to get my computer expert over again. Maybe
next time, Sue!
I came across an old Pfaff this weekend. Do any of you FWF have a l30 Pfaff?
I understand it is the first zigzag machine that Pfaff made. Is it a good
machine? The condition of the one I saw seemed to be really good, with a lot
of attachments. Unfortunately, the cabinet does not appeal to me. Would
this machine be a real workhorse? (For quilting, of course!)
A couple of weeks ago, I purchased a book by a German man Otto Landgraf
called OLdtimer Sewing Machine (it was translated from German by Graham!).
It has a lot of information in it based on many articles he has published on
SM. It's an interesting book although very costly ($60). It does feature
mostly European machines. Anyway, if anyone is interested I purchased it as
Lacis, in Berkeley, CA (510) 843-7290. Actually if you've been thinking
about buying the Slater book, this one, although it costs more, is a better
buy considering the difference in real information between the two. Claire
Fukuda (Tsuneko1@AOL.com)
From: "Ted Hopkins"
Date: Sun, 7 Jul 1996 12:03:03 +0000
Subject: Graham's Manual
Bobbie,
just to let you know that I received my copy in Friday's mail.
That's unusually quick for mail delivery from the U.S. to Canada.
Graham, thanks so much for making this manual available to us and
Bobbie, as I'm sure you are now aware, all of your hard work is very
much appreciated, now on both sides of the border.
Am I correct in understanding that this manual was originally
produced by Singer in the UK for the benefit of their dealers?
If so, is anyone aware of whether Singer prepared a similar
recognition manual for their US or North American dealers? If you
look at the list of various Singer models in the Sewing Machine Blue
Book, it is apparent that there were many more models that were never
manufactured or sold in UK.
Thanks again Bobbie &Graham
Ted Hopkins
Windsor, Ont.
Hopkin3@server.uwindsor.ca
Date: Sun, 7 Jul 1996 11:08:40 -0500
From: gustafsonvd@phibred.com (Gustafson, Vicki D.)
Subject: Model 66?
Hi
I'm new to the list...I know this is a FW group, but I understand you also
talk about other old machines. I am now the proud owner of my great
grandmother's treadle machine!!! I called Singer with the serial number and
they told me that it is a model 66 born December 1908. My machine has a
shuttle which is worn to the point that it cuts the threads. I have a
catalog from "A Stitch in Time", but for model 66 they have a bobbin
listed. For models 127 and 27-4 they have shuttles.....What do I order?
I also need to order a belt and clean it up. I have read a few posts
lately about how to clean them, so I'm feeling better about not destroying
the paint as I clean. Does anyone know where I can get a manual, so I know
what other parts I need and how to thread it. My father took it apart and
cleaned and repainted the surface metal, but now I'm not sure how to put the
tension dial back together. Any help would be greatly appreciated!!! I'd
love to actually use it for a Christmas gift to my grandmother. Thanks,
Vicki
Vicki Gustafson
gustafsonvd@phibred.com
Date: Fri, 5 Jul 1996 21:26:33 -0400 (EDT)
From: "Joan E. Smith"
Subject: A good cuppa tea
For Graham --
I just had to comment on true story #24. You see, having lived in the
states all my life, I can truly empathize! But you left out two of my
pet peeves -- what about the offers of more hot water for your already
steeped and squeezed tea bag? I've actually been charged for a second
teabag when I used to be fool enough to ask for one! My second gripe is
tea on airlines. They put about ten bags of tea in a pot of hot water
and then leave them in there, maybe for hours based on how incredibly
bitter it tastes. Alas, there is no hope for good tea in a public
establishment in the USA, but if you want coffee you've got it made!
For all --
Does anyone have a manual for a Singer model 328? Someone's previous
description of it looking like a John Deere tractor was very accurate.
Picked it up cheap ($15) at a garage sale a few weeks ago and am curious
to know what it's capable of. It can apparently zigzag, and it had one cam
inserted so guess it can do other specialty stitches, though it came with
no attachments.
Joan
* Honolulu, HI *
Date: Sun, 7 Jul 1996 14:41:48 -0400
From: LFisher902@aol.com
Subject: Re: Swap meet find
Hi,
I finally have a good deal to tell you about. Have found many Fw's at swap
meet at somewhat of a good prices, but this morning I think I have found the
best deal yet. My mom and I were on our usual search for Fw's and I told her
to also look at the tables under the items for sale. Ten minutes later, I
spotted a FW table and asked if the vendor would sell it-Of course he said,
for $25. And then he said I have another one too. He told me they were used
for sewing machines and I said "yes, I know". I got both for $45. They need
refinishing , but that will give me a new challenge. I must thank the FW
fanatic who told us to always look at the cardtables the vendors use. A
lesson well learned, Thanks, Laura
Date: Fri, 5 Jul 1996 18:39:16 -0700
From: Judy
Subject: 99 Manual
Hi, Venitta,
Saw your request for a manual for the Singer 99. I have one for a
99-13. This is the machine that comes in a bentwood case and has the knee
bar. I have a 99K made in 1957 that I am teaching my 8-year-old
granddaughter to sew on.
I'll send you a copy of the manual if you will send me your mailing
address. You can also find information on the 99 on the Internet at:
http://www.icsi.net/~pickens/model99.htm
Judy in Prosser, Washington
From: "Lori"
Date: Fri, 28 Jun 1996 05:38:50 -0800
Subject: Feather Weight Parts
Hi Everyone;
I just wanted to let everyone know that here in Chico California Jim
Sorrell, our favorite singer repair man has a feather weight that is
just good for parts. He has a motor in real good shape and also a
hook in good condition. If anyone needs them give him a call at
916-345-7071. I am about to buy a 1901 singer hand crank. Can't
wait.
Lori
lscott@sunset.net
Date: Mon, 8 Jul 1996 00:27:39 GMT
Subject: No Subject
From: ma@usa.pipeline.com (Maggie Arlotta)
Hi everyone,
Along with sewing machines I've always been interested in
many other old items.When I bought my last treadle the woman gave me a
magazine called The Antique Trader to look thru. Its a weekly publication
covering the US and some overseas dealers.There was just about anything you
could ever want listed in it with many many pictures of all kinds of
antiques.I even saw a few FW advertised in the $300 range. What caught my
eye was an advertisement from London.In it you ordered containers of good
used and antique furniture starting at $15,000.00 a container.Many items
were listed by price among them "treadle sewing machines mostly made in the
US" for $35.00.I wonder how many sm it would take to fill up one of those
containers.Anyway, I found it interesting and would recommend it to anyone
interested in collectable items.Took me days just to read thru the whole
thing.
Maggie in NY
Date: Sun, 07 Jul 1996 20:32:22 -0700
From: Mark &Katy
Subject: For Sale
Hi Fellow Fanatics,
I picked up a few treasures recently. E-mail me at Sweigam @cris.com if you are
interested in
any of the following. Prices do not include shipping. Thanks! Katy
1. Manual for Ward's Brunswick Sewing Machine, Vibrating Shuttle. Dated 1929.
Good
condition,
fold line down the center. $10
2. Minnesota A manual and attachment set. The manual is a bit rough but appears
to all
be
there. The attachment set is in great condition and includes an extra throat
plate. $20
3. Singer Automatic Zigzagger, # 161102, will fit all low shank Singers
including FWs.
Excellent
condition, has original box, manual and 4 top-hat shaped cams for decorative
stitches.
$30
4. Singer Zigzag attachment, #160620, will fit all low shank Singers including
FWs. Good
condition, has original box (box appears to have been wet at one time) and
manual. This
is the
older style that only zigzags, does not use cams. $25
5. Tube of Singer motor Lubricant in original green box with red "S". Box is
missing end
flaps on
one end. Tube has a few crinkles in the bottom. I wouldn't use it but it is a
great
piece of Singer
memorabilia for your collection. $15
6. Singer buttonholer # 12795. Older style, will fit all low shank Singers.
This is the
buttonholer
ONLY, no box or cover plate. I can copy a manual though. $6
7. Singer buttonholer in green plastic box, #160506, will fit all low shank
Singers
including FWs.
Includes 5 metal templates, feed cover plate, and copy of manual. $20
8. Light for a 99k. This is the round "spotlight" type, includes mounting
bracket. Will
also work on
a Spartan. $10
9. Greist Rotary buttonholer, fits top clamping machines. Includes 5 metal
templates,
feed cover
plate and screws. Manual copy. $9
10. Newer Greist buttonholer, will fit all low shank Singers including FWs.
Includes 5
plastic
templates, manual and feed dog cover. $9
11. White buttonholer, fits older top clamping style White Rotary machines.
Includes 5
metal
templates, feed dog cover, plastic box with "WHITE" in raised letters. $9
12. I also have several sets of Greist attachments in black metal, velvet lined
boxes.
These will fit
top clamping machines. E-mail me if you need a set and I will tell you how to
measure to
match
you up with the right set. $12 each.
Thanks! Katy in warm, humid Michigan
From: woodnspl@rma.edu
Subject: It won't sew!
To Gail and anyone having problems with thread getting caught:
Besides not sewing on fabric, a retired singer repairman told the
majority of thread getting caught in the featherweights was turning the balance
backwards. I've never had a problem with that with other machine but
apparently
the featherweight has that problem. So for those who use their FWs, don't turn
the balance wheel clockwise.
This weekend I was in Binghamton NY and did some antiqueing. Was disappointed,
only found two machines, a Sparton for $50 in rough shape and missing the
plate.
I passed it up. Then in an Salvation Army store, a 66 in really poor
condition. It didn't have much rust but had very little paint either. They
wanted $49 for it. Too much for parts. Actually I saw two other machines.
One
a toy for $125 that I knew nothing about, and a much older head of a machine
for
$190. There was no information about this machine, it was very small and
seemed
to be in poor condition. I will have to learn more about these early machines.
I might have passed up a rare one and didn't know it. I just was not ready to
gamble a $190 on a machine I knew nothing about. I did not look like either a
Willcox and gibbs or a Wheeler &Wilson.
I did find some Singer parts and a Hemstitcher and a 66 manual :). Saw
the bentwood top for a case but it had a hole in it.:(
Ann in Front Royal VA
woodnspl@rma.edu
Date: Sun, 07 Jul 1996 20:46:09 -0700
From: Mark &Katy
Subject: This and that
Hi FWF!
We are back from vacation and it was great! I visited my centennial 99 that I
will get
to take home at Christmas and she is a beauty! My mom also picked up a 201k for
me last
week and I brought that one home. This one has had both the foot pedal and
motor
replaced with non-Singer parts. It also came in a newer plastic case, no manual
or
attachments. Sews great. I find it interesting to compare the 201k with the
201. There
are definite differences.
Thanks to Bobbi and Graham for the Singer book! I have been enjoying it
immensely but
think I really need that gold (!) 98k and also the blue 274k :).
Now for my great find of the trip story :). On July 4th, my mom and I got up
and went to
a garage sale that had a SM advertised. We got there and it was a Domestic
zigzag but I
recognized the cabinet as a Singer desk style, the kind with three drawers down
one
side. Well, I loved the cabinet but knew DH wouldn't so I nearly walked away
before I
decided to look in the drawers. They were filled with wooden spools and the
like. I
asked the lady if she would sell just some of the sewing stuff separate from
the machine
and she agreed. I found a green oval Singer oil can, a pair of stork scissors,
a manual
for a Singer craft guide and a few wooden needle cases and then asked how much.
Price?
$1.00 for all..........yes, I am grinning. My first oil can and it didn't break
the
bank. I will now take the time to look at ALL machines regardless of the make
as you
just never know what you will find nearby...
I have loved getting caught up on the list. Thanks again to Sue for being our
Singer
saint.
Have a great day, Katy
Date: Sun, 7 Jul 1996 20:34:05 -0400 (EDT)
From: Marilyn Root
Subject: A find
Got the Monday porch mail this evening. That's the package with a local
paper and lots of ads that you don't know who to call to stop it when you
go out of town.
There was an ad for an "antique Singer sewing machine - $100". Don't know
why I called. Just curious about what she had. Sounded like a 127 and
she said the cabinet was refinished. I don't need another treadle machine
but went on to talk about the paint, etc. and she volunteered that their
was a box of attachments - A WOODEN BOX! WITH VELVET!! I tried to sound
matter of fact and asked if she would be willing to sell the attachments.
Offered her $15 and went right over and picked it up.
It is about 6" by 3" by 3". When you open it out flat, each side has 4
triangles sticking up which come together to make the ends of the box when
it is folded. It is lined with purple velvet and has silver colored pieces
screwed in to hold the attachments in place. Don't know what goes where
except for the different binders that line up on a piece with matching
part numbers. Only one of these attachments can be identified as Singer
and it has the big "S". There is one large attachment that I have never
seen before. It has a part that evidently gets pushed up and down as the
machine goes (reminds me of a multi-hole punch for paper because of the
springy motion). The part number is 26088. Does anyone know what this does?
Well, someone is going to get a nice old Singer for $100 but it won't have
attachments with it. It really is in nice shape and the shuttle went back
and forth very smoothly when I turned the wheel. Has the sphinx
decoration. I think it is a 127 but it is much older than mine which is
1928. It has a B serial number. The cabinet is fancier than mine also
with applied wood carvings along the front drawer and around the keyholes
on the 4 side drawers.
Have never seen a velvet lined accessory box before. Just knew I wanted
one after hearing about other Fanatics' finds. Wasn't even out looking.
Just picked up the phone. I wish all of you good luck, too.
Marilyn
Date: Sun, 7 Jul 1996 21:17:18 -0400
From: GWillie37@aol.com
Subject: White FW 221K7 for sale
Hi, I have a white (mint green) FW for sale. It has the manual, few
attachments, some bobbins, but no case. I had it serviced just last week and
it runs great. It has no scratches, dents, or paint missing. It looks like
new. I 'm asking $285 + shipping. If interested or want more info, E-mail me
at Da Pelt@aol.com (Rick)
Date: Sun, 7 Jul 1996 21:42:25 -0400
From: TJanson280@aol.com
Subject: Key needed
Hi again to everyone
I need a key for a bentwood case top that goes to (I think) a 128k. A
regular screwdriver will lock and unlock it ok. Are keys still available?
I can't seem to find the address to register my featherweights with this
group. I remember reading the post about a place to e-mail your SN's in case
of theft and I just can't locate it. I have about 2 reams of printed digest
NOW! What a LOAD of great information I have, but I can't seem to get it
orgainized in any manner.
Could someone let me know again how to register my 2 little babies??
One more question that I can never remember to ask....What in the heck is the
wooden spindle on my treadle machine that is located on the surface of the
cabinet behind the back side of my machine for????? I think it must be for a
larger spool of thread??
Thanks for any help. Also SUE, you are so wonderful for organizing all of
this for us FWF's. I have learned so very much. My collection has now grown
to 9. Sometimes I am so unorganized i find myself walking in circles and
forgetting what I was looking for....Arghhhh, I will hit 40 this year too!
Bye 4 now... Terri Janson in Michigan. Now I am glad for the window A/C
that we have.
Date: Sun, 07 Jul 1996 21:18:26 -0700
From: Eva Troncoso
Subject: News Flash
Yes, Bobbie, count me in for the new book you will be reprinting. I'm so
excited about my new FW. Although I do not do any quilting, I do a lot of
sewing. I want to learn more about these little gems, because as of now,
I didn't get the manual that comes with it. I'll be ordering that booklet
that Ms Johnson Srebro ( hope I spelled her name correctly) is offering
for $6.95 for now. Let me know when you are ready to send these books
out. Thank you. Eva
Date: Sun, 7 Jul 1996 20:48:14 -0700
From: Elizabeth Faria
Subject: 301's and machine quilting
Been using my 301 (thanks Glen) every since I received it from Glen in
Flordia. I'm hooked on this machine. My question is I have a machine
quilting class comming up in a couple of weeks and need to know if I need to
buy a special darning foot to use on this 301. (the needle is slightly
slanted) I know I can lower the feed dogs with a screw driver, so I really
need to know about the darning foot and walking foot. If anyone out there is
FW land uses the 301 for machine quilting please give me some advice.
Thanks in advance for any advise I can get.
thanks Sue for such a wonderful list, I'm allways learning about FW and
other machines from this list.
Liz Faria
mslizf1@s2.sonnet.com
Friends are our chosen familly.
____________________________________
FWFanatics@ttsw.com - Singer phone # 1-800-877-7762
And now a word from our sponsor:
Mary Stori is now booking 1997 &1997 dates to present lectures/workshops.
To receive a brochure email your snail mail address to: DSTORI911@aol.com
Visit Mary's web page http://quilt.com/MaryS
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id AA10667; Tue, 9 Jul 96 08:31:48 EDT
Date: Tue, 9 Jul 96 08:45:27 -0500
From: Featherweight Fanatics
Subject: FW Fanatics 7/9/96
To: Sue@quilt.com
X-Mailer: LeeMail 2.0.5
Message-Id:
Date: Mon, 8 Jul 1996 01:10:55 -0400
From: tmfrazer@netcom.ca (Tracy Maureen Frazer)
Subject: Re: FW Fanatics 7/6/96
Hi its Tracy on Bowen Island, keep trying to email this story, it keep
getting returned sooo....Requested help on FWFanatics in locating a FW
in BV.. Got lots of local and not so local encouragement, offers of
machines, and ideas. Just really wanted one to use for my minature
quilts, seemed just the right size. Took someone's great idea to phone
blitz Vancouver stores looking for FW, found a 222, condition 7, runs
really well, sews perfectly, pricey, but I was afraid I wouldn't see
too many FWs since I live on a small island! Several people had
offered me FWs soon after and decided to have one shipped to me sight
unseen at a very good price, Thanks Don! A beautiful FW, 8.5, and a
Centennial!!!!!! And on the ferry home showed my neighbors the book
for FW, said now all I needed was the table, neighbor said we have one
just like that! NOOO! YESSSSSS! Been using it as a whatever table for
years, in really good shape, just needs some cleanup. And mine for the
trade of a table to hold all their stuff( computer, etc.)~! Thought
this is where I should stop, really only wanted one for piecing, not
going to be a collector?????
Now Saturday roles around and I decide I have to go to a big
neighborhood garage on the other side of the island. Might find some
missing FW parts or..... Usually never go because DH is delivering the
newspaper at that time. Made the kids get up early and join my DH for
half his route. Some how I just knew... Garage sale, two blocks long,
but not too much stuff of interest, kept looking at all those card
tables I had just never noticed before this all started...Looking at
card table, look up and spy a LITTLE BLACK CASE!!!!!! YES!!!! A FW very
grubby being sold by its original owner for $45 Canadian ($30 US)!
Sold! Spent the day reading FW archives and cleaning her up. Even an
oil can! There is an 8 undeFrom: tmfrazer@netcom.ca(Tracy Maureen Frazer)
Subject: Re: FW Fanatics 7/6/96
To: Featherweight Fanatics
Hi its Tracy on Bowen Island, keep trying to email this story, it keep
getting returned sooo....Requested help on FWFanatics in locating a FW
in BV.. Got lots of local and not so local encouragement, offers of
machines, and ideas. Just really wanted one to use for my minature
quilts, seemed just the right size. Took someone's great idea to phone
blitz Vancouver stores looking for FW, found a 222, condition 7, runs
really well, sews perfectly, pricey, but I was afraid I wouldn't see
too many FWs since I live on a small island! Several people had
offered me FWs soon after and decided to have one shipped to me sight
unseen at a very good price, Thanks Don! A beautiful FW, 8.5, and a
Centennial!!!!!! And on the ferry home showed my neighbors the book
for FW, said now all I needed was the table, neighbor said we have one
just like that! NOOO! YESSSSSS! Been using it as a whatever table for
years, in really good shape, just needs some cleanup. And mine for the
trade of a table to hold all their stuff( computer, etc.)~! Thought
this is where I should stop, really only wanted one for piecing, not
going to be a collector?????
Now Saturday roles around and I decide I have to go to a big
neighborhood garage on the other side of the island. Might find some
missing FW parts or..... Usually never go because DH is delivering the
newspaper at that time. Made the kids get up early and join my DH for
half his route. Some how I just knew... Garage sale, two blocks long,
but not too much stuff of interest, kept looking at all those card
tables I had just never noticed before this all started...Looking at
card table, look up and spy a LITTLE BLACK CASE!!!!!! YES!!!! A FW very
grubby being sold by its original owner for $45 Canadian ($30 US)!
Sold! Spent the day reading FW archives and cleaning her up. Even an
oil can! There is an 8 under all that age and she sews beautifully!
So here I sit with FWs, a 222, a Centennial, and a garage sale
bargain. All in under 3 weeks time. And through this I was also able
to link with more FWs for quilting friends. Thanks to the
FWFanatics!!!! Special thanks to Don, Kathy,Diane and all those special
people who emailed me with their advice and offers.
Tracy on Bowen Island, trying to figure out which machine to sew on and
looking for FW ANON, because I think I'm a collector now!
tmfrazer@netcom.ca
Date: Sun, 7 Jul 1996 21:42:12 -0700 (PDT)
From: Grant Miller
Subject: Re: model 28
I have a model 28 which has a very interesting motor. It is turned on and
offby a rheostat switch right on the motor. The motor swings under the arm
when it is packed under the bentwood cover. My husband insists that
when I firstbrought this home that it worked...but it no longer does.
My more immediate concern is finding the throat plate, which comes in two
pieces. I spoke to the Singer man at the local distribution center who
suggested calling Singer to get the part number so he could order it. I
can't seem to get through that number and wonder if anyone on this list
has a spare throat plate. At the distribution center, the owner tried
what looked like the right piece, but it was just a little too long.
Re British and American pronunciation, Graham, here are some other
variations. Americans pronounce pasta as do the Italians...yet the
Brits use a different vowel sound for the a...as we use in fast.
Other different words...dinosaur, menopause, and missile. I tried to
think of one sentence using all three....and just couldn't do it!
Re tea....I always boil the water first and pour it over the teabag
either into the teapot or cup and saucer or mug...with little plate for
the teabag. So, if you come to Sacramento, California I'll make you some.
Perhaps part of your problem in the states is your language, not just
your accent. Next time you order tea, ask the waiter to nuke the water
until it bubbles and to immediately immerse the tea bag. ("nuke" is
slang for microwave.) Hmmm, now that I think more about your difficulties
with us colonialists, perhaps it is your accent and a waiter's memory
of his or her greatgrandaddy's tales of dumping tea in the Boston harbor!
Elise (Grant is my DH)
--Grant--
gem@netcom.com
Time is Nature's way of keeping everything
from happening at once.
Date: 08 Jul 96 06:48:43 EDT
From: Graham Forsdyke <100661.3256@CompuServe.COM>
Subject: Contribution>
To Nancy
If the craving for Devonshire clotted cream ever get too great, let me know and
I'll bring some on my next trip and post it from within the USA.
To Lydia
Enjoy vacation and avoid erb tea at all costs
Graham Forsdyke
ISMACS London
From: jdo@mail.wincom.net
Date: Mon, 8 Jul 1996 08:52:23 +0000
Subject: 128
Hi all I just thought I'd tell you about my newest machine. I picked
up a 128 yesterday in trade for a table that I no longer needed. The
machine has the shuttle bobbin, (my first) and it's in excellent
shape. Of course it has the typical tiny sewing scratches but other
than that there are no marks. It has the bentwood case, original
manual, a Singer box of attachment that hooks inside the case, the
knee bar and the oil can that clamps inside the case. It sews
beautifully, and as soon as I can I'll call Singer about a date of
manufacture. The serial number is JA829431.
Also this weekend I picked up a buttonholer for my 301 in the pink
plastic case. It must be what everybody refers to as the Jetson case
- oval shaped? Anyway it has the original manual and 8 cams. I tried
it out yesterday and I find it amazing that a straight stitch
machine can make such great button holes. I paid $30 Canadian for it
and it was worth it to me. The guy also had buttonholers and
zigzaggers for the featherweight, when I get more money I'll go back
and pick up something else.
Thanks Graham and Bobbie for the manual - it arrived Friday and I
really enjoyed seeing all the machines - at least now I know what the
machines look like when people talk about them here. Your work in
getting this manual was much appreciated - both of you.
Better go - I've gone on much too long.
Nancy D.
Wheatley, Ontario
Date: Mon, 08 Jul 1996 09:06:00 -0700
From: Mark &Katy
Subject: Attachments and such
Hi Folks,
I sat down one night a while back and tried out all of my attachments.
They are wonderful. If you haven't tried them out, do so! I have not
noticed that the zigzaggers or buttonholers would cause any damage to the
bed of the machine but will have to look a bit more closely next time.
After seeing how well the buttonholer worked, I nearly decided to make my
daughters dresses, nearly... I said :). These little gadgets are
engineering marvels and it is great fun to watch them work. One note, if
you use them much, they will need oiling like the machine. Hope this at
least encourages you all to try these out.
BTW, I met Chris Deitchley (sp?) at the NQA show in Grand Rapids a
few weeks back. I had a great time talking machines with her and
looking at her lovely model 15. I had never before seen a machine
with a completely black spoked wheel. Perhaps this was for the
centennial or one of a kind. I also got to see a couple FW tables
there. The FWs at the show seemed high priced to me. I saw one that
was missing not only the gold, but much of the black paint along the
front for $395!
I recently found a manual for a Singer Craft guide and it
fascinates me. Anyone have one of these for sale? Enough rambling for
now.
Katy in Michigan
Date: Wed, 07 Feb 1996 09:04:12 -0800
From: "James M. Welch"
Subject: 301A
I saw a 301A for the first time last week. A lady brought hers in for
repair, the bobbin finger, Jim told me the technical name for it but it
escapes me at the moment, the spindle in the race that you attach set the
bobbin case into, is broken off. Her grandson did it she thinks. Our
usual sources for repairs say it's not available anymore so I thought I
would post here to see if anyone has any ideas of where to find one.
Its a gorgeous machine, complete with suitcase type carrying case,
manual, attachments, in good shape. She wants to trade it in on a used
machine for her daughter. If she does, I told Jim, ITS MINE!!! working
or not. I have tried not to look at it too much as I don't want to get
my hopes up in case she changes her mind . . . . .
Any leads on a part would be wonderful.
I am anxious for the books Bobbie posted about already . . . . .
Debbie in NJ
PS Yes I am sorry to say there are some SM dealers who really should
lose their dealerships, they give the rest of us a bad name. Why anyone
would invest all the money into buying the machines and upkeep of their
dealership without going to the trainings and knowing how to sew is
beyond me. Shop around, there are wonderful dealers who know as much as
possible about their brands of machines, and they are worth their weight
in gold in follow up information after the sale.
Date: Mon, 8 Jul 1996 09:37:28 -0400
From: lorre.mccaffrey@po.state.ct.us
Subject: Singer Slant Sewing Machine
My monther-in-law has a singer electric sewing machine where the needle is
slanted when it sews. What I would like to know is there an interested in
this type of machine? Her's needs repair. She needs to decide if she
should junk it or try to sell it. And if she sells it what would be a
reasonable price.
Thanks Lorre in Ct where it is Muggy!
Date: Mon, 8 Jul 1996 10:38:42 -0400
From: duck@clark.net (Bob Campbell)
Subject: FWF CONVENTION
Hi:
I wonder if it might make our FWF convention become reality, more quickly,
if we perhaps connected it to an existing quilt show, such as the annual
shows at Lancaster, Paducah, or Houston? The organizers of those shows
might allow us (by taking a % of a fee of course) to conduct several
sessions or classes exclusively for Featherweights (with guest speakers,
slide show, demonstrations on cleaning, repair, mini museum, etc.)
We would give FWF members first chance to enroll in the sessions. It might
also be possible to rent a retail booth at the show and allow FWF members to
sell their machines and other goodies on some consignment basis ( to help
cover the cost of the booth and perhaps build a nestegg for future
conventions).
I would be willing to contact the organizer of the show in Lancaster and see
if she has any interest in this type of arrangement.
Please post to the FWF list, so we can all consider the possibilities.
Thanks for listening
Bob Campbell
duck@clark.net
Date: Mon, 08 Jul 1996 10:25:23 -0500 (CDT)
From: "Jill Minehart, Mngmt Dept"
Subject: Singer Bottle
I wrote about this a week or so ago, but haven't seen it on FWF yet, so maybe
it got lost or something.
My son-in-law found a bottle while digging in their back yard recently. It
looks sort of like an old medicine bottle. It's about 2" wide, 1" deep, and 6"
tall including the rather long neck. It still had the cork in it altho' that
was dried up and loose in it. It's clear glass and doesn't appear to have had
a lable tho' that may have been washed off long ago. In raised glass on the
front of the bottle is the oval Singer insignia with the bobbin, thread,
needle, etc. &"The Singer Manf. Co." inscribed -- just like the little gold
plate that's affixed to most Singer sewing machines on the front of the head
over under the bobbin winder. (That reminds me that the woman who sold me my
first FW this winter said that was how you could tell it was a FW -- by that
feather on the gold plate there. I kind of doubted it cuz it looked like an
ear of corn to me! Later I looked more closely and saw it was a bobbinn, etc.
-- duh.)
Anyway, does anyone know what this bottle might have held originally? I don't
think I've seen any mention of bottles here on this list before and I can't
imagine what would have come in this type of bottle. Maybe some magic elixir
to fortify one for the task of sewing? Any other ideas? Jill Minehart in Iowa
Date: Mon, 08 Jul 1996 10:25:52 -0500
From: Carol Austin
Subject: William Ewers
Hi Bobbie, Definitely count me in for W. Ewers books if you can get a deal
on publishing them. They are truly wonderful for us FWF's. I can't believe
you tracked him down! Maybe you should open a business tracking down
missing persons! I have a feeling your brain is always working overtime. TIA.
Carol McNiece Austin
Date: Mon, 08 Jul 1996 12:34:35 -0400
From: "David M. White"
Subject: This and That
Hello Everyone again,
Just a few things to mention this time....
Graham..
I loved your story about the hot tea. I started laughing as I read it and
was smiling the rest of the day just thinking about it. I never knew that
the USA is the only country that drinks "ICE" tea. All I can say is that I
have drank my share of ice tea and coffee in my 40 + years. I have never
had a beer or anything stronger. My dad was in the service, (Yes, I am a
Army brat), and I traveled overseas a few times. Unfortunately I never got
to England, but I am thinking about taking my wife there for our 15th
aniversery this year. I've been to Germany (twice) and France (Once).
While we were there I visited several more countries and both sides of the
Berlin Wall.
Everyone..
I went to a Antiques Fair held at a local fair grounds here this weekend.
Well, it was more like a large yard sale, very few vendors. But anyway, I
did find two items. One was one of the Singer buttonholers in the oblong
plastic box that I was looking for to add to my collection of sewing machine
stuff.
The other was a Singer Sewing machine attachment box with a owners manual
and attachments for a Singer 338 sewing machine. The box says "Made in
Great Britain" It has 8 Fashion Disc's, different feet, plastic bobbins,
and other acc for the machine in it. I have no use for it, so I am willing
to sell it for my cost plus shipping. I paid 9.00 dollars for it. If you
have a 338 and need it let me know.
Maryln Root...
The Multi-hole punch item you found in the oak box is a Tucker, No. 26513.
The 26088 number refers to the part that attaches to the sewing machine. I
have a copy of a manual that I got from a kind gentleman here on the FWF
list. I can look up his e-mail address for you if you desire. The manual I
got says: "Instructions for using The Singer Manuafacturing Co.'s
Attachments Style No. 11 with its No. 27 Sewing Machine. hth (Gee, I love
that kind of talk) VBG
Terri Janson &Everyone,
I used to go through the hassle of printing out all the e-mail on the FWF
that I wanted to keep for reference. But that got to be a big pain, trying
to find what I had printed out. Instead of printing out the messages and
wasting all that paper, ie: Trees, I now use a database program called
askSam. It lets you import text in any format and search it for anything
you want to know. My FWF files is over 2.5 megs now. It can read most
e-mail files directly, (I use Eudora), or import plain text files. I save
the Eudora mail as a plaing text file and import it into askSam using the
Date: key to break up the mail into individual documents, but that is not
really required.
I then can search the entire file for any text that I need. For example, I
recently searched the file for any reference to "Books". I then edited down
all the extra words and within a hour I had a reference list to all the
books mentioned on the FWF list since I started saving the mail. In your
case it would be a simple matter to search for "serial" and see what turned
up. Hold on a minute!!
This is the only reference I could find that mentioned "Register" and
"Serial numbers" in the FWF list that I have: I believe the FWF home page
also has a survey for the FW if that is the register that you are refering to.
>From: rsmeyer@maxinet.com (Rosemary Teghtmeyer)
>Date: Thu, 6 Jun 1996 09:51:22 +0000
>Subject: RE: This/That
>For All FW Fanatics,
>> "Attention Singer Featherweight Owners! Register your treasure in
>> the new, Singer-approved 221 Club Registry. Includes certificate.
>> SASEto 221 Club, 880 Valley Creek Rd., W Chester, PA 19380"
> Karan: Thanks for bring this to our attention. I'd got my book the
>other day but hadn't gone through it yet.
> I talked to Bev, the supervisor at Singer Customer Relations
>yesterday morning and she had not heard of this. She took the address
>etc and is going to investigate it. She said she'd contact the
>Marketing Department first.
> She said she'd contact me with what she finds out. I'll then post
>to the list. Unless someone receives info before I do.
hth
Sorry to be so long winded this time.... You all have a great day... David (:D
###############################################################################
#
David M. White Email: wd4skq@erols.com
Woodbridge, Virginia or dmwwd4skq@aol.com
20 Miles South of Washington DC.
Hobbies: Amateur Radio, WD4SKQ, Computers, Electronics, Home Automation,
Koi Fish, Softball, Old Sewing Machines
Favorite Quote: "You Will Pay For Your Lack Of Vision" The Emperor, Star Wars
Date: Mon, 8 Jul 1996 13:18:47 -0400 (EDT)
From: "Patricia E. Emerick"
Subject: Stuff: 7/8/96
To SewJude:
I have a 500A SM, I assume that's what your cousin Al is talking about...I
believe the FWFs call it the Rocketeer....and it's a Dynamo! I love it, and
of course all of it's parents, grandparents, great grand parents, cousins,
and inlaws...
My recent acquisition is a 431G, with a Free Arm! I finally got a Singer
Free Arm, even tho' it's not the one I want...(222K, of course!)...I need a
manual for it, if anyone out there has one. I have the 401 which is
similiar , but would prefer "the real thing!" Also, does anyone else have
one? And what do you think of it? I haven't been able to use it yet,
because of other committments, but it looks and sounds good so far...
To Bobbie:
Needless to say, I want your new stuff! I went to the Elizabeth Library on
Saturday and found that they have.....folders of Singer
Stuff.....but......................they were painting and I can't look for a
week, and I'll be out of town, so when I come back, I will followup. I did
get the Capitalist Romance (which I read before)...it's a source of other
printed material which I will follow up on, time permitting....time &
money....they don't make 'em the way they used to!
To Courtney:
Re: your 301. Did yours come with a case? Or are you making do? I have
my "new" beige one which is like a corvette in speed, but they gave me a
yukkkky case which is very bulky...I just wondered what the original was...I
know there's a table, but I'll keep looking for that, along with the 221
Table...Ha! Also, do all the attachments come with it? I didn't get any
with mine. Will the attachments for any slant model work on the 301? I
have the 500a stuff....and a box of 503 stuff...what about the needles? Are
they different in any way? Pls advise, if you get a minute...it's a
wonderful little machine, isn't it? I haven't had much time to play with
it...
Must go - too much work to do!
Date: 08 Jul 96 14:08:54 EDT
From: Graham Forsdyke <100661.3256@CompuServe.COM>
Subject: Contribution
To Larry re tea and SRM
Your recommended tea-making system is the ultimate. I was just trying to get a
decent cuppa. Can you imagin going into IHOP and starting on about an
earthenware pot?
The book is a copy of a Singer Recognition Manual issued to Singer agents in
the
1980s. Covers, with pictures around 160 models going back to 1867 ish.
Watch for details here for Bobbies' next mailing.
To Claire re Landgraf book
Glad you enjoyed it, I only wish Otto would have let me correct some of the
errors whist I was translating. But he's an obstinate old man (yes. I've told
him that) and he wouldn't have a word changed.
That $60 charge is heavy profit for someone. Maggie can ship it from England
for
$50 (and we still make 20 per cent!)
If anyone is interested
Maggie's address is 48 Nightingale House, St Katherine's By the Tower, Thomas
More Street, London E1 9UB. Telephone 171 488 0474 Fax 171 481 9097. E-mail
100644.3142@compuserve.com. (I have a commercial interest here).
To Ted re manual
Yes, the manual only covers machines sold in the UK and not all of those were
made here. Nor were all models made in the UK sold here -- many went for export
only. It was a privately printed job distributed to dealers so that they would
be able to identify what was becoming an increasingly large range of machines.
Don't know if a similar publication existed in the States but the two factories
were pretty much independant in many ways.
To Vicki re Singer 66
I can provide you with a photo-copy instruction manual. Send snail address by
private e-mail. No charge, courtsey ISMACS.
Not sure about you needing a new shuttle. Good sewing machine shop should be
able to polish down any sharp edges and have you running again.
Date: Mon, 8 Jul 1996 12:55:27 -0700
From: kbelsky@esu2.esu2.k12.ne.us (Kathy Belsky)
Subject: help
Hi, I sure hope someone can help me. I went and bought the featherweight
and table for $435. My husband will "kill" me when he finds out. Anyway I
got a set of attachments. There are 2 feet #121441, 2 feet 160854, 1
#120855, 1 #36865, 1 #136931, 1 # 120598, 1 160359, and 2 loose pieces that
I assume belong to one of these feet. One pice has a "ruler printed on it.
It is about 1-1.5 inches long. The other has a thin piece of metal that
has a cutout that looks like it might slide under a screw. Does anyone
know what these feet are and how to use them? There was also a funny
shaped screwdriver and 6 bobbins. It needs a new lightbulb, where can you
get those, also needs a new spool felt. The place where you plug in the
electrical cord on the machine has a piece broken off the bottom-- is this
a problem? It's not a very big piece, about 1-2 inches long and about 1/4
inch wide. Thanks for your help !!!!!! Kathy
Date: Mon, 8 Jul 1996 13:02:14 -0700
From: kbelsky@esu2.esu2.k12.ne.us (Kathy Belsky)
Subject: needle
Sorry for the second post today, but what size and kind of needles do I use
for the featherweightnthat I purchased?
Date: Mon, 8 Jul 1996 16:55:07 -0400 (EDT)
From: JEANIE BARNHART
Subject: quilt
just want to share with you all the wonderful quilt "cape breton
album quilt" we saw on our trip to sydney, nova scotia, in the hotel
delta sydney. quilt maker is anne comfort morrell and she has made
150 quilts since 1972. this was made in 353 hours and commissioned
by the mariner hotel (not sure where) on loan to the delta.
center is a scene from margaree valley on cape breton where she lives,
and surrounded by industry, farming, fishing, and touisim. the four
corners are the scottish thistle symbol of hospitality and of the
scottish cultural influences in cape breton.
truly a work of art, she exhibits across north america and europe.
all my fwf quilting friends if your in the area hope you'll
enjoy as we did. jeanie from massachusetts
From: BXTJ10A@prodigy.com ( ALTON DAVIS)
Date: Fri, 5 Jul 1996 17:32:52, -0500
Subject: True story number twenty-four
To Graham:
Enjoyed your tea story. Growing up in northern Ariz. where there were
four distinct cultural groups (Anglo, Mexican, Navajo, and Hopi) I learned
very quickly the wisdom of the old adge "When Rome do as the Romans".
People who did not learn this did not get along too well. When within a
different cultural group, the proper way to do anything is to do it the way
the people within that group do it and any other way can, and usually is,
considered either incorrect or rude. Since in the US most tea drinkers
drink it iced, why would you think it an insult if you are asked if you
want it hot or iced? I won't ask for your comments about warm beer but
would like to hear any you may have about the forces behind the rise of the
British Empire. Was it because the weather was so bad and the food so
horrible that no Englishman wanted to stay home as I've heard? I do know
we have a lot of ethnic resturaunts but do not recall ever seeing a British
one.
To All:
Saw a black Standard Sew-Handy today but unfortunately it wasn't for
sale. The case was almost exactly like the early FW case and even had a
lift-out tray. It was at a Singer shop waiting to be serviced. Someone
got very lucky at a garage sale last week.
Al in IL
Date: Mon, 8 Jul 1996 18:28:12 -0400
From: Kilda@aol.com
Subject: Wooden attachment boxes
Marilyn:
Most likely your box is either for attachments for a No. 24 machine or a No.
27 machine. Lay it out flat. There should be a half-circle metal section
with three or four small "arms" coming out. These were to hold screwdrivers,
stilettos and bias gauge. If that half-circle is on the left, you've got a
No. 27. If it's on the right side, you probably have a No. 24. Figure out
which one you've got and I'll send you a picture-with list of attachments
that go in the box. Any questions (I'm bad at descriptions)-contact me
directly. I'll need a snail mail address to send you a copy.
Flo Jolly in Glen Rock.
Date: Mon, 8 Jul 1996 18:36:36 -0400
From: DickDreyer@aol.com
Subject: Hello!
I rescued an old girl this week from the Tahoe flea market, an AE FW born in
1937. The seller was asking $300-$350 over Memorial Day with no takers. She
is missing her original case (came in green plastic). I was delighted over
July 4 when the asking price dropped to $125! She purrs, especially after
that long bath and cleaning she had. Came with 21 bobbins, 4 screw drivers,
small sizzors . . . and a few attachments. If anyone has a manual dated 1935
and would copy the remaining pages for me--mine ends at page 48. I'd gladly
send a few bobbins in exchange. Also, of course, would love a "real" case
for her if anyone has one. Andy Fields is another (wonderful) option.
Cheers to all! ---Mari near SF
Date: 05 Jul 96 18:13:41 EDT
From: Graham Forsdyke <100661.3256@CompuServe.COM>
Subject: Contribution
To all
Is there a kind soul out there who would phone the Singer number with a batch
of
bd requests?. I know this can be a chore but I cannot access them from outside
the USA.
Probably looking at up to 10 numbers.
TIA ( you see, I'm getting into this acronym thing.
To Vinetta re 99 manual
I can copy this for you and send (no charge). Please e-mail me your snail
address.
I think I can't be getting all the postings, this is the first time I have seen
this request. If you have asked something from me and not got a response
within
48 hours please re-post or e-mail me.
To all
If you do have a meeting, please make it soemwhere thay have boiling water.
To Margel re Wheeler and Wilson 8
I hate to say this 'cos it makes me sound like the average antique dealer but
Maggie sold the only two W&W 8s we had in stock about a month ago to a Japanese
decorator type.
The treadle you mention is really cheap perhaps you should go for it. For a
condition 8 or 9 handcrank you would have to pay up to $200 here. Not to
difficult to find and I guess we could source one for you. You would not have
to
pay any US Customs duty as the machine is 100 plus years old but shipping would
not be cheap as it is a very heavy machine. Le me know if I can help further.
Difference between the 12 and 13 machines show in the SRM is simply size. The
12
was a nicely proportioned machine and far commoner than the larger, intended
for
semi-industrial use 13.
As far as the Handy that you saw goes. There were two, one made by the Standard
SM Co and the other by National.
To all.
I'm getting a lot of e-mail and credit for the manual. Heap you praises on
Bobbie. All I did was send off one copy, she took your orders, processed them,
for the first posting alone had 16,000 (thats correct) pages copied, collated,
bound and then had to battle with the US Postal Service. Quite a lady.
Date: Mon, 8 Jul 1996 19:38:44 -0400
From: LILROO@aol.com
Subject: Re: FW Fanatics 7/7/96
I was wondering if anyone knows how to date a Domestic SM. I found one and
it followed me home. It's an early electric model and I'm sure it has a
serial number if that will help. I've seen tables on dating other SM brands
and I'm hoping someone out there knows about the Domestic machines.
Thanks a lot
Marie in South Dakota
Date: Mon, 8 Jul 1996 18:42:53 -0500 (CDT)
From: Steve or Terri Carl
Subject: Reversing the balance wheel
Ann in Front Royal VA said:
: To Gail and anyone having problems with thread getting caught:
: Besides not sewing on fabric, a retired singer repairman told the
: majority of thread getting caught in the featherweights was turning the
: balance
: backwards. I've never had a problem with that with other machine but
: apparently
: the featherweight has that problem. So for those who use their FWs,
: don't turn
: the balance wheel clockwise.
After sewing for almost 35 years, I finally figured this one out!
(With the help of a great book, _Sewing Machines, Sergers, and Knitting
Machines_, by Gale Grigg Hazen.) I found the book a couple of years ago,
when I was having some problems with my serger (which it helped me solve)
and read the part about sewing machines, too. I've reversed the balance
wheel for years, but my youngest machine (a White) has real problems with
this. I learned to sew on a converted treadle, which I suspect doesn't
react the same way. It's a hard habit to break, but you'd be surprised
what a difference it makes on some of the newer machines.
I almost found a FW today -- a client I'm working with this week found
out I was interested in old sewing machines, and described a machine
her mother had (sure enough, it's a FW.) Unfortunately, it's not for
sale. But if she ever wants to get rid of it, she has my name and
number... :)
Ah, well, the search goes on!
Terri, in Houston (where we could make tea to Graham's specifications by
setting the hot water pot on the pavement out front!)
Steve and Terri Carl
terric@neosoft.com
Date: Mon, 08 Jul 1996 18:56:57 -0700
From: Carol Sanders
Subject: New machines, new goodies
Greetings to all from HOT Texas,
Just a quick note to publicly admit that I believe I now qualify as an
admitted Fanatic....
In the last 4 days I have found and purchased the following: Singer
Sewing Machine Motor Lubricant in the tube in the green box, a velvet
lined wooden box FULL of attachments, a 1951 Centennial Model 201, and a
beige 301A. I have also managed to find a local and inexpensive
replacement for those Featherweight Feet that seem to turn to mush after
a while. These replacements are brown, and my local Singer repair man
said he buying them from an "after-market" supplier in Atlanta.
To Graham, I was pleasantly surprised to hear that you are planning a
visit to Frank Smith on your next trip to the States. I live about 12
miles from Arlington, and just stopped by to see Frank about a week ago.
I hadn't been down to his Museum in a few months, and was quite startled
to see that HUGE Sewing Machine parked on the lawn by the Museum. This
was several days before the 4th of July and he mentionned the parade that
was to be the first showing of this machine. He was smart and built it on
a trailer base, so it should be transportable anywhere.
Grahsm, I haven't been a fanatic for very long, but am trying fast to
catch up. If you're in the North Texas area for any amount of time, I'd
love to join you for a glass of "Iced Tea". If you'll let me know the
approx. dates, I can confirm with Frank, or if you need transportation to
his place and I'm in town I'd be delighted to help. ( I work for American
Airlines and am sometimes gone for a few days at a time.)
To everyone on this wonderful list, I feel so comfortable here, and have
learned so much in a short amount of time. Thanks to everyone who shares
their questions, answers, knowledge and lack thereof....I've learned from
all of you!
Carol Sanders
Bedford, Texas
Date: Fri, 5 Jul 1996 20:35:15 -0400 (EDT)
From: gchamber@bright.net (Glenn Chambers)
Subject: My Singer
I've been reading this group for a few weeks, and you all are great! I've
learned a lot. I don't have a Featherweight yet, but I'm looking.
I called Singer today to learn about my mother's old machine. They said
that it was manufactured September 18, 1906. It's a model 27 treadle,
which was converted to electric. It has the words "Rebuilt by A. C. Weber
&Co., Chicago, Ill. With Weber Parts" above the serial number. Dad bought
this machine for her the first year they were married (1960) before he knew
that she didn't sew! I do, so I ended up with the machine. It has some
chips in the paint, but not too bad. It still sews, I just had it cleaned
and oiled. It has one problem, though. I can't seem to loosen the top
tension enough for it to sew correctly. Do I need a different spring for
the tension? I don't know if the repairman goofed it up, because I found
it all filthy in the attic and didn't try to sew on it before I had it
cleaned. Singer said that they would send me a manual, but I'd appreciate
any additional information anyone has about this machine.
Thank you!
Susan Chambers (on her husband's account)
Toledo, OH
Date: Mon, 08 Jul 1996 18:15:01 -0700
From: Bobbie
Subject: Reply to inquiry
>just to let you know that I received my copy in Friday's mail.
>That's unusually quick for mail delivery from the U.S. to Canada.
That's great to hear Ted....I told that girl at the PO...she had
better put wings on
those envelopes!!!! Guess she listened (grin)!
>Graham, thanks so much for making this manual available to us and
>much appreciated, now on both sides of the border.
>Am I correct in understanding that this manual was originally
>produced by Singer in the UK for the benefit of their dealers?
>If so, is anyone aware of whether Singer prepared a similar
>recognition manual for their US or North American dealers?
Not to 'plug' the reprint of the Sincere books, however, I would be less
than honest if
I didn't tell you that Ewer's books are FILLED......FILLED with photos and
information about
EVERY model made by Singer, and some others.
>If you
>look at the list of various Singer models in the Sewing Machine Blue
>Book, it is apparent that there were many more models that were never
>manufactured or sold in UK.
right...that's why I refer to the three Sincere books as 'BIBLES'
for the collector!
----------------=Bobbie=---------------------
From: Mary Rothenbuhler
Subject: RE: New machines
Date: Mon, 8 Jul 1996 20:31:24 -0600
Hello,
The new sm my folks found for me turned out to be a 101, born April 15,
1930. It's just beautiful, so sleek and classy looking. I had a hard time
believing it was made in 1930 because the finish on it is so shiny and
perfect. I know very little about this machine, can any one tell me
anything? I have no manual, does anyone have one they can copy for me?
I'll be glad to pay.
The treadle from my grandmother turned out not to be a New Home, but a
Davis? The letters were really worn off, but it looks like something
Davis. It is not a pretty machine, and it is really worn and USED, but for
sentimental reasons, it will stay in the guest room as an honored guest.
Grandmother made her living as a seamstress and quilter, her greatest
claim to fame to the day she died, was the fact she had made a commissioned
quilt for LIBERACE. The really unusual thing about this machine is that
there are no feed dogs on the bottom, it's part of the presser foot,
kind of like a presser foot within a presser foot. I would really
appreciate any info anyone could give me on this, a manual, or a copy, I'd
be grateful. TIA
Also, the attachments fit on really different, some on the side of the face
plate with a screw, and some slide into the same slot as the front throat
plate.
And now I have to say good things about my DH. He not only supports my sm
addiction, he goes to all the antique stores, estate and garage sales with
me, and has become a great finder of all things Singer. He helps me work
on them, and is very encouraging when I am on the scent of a good one.
Rather than hide my finds, he lets me display them all over the house
while I play with them. Now I think I'll just lay this around the house
where he'll find it so he'll know how much I appreciate him!!!
Mary in Idaho
____________________________________
FWFanatics@ttsw.com - Singer phone # 1-800-877-7762
And now a word from our sponsor:
Mary Stori is now booking 1997 &1997 dates to present lectures/workshops.
To receive a brochure email your snail mail address to: DSTORI911@aol.com
Visit Mary's web page http://quilt.com/MaryS
Received: from ttsw.com ([204.249.244.11]) by pcnet1.pcnet.com (4.1/SMI-4.1)
id AA10355; Wed, 10 Jul 96 08:56:20 EDT
Date: Wed, 10 Jul 96 09:14:46 -0500
From: Featherweight Fanatics
Subject: FW Fanatics 7/9/96
To: Sue@quilt.com
X-Mailer: LeeMail 2.0.5
Message-Id:
From: YBPM37A@prodigy.com (MR PHILIP G HAYS II)
Date: Tue, 9 Jul 1996 00:06:07, -0500
Subject: Little Foot Guarantee
A friend contacted me saying he read on this list about someone who had
a broken Little Foot(R). Sorry that we missed the original posting.
Little Foot (R) is guaranteed! It is made of a polymer called Lexan(R),
not plastic. If you have one that has broken, you may return it for
replacement to:
Little Foot, Ltd.
605 Bledsoe NW
Albuquerque, NM 87107
When you run into us at a quilt show, you will notice that we use
Featherweights exclusively for demo purposes. Naturally they are
equipped with Little Foot(R).
If you would like to receive a copy of our newsletter, The Little Foot
Press, just drop us a line at the above address. Also, if you have any
questions about using Little Foot(R) on your Featherweight, give us a
call at 505-345-7647. Sorry, we don't have an 800 number, but we talk
fast.
From: "June Millican"
Subject: Re: FW Fanatics 7/6/96
Date: Mon, 8 Jul 1996 22:04:26 -0700
To Chris,
I'd like the part for the bobbin. You do understand it's the little
piece that you grasp when you pull the bobbin case out of the machine. If
you email your address to me, I'll get a check in the mail to you. Thanks
from me and my 301. June
Date: Tue, 09 Jul 1996 22:04:57 +1000
From: Jeanette Holkner
Terrie,
That peg had me puzzled for a while until my daughter noticed that when you
tip the head back, after taking off the belt, the turned wooden post
supports it beautifully.
To anyone contemplating visiting the world's most liveable city, ignore any
malicious gossip, not only can you get great tea in the dignified Hopetoun
Tea Rooms, there is also coffee of any nationality and variety avaliable at
any restaurant (excepting those of family variety that originated in another
place, they serve stewed muck that has been sitting on a hot plate since
opening). You can even get you own blend made up. Best of all you can
taste the fabulous Yarra Valley wines.
Jeanette
Date: Mon, 08 Jul 1996 19:22:13 -0700
From: Bobbie
Subject: Request(s) re: Sincere Book Reprints
Hi All you Featherers out there [is that a word???]
I haven't got a cost per book yet, but we're working on it. If I may
suggest, any of you who are
on other Newsgroups/Lists/Digests, and think others on those conferences
would be interested
in a copy of these books, feel free to X-post my original Message on the
reprint.
Remember.....the more I get orders for, the bigger the total count for the
printer, and the LOWER the
cost PER BOOK.! And next to making the books available again, that is my
next concern. I want
these reprints to be "affordable", not a "moneymaker".
Now, on to another item.
I plan on adding several new pages to each of these books. One of the
things I'm going to add,
is a RESOURCE LISTING. And that will include companies/people who still
can offer parts, etc.
for these old machines.
If any of you have places you deal with, who can get the things/parts/etc.
that you need for
old machines, AND they treat you fairly, both with respect and with your
$$$, please, please, email me
and tell me about them. Be very careful to include the correct name,
correctly spelled; correct and
complete address and telephone of the place you are recommending, and even
more important,
try to get a "contact" person's name. Endorsements are very important here.
I want to list sources that
"we" have had good customer/business relationships with.
If you have names of places, but have never dealt with them, send them on,
HOWEVER, be sure to
indicate you have never dealt with them.
One additional note here. These reprints are being done by a PROFESIONAL
printer...none of the
photocopying stuff here. I consider these books worth preserving. If the
cost is not prohibitive,
they will be printed on archival paper. But more about that later on ........
Thanks my friends...and remember, pass the word, so we can get the volume UP
and the cost per book down!
-------------------=Bobbie=-------------------------------------
Date: Tue, 9 Jul 1996 10:00:51 -0400
From: REWisian@aol.com
Subject: Re: replacement parts for treadle machine
To Vicki:
Read your posting about trying to find a shuttle for a Singer treadle
machine. Two years ago we visited the Folk Art Center in Mountain View,
Arkansas. They use treadle machines exclusively in the sewing there. I
asked the lady giving demonstrations where they find parts and she was happy
to give me the name and address of their source. I do have an old catalog
from them, but I have never ordered as I have not restored my machine to that
point yet. The name and address she gave is as follows: The Button Shop -
P.O. Box 1065 - Oak Park, Illinois 60304 Ph: 708-795-1234. Hope this is
all still current info as my catalog is 2 yrs. old. As usual, I am in no way
affiliated with the above mentioned firm and cannot say one way or the other
how good they are.
My machine is an old New Home treadle that I sewed my first dress on. It
belonged to an old spinster aunt who left it to me when she died. The
cabinet is in rugged shape, but the machine still sews. Along with the
machine came a box of attachments that I don't remember ever seeing her use.
I need to do some research as to whether those came with a machine like that
or if they were something purchased at a later date.
Hope this info. will help in some way.
Good luck!
Beverly Wisian
REWisian@aol.com
Date: Tue, 09 Jul 1996 10:04:27 -0500
From: jfisher@sunset.backbone.olemiss.edu (Julie Fisher)
Subject: Beverages, FW Motor
Even if there is no FW out there with my name on it, I am enjoying this list
tremendously.
Graham,
After three trips to England and one trip to Scotland, I am no longer upset
by warm (by American standards) beer. And actually, the
slightly-below-room-temperature bitter served in the U.K. is cool compared
to other beverages. I love coffee, but also enjoy tea. However, I like my
Coke COLD! I will never learn to drink a Coke in London, fresh from the top
of the street vendor's cart, a full 90 degrees in temperature. I once made
the mistake of asking for ice and received a 1" X 1" cube dropped into a
paper cup full of hot Coke. I did not ask for more. Now when we visit the
U.K., I purchase my Coke and head for a secluded spot lest I be mistaken for
a mad dog when the hot Coke begins fizzing furiously in my mouth! But then
why travel to another country if it's exactly like the one in which you live?
All,
I will follow Graham's suggestion that I pounce on any reasonably priced FW
I might find in the U.K. I am going to break a bad habit, though, and
actually find out what I might be getting into *before* I make a purchase! :
-) How difficult would it be to find a 110 volt motor to replace the 220
one that would be on a U.K. FW? Would a motor from another Singer model
work? If such an animal could be located, how much would it cost to have it
installed? Are there people out there who could do this? I live in a small
town and doubt very much that I could get this work done here. Of course,
the cost of replacing the motor would figure into my total FW cost, and I'd
like have an idea what that might be.
Julie
Oxford, MS
jfisher@olemiss.edu
Date: Tue, 09 Jul 1996 10:06:57 -0500
From: jfisher@sunset.backbone.olemiss.edu (Julie Fisher)
Subject: Addition
I have one more question to pose: How does one identify a FW, other than by
weight? Is there a model number on the machine somewhere, or should I
purchase the book on the FW that I've seen advertised (Nancy Sxxxxx?) to aid
me in identifying the machine?
Julie
jfisher@olemiss.edu
Date: Tue, 09 Jul 1996 11:17:02 -0400
From: "evans.ppp"
Subject: Vacation
DH Denne and I just returned home from visiting our families in Illinois
(as we do most vacations). One highlight was our visit to Al (Alton
Davis) and his wonderful wife, Pat. We really appreciated all the time
they took to display their extensive collection of sewing machines and
related items, all expertly restored by Al to near mint condition. We
really learned a lot from Al, who patiently answered all of our
questions. Al and Pat (who is a very talented quilter) really made us
feel right at home. Thanks Al and Pat for a most enjoyable afternoon!
Julia in Tennessee, who is not looking forward to being back at work on
Friday.
Date: Tue, 9 Jul 1996 11:29:44 -0400
From: lanza@marie.mit.edu (Dick Lanza)
Subject: replies on 301 and 503
To Mary:
I have both the 301 and the 503. The 301 is a Slant needle just like
the 503. So any attachments that don't require a zig-zag stitch will
work just fine. My 301 came in a case typical of the suitcases of
that period - early 50's, a wooden frame with yellow plasticized cloth
covering it, and thick plastic binding on the edges, saddle stitched.
Looking at it from the side, the case is wider on the base than on the
top. Needles are standard Singer needles. Yes, it is a very nice
machine, makes a beautiful straight stitch and is very tolerant of
unusual fabrics: no skipped stitches &the fabric feeds right through.
Sylvia Lanza
lanza@marie.mit.edu
From: The Mudges
Date: Tue, 9 Jul 1996 08:52:52 -0700 (PDT)
Subject: 301 find
Yesterday I happened upon a thrift store that had a 50% off
any electrical sale. Inside I found a 301 in sound shape,
missing the bobbin case and it's case is really sad - probably
past use. The machine needed a lot of TLC. I'm not sure it's
ever been cleaned and someone painted in its room without
covering it. However, with the discount it was only $12. There
are no accessories, not even a manual but since I want to machine
quilt with it, none of this really bothered me. This is also
very similar to the machine I learned to sew on. It is now in my
possession. I have cleaned it thoroughly, no more splattered
paint or smoke built up and best of all - no musty odor. It took
me the rest of yesterday and most of today to clean it. It had
enough thread under the bobbin case base to prevent anything from
moving. That has been taken care of too. I borrowed the bobbin
case from my featherweight and it absolutely purrs. The control
foot did stick for a while. Really exciting when the machine
continues to run when my foot is somewhere else, but DH found the
problem. The bake-a-lite "knob" stuck in its hole - a little
sandpaper and it works like a dream. Now the search for the
table will begin. I think my DD and her fiance think I've lost
it, but since they want a quilt after their wedding not too much
has been said.
I will have to send an update to Joy about this machine
after I check with Singer. The sn is NA005870 - half the first
number she has in her mini survey. We're talking old here, but
I'm so happy and it shined up beautifully.
Kathy in Oak Grove, Oregon
Date: Tue, 9 Jul 1996 15:54:28 GMT
Subject: this-n-that
From: ma@usa.pipeline.com (Maggie Arlotta)
to Jill;
The bottle you found with the singer logo was probably filled with
machine oil. I've read about this in some of my material here but can't
remember where.
to Bobbie;
Count me in on the Sincere books, sounds great!
Maggie in muggy NY
Date: Tue, 9 Jul 1996 13:46:44 -0400
From: lorre.mccaffrey@po.state.ct.us
Subject: Singer Slant Needle
I have some further info:
It is metal and has a model number 2139 on the motor? and a model number
158.650 underneath the bobbin assembly. The serial number is 0009475. She
has a box of attachments and thinks she can find the manual. It is a slant
needle zig-zag machine that is currently not working. I have looked at
quickly and it does need cleaning and the motor belt looked loose.
She is interested in selling it, I will pass on any offers I receive.
Date: Tue, 09 Jul 1996 14:25:50 -0400
From: Dawn Draper
Subject: Fun at the Singer Store
I made a pilgrimage this morning, to the Singer store in a local shopping
center...just to "look around" of course :-).
I couldn't resist a 15-91 in its bentwood case and with the original manual
(cover was missing, though). They only wanted $69.00 CDN, so she is mine!
This is another Canadian-made beauty, like my 128. The serial number starts
with JA (it's still at the shop, since I couldn't imagine toting such a
heavyweight on the bus). I'll have to cook an especially nice dinner
for DH before I tell him that we need to go for a short drive :-)
One unfortunate thing about this machine is that it was previously owned
by someone who had wrapped fabric around the arm to use as a pin cushion.
The black finish is completely worn down to the metal by pin marks in the
spot where the fabric had been. Oh, well, she sews beautifully and that's
what counts to me.
This shop also had one very well-used Featherweight. I didn't check the
serial number, but it has a scrolled faceplate. The finish is very dull,
and the gold decals are completely worn off the front of the bed. Somebody
got their money's worth out of this machine. It is in good working order,
though. They want $199.00 CDN for her. I didn't ask if they had the case.
I was going to ask the salesperson to call me if a Model 500J comes up for
sale, but then she told me that she had a list of names of people who
wanted to be called about Featherweights and she hadn't called any of them
before putting this one out for sale!
For Nancy D. in Wheatley, Ontario: I wouldn't be confident of the accuracy
of Singer's data re: machines built in St. Jean, Quebec. They told me that
my 128 (JC serial number) was built on May 15, 1960. I don't think so! It
has the Centennial medallion, and so was sold sometime around 1951.
For Katy in Michigan: The all-black spoked wheel isn't particularly rare.
My 128 has one.
For Bobbie: My copy of Graham's manual arrived last Thursday. Thanks a
million to both of you. Bobbie, I would buy reprints of all Mr. Ewers's
books. If you do publish them, please, please, have the multitude of
grammatical and spelling errors corrected. I have perused the originals
at my local library and sometimes had to read a sentence over 3 or 4 times
to figure out what it was supposed to mean. If you need a volunteer, I
humbly offer my proofreading services, gratis.
Dawn (foxglove@sympatico.ca), in Ottawa, where one minute it looks like rain,
and the next minute it's all clear!
Date: Tue, 09 Jul 1996 14:30:31 -0400
From: Dawn Draper
Subject: Do I Have a Hope?
I would love to convert my motorized 128 back to a hand crank. Does
anyone know where I could purchase the hand crank mechanism? Or are they
as "scarce as hens' teeth"?
Dawn (foxglove@sympatico.ca), in Ottawa, wondering if a homemade chicken
pot pie will serve to placate my DH when he finds out about that 15-91
I bought today.
Date: Tue, 09 Jul 96 14:25:36 EDT
From: linda hobbs
To Mary:
Wow! Tell us more about the quilt your grandmother made for Liberace.
Linda (in Georgia)
Date: Tue, 09 Jul 1996 11:33:37 PST
From: swilcox@dhvx20.csudh.edu
Subject: Recent Finds
Just returned from a week's trip up to Northern California to visit
friends and family and returned with a car full of SMs (including
one toy)! I can't confess this to any but my 600 closest FW friends,
'cause I know you'll all understand.
The haul includes 2 shiny new-looking FWs, one the older model
I've been craving (an AF) and then another Centennial model
which I may decide not to keep, if anyone is looking for one. I also
found a 50's 127 in good condition in a Singer SM shop run by
someone you all may want to visit if you are ever antique browsing
in downtown Petaluma CA. Happy to talk story about old
machines, he is a lovely, helpful man. and offered to answer
questions and order small parts for me by mail. His shop is on
Petaluma Blvd No. and you will see the sign over the door as you
go from antique mall to antique mall. The bakery a door or
two down is good for refueling on peanut butter cookies!
Then my sister gave me a lovely old Singer portable with decals in
excellent shape that an in-law was throwing out...what do you call
the lotus design without the sphinx? Housed in a 50's case,
unfortunately. Lastly my aunt (with evident relief) threw in a
shiny turquoise portable she used in the 50's. A brand I've never
heard of, but the art deco decals are nice.
I also found, but did not buy, a FW table! Now I've seen one and
know what to look for. The wood was badly stained and
somewhat warped but the legs appeared to be in good condition.
Unfortuately, the price was high because it included an abused
older FW (and a stool I didn't have a chance to examine which
could possibly have had a storage compartment) and I was
keeping an eye on my elderly uncle, who "wanders." So I just looked at it,
and a lovely Singer handcrank with a fiddle base in good condition
cosmetically, and didn't work through whether or not to try to
purchase either. I have a friend who I could ask to go back for me
and try to buy the table separately if it seems desirable. Any
advice?
Have just unpacked the car and haven't looked at the machines
again or made a list of dates to call Singer about. Oh, the toy
machine is soooo cute: a green metal (aluminum?) Betsy Ross
electric in a red faux lizard case. The machine looks shiny and
new and sews heroically (at least it runs fast when you plug it in
and turn it on). The case is faded and the paper grazed, but it is,
surprisingly, a sturdy wood.
Finally, a very nice young woman who sold me the Centennial is
eager to sell FWs by mail if anyone is interested. Her name is
Jean Barclay. She is located in Vintage Plaza Antiques, 44 Mill
Street, in Healdsburg CA. The mall number is 707-433 8409.
While she gave me her home phone number, I think it would be
better to e-mail it privately to anyone who is interested rather
than to post it. In her 80's Jean's mother continues to spin wool,
etc. and participates in a variety of craft guilds in the area and
Jean seems like one of "us," knowledgeable about quilts and
quilters, etc. She had a second FW in her booth that day...an AF
with no case marked $295, while she sold me the Centennial, with
case, for only a few dollars more. So you could ask.what else she
has, and see what her "firm" prices are. No affiliation except the
purchase.
And if you visit Healdsburg, have dinner at the small funky cafe
attached to the Raven Theater.called ...Ravenous. Excellent
California cooking (I had excellent salmon which had been
wrapped in a fig leaf and grilled) at ridiculously low prices and
lovely wines from local wineries. FWs and good food on the
historic plaza on a summer's afternoon. Ahhhhh
Sandy Wilcox
From: Ken Vaughan
Subject: FWF CONVENTION
Date: Tue, 9 Jul 1996 10:22:00 -0800
It would be great to have a FWF get together at the Houston Quilt show =
and it sounds like Graham could get a good cuppa there, also-so it's =
perfect. Several quilters from Juneau, Alaska are attending the Houston =
extravaganza this year and we are all FWFanatics and would love to see =
and perhaps purchase FW for our collections. Mary Ann Vaughan
Date: Tue, 09 Jul 1996 14:36:00 -0400 (EDT)
From: "Barbieri, Melodie A"
Subject: Manual and Convention
Hi everyone. Just a quick note to thank Bobbie for all the work she put
into copying and sending out the Manual. I don't know how long it took to
get here but it was waiting for me when I returned from vacation! What a
nice surprise to find it bound! Thanks a lot Bobbie and I'm sorry about the
mix up with the postal service! I am also interested in the book reprints
you have been talking about. Keep us informed!
A FWF convention sounds great! I really like the idea of having it in
Lancaster, PA! I don't know how we are spread out geographically but that
would be a great location for me. I would be willing to help if needed.
Melodie - Upstate NY
Date: Tue, 09 Jul 1996 13:36:41 -0700
From: Bobbie
Subject: Re: FW Fanatics 7/9/96
>I wonder if it might make our FWF convention become reality, more quickly,
>if we perhaps connected it to an existing quilt show
>
I certainly like this idea!!!!!! Let's not let the "idea" die.
---------------------------------------
>My son-in-law found a bottle while digging in their back yard recently. It
>looks sort of like an old medicine bottle. It's about 2" wide, 1" deep, and
6"
Jill, I have a couple of these bottles. Seems they are what the
machine oil
use to come in.
________________________________
>
>Hi Bobbie, Definitely count me in for W. Ewers books if you can get a deal
>on publishing them. TIA.
>
So Noted.....and yes...that's why I'm an insomniac.....can't seem to
shut down the thought process (sigh)
_________________________________
>
>Does anyone know which Singer models besides the FW were issued with the
>Centennial logo?
Patricia: I have a centennial FW and also a PRISTINE Model 99K, which
was mfgd. in Clydebank, Scotland. I've been under the impression, that
for the centennial, many models were made.
Need to do more research on this! (sigh)
__________________________________________
>To Bobbie:
>
>Needless to say, I want your new stuff! I went to the Elizabeth Library on
>Saturday and found that they have.....folders of Singer
>
Gosh....I would be sitting there till they turned the lights off and
threw me
out, because I would be "copying" EVERYTHING!!
_________________________________
Date: Tue, 9 Jul 1996 16:49:01 -0400 (EDT)
From: Larry Franks
Subject: wanted
WANTED: PINKER FOR FEATHERWEIGHTS, RESPOND TO lafre@nauticom.net THANKS!!!!
Date: Tue, 9 Jul 1996 17:10:00 -0400 (EDT)
From: Ickes
Subject: Re: FW Fanatics 7/9/96
I'm feeling a little overwhelmed. You all seem to have so much knowledge
about FWs!. I am fortunate enough to own three, but must admit I don't
know how to date, evaluate, etc., them. Tonight I'm going to get them out
and really look them over, get their serial numbers, etc. And then call
Singer for their origination date. I'd also like to investigate the
history of all these little machines. Could someone tell me what the
difference is between 221s and ones with a 300 number--or is this too
basic a question. Also, recently someone mentioned being able to get a
book from Bobbie? that appeared to provide instructions on care/history.
Is it the one by Ewers? I looked it upin my local library, but the copy
in my library is "missing". In anycase, can I get my name on a list for
one? If these questions are too broad for the list, please e-mail me
privately with any answers. I'm feeling overwhelmed with where to start.
nd, also from what I've gathered from the list there are buttonholers, zig
zag attachments available and I'd like to know what to look for that will
fit those FWs that I have. Thanks for your help in advance. (I love the
stories about how you all seem to find these machine. I must admit that I
had to pay top dollar for them, but I love their beauty, but just once I'd
like to "find" one. Sally sickes@suffolk.lib.ny.us
Date: Thu, 11 Jul 1996 05:35:08 +0800
From: lock@cleo.murdoch.edu.au (Joan Lock)
Subject: Re: FW Fanatics 7/3/96
Elaine wrote:
> The 99 I found was
>in a plastic case instead of the bent wood cases of my others and is electric
>with attatched foot control Godzilla finish. Sews like a dream. I was
>guessing from the serial number that it was a 45 or 46 as I had never heard
>of one dated during world was 2. Imagine my suprise when I was told that it
>was made April 1st 1942. Is this unusual or have I just not seen or heard of
>one made during this time period before? #AG 403082
Wow!
I was born on April 2, 1942 in Western Australia. Given the difference in
the time zones your machine and I were born on the same day.
Joan
Joan Lock
lock@cleo.murdoch.edu.au
Date: Tue, 9 Jul 1996 18:46:48 -0400
From: Kilda@aol.com
Subject: for Kathy Belskey
If you check the FWF archives, you will find Terry's list of Singer
attachments for the FW. That should answer most of your questions. The foot
with the ruler is a tucker. I have directions on how to use it. Let me know
by e-mail if you want them. But if you really want to use a tucker, you
would be better off to find a Griest lowshank tucker. (There are lots of
them around.) It is a whole lot easier to use than the Singer version.
Flo Jolly in Glen Rock
Date: Tue, 09 Jul 1996 20:07:24 -0400
From: Clay &Shelly Leihy
Subject: Re: Pat Emerick on Centennial models
Saw a Centennial model 15 sometime back, at a used furniture shop in Mt.
Holly, NJ. He wanted a whole $75 for it, with treadle stand, but
unfortunately, it's gone now. At least you know they're out there,
though.
Date: Tue, 09 Jul 1996 20:41:02 -0400
From: Clay &Shelly Leihy
Subject: Re: Darning/walking foot for 301
We've got a 301A, and my Shelly's been a quilter (hand) for some time.
So she decided to try machine quilting, with the 301, natch. Loves
piecing with it, but had a little trouble with backing bunching when
quilting. So we got an old Singer walking foot ($5, used, with a "6" on
the side, anyone know about that?) Didn't work too well in that when the
needle is up, the inner, "walking" part of the foot is firmly down.
Makes it tough to move the quilt around. So just today, I picked up a
Singer darning foot, $5.50, new, clear plastic, with a "C" shaped spring
and a little lever to lift the foot with the needle. Seems to work good,
but of course we'll see after Shelly's tried a little real quilting with
it. (First thing tomorrow, of course.)
(So far I'm just the mechanic and "lookout" - my job entails a lot of
driving, but I think that soon she'll be fighting me to use the
machine.)
Clay in NJ
Date: Tue, 9 Jul 1996 21:43:50 -0400
From: EHurl10028@aol.com
Subject: Re: FW Fanatics 7/3/96
To Jill
re: bottle. It just so happens I have what sounds like the same bottle you
have. I am lucky enough to have the label on mine and yes it is a oil bottle.
The label reads as follows 3 fluid ounces Then has red singer S that says
singer sewing machines in the red letter. Then each of the following words on
a seperate line OIL---lubricates--- everything ---cleans---polishes. Has a
white cap with the same red S. Mine even still has some oil in it! Maybe
someone else knows more about this such as a date. I can find no date on the
bottle or label.
Elaine
From: YBPM37A@prodigy.com (MR PHILIP G HAYS II)
Date: Tue, 9 Jul 1996 21:24:14, -0500
Subject: FWF Meeting
It would be fun to have a get together somewhere and talk about
Featherweights. Perhaps a good way to arrange it would be to try and
schedule such a meeting during a regional quilt show. Since shows take
place across the country, it would be easier for more Fanatics to get
together.
Regional shows are taking place as follows:
Seattle, WA Late July
Fort Washington, PA Sept
Palm Springs, CA October
Houston, TX November (The Big One)
Beautiful quilts and an opportunity to talk about our favorite subject.
Sounds like a winning combination. It wouldn't have to be a regional
show, any show bringing people together would work.
Regards,
Phil @ Little Foot
Date: Tue, 9 Jul 1996 22:51:51 -0400
From: MargelS@aol.com
Subject: Bad Influences
Well, I finally sucumbed and purchased the Wheeler and Wilson no. 8 that I
told you all about earlier, and it is all Graham's fault. I had been back
into the antique mall 3 times since I originally saw the beauty. I sent my
friend and fellow FWF Chris Deitchley to look at it also. According to the
list published on FWF a few days ago, the serial number dates it 1871. I
just didn't know whether I had room for a treadle. Well, of course, the
little push from Graham just pushed me right out the door this morning. His
comment that it was really cheap was more than I could stand. A bargain for
a machine that I was already in love with was too much. Unfortunately, the
dealer would only come down to $85, but since I have a tax number, I didn't
have to pay tax. Now I need an owner's manual - anyone have one they can
copy for me? I wonder if the bursar at Manchester College will accept sewing
machines in lieu of tuition payments. . . . . . . . . .???
Margel in South Bend, IN with a major case of the guilts, but with a grin on
my face!!
Date: Tue, 9 Jul 96 22:57 EDT
From: barb garrett
Subject: Connecting to a Quilt Show
Hi -
I think this idea has real possibilities. I have only attended the
Lancaster, PA, Show so can only speak about that one.
It may not be necessary to be part of Rita Barber's Show and pay her a
royalty. There are many hotels on route 30 very close to the hotel that the
show is in that possibly would love to host a FWF convention at the same
time as the Quilt Show. At the present time, there is a wonderful Merchants
Mall located in two hotels across the street from the Show. They are
excellent, and everything is so well organized that the police stop traffic
on route 30 so we can go between the shows.
Also, for the past 2 years the Feedbag Collectors Club has hosted a
very interesting and enjoyable show at the Howard Johnsons, about 1 mile
down the road from the Heritage Show. Members of the club have exhibits for
educational purposes - this past year's was wonderful - and have tables set
up with things for sale, much as was suggested by Bob. In personality and
makeup, the group seems very similar to FWF - friendly and very eager to
share, share, share. The Feedbag Club had a program Friday evening and had
the use of a meeting room for their exhibits and sales tables. Lots of
people from Heritage came the day I was there.
This is offered merely as additional brain-storming information and is
not intended to say I dislike the original idea, but merely to expand on
various possible avenues that can be explored. I would love to see a FWF
convention next April in Lancaster in any form - as part of the Quilt Show
or in addition to the show. Thanks for the good idea.
Barb in Chester County, PA
Date: Tue, 09 Jul 1996 20:18:22 -0400
From: Clay &Shelly Leihy
Subject: Re: Mary on 301
To Mary:
(I know you addressed your question to Courtney, but we have a 301A with
table and love it so much . . .)
If you haven't seen it, the table is pretty neat, very nice to use with
its odd angles. She sews great with regular Singer needles and ordinary
slant-type presser feet. Totally agree about the speed, ours outruns a
15-year younger Janome zigzag, nearly as quick as the new White serger.
Shelly says to watch the tension dial, seems to get easily misadjusted
by an errant wrist.
Clay in NJ
Date: 09 Jul 96 23:31:55 EDT
From: Chris Vagtborg <71155.1072@CompuServe.COM>
Subject: post
For Susan Chambers... Re: model #27 - we have parts and copies of the manuals
for this wonderful machine, including the service manual. Email me for
details!
For Mary Lehrhoff... Re: 431G - I think I can get you a copy of the manual
for this machine. Email me for details!
For Kathy... Re: Light Bulb for your FW. We have an excellent replacement
bulb for the FW (and other machines), made in Austria, brass base, mucho good
bulb, better than the asian imports, email me for details...
For Kathy Belsky... Re: Needles for FW - use standard 15-1 series needles,
Singer or Schmetz. (I like the Schmetz, 'cause ther're so sharp!).
For Terri Janson... Re: 28k. Yes, we carry the slides for the #27, 28, 127
and 128 machines. Email me for details... And the wooden spool on your
(White) treadle is to rest the body of your machine on while oiling the
underside...
For Larry Doyle... Plese yuse yor spellng chekr whan postting. And I bid $1
for the machine...
For Graham... Re: Sewing Machine Museum - "the only one in America".
Actually, there is another one - The Smithsonian has quite a collection of
machines; not all on display, but hundreds in the 'archives'. And, I have
photodocumentary proof of yet another "museum" in the San Francisco Bay
area....
For All... Re: methods to mark a quarter inch seam. Aka, Dr. Scholls
moleskin, etc. etc. Uh, Singer made a fabric guide for just this purpose. It
looks like a mini back scratcher. It attaches to the bed in one of the pre-
threaded holes. You adjust it to the seam allowance you want. It really works
great. I'm not at work, so I don't have the Singer part no. handy, but Email
me and I'll be happy to share it with you...
For Vicki Gustafson... Re: Shuttle. #66 (&99) machines use rotary bobbins.
The #27, 28, 127, &128's use a "bullet" shuttle. The 27 has a 'wire' shuttle
holder and the 127 has a 'pop out' holder (button pop's the shuttle out). We
sell new shuttles and bobbins. Email me for details and our current
27/28/127/128 price list, including manuals (service manual shows how to
assemble the tension) & leather belts (on sale for FWF at $5 including
shipping!). Use Murphy's Oil Soap to clean the machine.
For Elise Miller... We can supply you with a replacement for your missing
throat plate. Email me for details...
For Debbie Welch... Re: Bobbin Case Holder for 301. Pricey at $189 +
shipping, but we can get one for you. Email me for details...
For All... Re: Wilcox & Gibbs. Well, I finally had my first 'hands-on'
experience with a W&G! The gal that I sold my most recent FW to has really
got the 'bug' and bought the W&G and a really nice White treadle this past
weekend. I've spent the day cleaning and refurbing the W&G. The motor was
frozen, the hook caught up in thread (aka FW). But now it's humming right
along! Only problem is that it needs a new needle. Any clues where I can find
one? Next is the White - a vibratory shuttle...
Bye for now, Chris in St. Simons Is. Ga where the All Star Game has just
finished and the US Weather Bureau has just posted a Hurricane Watch for us..
From: Mary Rothenbuhler
Subject: Re: FW table
Date: Tue, 9 Jul 1996 21:35:04 -0600
Hello,
I forgot to mention yesterday that I got my FW repro table from Andy
Fields last week. It's gorgeous, he does a beautiful job on the tables. I
asked him if he was planning to make a 301 table in the near future, and he
said yes he was, so I am now on the list for one of those too. Frankly, I
will never see a real FW table or a 301 table either, so this is as good if
not better. The craftsmanship on this table is to see to believe. I told
him I was going to post his name and address on line,
Andy Fields, 742 Shawnee Road, Pomona, Kansas 66076, [913] 566-3788.
My FW table was $198.00 plus S&H. I think it was worth every dime.
I got some response to my questions on the Davis treadle. I found out that
it is a Davis Vertical Feed, and it is pretty darn special. So underneath
the ugly duckling exterior, lies a true Swan. Thanks Al and Kathy.
Jill, your bottle sounds so neat, let us know what you find out about it.
Maybe I should start digging up my back yard.
If any one knows anything about my 101, please let me know, It's such a
nice machine, I would like to know all I can about her. She's very Art
Deco.
TIA Mary in Idaho
Date: Tue, 9 Jul 1996 20:25:57 -0400
From: DickDreyer@aol.com
Subject: FWF Convention
I'm encouraged by the responses re a FWF get-together. Location is the first
obstacle to decide upon, though many from my area (N. Cal.) have offered to
help organize (thank you!). Yes, Claire, I think we should get-together
regionally regardless at perhaps a quilt show. Let's look at calendars and
discuss.
Perhaps a FWF who is skilled at polling (Kathy Santilla, is that you?) could
ask the group first about location preference. From there we could plan
activities, and yes, I think combining it with a quilt show and having a swap
meet, etc., etc. are GREAT ideas. And of course, we could include a social
wine-tasting party or TEA (!) since we're all thinking along that line! The
ball is definitely in the open forum, and I really look forward to this
coming together. A friend who just moved to Houston, for example, mentioned
that I could visit in November for a quilt show. Is November too soon? When
does Graham plan on being back to the U.S. (after this upcoming MD trip)?
I'll throw out San Francisco as a delightful location, only because I don't
even know where Paducah is. I'm sure there are wonderful things happening
there, but I'm not familiar, so please describe. Anyway, there are several
quilting groups in the larger Bay Area which have sensational shows. (East
Bay Heritage Quilters, etc.). And if partners are along for the trip, SF is
loaded with sightseeing options, theatre, museums, etc. Let's all chat about
it. I'll probably go wherever it is--even to London! --Mari in N. Cal
____________________________________
FWFanatics@ttsw.com - Singer phone # 1-800-877-7762
And now a word from our sponsor:
Mary Stori is now booking 1997 &1997 dates to present lectures/workshops.
To receive a brochure email your snail mail address to: DSTORI911@aol.com
Visit Mary's web page http://quilt.com/MaryS
Received: from ttsw.com ([204.249.244.11]) by pcnet1.pcnet.com (4.1/SMI-4.1)
id AA23320; Thu, 11 Jul 96 20:41:25 EDT
Date: Thu, 11 Jul 96 20:52:12 -0500
From: Featherweight Fanatics
Subject: FW Fanatics 7/10/96
To: Sue@quilt.com
X-Mailer: LeeMail 2.0.5
Message-Id:
Date: 09 Jul 96 19:53:56 EDT
From: Graham Forsdyke <100661.3256@CompuServe.COM>
Subject: Contribution
To all
I've got to put this at the top of the posting. Sat down at the 'puter this
afternoon and there was a kind offer to help me out with the Singer phone line
which in not available from England. I accepted this, answered half a dozen
more
letters and hit the mail button again. There were 23 offers of help there. What
a truely wonderful bunch you are all.
To Al re British colonialism
The reason my ancestors formed the British Empire was to spread a sense of
humour throughout the world.
Ok, so some areas we missed.
If you want to continue this thread, I'm game to do so. but only thru private
e-mail. Getting too heavy and too remote for FWF. This is a fun place.
To Marie re Domestic
Sorry, no clever way of dating the Domestic that followed you home -- no sn
numbers data survives. However I can send you photo copy of a short history of
the company that I wrote some time back that has adverts etc that might help.
E-mail me your snail address. No charge.
To Carol
Not sure of my Texas dates yet but many thanks for the transport offer. Another
couple of FWFs were thinking of stopping by to meet up at Frank's Museum --
only
problem is that I haven't mentioned it to Frank yet. When I get some dates,
I'll
break the news to him and hope he hasn't got other plans that day.
To Elise Re tea
Another flag -- for Sacramento. Perhaps if the water in Boston harbour had been
a little warmer I wouldn't be having all this trouble.....
"Nuke the water". I have enough trouble with two over easy on a raft.
Jill re bottle.
It was for oil -- to top up the can. Simple as that. Much sought after by
collectors and far rarer than the can itself.
To David re English trip
If I can help with your proposed trip at all, please let me know by e-mail. I
spent a lot of time in various countries on the other side of the Wall before
it
came down but haven't been since.
To all re recent purchase
Maggie was out today covering a large antique show/junk fair.
She rang in to tell me she'd just bought a FW -- the first she's ever purchased
although I've been chasing them down for some months.
When she got back I opened up the box (perfect condition) and saw the bad news.
The lamp was sitting in the tray -- next to some stray pieces of wire and the
electrical socket that is normally mounted on the machine. . Tray out and the
worst was revealed -- no motor or foot switch.
Maggie hadn't noticed -- yes it happens to the best of us.
Fortunately I bought a couple of weeks ago, for spare parts, a real dog of an
FW
with a new motor and switch so the two can get married.
Maggie's machine was in good condition -- probably an 8, good bobbin assembly
and a Centenial at that. But she was clearly distressed at having "wasted money
on a no-go, incomplete machine".
"Hold hard", said I. "How much did it cost"
She almost whispered: "Twenty dollars".
I forgave her.
Graham F
ISMACS London
Date: Tue, 09 Jul 1996 22:12:55 -0700
From: friend
Subject: Books &British
Hi Bobbie!
Since *one* of my other addictions is books, I am really interested in
getting those "bibles"...it is two gratifications for the price of one...
sewing machines AND books together! **GRIN** Now if there is something
about quilting in there you would have covered all of my addictions!
Hi Al...
I sure hope your post to Graham is in jest. I don't know about British
food, since I have not had the good fortune to dine there. However, our
system of government is based on British Common Law...and the people who
threw that tea party in Boston were destroying the property of
others...which may explain some of the disregard for personal property
that is so extant in the U.S. (i.e. graffiti, burglery, hit-and-run
drivers, etc) since that particular act is forever eulogized in history
classes across the U.S.A.
And let us not forget, without the immigrants from Europe, this country
would still be primarily inhabited by the various Native American tribes.
Have a nice day.
Patty
From: mike wegner
Date: Tue, 09 Jul 1996 18:18:33 -0500
Subject: lamps
Hi, I've been reading this digest since I discovered it when we began
playing on the 'net. I love it! Sue, you do such a good job on this
digest--do you have another life in Real Time?
Today I dropped by an antique mall that I pass occasionally. Wandered thru
and saw 2 Singer treadles. They are sure proud of them--want $275 and $350.
Obviously they don't want my business. Actually the whole mall was way out
of my finances. I did see one rather interesting machine, tho. It was an
old something--no name on it anywhere--but an old machine. Would be
beautiful if it were cleaned. Roses all over it. This machine has been
turned into a lamp. Someone has welded a black metal pole to the back of
the bed and run the wiring up that to make the lamp. This poor machine is
dirty, rusted to the point the wheel won't turn, all the chrome on it is
rusted closed too. And they want $175 for this thing.
Bobbie--Will you be doing another mailing of Graham's manual? I have 20
machines, the newest of which is a New Home 8000 bought in '94, next newest
is a Singer 518 bought in 72. And they get older from there. 8 Singers in
all, and various other beauties. The Singers I have dated, but the others
want me to look up more about them and this manual sounds like it will be
very helpful. Am excited about the Ewers books, too.
Helen right above Dallas where we get thunderstorms--no rain, just thunder!
Date: Tue, 09 Jul 96 19:37:03 -0700
From: SUSIE GARCIA <8garcia@Onramp.NET>
Hi' my name is susie and I have been lurking for months and have finally
decided to ask for help I would like to buy a FW in pretty good condition
that is being sold in the Dallas/FT Worth metroplex area.If anybody knows
of one please email me or call me at 214-442-6036 or fax at 214-442-6861.
Thank-you for any help be>
Date: Wed, 10 Jul 1996 09:24:39 GMT
From: Alan Pritchard
Subject: Singer oil bottle
As I was reading Jill's posting about the bottle her SIL found, it reminded
me of the Singer oil bottle I have. I'm sure mine is not near as old,
although I was told it was from the late 1800s which I question. The bottle
is about 4" high (excluding neck and lid), 1 1/2" thick and 2 1/2 " wide.
It has a short neck and screw on black lid. The label is green with red
border and white lettering. The logo is of a treadle machine. The oil is a
deep amber. Does anyone have any idea what decade(s) this bottle is from?
I asked my friend who makes beautiful reproduction furniture what I should
use to clean bentwood cases and he suggested saddle soap. Said to do a
small area at a time, and be sure to wipe off all the excess soap.
Need to close so I can finish the dress I'm making for my sister.
JP in North Carolina where its hot &humid and our A/C just died. We're not
having very good luck with air conditioners - the compresser in the Saab
went out last week too!
Date: Wed, 10 Jul 96 02:46:35 -0700
From: jcorson@wcn.net
Hi All,
First of all, I have a question. Is a Vibrating Shuttle #2 known by any
other name? I seem to keep getting descriptions and parts offers for a
#27 and I just don't know if the machines are the same/similar or totally
different. Singer assures me I have a VS#2 from 1889 and even though the
cabinetry is rough (former owner let it go camping outside on her porch
for a year) it sews beautifully. Mostly I could use a few more
spindle-bobbins but want to be sure what to ask for. BTW, I have an extra
spindle-bobbin that is about 1/8 of an inch too long for this machine and
I'd be happy to trade or whatever to someone that can use it.
Next, I was wondering if anyone knows about the more recent hand-crank
and treadle machines and how to differentiate between them and the older
machines. About early to mid 70's my family lived in Northern British
Columbia and my mother and many other ladies with no or unreliable
electricity were purchasing new Singer hand-crank machines. I distinctly
remember using the hand-crank machine since mom's other machine was a
Kenmore and even though it would zig-zag it had a terrible attitude and
would skip stitches far too consistently. Mom now lives a state away and
I haven't seen that hand-crank machine in years, but I'd be curious to
know if it was built on some old Singer sewing machine frames that were
recycled or if it was just an Asian version that Singer commissioned. I
also know that Montgomery Ward was selling Singer treadle machines in
their Direct catalog that they started after they discontinued the big
catalog. At one time I had thought I'd like to purchase one but once I
was able to locate my antique treadles that thought went away. I'd just
hate to have someone accidently purchase a recent treadle or hand-crank
machine thinking it was an antique one. Does anyone have some pointers on
what to look for?
Finally, when it comes to turning the fly wheel, I've been taught that
just about all machines need you to roll it towards you
(counterclockwise) except for Kenmore. Theirs are designed to be rolled
away from you (clockwise). Don't know just how accurate that rule is, but
it sure was drilled into me by my mom and grandmother.
I must say this FWF group has been a wonderful inspiration. Thanks!
Juanita Corson
jcorson@wcn.net
Date: Tue, 9 Jul 1996 22:01:09 -0400
From: Millie MacKenzie
Subject: Items for sale
Hi, everyone. While spending time at Cape Cod, I have located the following
items which I am offering for sale. There is quite an assortment and some
unusual items, so enjoy the read! When emailing about particular item,
please use reference number. Thanks, Sue, for passing this on to fellow FWF's.
A1 - Singer buttonholer # 160743 for slant machine. In maroon plastic
rectangular box. Complete with manual, 4 templates, cover plate w/screw, and
as a bonus an additional boxed set of 4 templates. Condition excellent. $40
includes shipping.
A2 - Singer zigzag attachment # 160745 for model 301. In green/white Singer
box. Includes manual, edge stitched w/screw. condition excellent. $50
includes shipping.
A3 - Set of two screwdrivers. Flat handled, silver, one large, one small.
$10 includes shipping.
A4 - Ruffler, for slant shank machine. $6 includes postage.
A5 - Pocket oiler. Metal with cover, looks like a likstick tube but is
twice the length. In tiny print on side is etched 'Perfect Pocket Oiler'.
$10 includes shipping.
A6 - Set of 5 zipper foot attachments. Plastic with instruction sheet. For
applying TALON invisible metal zipper. Not 'old'. $6 includes shipping.
A7 - Singer sewing library booklets - 10 in all. Condition excellent. $3
for the first, $2 each thereafter. Includes postage. Titles:
no. 102 How to Make Draperies
no. 104 How to Make Bedscreads
no. 106 How to Measure, alter and fit
no. 107 How to Make seams and finishes
no. 108 How to Make sleeves
no. 109 How to Make Buttonholes and pockets
no. 110 How to Make collars, finish necklines
no. 113 How to Make Slip covers
no. 116 How to do Dressmaker Tailoring
A8 - Instruction manual for Western Electric Rotary Sewing Machines, No. 2
and No. 5. Not dated, but machine is electic and had foot pedal shaped like
a shoe. How neat! Rotary bobbin. Maybe 1930's vintage? 40 pages.
Excellent condition. $20 includes postage.
A9 - Instruction manual. Titled 'Sewing Machine Instruction Book'. Produced
for The Sewing Machine Factory in Rockford, IL, is intended for a generic,
pre-electric, shuttle bobbin machine. Not dated, but probably early 20th
century. 40 pages. Excellent condition. $20 includes postage.
A10 - Bobbin and spool rack. Mounts onto door of cabinet or side wall of
drawer. Black metal with 6 vertical 'pins' each holding up to 7 FW/301
bobbins. $15 includes shipping.
A11 - 12 metal bobbins for models 221 and 301. $15 includes shipping.
A12 - Bega Bros 'Dealer's Catalogue and Price List'. 1939 to 1940. For
Singer, White and New Home machine. Lots of pix of machines, cabinets,
parts. 32 pages. Condition excellent. $25 includes shipping.
A13 - Cardinal bird card. Flip side shows wonderful pix of the Singer '20'
and says" a practical machine for either little girls or grown ups. Price
only $3.00." $6 includes postage.
A14 - "Let's Alter Your Pattern' - Workbook for Teaching the Theory of
Pattern Alteration. A spiral-bound soft-covered book with 104 pages. 1959.
Condition excellent. $10 includes postage.
A15 - 'Singer Sewing Skills reference book'. 1955. Condition excellent. $10
includes postage.
A16 - 'Textile Handbook' 1960. Published by the American Home Economics
Association. Soft cover, 108 pages. Condition excellent. $8 includes postage.
A17 - 'Successful Home Sewing Made Easy' - lesson 3. Illustrated sewing
course and practice projects for NECCHI Supernova Ultra. Published by
Necchi-Elna Home Arts Center. More modern, like 1950's perhaps. 16 large
pages. $6 includes postage.
A18 - Singer seam guide # 16094. Still in original packaging/unused. $3
includes postage.
A19 - Small dome-shaped oil can. About 2.5 inches diameter with 3 inch
spout. $10 includes postage.
A20 - Toy machine. Singer, brown color with gold trademark seal. #29962 -
made in Great Britain. Hand crank turns but needle bar does not move - it
looks like a rod/??? might be missing. No box or accessories. Good
condition. Offers will be accepted.
A21 - Singer buttonholer for short shank machine. In green space-ship case,
has cover plate w/screw and 6 templates. $20 includes shipping.
A22 - Same as above, but 5 templates and no cover plate. $14 includes shipping.
A23 - Singer hemstitcher and picot edger for Lockstitch Family Sewing
Machines - # 121387. Manual 1935 copyright. Includes cover plate w/screw.
$20 includes postage.
A24 - Greist Rotary buttonholer for short shank machine. Includes cover
plate w/screw and 5 templates. $15 includes shipping.
A25 - Singer oil can # 489520. 4 oz, red/green/white, rectangular with
square corners. 30 cent price integrated into painted surface design. Note
that this is not the oval can everyone is lusting for!! $12 includes
postage. No charge for the oil.
A26 - Singer attachments for short shank machines. In red/green box.
Includes 7 attachments: ruffler, binder, seam guide w/screw, zipper foot,
shirring foot, edge stitcher and hemmer. Fits your Featherweight! $40
includes shipping.
A27 - Singer attachments for short shank machines. In red/green box,
includes 6 attachments: ruffler, binder, seam guide w/screw, tucker,
adjustable hemmer, and hemmer. Box top has 1/4 of it missing. Fits your
Featherweight. $30 includes shipping.
A28 - A Little Wonder Booklet #205 titled "Clothes" by Mae McCrory. 1954.
For children, it reads like a grade 2 primer: " Sue and Nancy are running to
school. Sue is wearing a jumper. Nancy wears a cotton dress and a wool
sweater." 32 pages. It tell about how clothes are made from sheep, plants,
fur, coal, worms, etc. I read it and learned a lot, and it has been some
time since I was in grade 2! $10 includes shipping.
A29 - Glass bottle with screw-on cap and full of oil. Label shows a treadle
in red and says 'Machine Oil'. Polishes Singer and other make machines.
Prevents rust. Will not gum.' $12 includes shipping.
A30 - Boxed set of buttonholer templates. Made by White. Sizes are 3/8,
1/2, 1 5/16, and keyhole 5/7.
Well, did you make it through the list? Note that I will apply a 10%
discount when purchasing more than one item, as shipping/postage will be
less when packaged together. Also, I have FW's for sale. All rated 7 or
higher, fully operational, with accessories and manual, and clean! Email
for details.
Oh, about this book I found called 'MACHINE SEWING - A Treatise on the Care
and Use of Family Sewing Machines and Their Attachments' by Singer, is this
the one everyone was searching for last fall and winter after their was
mention of it here on FWF?? It is actually an educational publication,
teachers edition. The one I purchased has a 1938 copyright date. Until I
find out more about it, I will hold off offering it for sale.
Thanks. Millie aka milmac@snet.net
From: Barbara Lee Gates
Subject: Tracy on Bowen Island
Date: Wed, 10 Jul 1996 07:05:09 -0500
Congratulations to Tracy on Bowen Island on her finds -- and yes, I =
think she has it right "FW ANON".
And this must be a different Bowen Island than the one off Charleston, =
SC. It too is reached by ferry, but certainly not big enough for a =
garage, much less a sale..........
Barbara in wet (this morning) East Texas -- 1.5 inches of rain; oh joy!
From: Barbara Lee Gates
Subject: Tea Time
Date: Wed, 10 Jul 1996 08:06:03 -0500
Graham's story of the horrible tea presentation here in the colonies, =
reminds me of an occurance when we were stationed in Germany many years =
ago. Now most of us "got into" the local scene whenever possible, =
trying new things, trying not to be the ugly American. A wives club =
group set off one day through the Black Forest to visit several shopping =
attractions -- a shop that made darling wooden wall plaques for =
children's rooms, and a jewelry maker, among others. Natually we became =
hungry after a while and stopped at a gasthaus for lunch. One among us =
had not yet learned to "go with the flow" and probably never did, but =
insisted she must have ice tea with her bratwurst. Much explaining in =
bad German later she received hot tea in one of those glasses with the =
copper bottom holder thingy, and a scoop of ice cream in it. Much =
laughter all around. The lady in question then said "this isn't what I =
want; take it back." Arrgh.
Barbara in Deep East Texas
From: Barbara Lee Gates
Subject: RE: FW Fanatics 7/9/96
Date: Wed, 10 Jul 1996 08:27:39 -0500
To Carol in HOT Texas (I know whereof you speak! )
Re the mushy feet on the FW. I thought mine had those because it lived =
all its life in Houston!! Guess I better check on getting some new =
ones. I have little stacks of cardboard under the flatter ones to keep =
the machine from rocking.
Barbara in HOT East Texas (Palestine to be exact)
Date: Wed, 10 Jul 1996 09:43:05 -0400 (EDT)
From: suzy@mail.albany.net
Subject: 220 convertor
I don't know if this would be of any help in the British fw problem, but I
purchased an Elna Supermatic this weekend (I have most of the Singer models,
so have to broaden my search!), but was unable to use it since it has a 220
volt motor. I went to my local appliance repair store (after trying Radio
Shack and finding their convertors only worked on up to 40 watt motors -
mine was 60) and bought a convertor that works up to 300 watts. It cost $60,
and I still don't know if my Elna works (haven't tried yet), but it sounds
like it should. I haven't been following this discussion as closely as I
should since it didn't affect me, but now that it does, I'd appreciate any
further info on the topic. I think I remember someone saying it wasn't good
to do this over a long time? Hope this is of some help to some of you out
there. I do enjoy hearing all the stories of other's wonderful finds -
almost as good as finding them myself! Sue M.
From: XUDR98A@prodigy.com (MRS BONNIE ROSENBAUM)
Date: Wed, 10 Jul 1996 10:36:44, -0500
Subject: Singer Bottle
Hi Jill,
Regarding the Singer bottle you found, I have found two, one with a
cork top and one with a red and white screw top. They were used for
oil. The screw top bottle still has about 1 inch of oil in the
bottom. Both bottles have the raised Singer logo in the glass and
the screw top has the Singer logo printed on the top.
Hope that helps.
Bonnie
From: "Jeffrey E. Froyd"
Subject: Majestic Rotary and Paint
Date: Wed, 10 Jul 1996 00:02:48 -0500
Whew! I'm finally about caught up on digests after being away.
Lydia-I had to pass on all those great antique places in Ohio---the =
family had this crazy idea about actually reaching our destination. I =
hope you get to enjoy!!
Graham-Loved the tip about writing to the Curator of Textiles at the =
Smithsonian, though unfortunately for me, you posted the day after I =
had done two days in the American History Museum! Hope I can remember =
to do that if and when I get back to D.C.
Now, can anyone give me some information and a date on a machine called =
a Majestic Rotary, please? The SN is 93103. This machine belonged to =
DH's paternal grandmother and his dad used to sew on it some, too. It =
has what I think would be classified as art deco trim---really neat! =
The motor was patented in 1927, so I'm guessing early 30's for the =
machine? I promised my MIL I'd try to date it for her-she doesn't sew, =
but it's a meaningful piece of family history for her. Thanks for any =
help you can give.
Also, would the person who posted something about a paint that was good =
for metal and would stop rust please re-post the info or e-mail me? I =
hope to get back to refurbishing my fw table soon, and want something =
good to put on those peeling metal legs. Thanks again!
Joy, back in IN
Date: Wed, 10 Jul 1996 10:50:32 -0400
From: JHOWEL01@mailb.harris.com (JHOWEL01)
Subject: My Model 15
Hello, My name is Joe Howell, I am really enjoying your web page.
Recently I acquired an family heirloom. This is a very nice looking
Singer in a folding table. The Serial number is AE461283. Singer
customer service indicated that it is a model 15 and was built March
23, 1937. I wish to join your club but do not know if I qualify.
Singer told me that my machine is not a Featherweight. Thanks to your
web site I was able to identify several accessories that came with it.
The cabinet and machine are in beautiful shape. I want to service the
unit and on rare occasion use it. It belonged to my Great Grandmother
Penny Howell, It still has the threaded bobbin just as she left it.
We live in Melbourne Fl. I just got word that a Hurricane Watch
(Bertha) is being issued for this area. My company is now broadcasting
on the PA sending everybody home.
Can I join your club?
Thanks, Joe Howell (jhowel01@ge-harris.com) or (joehowell@msn.com)
Date: Wed, 10 Jul 1996 08:47:28 -0700
From: smangels@llnl.gov (Susan M. Mangels)
Subject: Misc
Would love to attend a FWF get-together. If this is planned in the fall or
winter - I hope it is in warm weather areas - ie Arizona, Calif.
Texas,.While I think California in the winter is great - Las Vegas also
comes to mind as a fun place to meet. Lots of hotel and conference space
there..fairly inexpensive there as well..
It has been amusing reading all the comments about Tea - that Graham
started. The most exotic I have ever had was Tea ice cream. Many of the
Japanese Restaurants serve this as dessert, and I was surprised at how much
I enjoyed it, but have decided that it is not so strange since many people
like coffee flavored ice cream - which I think is awful because I am a non
coffee drinker.
The comment I read about warm coke is right on. I can drink slightly
chilled beer - but that warm coke that is served all through Europe is
ghastly...
Graham--It must be because so many of us live in hot climates. I do not
care for iced tea in the winter but the hotter it gets around here the more
refreshing it is.
Susan M. Mangels
UC/LLNL
Livermore, CA
e-mail: smangels@llnl.gov
Fax: (510) 422-9560
Date: 10 Jul 96 12:04:23 EDT
From: kathy <104047.3251@CompuServe.COM>
Subject: Re: FW Fanatics 7/9/96
hi, ive been lokking for a decent machine for about 200 but just dont seem to
be
able to fine one in this area. colorado.......everybody seems to want an arm
and leg for their fw. anyone have a decent one for around 200 e-mail me at
kathy 104047.3251@cserve.com i'd reallya ppreciate this. i'm disabled and want
to find some info on spinning as well. i have been on the textiles bb but not
participated. i guess i should take the plunge there too thanks again--------
kathy
Date: Wed, 10 Jul 1996 13:18:31 -0400 (EDT)
From: Marilyn Root
Subject: We want that book
Just want to get our order in for a book, Bobbie. Never thought we would
get to see one. Maybe you could sell one to our library.
Uh, Chris, we all know about the Singer fabric guide. What we are looking
for is something that _DOESN'T_ scratch the bed.
Marilyn
Date: 10 Jul 1996 17:35:47 +0000
From: "Lehrhoff Mary MSM SUPH US"
Subject: Stuff
To Chris: my note to you bounced back...Would you please send a note to me
at McLehr@AOL.com. I'll be out of here (this address from 5:30PM tonight
til 6:30AM on the 22nd)..I do want the 431 Manual, but need the
"particulars" from you, eg, real or copy, price, etc...
Thanks....
Date: 10 Jul 96 14:34:42 EDT
From: Graham Forsdyke <100661.3256@CompuServe.COM>
Subject: Contribution
Julie re hot Coke and FWs
Couldn't agree more about the disgusting hot Coke with the one miniature ice
cube.. However there has to be a centre (English spelling) ground between that
and buying good money for a Coke that has two teaspoons of the Real Thing in
half a pint of ice.
Please don't worry too much about the 120/240 volt problem. If you find a nice
221 or 222 here grab it -- you will be looking at $150 tops.
The worst way you can then run it thru a Radio Shack transformer (my pure
guess,
$40).
The best way you find a motor later or, if my scheme comes to fruition,, I part
exchange it for an original specification 110 unit.
Buy the book anyway. If you are in England and have a problem with a
prospective
purchase you can 'phone me 0181 529 0394 and I'll try to help (at least I speak
the language).
To Margel Re Wheeler and Wilson No 8
My fault, huh? The least I can do to atone is provide a copy manual. Send me
snail address. No charge, courtesy ISMACS.
To Chris re museums
There is only one Sewing Machine Museum in America. Yes there are museums like
the Smithsonian -- and I have spent days there in the vaults going thru the
machines. But the average Joe would see two or three on a visit. That does not
clasify it as a sewing machine museum.
And please, everybody understand this -- there is no museum in the Oakland
area.
I know a guy claims he has one but he does not. Years back he took some photos
of some machines grouped together,and this is as far as the museum ever got. He
is currentlly selling off what machines he did have ( certainly never enough to
warrant calling his shop a museum) -- one of the ISMACS members in LA bought
two
rare machines last year.
Chris, if you have any doubts, invest a buck in a phone call, say you are a
visitor to the San Francisco area and ask what times the museum is open.
One of our members tried this a couple of weeks back and was told:"I'm not
really sure if I'm going to open a museum after all"
Re the Willox and Gibbs. Takes an 88x1 needle. Don't know if they are available
in US. If not I can send you a packet. You'll appreciate the quality in the
machine -- the first made which used truely interchangable parts.
To Marie and all re FW get-together.
Best of luck with this project.
The Toy Stitchers Society ran an event in the middle of the country last year
where I was the auctioneer. Venue was Branson MO.It wouldn't have been my chice
but it was interesting that the event drew 70 visitors from all over the
States.
I've always run our big conventions in London -- fairly central and easy for
air
or ferry visitors.
Graham Forsdyke
ISMACS London
Date: Wed, 10 Jul 1996 14:47:57 -0500 (CDT)
From: Steve or Terri Carl
Subject: FWF get together
Mary Ann Vaughan said...
: It would be great to have a FWF get together at the Houston Quilt show =
: and it sounds like Graham could get a good cuppa there, also-so it's =
: perfect. Several quilters from Juneau, Alaska are attending the Houston =
: extravaganza this year and we are all FWFanatics and would love to see =
: and perhaps purchase FW for our collections.
I LOVE this idea! (I usually live at the Houston Quilt Show the first
week in November, though, so I'm prejudiced.) Even if it's not an
"official" FWF get-together, I think we could get all the FWFs together
that are planning on coming anyway. If anyone is interested, e-mail
me at terric@neosoft.com, and we'll see what we can do!
Terri (in Houston, where it's *still* so hot and muggy that we'd
almost like Bertha to pay *us* a visit and cool things off for just
a few hours!)
Steve and Terri Carl
terric@neosoft.com
Date: 10 Jul 1996 20:05:28 +0000
From: "Lehrhoff Mary MSM SUPH US"
Subject: Stuff
To Graham:
I got your message; it went a very convuluted route, but I did get it...I'll
be in....OHIO - do you know where that is? (Very Big Grin)...the Rock
n' Roll Hall of Fame is there, so are many of my many siblings and so
forth...so a get-to-gether...I'm taking a Feather with me and returning with
a 301! I'm actually...........I can't believe I'm doing this - giving one
to my beloved Sister, Rita, who is #2 in the Family Hierarchy....we go down
to and include #10...(Ahem, I'm #1). We even use each other #'s now
(sometime) instead of names, like: where is #5 now? Oh, yes, with #4, in
Arkansas (instead of Texas), or #9? Where is he? Oh, in Istanbul, I
see...(Navy)...it's fun having a big family and we're all close....so it
prepared me for the FWFs..,...a large, caring group with boys &girls,
united in One Cause (FWs) but other things, too....
Tea, again: it occurred to me it would be a good idea (remember....When in
Rome....) to learn to LIKE &DRINK Iced Tea...it is really quite palatable
when one becomes accustomed to it. From there, the world can open up and
you can have Cold Coke, Beer, whatever....the advantage for you would be if
it sits around and gets warm, you would still like it, whereas I would
(shudder, ugh) toss it out!
Laugh:
I had to laugh (altho' it was probably sad) about the poor Feather who had a
broken little foot.....I was pleased to hear that rehabilitation is
possible....
To Jeanette, Down Under:
I'll be out of town, so if you want me to mail the stuff I got from Singer,
please send me your SMail address...I do so when I return. Your message to
me at: McLehr@AOL.com will remind me to get it from my files at home...
To Bobbie:
You DID, I hope get my message....count me in the Books...and about the
Library, they chased me....and I don't chase easily....very staid, stuff,
Rule Bound Sorts....no heart! (wouldn't make nice Feathers!). When I get
back from Ohio, I'll be hot on the trail, to be sure! I was SOO
disappointed... oh well...
To Julie Fisher:
I'm sure others have already told you to YES, buy the Nancy Book....and the
serial number is on the bottom of the featherweight. I think an exception
would be the first model year, wherein you must unscrew the bottom bolt to
take off the bottom part and then you will see it...then call Singer and
find out when it was born. (800-877-7762) between 9 and 4..just be patient
and keep dialing and then hold on...have a book or FW to play around with
while you wait...it can take some time...
To Dawn Draper:
What is a 500J? Is it like a 500A? I was just wondering....have to keep up
on these things, you know....(since I have a 500A)...
To Sandy:
Scedaddle back down and get that table!!! If all possible....I've never even
(sigh) seen one...
General:
Lancaster sounds good for the FWF Feather-Rama...Philadelphia wouldn't be
bad either, except it's so soon....
To Clay:
Thanks for your nice words on the 301....I have the Cocoa one (called Coco)
and will have another one (Veronica) I'll pick up in Ohio on Friday....I
didn't get any accessories but have a box of 503 stuff, which I'm told will
do nicely....the 503 stuff is to go with my 431G....so far the tension on
mine has been performing suberbly....no sweat...
To Chris: Stepping Stones:
Did you get my note to E-mail me at McLehr@AOL.com re the 431G manual?
General:
I'm putting the Andy Field's tables on my Wish List....you never
know....everyone raves about them...
Date: Wed, 10 Jul 1996 20:46:54 GMT
Subject: No Subject
From: ma@usa.pipeline.com (Maggie Arlotta)
Hi everyone!
I'm hearing a lot about a meeting from those living on the west coast.I
think the time has come for the eastern seaboard to chime in. Hey
..........what about one convention in the east......one in the west
.........and one in the middle. That way no one would be left out.
Truthfully, I don't think it a bad idea for those of us living in
neighboring states to think of someplace to gather for at least a day.I
know I've met so many wonderful people here that I'd love to be able to
talk face to face and share some laughs.Lets hear it from those in the
Penn.-NY- Conn-NJ and other adjoining states.I love PA vacations. Lancaster
County was perfectly beautiful the last I visited.Just think of the Plain
and Fancy Meals we could all share!The flee markets were great and the
townsfolk friendly. Plenty of quilting going on.Plenty of places for the
DHs to take the kiddies for those of us who have to bring them along.Just
think about it and let it sink in.I'd love to hear from some of you about
this!
Maggie in NY
Date: Wed, 10 Jul 1996 15:33:09 -0600
From: MomofWeedy
Subject: Hand crank for FW
I would like to be able to take a FW camping (don't ask!), and I am
wondering if anyone has tried to attach a hand crank mechanism to a FW. I
know that hand cranks are available for machines with spokes/holes in the
wheel.
Chris Vagtborg is checking into this for me, but has anyone else tried it?
Does it work? Were you able to get a wheel with holes to fit the FW? I may
have to buy a newer 99 do be able to do this. Understand that there are
wheels and hand cranks for this machine (about $8 US each or so). I suppose
DH could make me something that would clamp onto the FW, but I don't want to
scratch the paint.
Kathy in Calgary
reyden@cadvision.com
From: yes@lansol.net (Rush Wickes)
Subject: new FW, old 328K
Date: Wed, 10 Jul 1996 18:13:22 -0400
Hi all,
DH left a bid on a FW at an auction last night and I just heard that
he got it! Haven't seen it yet. It's arriving home after spending the
afternoon in his office. It's an AH model created on June 26, 1947. Details
to come.
I'm feeling bad about my forlorn 328K that I dragged up from the
basement today. I got it when I was 14 and it was my first new machine. I
sewed fearlessly on it right through college and then I had it "serviced."
This guy came to my house and was angry about the local roads having
potholes! Hey, I live in the country where we used to be lucky to have any
roads at all. Anyhow he poured a lot of anger into that machine while
tinkering with it and it has never been the same. The tension is a real
problem and such a struggle that I got disgusted and stopped sewing for a
year. Another dealer I talked to a few years back said not to expect the
machine to hold decent tension settings for long since Singers aren't as
good as they used to be. Is this true? The FW has fantastic stitch
quality. Does anyone out there have a 328K? Do you have problems with it?
Any advice? I have sentimental reasons for wanting it to work as it was the
last gift I got from my dad before he got sick and died.
Thanks,
Nancy W.
Date: Wed, 10 Jul 1996 18:31:59 -0400
From: LASimon@aol.com
Subject: Manual
Bobbie: Thanks for all of your trouble. My manual arrived in prime
condition. I do appreciate all of your time and trouble in doing such a
wonderful job. I know I'll enjoy all the pictures.
Thanks also to Graham who made it all possible. Believe
me, I will take extremely good care of my copy.
Thank you again. Louise
From: BXTJ10A@prodigy.com ( ALTON DAVIS)
Date: Wed, 10 Jul 1996 19:50:41, -0500
Subject: Wooden Attachment Boxes
Hi All:
I have two fold-open wooden attachment boxes, one for a Model 66 and the
other for a Model 27. Will trade either or both for a box for a Model 24.
Both boxes are in good condition and are complete with all the attachments.
The box for the Model 24 does not have to be in good condition as long as
all the hardware and attachments are there.
Thanks,
Al in IL
Date: Fri, 09 Feb 1996 19:48:43 -0800
From: "James M. Welch"
Subject: 301 screw up
Hi, I misunderstood Jim, or just wasn't really listening . . . VBG, he can get
the
part for the 301 but as Chris said, kind of pricey. Anyway, the lady did
decide to
trade it in, after much hemming and hawing. First she wanted to keep the case,
then
she wanted to keep all the accessories, I couldn't stand the suspense and went
up
front to dust. Finally Jim told her that he was giving her a good deal on the
newer
machine and if she wanted to trade it in, he wanted it in one piece, so I held
my
breath and she decided yes, she would trade it in. So its mine!!! My pay for
the
week! After she left I got the "you know Deb we really are in the sewing
machine
business to make money and if you keep claiming all the trade ins, we'll never
get
ahead" lecture. I had to laugh.
Another lady came in yesterday who had a "small black sewing machine that
came in a
black suitcase. My mother gave it to me when I was 18, do you think it's any
good?"
After I showed her my centenial baby and explained how much in demand they
were, she
got really annoyed. Seems a Singer dealer tried to tell her it was no good,
you
really can't get parts for it anymore and he would give her $75 for it . . . .
.
Debbie in NJ
Date: Wed, 10 Jul 1996 22:31:14 -0400
From: Larry Doyle
Subject: FW For Sale
Born April 22,1947 Condition is 8 case minus the tray $350.00
Date: Wed, 10 Jul 1996 22:31:19 -0400
From: MargelS@aol.com
Subject: Re: Wheeler &Wilson
I picked up the Wheeler &Wilson today, but it isn't an 1871 as I thought.
The serial number - 603832 - I tried to match with the ones listed a few
days ago on this list. My printer did print them a little haywire, but I
thought I matched it correctly. Anyway, the last patent date listed was 1878
and the FIRST one was 1872. I really would like to know the correct year.
The bobbin case - now that's a strange one - has a date of 1885. instead of
the open side of the case facing in toward the machine, it faces out and had
an open bracket type thing that holds the bobbin in place. You have to
unscrew this bracket and slide it to remove the bobbin. I hope I find out an
easier way when I find a manual. The rubber (?) ring that goes around the
bobbin winder is missing. Does anyone have any suggestions for a place that
might carry one? Does anyone know when Wheeler &Wilson changed from this
style head (similar in appearance to Willcox and Gibbs from a distance) to
the more familiar style of the early Singers. The cabinet is walnut and
should be gorgeous after I refinish it - or is that something I shouldn't do?
I know there are different schools of thought in this regard. Should I
take a poll?. As it is now the finish isn't bad, but just rather lack
lustre. The beautiful wood doesn't show through. The glass presser foot is
so practical. You can really see so much better. Actually, it is metal with
a glass central area.
Mary in Idaho - I am pea green with envy over your success in finding the
Women's Institute books. Keep on the lookout in case you find any
duplicates, and let me know. After all, I introduced you to them - :)
Graham - When I picked up my machine today, I was looking through some books
as I waited for them to bring it around. I came across one on "Those
Wonderful Writing Machines". Sure enough it was about typewriters. I may
have the title wrong - I'm not sure about the word wonderful. Anyway, it was
a 1954 1st edition, and I now see what you mean when you said that the early
typewriters don't look anything like the typewriters we know today.
Margel - South Bend, IN
Date: Wed, 10 Jul 1996 19:46:59 -0700
From: Lance/Kolleen Carrel
Subject: glad to hear from you and 301
Courtney - so glad to hear you are making progress. I send my thoughts and
prayers to you for patience to allow your body to heal and courage to get
through this trying time.
I love my 301's. I'm so glad that you got one and that it went to a good
home. I wondered when you said you got a walking foot for the 301 but it
didn't work. Did you get one for a slant needle? Even though I had
purchased one for a slant needle, it didn't quite fit my first 301 when I
put it on. When I tested it (by hand, slowly) the needle would have hit the
presser foot. I double checked everything - the screw on the needle bar was
tightened, the fork over the needle-tightener arm, everything seated
correctly. I was going to return it to the dealer, when my husband tried
it on one of my other 301's. It worked fine and when he compared the two he
noticed an adjustment that he could make to the first 301 to make the
walking foot work. It was a very simple adjustment and now it works great.
If you think that might be the problem with your 301, let me know and I'll
have him describe it to you. I bet your DH could do it for you easily.
Just thinking if you still have the walking foot, you might be able to use it.
Looking forward to hearing from you!
Kolleen
*******************************************
Kolleen Carrel, La Grande, Oregon
"You can observe a lot just by watching."
Yogi Berra
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Date: Wed, 10 Jul 1996 22:18:00 -0500
From: Carol Austin
Subject: Centennial Models
I'm not aware of it being posted before but could someone explain exactly
what a centennial model looks like. Is it the inner blue around the gold
singer emblem on the front of the machine?
Chris, will you send me your email address as I would like to order several
things. Thanks.
Carol McNiece Austin
Date: Wed, 10 Jul 1996 22:11:08 -0500
From: Carol Austin
Subject: Treadle cabinets
Does anyone have any pictorial information on the Singer treadle cabinets.
Which styles were offered in which years? What woods were used and what
style. I found two treadle machines that I am considering. Both are in oak
cabinets with carving on sides; three drawers to a side and one in the
middle. They appear to be the same cabinet but one is a 127 born 20 Feb
1917 and the other is what Singer calls a "New Family" and they said it had
no model number. It was born 28 Feb. 1881. Could they both have originally
had the same style cabinet or have they been put in a different cabinet? I
would really like to have a machine in its original cabinet. Does anyone
know anything about the New Family? The SN is 3145181. As they are the
same price, which would be the better investment?
Paducah, Ky. has a great quilt show every April and I've been going for the
last 8 years. However, it is a town of about 20,000 and during the AQS
Quilt Show there are about 80,000 visitors and rooms are booked each year
right after the show. Therefore rooms are extremely hard to get, especially
late in the year. It is a wonderful show and they have a beautiful quilt
museum in town but it might be hard for us to make reservations for all the
FWF's who would like to get together. I'm all for it because my room is
booked for the next ten years. Houston would perhaps be easier. I'm
willing to help; just tell me where and when and what!
Carol McNiece Austin
Date: Wed, 10 Jul 1996 20:36:44 -0700 (PDT)
From: lynncc@quake.net (Lynn Cope Conroy)
Subject: Featherweight Convention
I'd like to cast my vote for San Francisco or Northern California. Vacation
Time is extremely tight so it would be great for me not to have to take any
time off from work.
Chris and Graham,
I think that the Museum of Sewing Machines you referred to is in *My Sewing
Room*!
Lynn
Half Moon Bay, California
Date: Wed, 10 Jul 1996 23:49:39 -0400
From: APWU351@aol.com
Subject: Misc. ramblings
Re:FWF convention,
I attend both the Houston and the Paducah shows each year, so would like to
place my vote for one of those two locations. However, I would travel to
wherever to get a chance to meet some of the people I feel I know from FWF.
Re: Singer Bottle.
Was in one of my favorite haunts and saw a bottle just as you described but
with the label(very little oil). Thought everyone would be interested in the
asking price-$25..
I didn't pay that much for my FW so I passed it up.
Re: fold out accessory boxes
I have two. One came with my $60 treadle machine (complete with original
instruction book and accessories) and one that I picked up for $15 at a flea
market.
However, my instruction manual for my accessories is in GERMAN!! No problem
if my father is around but since I don't live at home and I tend to keep
strange hours, it
could be a problem. My dad's German is 40 years Americanized so his reading
of the language is a little rusty.
Thanks to everyone for your insights. I rush home to download the current
copy and I keep it to read just before bedtime., Anna
____________________________________
FWFanatics@ttsw.com - Singer phone # 1-800-877-7762
And now a word from our sponsor:
Mary Stori is now booking 1997 &1997 dates to present lectures/workshops.
To receive a brochure email your snail mail address to: DSTORI911@aol.com
Visit Mary's web page http://quilt.com/MaryS
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Date: Fri, 12 Jul 96 11:03:45 -0500
From: Featherweight Fanatics
Subject: FWFanatics 7/11/96
To: Sue@quilt.com
X-Mailer: LeeMail 2.0.5
Message-Id:
Hi everyone,
I saw information about a company that deals in FW's on another list, so I am
posting the phone # here. I don't know anything about this company, cannot
endorse them, buyer beware, etc. Just thought someone may find the info
useful.
Call Ken at 1-800-SEW-MORE
Thanks,
Sue T
PS: Afraid I won't ne able to get to any FW conventions unless they are in
Southern New England for the next 6 months or so. Can't do any heavy
travelling. (Of course, New England has a lovely coastline &is beautiful in
the Fall)
Date: Wed, 10 Jul 1996 23:18:16 -0500
From: Carol Austin
Subject: Identifying the FW
Julie,
By all means buy the book Featherwieght 221, The Perfect Portable by Nancy
Johnson-Srebro. It is an excellent book and has many good pictures of FW's.
Anyway you will want it when you buy your FW. It is only 6.95 here in our
town. Well worth the money! Just keep looking and you will find you FW.
There have been some good buys on this digest too.
Carol McNiece Austin
Date: Wed, 10 Jul 1996 23:26:25 -0500
From: Carol Austin
Subject: FWF Convention
If we can get this thing together on where to meet and when we should
definately invite Andy Fields (who makes the replacement cases and tables)
and Dale Pickens (who has about 300 FW's for sale) and cleans and repairs
them at the shows he attends. Just a thought.
Carol McNiece Austin
Date: Thu, 11 Jul 1996 08:07:08 -0400
From: SusanD4444@aol.com
Subject: Re: FW Fanatics 7/9/96
How can I get a copy of the manual that everyone is raving about. I will pay
whatever is appropriate - understanding you didn't charge enough for the
first group promised. Thanks
Date: Thu, 11 Jul 1996 09:09:52 -0400
From: lanza@marie.mit.edu (Dick Lanza)
Subject: A listing of Singer Accessories
Hey Fanatics,
After reading about all the wonderful doodads &gadgets that Singer
sold for their machines and for sewing in general, I was wondering
if there was a publication out there which lists them. If not,
we should make up our own. That way all of us FWFanatics can have
a guide to what we are missing. Send in your list of attachments,
accessories, books, booklets, with Singer part number, approximate
dates, and I would be glad to tabulate them.
Sylvia Lanza
lanza@marie.mit.edu
Date: Wed, 10 Jul 1996 22:23:10 -0700
From: The Halls
Subject: Elnas
Hi, its been a looooong time since I have been able to post here!
Bobbie, thank you for the manual. I can afford about $20 for a copy
of the new book if you are able to get it published. I hope, I hope,
I hope.
I saw a posting from an elna dealer a few weeks back, and of
course I have no organized way as yet to keep archives. I'd love to hear
from you, I have a few elnas, I'd like a lotus. I could also spot for
them. Sooner or later I'll see one or two.
Also, any toy collectors willing to share information. I have
no family that is older to help date anyting. I have my dad, but theres
a real communication problem there. Getting useful information is like
walking on broken christmass ornaments, it can be done but theres a
price.
I am going to scrap some older kenmors that are made by white.
They have the older style flat front tension assembley, and the old
viking style bobbin. If you want or neeed any parts for older whites
from that time I might be able to help. You know, post war godzilla
grey finish.
Last, I have to sell or find a home for my singer 66. Its a
53 or 54 but I'd like someone in michigan (nearby) as they can look
before they buy, I paid $50. Its some where between a 6 and 8 and sews
ok. We can talk or trade.
Also a last min Idea, would there be intrest if exchanging
photos of machines at all? Even if this was done privately on some
machines epop this could be useful for the curious. After the first
pic is developed, its cheap to order multiple prints. If we were
trying to identify a particular machine this could be very helpful.
Tho, at the rate the home pages are going up we can find alot. I
just cant afford a scanner yet!!! I want to try to take some
good shots of some of my machines. And my quilts. Of course I need
to finish some first!!!
Grahym, thank you for the wonderful contributions. I always
enjoy, I havent much time in summer, but I always try. I can usually
get very good tea, but I know what you mean, when you want good
coffee here, for sure the take out coffee will be burned beond being
drinkable. Creature comforts like that become soooo important when one
is away from home.
Bob Evans chain restaurants seem to be able to
serve very hot and fresh here. If you see one, try them! I usualy
drink green tea in the winter so I bring my own teabag's.
Also, could you e Mail some info on joining Ismacs? I will start
saving pennies.
Thank you all for your wonderful contributions and time. I have
learned alot, tho I cant retain much anymore. (Oldtimers, not
altszimers)
Huggs, Cheryl Hall
Date: Thu, 11 Jul 1996 11:27:03 -0400
From: Millie MacKenzie
Subject: Keepsake trip
A friend asked me to go with her to pick her son up from camp in NH, not far
froom Keepsake Quilting store. We plan to stay overnight so we can take our
time in the quilt shop. Should be fun! Any FWF's wanna pass along any
advice and directions????
Went to a small quilt show here on Cape Cod today. Many antique quilts as
well as new endeavors. Weather beautiful and scenery in Chatam is always
breathtaking. Nice luncheon in a local pub. Went with family members who
are not into antique shopping but I will be sure to revisit at a later date.
For Julie and others new to the FW hunt: Please do learn as much about what
you are looking for - befoe you go looking! I am reminded of a model 99
machine which I saw recently in an antique shop, priced at $300. No manual.
When I exclaimed about the very high price was told they they are very
collectible and in high demand. Tho the work 'featherweight' was not
mentioned, I had this gut feeling that the seller was intentionally trying
to pass this machine off to a trusting FW huntress. The fact that the manual
was 'missing' reinforced this, as the machine was in good shape and all
attachments were there; I find that people who took good care of their
machines were careful to keep all accessories with the machine. Maybe I am
too suspicious, but antique dealers also come in 57 varieties!!!
In working with tech support folk recently, I was told to give my email
address as , and not
Subject: I am finally back Online!!!!!!!
What an awful 5 weeks, trying to get back onlne!!
I moved to Cape Cod for the summer and bought a modem (actually, a PC/MCIA
card) for my daughter's laptop, figuring I could get online toute-de-suite!
Wrong! First Tech Support at Toishiba did not think that the New Media
modem would work on the laptop. Then problems with the card manager. Then
New Media said Netscape dialer does not support a digital modem. So I had
to track down another dialer. Then the settings on the dialer had to be
just so. Must have made 30 calls to various Tech Support areas.
Unfortunately, lots of tech people will make up an answer instead of
admiting they do not know. My background is in systems, so I was more
persistent than the average onliners would have been. And I sure learned a
lot about communications software and hardware in the process, so it was not
a total loss. But what an aggravation! I missed you all and missed sharing
my 'finds' and hearing about yours!
Since I wrote last, I have acquired a handcrank, a 301, a 99-23, a 66, a 237
(or was it 327?) and a toy. All Singer portables in cases - except for the
301 and the toy. I have gotten even fussier as to which machines I purchase
- no longer trying to save ALL lost souls. Just those rated 7 to 10. Oh,
now that I am in MA I have 2 dealers in CT waiting for me to pick up FW's!
Trying to function in 2 locations is not easy.
The 301 find was interesting. Went to a no-profit group's tag sale as they
were closing up for the day and noticed 2 machines in cabinets, both with
SOLD signs on them. One the 301, the other more modern Singer. As I was
poking thru the drawers a lady ran up to me and said 'I have already bought
that machine.' I asked her 'How bad do you want it? I'll pay you more that
you paid for it!' So went into this 5 minute harangue about how she has
been looking so long for a piece of furniture this size that she could put
her wordprocessor on. What about the machine? She already has a machine
and was only buying it for the cabinet. So she agreed to let me remove the
machine and keep it, for the same price she paid for the whole thing. My
money was going to the sponsoring group for their fundraising, as had her
money. So we all made out fine - I got the machine, she got the cabinet and
the group got double their asking price!
In between calling Tech Support personnel, I have managed to make 2 baby
quilts and my first crazy quilt` a wall hanging with embellishments. Also
made covers for cushions for one of our friend's new used boat and started
the California King sized quilt with Sailfish center motif which I promised
to make for him a year ago. Found a Thursday night group that gathers to
work on any needle art for 2 hours. Most groups and quilt guilds here do
not meet during the summers and I was desperate for kindred souls!
I look forward again to my daily FWF and to hearing from my online friends!!
Oh, I thought I'd post re 3 upcoming quilt shows: first, this Wed 7/10 the
BeachPlum Quilters' guild show at St. Christopher's Church in Chatham, Cape
Cod, MA; then July 25-28 in Cromwell CT the first annual NorthEast Quilters'
Show; finally the BayBerry Quilting Guild annual show in Harwich, Cape Cod,
MA. If anyone plans to attend, email me for specific times and travel
directions.
All for now. Millie
Date: Thu, 11 Jul 1996 14:47:23 -2250
From: "David M. Mitchell"
Subject: Still looking for machines...aren't we all???
Hi all, I've been on vacation and away from the FWF daily doses of
sewing machine fun, but boy...it sure was fun to get back and have a
whole stack of digests to savor!
I scoured what SE CT antique shops I could find and get into (one, that
looked very interesting, had a post-it saying "Back in 15 minutes!" for
a lot longer than that! I gave up waiting), and came across a very few
interesting things. One was a twenties era Singer portable, which
though reasonable, was beyond my means. Another was a rusty hulk of an
old treadle head, which I got for $5. I figured it would make a good
mechanics lesson sometime if I got bored--it's cleaned up quite nicely.
I haven't called Singer on it yet--it's a long bobbin--but the serial
number doesn't include any letters??? and is a ten-digit number
beginning with 15??? I'll have to check the archives--I'm very
curious.
Most interesting, is what I found in a going-out-of-business antique
shop: a neon Singer sign! It was going for $125, and if anyone's
interested, send me an email and I'll get you the shop's phone
number--they may consider shipping, or maybe New London, CT is worth
the trip for you. It was cool.
Does anyone have any estimates on what percentage of serial numbers
Singer has gotten mixed up in their records? I called on an early
1900's treadle that I'm saving for ($100! and the seller is willing to
wait for me to get the money! I can't wait!) and Singer said it was
built Jan. 17, 1906 and was a model 24. Now, after looking at the
sketches of old machines on the Stepping Stones website, I'm convinced
it's not a model 24 but a long bobbin, something of the 27-28-127 etc.
variety (can't wait for Graham's recognition manual! thanks, Bobbie!)
If Singer got the model wrong, could the date still be right, or is
that out the window too? If anyone has any info, I'd appreciate it.
May all your SM finds be cheap, beautiful, and in good repair--
Cheryl in north metro Detroit
Date: Thu, 11 Jul 1996 19:55:17 GMT
Subject: new conections
From: ma@usa.pipeline.com (Maggie Arlotta)
hello everyone,
I would really appreciate some input about an idea I have.I've
made yet another SM connection.It would appear that I'll have access to
many, many machines reasonably priced starting tomorrow.As I've said
before, I don't need all these machines and only keep those I really love,
so i'm wondering if I do pick these up and bring them home are there any
fwfs out there willing to buy them?I have a good idea of what everybody
wants but I'd appreciate some feedback from you all.I don't want to tie up
all my spare cash in machines I don't want to keep for myself.i'd only want
to make a few dollars above the purchase price because I know shipping adds
to the cost.I have the oppurtunity to buy from treadles to cranks, as they
come in I have first choice and I have the time to do this.I'll also have a
chance to buy all kinds of sewing related items from old woven baskets to
toys and thimbles.I just need to know if I can move them once I've
purchased them.I guess you could say I'm trying to mix a little business
with pleasure.The gentleman I'll be dealing with has agreed to purchase all
sewing related items he'd normally pass up. He said theres plenty,but the
machines we like and love normally don't move along very well so he leaves
them behind for the garbage man unless they are special.I'm going to view a
couple he has tomorrow, among them a few toy machines.Please send me your
ideas on this because I don't want to get in over my head.I'd be happy to
help out and find some models for those of you who can't seem to locate
them yourselves.I'm currently going to ship a 32lb. SM from NY to Hawaii
at$30.90 including insurance so thats not too bad.I thought it would be
more.
Please mail me and tell me what you think!
Maggie (tell me if I'm crazy!)
ma@piprline.com
Toy machine:At an auction near me there will be a plastic auqua blue toy
sewing machine.Runs on electricity-has a blue case w/white handle and man
said he doesn't think it was ever used.It had "Daughter" written across the
arm.Said he thinks its from the 50s. Anyone want to guess what it is?What
its worth?
I've seen reference to treadle cabinets with mother of pearl inlaid.Anyone
have one of these?Whats a fair price?
Date: Thu, 11 Jul 1996 20:44:05 -0400 (EDT)
From: Marie Milow
Subject: Late Night Calls!
Let me begin by saying that I hate late night phone calls ---- I instantly
think of bad news. But sometimes they just might have a silver lining . . . .
A neighbor who lives about six blocks away (whom I barely know) called on
Tuesday about 9:45 PM (well, that's pretty late!), and asked if I knew that
there were sewing machines sitting out by the curb in front of a house just
around the corner from her! Yikes!!! And a special trash pick-up would
haul them away the next day. I never moved so quickly! I pulled DH away
from the baseball All-Star game and we hurried down the street.
I couldn't believe it!! There were seventeen (17!) machines at curbside,
thoroughly drenched by the flash thunderstorm we had at supper time.
Nooooo, I won't keep you in suspense: no FW's or familiar black cases.
Mainly I saw light-colored machines, Kenmores primarily, plus a few Singers.
Then my flashlight spotted a black one, which I immediately claimed. It is
a model 128, in decent shape, and it actually runs, though a bit slow. I
think it needs a new belt, for starters. I also picked up some attachments
which I haven't identified yet. I was so excited!!!
Shared my good fortune with a fellow FWF, Susan, who the next morning picked
up 3 machines, one a model 185 that stitches beautifully! Another friend
took 3 also, and now her twin 5 yr. old daughters each have a SM! What fun!!
To rescue these from the incinerator . . . .
Oh, the house belongs to an old gentlemen who is a collector and antiquer,
who managed to find FWs for several of my friends 2 years ago. . . . I
don't know what has happened to him.
Marie in Arlington, VA, still flying high!!!
From: "John H. Nelson Jr."
Subject: Newletter
Dear Featherweight Fanatics,
My mother recently got my father interested in looking for
featherweights. He has blazed a trail of finding six or seven machines
much to our amazement in less than a year. The machines have been
registered with your database. He's driving us crazy to get some
feedback about other machines that people might be searching for on the
Web. Please help put me out of my misery and provide this man somthing
to fill his time....
Sincerely yours,
Christie Nelson
daffyduck@earthlink.ne
Date: Thu, 11 Jul 1996 21:37:53 -0400
From: LASimon@aol.com
Subject: Ewers Books
Yes! Yes!! Yes!!! How soon will you be able to get these books republished
and available to us FWFs? I can hardly wait. Thanks for all of your
interest and hard work.
Date: Thu, 11 Jul 1996 22:16:33 -0400 (EDT)
From: "Joan E. Smith"
Subject: SM Info
For Jeannette in Australia (tried to e-mail you but it bounced.
You've probably already gotten this info, but I finally got through to
Singer and wanted to pass on what I learned on your machines:
8273299 - Improved Family - June 8, 1888
F3176505 - Model 66K - December 1912
10263268 - Medium Machine - april 1872
EG903906 - Model 201K - September 1951
EJ234633 - Model 206K - October 28, 1953
Graham -- I'd be happy to call Singer for you to get similar info.
Joan
____________________________________
FWFanatics@ttsw.com - Singer phone # 1-800-877-7762
And now a word from our sponsor:
Mary Stori is now booking 1997 &1997 dates to present lectures/workshops.
To receive a brochure email your snail mail address to: DSTORI911@aol.com
Visit Mary's web page http://quilt.com/MaryS
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id AA09058; Sun, 14 Jul 96 14:31:42 EDT
Date: Sun, 14 Jul 96 14:42:49 -0500
From: Featherweight Fanatics
Subject: FW Fanatics 7/12/96
To: Sue@quilt.com
X-Mailer: LeeMail 2.0.5
Message-Id:
Date: Thu, 11 Jul 1996 22:24:07 -0500
From: Carol Austin
Subject: Ask Sam
Would the person who posted about a database called "Ask Sam" for use in
keeping up with this digest please post again or email me on where I can get
this database and a few more details. I obviously need it as I cannot find
your posting. Of course, it might have something to do with the fact that
the printed copies of FWF digest are all over my computer room in different
piles; dog eared to things I want to look back over! I need
help...........so many useful things and I can't find them again. TIA
Finally, I found a bargain. A box of sewing machine attachements for $1.00
and a Singer button holer in an oblong green or more turquoise plastic box
w/manual copyright 1960 with a designation of Singer Buttonholer No. 489500
or No. 489510 for use on Singer Family Sewing Machines.......$1.00 also.
Now could someone tell me what machines this will work on?
Carol McNiece Austin
Date: Thu, 11 Jul 1996 23:36:58 -0400
From: Clay &Shelly Leihy
Subject: Re: Couple of questions
Hi all,
Anyone have tips on repairing the finish on our 301 cabinet? Mostly it
looks pretty good, except for the top, where the varnish or whatever is
split, cracked, and discolored, probably from some heartless villian
leaving her out in the elements.
And a naive question from us newbies -- What is the difference between a
301 and a 301A? At first I thought it was the color, tan for 301A, black
for 301. But then I saw a black 301A. Is it something mechanical
perhaps?
Finally, while hunting around for an elusive "affordable" FW, I came
across a woman who has her mother's old 66-16, willing to sell. She has
the original bentwood case (with key) and attachments and is thinking of
selling it. She thought she had a FW until she cleared away the dust and
found the model number. If anyone's intersted, let me know and I'll give
you her phone number so you can get in touch with her.
Clay
Date: Thu, 11 Jul 1996 23:18:35 -0700 (PDT)
From: Grant Miller
Subject: Re: FW Fanatics 7/10/96
On Thu, 11 Jul 1996, Featherweight Fanatics wrote:
> 23, 1937. I wish to join your club but do not know if I qualify.
>
> Can I join your club?
Hello Joe and welcome. (By the way, I am not an official greeter.) This
list is full of good spirit, great information and remarkable generosity.
The only current requirements I can think of (beside an interest in old
sewing machines) is a strong opinion about how to properly brew a pot
of tea, how to serve it, (vbg) and an appreciation for our differences.
Barbara,...on that same topic, I enjoyed your story. The poor unfortunate
who couldn't enjoy or appreciate the efforts of the waitress to please
her was probably the reincarnation of an old, neverused and unwanted
sewing machine.
Re convention - I like this idea, but see some problems with the travel
if the distances are great. I thought the idea was to have a place to
display machines, gadgets and ephemera, as well as to meet each other.
To see FWFers' "stuff," maybe we should meet in a location near to the
greatest number of participants. (...and no, I'm not suggesting anything
political here)
Chris, could you please e mail me privately. I sent you a message that was
bounced. Also, I recently learned two belts Ipurchased from the local
Singer distribution center are not really leather. They look and feel
like leather,and work fine. Other than being real leather, is there a
functional difference in these belts?
Elise
Date: Thu, 11 Jul 1996 23:44:16 -0400
From: WRDipple@aol.com
Subject: General Stuff
Bobbie - Yes, yes, yes !!! Put me on the list for the Sincere book reprints.
BTW did you get the check?
Convention Idea - attached to a quilt show sounds GRAND and I vote for
mid-USA - and
not just cos I live here. Spreads airfare cost out evenly from
east to west coasts.
No. 27 Treadle [aka Vibrating Shuttle #2] - I have the orignal books for
machine and
attachments. If any one needs a copy e-mail me. [Have the machine
too and I
must say - it's a beaut.] ;-)
Tea and Boiling Water - you see, Graham, ever since the Micky-D/coffee
incident
resturauntuers (sp?) shy away from water above 110 degrees (f) -
fear of litigation.
Pity, that. Tea's best at home with friends, anyway.
Old Business - still wondering about that thick felt pad that came with the
White Treadle.
Suppose it was to keep delicate tootsie's from freezing to the iron
grate? What?
Getting drier by the day here in the midwest - wish Bertha would get off the
east coast and let us have a little weather movement.
Best to all - Wander
Date: Fri, 12 Jul 1996 00:59:59 -0700
From: Bobbie
Subject: FWF's digest
Can I join your club?
Thanks, Joe Howell
Well OF COURSE you can join us! You don't need to have a FW to participate
(smile), just the "want" for
one, and the love and desire to preserve and take care of Old Sewing
Machines. Hope to see more
of you here!
--------------=Bobbie=---------------------
Date: Fri, 12 Jul 1996 01:05:18 -0700
From: Bobbie
Subject: FWF get-together
>Would love to attend a FWF get-together. If this is planned in the fall or
>winter - I hope it is in warm weather areas - ie Arizona, Calif.
>Texas,.While I think California in the winter is great - Las Vegas also
>comes to mind as a fun place to meet. Lots of hotel and conference space
Here's a thought: we could have the get together perhaps next
spring......in ARIZONA....cause, I'm
planning (hopefully this happens) a Book Signing Party with William
Ewers.........I plan on doing
a limited edition, Collectors edition of his books....and having him
available to sign the books for
all who want a signed copy!!! This will only happen IF we sell
enough of the softbound books....
and for those who won't want a Collector's, Limited Edition, but
will get the softbound editions,
they could bring their books and have THEM SIGNED!!!!
What do you think of THIS idea???????? (smile)
------------=Bobbie=-----------------------
Date: Fri, 12 Jul 1996 01:34:09 -0700
From: Bobbie
Subject: Re: FW Fanatics 7/10/96
The cabinet is walnut and
>should be gorgeous after I refinish it - or is that something I shouldn't do?
> I know there are different schools of thought in this regard. Should I
>take a poll?. As it is now the finish isn't bad, but just rather lack
>lustre. The beautiful wood doesn't show through.
Whatever you do.....try this FIRST!!!! I use Howards Orange Oil to clean
ALL WOOD in my home; have
for years....then I use Howard's Orange Oil &Bee's Wax on it.
Whatever...PLEASE, PLEASE try this
before you entertain any 'refinishing' of the cabinet!
I f you can't find Howards, email me, and I'll send you the info.
You have nothing to loose doing this first; I can almost promise
you......when you are thru with the
Howards treatment, you'll forget any ideas of refinishing that cabinet!
Remind me to tell you about
my "Drawing Room Cabinet" someday [when I have more time than I do right now
(sigh)]
Hugz -=Bobbie=---
Date: 12 Jul 96 07:15:58 EDT
From: Graham Forsdyke <100661.3256@CompuServe.COM>
Subject: Contribution
To Juanita re Singer No 2 and 27.
The Vibrating Shuttle No 2 ( as it is called in America) is known as the 12 in
the rest of the world. Also called the Family. Singer's insistance of acclling
it the no 2 is very confussing as they had another No2 (an Industrial Machine
in
production from the 1850s right up to the turn of the century, may be beyond.
I'm totally lost here. Could someone please ask Singer what designation they
are
using for a No 12 vibrating shuttle machine, fiddle base with the shuttle
track
running in line with the machines .And for the New Family same description as
above but with shuttle running accross line of machine ( front to back as you
would sit and use it.)
Without this information, I fear I might be giving confussing advice.
Not being lazy here, I cannot contact the Singer number from outside of the USA
To Suzy and all re convertors/transformers
I have now had a FW 240-volt motor running off 110 volts ( I have a supply) via
a transformer, for over five days non-stop. It is not running a machine so it
is
not loaded as much as the real thing, however I feel it's a pretty tough test.
Only attention it's getting is lube every day.
Next plan is to rig an on-off switch so that the machine starts and runs for
one
minute then switches off and restarts the cycle after about half a minute.
To Joy
Your Majestic was made by the New Home Company . I do not believe that the
records exisit following take over by Japanese Janome Co
To Joe re joining clubs.
The International Sewing Machine Collectors' Society has a strong branch in
Australia. Find the home page at vicnet or via ISMACS on your favourite search
engine. Or e-mail the Aussie representative Brenda Dean at brenda@ismacs.com.au
To Margel re Wheeler and Wilson
Never trust sns. Most large manufacturers used a fairly legitimate sn systems
but others would add the odd ten thousand here and there to suggest their
machines were more popular. Some started each year with a nice round figure.
Some ran thru with number, others re-started with each new model.
Thwe only sn research data I've got suggests that your machine is 1871 which is
clearly nonsense.
Please confirm your machine has a large figure 8 on the main upright.This is
the
model number. It was introduced in 1875 . The No 9, the more conventional
Singer-type was introduced around 10 years later but I believe that the two
models co-existed for some time
The "unscrew the bracket" bobbin holder is standard for all W@W domestic
machines before the No 9. There is no quicker way of loading the bobbin.When we
confirm model I can provide a copy manual.
To Carol (in case no-one else answers)
Centenial models had the words "A century of sewing service" around the top of
the badge and the dates 1851*1951 at the base.
Graham F
ISMACS London
Date: Fri, 12 Jul 1996 08:20:03 -0700
From: Carol Sanders
Subject: Dallas/Ft. Worth Featherweights
To Susie who is looking for a DFW Featherweight,
Hi Susie,
The last Featherweight I saw in this area (Arlington to be exact) was at
Antiques &Moore, a large Antique Mall. Their address is 3708 W. Pioneer
Pkwy in Arlington. Phone is 817-548-5932. It was in the farthest back
corner left hand side. It look to be in pretty good shape,and the case
looked good too. The asking price was $450. The owner of that particular
booth saw my interest and was taken aback when I mentionned I had just
picked up a FW in Fort Worth for $250. a few weeks ago. She offered the
information to me that she had paid $350 for this one.
My $250. FW came from a flea market in Fort Worth (sounds like a pretty
upscale flea market with that price) Every Sat and Sun there is a Flea
Market at Cattle Barn #1 in the Amon Carter Exhibits area. I try to swing
by every few weeks and have seen 2-3 FW over a 6 month time frame.
Hope this helps,
Carol Sanders in Bedford, Texas where liquid is falling from the sky this
am and someone called it rain....I'd forgotten the name!
From: Gail Pickens-Barger
Subject: Notice: Miniature Sewing Machine Display
Date: Fri, 12 Jul 1996 08:26:52 -0500
Hello All!
My Quilt guild (of which I've only attended two meetings, and I don't quilt----
-yet!) Is having their
annual event "Fabric of our Cultures". July26-28, Victoria Texas. In the
event is
"Miniature Sewing Machine Display" featuring many different machines dating
back to the late
1800's. Well that should be interesting! (I can't go-whaa-out of the town!)
I intend to attend the Houston quilt show (whenever that is), and agree about
getting FWF peoples
together. One note, when I go to "star trek" conventions, (yes, I'm also a
trekker), the fan club I belong
to makes it a policy that you wear the "fan club" offical button! That way, we
can visually recognize
each other and instantly strike up a conversation.
Why don't we FWF's also adopt some sort of visual pin. That way we would
recognized each other
at each others quilting events, sewing guilds, Paduka, etc? At least this
would be a starting point.
If we do this, anyone have a suggestion? I do (how did you know?) A simple
little stick on button
that says I love FWF! with the "love" being a red heart. If anyone is
interested in this, drop me an
email, and maybe we can get something going, in the meantime before we meet at
a big setting.
Just a thought!
Gail Pickens-Barger http://www.icsi.net/~pickens/fwknown.htm
Daughter of Dale and Deloris Pickens, those featherweight safari hunters!
Date: Fri, 12 Jul 1996 09:01:31 -0500
From: Beth Probasco
Subject: Old Singer
Can anyone tell me what I have? The Singer machine I picked up at an
auction for $25.00 is in a wood case with a curved top. The serial number
is - AD343299 (motor s/n is 4776361). The machine is black with beautiful
gold scrolling on it. I have a power cord for this but no foot petal or
something to run the machine (my FW cord/foot petal will work on this
machine). There is a round hole on the front of the wood case going into
an electric motor connection. I think a foot petal plugs in here or is it
a knee control? Hope someone can help because the machine sews beautifully
and I also got some attachments with it.
Beth Probasco
beth.j.probasco@medtronic.com
From: "Jeffrey E. Froyd"
Subject: 301 Finds
Date: Fri, 12 Jul 1996 09:22:12 -0500
Hi all! I went to this great auction nearly two weeks ago, but was too =
busy catching up on everything after being away to post about it. I was =
told by the auctioneer's wife there would be a nice fw, so of course I =
had to check it out. Imagine my surprise when it turned out to be a =
WHITE fw AND there was also a 301!! The white fw was an easy 9, with =
case, attachments, manual, and went for $215. (I did not bid on =
it---any more bidders and the price surely would have been higher, as =
the final buyer REALLY wanted it). I did however buy the 301 (case, =
manual, attachments, zigzagger and extra zigzag cams-all in very good =
condition!), my first auction bidding spree. The price was $70, thanks =
to a sweet white-haired lady I'll call Lola. Lola kept up the bidding =
well after others had dropped. Being a novice at this, I felt kind of =
guilty trying to beat out this little lady who obviously wanted it as =
badly as I did, but I had determined my limit beforehand, so plunged =
ahead. Lola and I struck up a conversation afterward, and it turns out =
that she also already has a 301, and wanted this one for her adult =
granddaughter, though she wasn't sure her granddaughter would even use =
it if she had it. Also turns out that Lola has the 301 table, which she =
is using literally as a card table (contact papered!). I kicked my =
guilt aside and asked if she might be interested in selling---well, yes =
(this is after I had told her those tables were hard to come by and =
worth big bucks!)---but she wanted me to see it before I decided. >>>oh, =
glitch, here: my other 301 is long bed, and I had taken my *new* one to =
the car without ever noticing whether it was a short or long. I thought =
I remembered reading that the tables were for short beds.<<< Lola =
assured me hers was identical to the one I bought....though when I got =
back to the car, it turned out it was a long. Well, you guessed =
it---this IS a 301 table that fits the long (approx. 5-1/2") bed =
extension! Someone (Shirley?) posted in the archives that she had one =
for a short bed, so I guess they made both. I saw the table today, and =
the machine fits like a dream! All Lola wants for it is a nice new card =
table, so she can have her afternoon euchre tournaments with her friends =
(euchre, pronounced "yoo-ker", for those of you who live in places =
where you may not know where Paducah is, either : ) ! ). I love all =
the great people on FWF, but I also love meeting so many interesting =
people as I hunt for sewing machines. Lola and I had a wonderful visit =
today, and needless to say, I'm going shopping tomorrow for the best =
card table I can find!
Joy in IN
Date: 12 Jul 96 11:48:24 EDT
From: Chris Vagtborg <71155.1072@CompuServe.COM>
Subject: post
Hi All...
For all: We have sourced replacement needles for the Wilcox and Gibbs
machines - $1.25 each, postage included.
For Barbara in HOT Tejas: We have replacements for the 'mushy feet' on your
FW. They're called Bed Cushions - reg. $1 ea., $3.50 for 4, incl. postage for
FWF...
For Joe Howell in Melborne: As far as I'm concerned, if you like sewing
machines you're A) not all that bad, and B) welcome here! Just 'cause you
don't *currently* have a Featherweight (aka 221 or 222), you too will get
'bitten by the bug' and start lusting for one. It's just a matter of time ;-}
For Marilyn... Uh, I put felting under my Singer Fabric Guide (pn 25527). You
know, the green felt that you put under lamp bases and various objet d'art to
keep it from scratching the top of the cabinet of your pristine Grover &
Baker lockstitch machine, circa 1861... I put the felt just under the 'oval
mounting pad' and used an xacto knife to cut out the slot out of the felt. I
did not put felt under the guide that the fabric runs by.
For Graham... I'll probably never get to California to verify the existence
of the 'phantom' museum, and I've put the whole thing out of my mind. My
comment was only in jest, and not meant to offend... I *do* appreciate the
Wilcox & Gibbs and the fact that they used just about two different screws
for the whole machine! There's got to be at least 20 different screws on a
FW. I did find the needles, & the machine sews like a charm and *fast*.
Friend Al Davis told me that these machines can sew up to 3000 stitches per
minute! I believe it 'cause the machine fairly tried to jump off the table
with the foot control maxed out...
For Mary re: 431 manuals. Checked with my vendor and they currently do not
stock the manual (copy). Sorry...
For Margel re: Bobbin Winder Ring (Tires). If it's the same size that Singer
uses, we've got 'em - $0.50 each.
Bye for now - it's time to savor the garage sale and estate sale ads posted
in the paper.. Chris in St. Simons Is., GA where we've all collectively
breathed a huge sigh of relief at Bertha's passing, but are concerned for
friends and family in SC...
From: rsmeyer@maxinet.com (Rosemary Teghtmeyer)
Date: Fri, 12 Jul 1996 10:24:08 -0800
Subject: This &That/FW's For Sale &Help, please
Hi to all my FWFFs,
FWFFs stands for FeatherWeight Fanatic Friends
Wally World is Wal Mart
The Irish Restraunt-Mickey D's is Mc Donalds
Monkey Wards is Montgomery Wards
Merlins is Mervyns
I use to know White Castle Hamburgers in French which made it sound
very rich, that was when I lived in Ohio.
*****
Joe writes:
> Can I join your club?
> Thanks, Joe Howell (jhowel01@ge-harris.com) or
> (joehowell@msn.com)
To Joe:
Welcome aboard!
*****
Marilyn writes:
> What we are looking for is something that _DOESN'T_ scratch the
bed.<
I have one that I bought from Nancy's Notions or Clotilda's.
Inexpensive. It has a piece of felt on the bottom. Looking at this
one, you could get felt, lay the guide on top, draw around it, cut it
out, be sure to draw in the slit in center for screw. I'd them paste
it to the bottom of guide. Not one of my reallllly old guides though!
*****
Courtney - so glad to hear you are making progress. Happy to see back
on the post! I've been thinking about you and so glad to hear your
progress!! Hugs to you!
*****
Bobbie writes:
EARLY WHITE BRAND SEWING MACHINES
45001 - 63000 1879
Bobbie, does this mean my old White Rotary treadle I just bought last
week, serial number FR 491661 was made somewhere around 1879? Do you
or Anyone know where I can find a manual for this machine? The
machine is in beautiful condition and so is the cabinet. They have a
identical one at the Bidwell Mansion here in Chico, Ca in Annie
Bidwells sewing room!
*****
From: "David M. White"
> Instead of printing out the messages and wasting all that paper, ie: Trees,
> I now use a database program called askSam.
David, please tell me more about "AskSam" Sounds very good. I do use
Pegasus for e-mail which allows me to download to my WordPerfect 6.1
or any other directory or disk. Pegasus for e-mail is wonderful, the
best I've tried, which is about all. I always go back to Pegasus.
Graham, this is from UK. I really had to get use to the spell
checker. Like one day it told me my spelling for "color" was wrong
and brought up the list of suggestions which was "colour". This
software is free to download too.
*****
To Bobbie &Graham:
Thank you Graham for sharing the manual with us !
Thank you Bobbie for making it happen and seeing the project through
to the finish. Can't wait to get my Sincere Books too!!
*****
I was gone for 2 weeks the middle of June. Then when I got home a
week ago Mon, my son &his girlfriend were here from Ohio. My
quilting classes I'm teaching start next week and I'm so far behind I
think I'm ahead. Getting caught up though! Enjoyed reading all my FWF
posts.
I just bought a 301A serial number NA 352305. Did I see some dates for
these that someone had posted? Singer doesn't have any info. Too new
of a machine. My sewing machine guru, Jim, also had the original
cabinet for this machine. Yes, it too followed me home. It does need
refinished. Can someone tell me what the difference is between the
301 and 301A is? Mine has a small brall plate on the front under the
seal with 301A on it.
Also, yesterday I got a Y710557 which I thought was a 99 but Singer
told me this am that it's a 15k made 16 Aug 1929 in Scotland. The
machine does say "Great Britain" on it. It's a beautiful machine in
old bentwood case, with the knee control. Just Lovely!!! Does the 99
manual work for this machine? Or what? If this machine is a 15k how
does it differ from the 99? I'm real pleased with this machine but I
need some education on this.
While I was at my Quilt in a Day Teacher's Seminar, I took my Miss
Julie Singer, 15-91 born 6 June 1946 with me as well as one of my FW,
for backup. Julie did not make a big hit. She was the only lovely,
classie machine there. When I made my Radiant Star on her, all the 8
points of the star came out to be exactly 12 inches, because she
feeds the material so evenly!!! With confidence &pride I
took her instead of my newer zigzag.
Now, Eleanor Burns of Quilt in a Day does have the vintage machines
you see on her PBS shows, in her books etc. She does have some
beautiful machines. She has a studio there at Quilt in a Day where
her PBS shows are filmed. Brian, the cameraman showed me all the
machines after he saw mine. He was awed that I was actually using her
to sew with, as were a couple other people. They only collect them. I
appreciate not only the machines beauty but their talent.
I'm doing free form machine quilting with her now. The 15-91 has a
knob underneath that lowers the feed dogs. Bob who is the Editor of
The Blue Book told me a few weeks ago that the 15-91 was the best
Singer made. She is my favorite.
*****
For Sale by: Jim Sorrell of Quality Resale
916-345-7071 or 916-342-7882
Chico, CA
Wed thru Sat 10am to 6pm
# Jim,my sewing machine guru, just got 2 more old FW that are only good for
parts. If you need parts please call him. #
Also he has for sale:
1* White, not light green, FW serial number EV 991547. I saw her and
she's perfect! Jim was servicing her when I was in there
yesterday morning. The case is in beautiful shape too
White FW w/case, book, and attachments -- $400 plus Shipping
2 * Black FW, serial number AG 614667 beautiful case, book, attachment
&little foot --- $500 plus Shipping
I have also seen this machine. It's in top condition too.
Jim services all his machines before selling them. He charges $52 for
servicing so I always mentally deduct this amount from the price of the
machines I buy from him.
I do not receive commission.
Jim is the type of sewing machine man that Graham referred to awhile back.
Sit and talk machines with, has no back room. He taught me how to ajust my
foot peddle even. Jim worked with Singer for 20 years as sales, service and
then management.He left Singer to open his own shop.
Graham:
I need to finish up the roll of film that I took the pictures of my
hand crank so you won't be receiving the pictures for a couple of
weeks.
I'll gladly help you in getting Birth Dates for Singers. Just
e-mail me the numbers.
Rosemary
rsmeyer@maxinet.com
** wouldn't it be nice is common sense were common **
Date: Fri, 12 Jul 1996 14:03:06 -0400
From: ManyPigs@aol.com
Subject: Re: FWFanatics 7/11/96
Hello from Sunny Florida, where Bertha passed us by...... My DH (Dear
Husband), thinks I spend too much time reading this newsletter. I now have 5
machines. # of them Singer. One is a FW. Actually, the FW was mine the
longest. I recently bought a treadle machine that is a model #17, born on
7-11-17. Does anyone know if there is a manual, or any attachments
availiable for this machine? I would appreciate any infor. that anyone has.
Also, I would like a copy of the manual that everyone is talking about. I
will pay what it is worth, even though it is more than others paid. I would
also like a copy of Graham's book, if that is still available.
I was in a shop, that I recently posted address and phone for, He has an old
Kenmore that is in a cabinet. It is black and looks just like a FW. It was
beautiful and in good condition. The man who runs the shop fixes old sewing
machines, so it does work. He is also busy looking for parts, since I told
him about this newsletter. If anyone is interested his name and info is as
follows:
George Bardwell
4950 N. Hwy. 17
DeLeon Springs, FL 32130
904-985-5108.
I love reading all of the stories that are on here. Everyone have a great
summer!!!!
Marci
Date: Fri, 12 Jul 1996 14:06:05 -0400
From: Idoquilts@aol.com
Subject: Re: FWFanatics 7/11/96
FOR SALE: I have a singer Featherweight for sale its in very good condition.
The leather on the handle of the case has come away a bit, but the handle is
still very sturdy. If anyone is interested please email me at
idoquilts@aol.com. I'm anxious to sell, ( I need some fast cash.) Thanks.
Price $400.
Date: Fri, 12 Jul 1996 14:44:00 -0400
From: liztoth@grits.valdosta.peachnet.edu (Liz Toth)
Subject: Name 5 items
I own a 24-66, portable, set #205. I bought it to use as a door stop,
centerpiece or room decor. I have occassionally looked for a treadle,
but never very seriously.
This summer a friend and I keep going on "Field Trips". Field trips are
days we play hookey from the Real World and just roam around rural south
Georgia, puttering around in little known spots.......a lot of junking,
antique haunts, and out of the way spots for little mini-adventures.
I think I need a goal. I certainly can't buy all the old sewing machines
I've seen this summer, nor do I want to, but tell me 5 things I need to
seriously search for....be specific! It will be fun to search for specific
items like a scavenger hunt. When you list the five items, you probably
ought to tell me what a fair price for it should be.....I might think
$25.00 was too much when I was really looking at a valuable treasure. I'll
carry my lists, my checkbook, and keep you informed if I find something on
my list. (It will also be fun to see how many of you name the same things.)
Consider this as your contribution to me thumbing my nose at the heat and
humidity, and getting to know my neighboring communities a little bit
better. TIA
Liz...in Valdosta where the Olympic Torch passed through yesterday
liztoth@grits.valdosta.peachnet.edu
Date: 12 Jul 96 15:00:56 EDT
From: Graham Forsdyke <100661.3256@CompuServe.COM>
Subject: Contribution
To Cheryl re toys and ISMACS
Thanks for all the tea and coffee hints.
Happy to date your toys for you.Send me a descripition of those you are unsure
of.
I will send you private e-mail about the International Sewing Machine
Collectors' Society.
To Joan
Many thanks for Singer 'phone offer but everything is now organised.
Graham Forsdyke
ISMACS London
Date: Fri, 12 Jul 1996 15:17:15 -0400
From: tmfrazer@netcom.ca (Tracy Maureen Frazer)
Subject: Re: FWFanatics 7/11/96
Hi featherweighters!
Its Tracy on Bowen Island again, that's off the coast of Vancouver
British Columbia, Canada... Guess I'm really hooked! Someone brought a
99k for me to cleanup and I think I'm in love! The Singer dealer I
bought the 222 from also has a 99 in a cabinet in good working
condition and a 128 in a bentwood case also in good condition,he wants
$100 Canadian a piece for each of them. Is this a good price?
Thanks,
Tracy Frazer on Bowen Island ^..^ (i'm in the cat swap!)
tmfrazer@netcom.ca
From: "Laurie Engle"
Date: Thu, 11 Jul 1996 12:28:35 +0000
Subject: tea and hamburgers
I've really been chuckling over the exchanges abiout tea during the
past couple of days. I'm a sortof-military brat, and I was lucky
enough to go to school near London for a couple of years in the late
seventies. I learned to make a decent cuppa. I learned to like "cool"
beer, and even to drink Guiness. I still love chips with vinegar,
only not in public
My favorite story about the differences was something that happened
not long after I arrived. I was exploring London by myself and got
hungry. I cruised on in to a Wimpy's (are those still around,
Graham?) and ordered a hamburger. I was eating my burger and reading
my tourguide, when I noticed it had gotten awfully quiet. I looked up
to find I was being watched in horrified fascination by several
ladies who were eating their burgers with knives and forks.....
Laurie
lengle@newnorth.net
Date: Fri, 12 Jul 1996 16:12:28 -0700
From: "Anthony K. Sebro, Jr."
Subject: Mary Johnson-Sebro
Does anyone at this address have the email address for
Mary Johnson-Sebro? If so, please send it to me.
Sincerely,
Anthony Sebro
Date: Thu, 11 Jul 1996 22:48:34 -0400 (EDT)
From: "Joan E. Smith"
Subject: Re: Lancaster PA
Even though I live in Hawaii, I'd vote for a FWF convention near
Lancaster, PA. I visited that area for the first time several weeks ago
and saw more sewing machines than I'd ever seen before. I took very
sloppy notes on what I saw meaning to share them here but misplaced
them. Well, I finally stumbled upon my notes, so here goes ...
Numerous Singer Model 27s with the Egyptian Sphynx design. I called
Singer on one, SN 13436644, March 20, 1886. Most that I saw were only in
fair condition with some rust and the cabinets cracked. I supposed
someone could have refurbished them. Prices were in the $75 range.
My first Willcox &Gibbs "Automatic Noiseless SM". What an amazing
looking contraption compared to modern machines. My sister was with me
and at first was uninterested, but then discovered the drawers were
filled with attachments, oil can, screw drivers, and a very worn
instruction manual. Looked like the oil had spilled all over it but in a
way was preserving the paper. Fun trying to make sense of the book and
watching my sis get that gleam in her eye! That one was $65.
A $12 Precision Sewing machine (made in Japan) in beautiful condition but
sitting in a pool of water in this junk barn! Yikes!!
A $75 Hudson (made in Japan) with book and attachments also in great
condition.
Wheeler &Wilson with a wooden box of attachments. Box also had W&W on
it. Also looked to be in nice shape for $75.
But, I didn't buy any of them -- couldn't figure out how I would
transport a treadle from PA to Hawaii so not that hard for me to resist.
Joan
Date: Thu, 11 Jul 1996 23:17:26 -0700
From: Mark &Katy
Subject: Hand crank
Hi All,
When I went home last week I saw the model 28 my dad bought me for $5.
The bentwood case is very rough (one end is completely off) but I want to
try and save it since it is different than any other Singer bentwood case
I have seen. It has the same general shape but it appears that the ends
are solid pieces of wood with a groove routered in them to accept the
"bent" part. This creates a ridge at either end of the case top. It also
has a unique decal. It is a copy of the medallion that appears on the
column of all Singers. It is quite a large decal with floral stuff on
either side. Has anyone seen a case like this?
Also, according to Singer, it was a handcrank born in 1902. Sadly the
hand crank is missing. Is it possible to find one somewhere? I think it
had been converted to electric and then someone removed the motor. I read
a post earlier this week about a 28 that had a strange motor bracket and
it sounds a lot like the one I have on this machine. My e-mail was
"eaten" by the cyber monster so if the person who posted this would
e-mail me, I would appreciate it. Since the motor is gone, I really want
to put a handcrank back on it. I would appreciate any leads.
Thanks much, Katy
Date: Fri, 12 Jul 1996 19:35:01 -0400
From: TJanson280@aol.com
Subject: What a deal!
Mom and Dad drove up my driveway and they said they had a sewing machine for
me.
It was a treadle in a plain cabinet but I think it's walnut. When I opened
up the top to see the machine, it was the Singer 127K with the egyptian
scrollwork on the head. It was only $10! I had been looking for this model
too. My mom never even looked at the head. She thought I could just use it
"for parts". Ha! It's beautiful and with a good cleaning and oiling, she
sews very good. Is'nt it amazing how these old beauties can sit around
forever collecting dirt, rust, cobb webby mystery stuff, etc. and still
manage to work great with just a little TLC? Wonder how these new fangled
machines would last through that!!!
One question... the iron leg work needs something done to it. Am I suppose
to repaint this or what?? How does one go about cleaning this part?
I remember a few years back at a garage sale, a man had several treadle heads
lining his driveway. He used the cabinets for (guess what??) TABLES, and was
selling the heads for $10 as boat anchors!! AHHHH!!!!
Oh, one more thing. Does anyone have cats??? They LOVE thread....I came in
my sewing room one day to find my thread wound every which way you can
possibly image around and around the head of my treadle. It looked like she
had been at it for hours, but probably only took her 20 minutes or so. What
fun she must have had. This morning when I got up, I noticed a spool of
thread on the floor going around the leg of my sideboard a few hundred times
to a dining room chair to the buffet to a chair in the living room, around
the stool and at last... to the kitty cat! :-D
A --- A
--@ @--
>> "<<
meowww >>>>>>>>>>,,
Terri Janson, in Michigan.
From: BXTJ10A@prodigy.com ( ALTON DAVIS)
Date: Fri, 12 Jul 1996 20:14:04, -0500
Subject: No 2 Vibrating Shuttle
Juanita,
I did fix up one machine from the 1890's that Singer said was the No 2
Vibrating Shuttle and used parts from a Model 27 with no problems. They
appeared to me to be the same machine. Also, some of the instruction books
for the 27 also say No.2 Vibrating Shuttle.
The only machine I know of that Singer is currently reproducing is the
15-30 and it's not an exact reproduction. Look for the plastic knob on the
right front of the bed for reversing the feed and the shiny chrome numbered
dial on the tension. I suppose it's OK but quality would probably be a
little better if they were recycling old machines.
Hope this helps you,
Al in IL
Date: Fri, 12 Jul 1996 20:49:55 -0400
From: Millie MacKenzie
Subject: new-fangled buttonholer
I have for sale a box set of buttonholer, coverplate/screw with 20
templates for sale. It is a newer one designed for a Touch and Sew or other
"vertical needle zigzag machine". The manual shows 2 cover plates, a
generic one and one specifically for the Touch and Sew. The former one is
included, not the latter. Yours for $20 (includes shipping).
It seems that there are a lot of Treadle machines here on the Cape. I bump
into one every few days. No FW's however! I did meet an antique dealer who
had sold her own FW years ago and continues to kick herself since. She
still has the FW table but uses it, loves it and would not consider an
offer. Oh well, I tried. Maybe some day I will buy one - I have never even
SEEN one!
Millie at Cape Cod, where we expect to be beaten up by Bertha's winds and
rains this weekend.
Date: Fri, 12 Jul 1996 19:15:28 -0400
From: Kilda@aol.com
Subject: Attachments
For Sylvia and others interested:
Terry did a comprehensive list of attachments and gadgets for the FW. If you
check the archives, you will find it listed.
Question about oil bottles. I have seen small copper bottles which are
supposed to be for sewing machines. These are oval, but much too small to
fit the bracket in the FW case. Anybody with info about these?
Thanks
Flo in GlenRock, PA
Date: Fri, 12 Jul 1996 15:13:48 -0700
From: gqminldy@bdt.com (Gretchen McKinsey-Clarke)
Subject: Re: FWF conventions
Hi All,
I just wanted to put my 2 cents worth in on having gatherings to share our
Featherweights and other beloved old machines. First, an awful lot of us
can't afford to go to Paducah or Houston or one of those big shows. And
second, those of us who have collections we would like to share can't
afford to transport them very far.
I think small regional get togethers would be really nice for gathering
together and sharing. And of course the big ones would be terrific for
those who can go. I am reminded of when I was a Girl Scout a loooooong time
ago. We had our regular local meetings, larger, less frequent regional
meetings and huge, once-a-year national meetings. Why, we could have at
least one, if not several, chapters of FWF in every state in the union!
Just a thought...
Gretchen in cloudy, breezy Benicia, CA
From: EHGK92B@prodigy.com (MRS STUART Y INGE)
Date: Fri, 12 Jul 1996 21:48:59, -0500
Subject: FWFanatics 7/11/96
Hi You All
As long as we're talking locations etc. for FW gatherings, I'll put a
plug in for Williamsburg, VA when the quilt show is there at the end
of February. And maybe we could entice Glenn Williams up from
Florida with all his interesting merchandise and vast knowledge!
Stuart (in wet Bertha's path)
Date: Fri, 12 Jul 1996 17:57:06 -0400
From: Maassen23@aol.com
Subject: FW Motor Inquiry
Hello FWFs. I've been reading your e-mail contributions for about a week now
and have found them very useful and informative. I hope someone can provide
some information regarding a FW I just acquired.
My machine is a Model 221K made in Great Britain. The ES prefix on the
serial no. indicates that its D.O.B was in 1962. My questions regard the
information on the motor. The markings indicate that the motor was made in
Canada, cat. CAJ6-8, 110-120 volts, 0.4 Amps, 25-75 cyc. &D.C., S.S.
AU61-11-8. Everything on the motor indicates it is compatible with US
current, but the indication that it will work on direct current is unusual.
Where and when were these machines meant to be operated on D.C.? Is the
"S.S. AU61-11-8" of any significance? Any information you fellow FWFs can
provide will be appreciated.
Larry in (sometimes) sunny New Mexico.
____________________________________
FWFanatics@ttsw.com - Singer phone # 1-800-877-7762
And now a word from our sponsor:
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To receive a brochure email your snail mail address to: DSTORI911@aol.com
Visit Mary's web page http://quilt.com/MaryS
Received: from ttsw.com ([204.249.244.11]) by pcnet1.pcnet.com (4.1/SMI-4.1)
id AA11116; Sun, 14 Jul 96 15:07:25 EDT
Date: Sun, 14 Jul 96 15:18:49 -0500
From: Featherweight Fanatics
Subject: FW Fanatics 7/13/96
To: Sue@quilt.com
X-Mailer: LeeMail 2.0.5
Message-Id:
Date: Fri, 12 Jul 1996 17:51:37 -0700
From: Kurt and Barbara Schanzenbach
Subject: Re: FWFanatics 7/11/96
Bobbie K-Thanks for the manual for 1926 Hand Crank! Can't wait to try it out.
Aloha from the 50th State.
Barbara
Date: Fri, 12 Jul 1996 18:42:33 -0600
From: MomofWeedy
Subject: Elna Lotus
To Cheryl and anyone else looking for a Lotus:
I found one from a local sewing machine repair place and it is for sale. He
wants $150 Cdn (that is about $110 U.S.). It is the model with the built-in
buttonhole. It seems to run really well. I have had it home to try it out
and said that I would post on this list because several people had asked and
his e-mail is not working.
E-mail me privately if you are interested. I like it myself, but don't
'need' it.
Kathy in Calgary
reyden@cadvision.com
Date: Thu, 11 Jul 1996 21:56:22 -0400 (EDT)
From: "Patricia E. Emerick"
Subject: Hand Cranks for Camping
Kathy from Calgary -- I did laugh when I read your post, because I've
been wondering the same thing! Because we camp a lot a state parks where
electricity is not available, I've threatened to put the treadle in the
camper (but there wouldn't be room for us!). You and I might not be the
only ones wanting to know. I'll be watching for any answers.
Pat
**************************************
Pat Emerick in the Lehigh Valley, PA
emericpe@ttown.apci.com
**************************************
Date: Fri, 12 Jul 1996 23:28:08 -0600
From: mikem@citation.com (Mike Mirkovich)
Subject: Featherweight table
Thanks to all of you great people for the education and entertainment!! You
have made me realize what a prize I have in my little FW. It was my first
purchase when I graduated from college in 1963. I don't remember exactly but
think I paid about $60 for it--including the zig-zag and buttonhole
attachments and all manuals. It is a 1956 model it is in superb (9+)
condition. I upgraded to another machine soon after, but never could bring
myself to part with the FW--now I know why!! One question--what does a
featherweight table look like? How do I know what to look for?? Connie
From: "June Millican"
Subject: Re: FWFanatics 7/11/96
Date: Fri, 12 Jul 1996 22:48:04 -0700
Today at a thrift store I found an old Pfaft and a White sewing machine.
They were $6.00 each but they; looked like they'd seen better days. My
interest is in Singers. I look at each place to see if I can to unearth
one. There is a garage sale tomorrow that I'm hoping to find something
really good at. I'm hoping to find some time to actually do some sewing
this weekend. I enjoy hearing about everyones finds. Hot and sunny in
Washington
Date: Sat, 13 Jul 1996 03:27:02 -0400
From: duck@clark.net (Bob Campbell)
Subject: Convention
Hi:
I have a possible solution to the problem of where to have our FWF
convention. Why not have shows on both coasts.
I'm fairly certain that it is too late to schedule a show this year in
Houston, since that city has been booked solid for months. (This topic has
been discussed on several quilting-related groups that I subscribe to).
Could I suggest that we have a Spring Convention in Lancaster, PA ( I
believe in March or April of 1997) AND a Fall Convention in California
( City to be determined ). By doing it this way most of us could make it
to one of the locations without spending an amount equal to the value of 2
or 3 FW's ( we do have our priorities !!)
I'd be willing to begin right away on the Spring Convention in Lancaster,
PA ( this would probably be located in the "non official" locations such as
the Renegade Mall or other sites). I'd leave it up to our West Coast
Fanatics to organize the Fall Convention in CA.
What do you guys, think ? We can:
1.) start modestly in Lancaster at one of the Hotels nearby
2.) conduct our own swap meet
3.) get to know each other
4.) have our own show 'n tell and education sessions
5.) I'll come up with several designs for our own FWF "T" shirts ( 221 Club )
6.) maybe rent a booth for FW sales
7.) etc, etc (you fill in the blanks).
Realize that in order for us to do this, it will be necessary to make
reservations for the group at some particular hotel, which will require $ in
advance to guarantee our site. I can find out what we will need to make
this happen based on several possible scenarios.
Well, what do you think of the Spring and Fall (East and West ) idea???
Thanks for listening
Bob Campbell
duck@clark.net
Date: Sat, 13 Jul 1996 09:08:31 -0400
From: Larry Doyle
Subject: machines for sale
FW Black April 22,1947 condition is 8 all decals in tact in perfct
working order$350.00
Singer 503 condition is 9 many attachments and cams $350.00
99 condition 9 w/reverse $125.00
shipping and handling
Date: Sat, 13 Jul 1996 11:12:22 -0400
From: duck@clark.net (Bob Campbell)
Subject: Wanted - Tan FW
Hi:
I'm interested in obtaining by trade a tan or beige FW in an 8+ or 9
condition ( very, very few scratches). I prefer a tan/brown case in
condition 7 or above.
I would like to trade a white FW that I have (condition 7+ to 8) and a FW
Table (condition 7 - wood sides, metal legs ). I also have a relatively
rare Black FW (condition 8 ) that has larger gold decorations - if you
would prefer that instead. The decorations are pictured in Nancy
Johnson-Srbebro's book on page 25 - look at it carefully, it is very
different and covers all areas of the machine, not just under the arm.
Thanks for listening
Bob Campbell
duck@clark.net
Date: Wed, 10 Jul 1996 20:34:22 -0400
From: duck@clark.net (Bob Campbell)
Subject: Convention
Hi:
I have a possible solution to the problem of where to have our FWF
convention. Why not have shows on both coasts.
I'm fairly certain that it is too late to schedule a show this year in
Houston, since that city has been booked solid for months. (This topic has
been discussed on several quilting-related groups that I subscribe to).
Could I suggest that we have a Spring Convention in Lancaster, PA ( I
believe in March or April of 1997) AND a Fall Convention in California
( City to be determined ). By doing it this way most of us could make it
to one of the locations without spending an amount equal to the value of 2
or 3 FW's ( we do have our priorities !!)
I'd be willing to begin right away on the Spring Convention in Lancaster,
PA ( this would probably be located in the "non official" locations such as
the Renegade Mall or other sites). I'd leave it up to our West Coast
Fanatics to organize the Fall Convention in CA.
What do you guys, think ? We can:
1.) start modestly in Lancaster at one of the Hotels nearby
2.) conduct our own swap meet
3.) get to know each other
4.) have our own show 'n tell and education sessions
5.) I'll come up with several designs for our own FWF "T" shirts ( 221 Club )
6.) maybe rent a booth for FW sales
7.) etc, etc (you fill in the blanks).
Realize that in order for us to do this, it will be necessary to make
reservations for the group at some particular hotel, which will require $ in
advance to guarantee our site. I can find out what we will need to make
this happen based on several possible scenarios.
Well, what do you think of the Spring and Fall (East and West ) idea???
Thanks for listening
Bob Campbell
duck@clark.net
From: David Cross
Date: Wed, 10 Jul 1996 17:05:01 -0700 (PDT)
Subject: mailto:FWFanatics@ttsw.com
I'm posting this message in an attempt to discover the manufacturer of a
machine which I have recently acquired. The frame is black cast steel
with the word PIEDMONT stamped in gold on the arm. It was manufactured
for the Hudsons Bay Company - but by whom?? If anyone can offer me any
clue as to the manufacturer it would be greatly appreciated. Thanks
Date: Sat, 13 Jul 1996 18:38:00 -0400
From: "David M. White"
Subject: WOW !!!
Hello Gang!
I just had to tell you all about what I purchase today, Saturday. I had my
eye on a Singer treadle in a full cabinet at a antique store here in town
for a while. It was priced at 225.00 which I thought was a little steep.
(My Personal Limit is 200.00 unless it is in factory fresh condition and Mr.
Singer himself delivers it.) It was on sale for 180.00 so I when ahead and
bought it. It is looks very similar to the one on page 145 of the "Antique
American Sewing Machine Guide" by J. Slaten. The only difference is that
the drawers on the left hand side on mine are hidden behind a door.
Condition is about a 8. Serial number is G0276051 which is 1924 I believe.
I will call Monday and ask Singer.
While I was checking out at the counter and paying for this machine the
salesman told me about another Singer treadle that was older that this one I
just bought. He says the people just brought it in last week and it was
really nice. "It had inlaid wood on the cabinet". Be still my beating
heart. Could it be?? I have been through this store about 10 times and had
never seen it, but I had not been there in about a month. So, I went and
looked at the machine all the time saying to my self it has got to be over
my limit. Well, Lo and Behold it was a Singer with no model number just a
serial number. It does not say Singer anywhere on it that I can find.
There is a large "S" in the middle of the base. The serial number is
300932. According to J. Slates' book that means it was made in 1869. I
will call Singer and confirm this on Monday. The inlay is striking. The
machine must be a 7 on the GF Scale. It is dirty and grungy. I am afraid
to try and clean the wood. I might try Murphys Oil Soap in a small corner
and see how it does on the wood and WD-40 on the machine, anyone have other
suggestions? It has 3 bobbin covers on it. A 1/4" wide one coming towards
you from the needle and 2 - 3/4 in to 1" wide ones. One on each side of the
needle parallel with the top. A quick look shows that it is a shuttle type
bobbin, but not like the shuttles that I have seen. The Davis that I have
swings its shuttle in a arch under the bed. This shuttle seems to ride a
track in a straight line parallel to the front on the machine. It had no
books, or attachments. Can anyone help with these??? Oh yes, it was marked
398.00 but that was crossed out and it was marked down to 95.00. Yes that
is right, I said ninety five dollars. Needless to say it is sitting in my
living room right now. The wife is away this weekend visiting a friend,
Hum, I wonder if I can fit this machine in the closet?
Well I have rambled enough for now. I need to go and start cleaning my new
machines.
Happy hunting everyone and have a good day.... David (:D
###############################################################################
#
David M. White Email: wd4skq@erols.com
Woodbridge, Virginia or dmwwd4skq@aol.com
20 Miles South of Washington DC.
Hobbies: Amateur Radio, WD4SKQ, Computers, Electronics, Home Automation,
Koi Fish, Softball, Old Sewing Machines
Favorite Quote: "You Will Pay For Your Lack Of Vision" The Emperor, Star Wars
Date: Sat, 13 Jul 1996 19:38:17 -0400
From: Stuart &Lynwood Inge
Subject: Re: FWFanatics 7/11/96
For Sale: AM... black Featherweight, almost a 9, case and manual
definitely 9s, green box with 4 attachments and tube of lubricant in
box. $425 and shipping.
For Sale: (not my machine - no financial interest). White FW almost a
9 (still has Singer Quality Tested sticker on it), case and manual
definitely 9s but NO attachments. Can't figure that one out since the
machine, case and manual are beautiful. $400 and shipping.
If interested in either machine, just email me.
Stuart
From: Gail Pickens-Barger
Subject: I "heart" FWF!
Date: Sat, 13 Jul 1996 19:20:20 -0500
Hey, drop on by my web site. New pic. Of a "FWF" recognition button!
http://www.icsi.net/~pickens
Gail Pickens-Barger, daughter of Dale and Deloris Pickens, those featherweight
safari hunters!!
From: "Jeffrey E. Froyd"
Subject: 301/301A trivia
Date: Sat, 13 Jul 1996 20:15:00 -0500
Comparing my *new* 301 to my *old* 301A, I find they are virtually =
identical: both are black, long bed, single plug. The only differences =
are the gold trim and lettering are different styles (neat!) and a =
slight change in the thread guide above the tension dial. Now it is =
ironic that what little I tried to conclude after the 301 survey has =
just been messed up, too. By that I mean that one of the few =
consistencies we saw was that 301s had all the earlier serial numbers, =
and so it seemed that they would be the earlier model machines. Even =
disregarding the model number, my NA196408 (301A) came with a 1953 =
manual and an *older* style accessory box than my NA123234 (301) which =
came with a 1956 manual and newer style box. So even serial numbers MAY =
not be much of an indicator as to when the machine was actually =
manufactured or sent out, as far as 301s, anyway. Another change: In =
the survey all the 301s had short beds (except for one that was a =
possible replacement), but my 301 has long. So the only thing that's =
consistent is inconsistency, like finding out that tables were made for =
the long beds as well as short.
I'm beginning to think that somebody goofed and had some 301 model =
plates made forgetting the "A" for Anderson, and Singer decided to use =
them up before having the correct ones made .
Joy in IN
Date: Sat, 13 Jul 1996 22:56:15 -0400
From: TCoryn@aol.com
Subject: Feather weight owner
I have 221 Featherweight machine that my mother bought and took with her to
college in the 1950's. I learned to sew on it and my daughter is learning to
sew on it. Third generation and still purring like a kitten. Have the
orginial case, manuel, buttonholer, and ruffler attachments. Would not trade
or sell it ever!!!!!!!
Please send me your newsletter. I am a quilter and ladies in my guild are
always looking for one of these machines to buy.
KMCORYN @aol.com
Date: Sat, 13 Jul 1996 22:35:50 -0500
From: Carol Austin
Subject: Houston IQF Quilt Show
I believe it was someone on this digest who wanted to know when this show
will be. November 7-10, 1996. Preview night is Nov. 6 and classes begin
the 5th. For more info call 713 781-6864 or fax 713 781-8182.
Carol McNiece Austin
____________________________________
FWFanatics@ttsw.com - Singer phone # 1-800-877-7762
And now a word from our sponsor:
Mary Stori is now booking 1997 &1997 dates to present lectures/workshops.
To receive a brochure email your snail mail address to: DSTORI911@aol.com
Visit Mary's web page http://quilt.com/MaryS
Main Quilting Page * Featherweight Fanatics Page