Featherweight
Fanatics
Archives
January 1996
Sunday, January 14th - Saturday, January 20th
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Date: Sun, 14 Jan 1996 00:55:37 -0500 (EST)
Subject: featherweight for sale
I saw a post for a Singer Featherweight for sale on the alt.sewing
newsgroup. Just thought someone would like to know.
Marilyn
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Subject: singer history
Date: Sat, 13 Jan 96 02:04:00 PDT
SUE M.
B>I hope someone can help me with an historical Singer question. I've been
B>reading the Sincere history (I finally made myself a copy, so I wouldn't have
B>to keep borrowing it from the library) and I can't quite get the timeline
B>right. After the war, Singer went back to making the same old machines, which
B>I presume is where the 301 fits in (another straight stitch machine with the
B>slant needle variation).The author then says that Singer finally came out
B>with a marketable zigzag called the Slant-o-matic (which I assume is the 401
B>with a copyright date of 1958 in my manual). Later in the book, he says that
B>when Singer came out with the Touch &Sew series around 1960, they gradually
B>picked up some of the ground lost to the foreign companies. My question is:
B>was the 401 only really marketed for a couple of years, to be replaced by the
B>Touch and Sew (which went on forever)? It also seems strange that so many
B>301's survived since they were being sold when zigzags were the rage. Just
B>wondering - I would dearly love to find a complete history of the Singer
B>company - too bad the author moved to White after the war. Sue M.
I know the 401 wasn't the 1st zig-zag...the 319 came before that one.
Our listowner has one of those...they use a funny needle and smaller
cams. There was one other one before the 319...it may have been a 273?
I probably have that number wrong, but I know there was one more zig-zag
before the 319. The 401a was produced between 1960 and 1963 according
to singer, when I called them to try and date mine. They can't give an
exact date on it, though they can give an exact date for a model 99 made
at the same time....oh well. I don't know if the 401 came before the
401a, or what the differences were. I'll have to stop by
mylocalsewingmachineguru's shop next week and see if he can help us out
with these deep questions. His dad was a singer man in the old days.
He still has some of his dad's sales books, which give information and
descriptions on the machines of the era. I wish I could get him to part
with one of them. Maybe he will copy one for me.
Fran
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Date: Sun, 14 Jan 1996 12:55:04 -0500
Subject: My buttonholer
The prices for buttonholers posted recently have been low. I found a Greist
Rotary Buttonholer with lots of extra templates, one of those wooden needle
containers, and a screwdriver in an antique place Friday. The box was marked
$9.95. When I took it to the counter the woman said "Oh, that is not the
right price. That is the original price. I had it marked higher." I stood
waiting for the terrible news. She said "It is $12.00 and I'm giving 20
percent off today, so it is $9.60." :-) I bought it.
I tried it out on my "new" Singer 101. I didn't want to try it on the FW
first. It works. It is neat! What an amazing contraption.
I remember when my mother and I used to go to a large department store and
have them put buttonholes in our homemade garments. The store also did
mending of stockings. Boy, I bet this really dates me.
Christine T.
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Date: Sun, 14 Jan 1996 16:57:47 -0500 (EST)
Subject: Thanks and notes!
Thanks to all of you who have furnished information about the rubber
stamps. I'll be calling a Stitch Back in Time this week for a catalog.
A Note: Helen Kelley is a regular contributor to Quilter's Newsletter
magazine. Her column is titled: Loose Threads, and that's the phrase that
appears on the magazine's Contents page. "Feathering My Nest" is what I
would call the subtitle (sort of) of her November column. Sorry I didn't
make this clearer the first time.
Lydia
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Date: Sun, 14 Jan 1996 14:04:47 -0800 (PST)
Subject: Re: FW Fanatics 1/13/96
Hi, Just a few more thoughts and a couple of questions. I acquired a
copy of the "Manual of Family Sewing Machines and their attachments" from
a fabric store I frequent. She had purchased the machine and cabinet
from someone in Redmond who had gotten it from a college. You should
have seen the cabinet. It was really spectacular. It had two doors that
opened in the front to reveal all kinds of cubbyholes in the back of the
cabinet as well as storage space in the doors. It was mahogony I think
and not a scratch on it. The machine (singer) was made in l938.
My mother purchased a machine and cabinet at a thrift shop where she
volunteers, for $7.50. It was pretty rusty and the cabinet will have to
be stripped and revarnished. I cleaned the machine, my dad purchased a
new belt and now it looks terrific. It has a pretty good stitch but it
looks like someone might have taken the tension knob apart and assembled
it incorrectly. I think there might be a missing piece. If anyone has
the manual for a 99K, I would really appreciate a copy. I have tried
putting the tension back together using Nancy's guide, but since it is
not the correct machine, I'm sure I must be doing something wrong. I
will be happy to pay for the copies as well as the postage.
I have been able to find two rubber stamps that you might be interested
in. One is a replica for the Singer Sewhandy two machine (I have one
from my youth) and another of the Featherweight. I purchased both of
these in Washington state and would be glad to try to track one down for
anyone that is interested. I am sure they had a treadle in one of the
shops I was in.
I have an old treadle cabinet (Singer) that my mom bought for $5 a few
years ago. I have my 401A in the cabinet at the moment. Last night my
dad went into there attic and brought the machine down. It is really
old, some kind of red, green and gold scrollwork on it. It needs a lot
of attention and the throat plate is missing. I have the attachments for
it up in my treadle cabinet. Have't figured out just what it is yet. I
will have to bring it home and take a good look.
Concerning quilting on my 401A. I usually have either a muslin backing or
cotton of some type. I have a really hard time free motion quilting as
the machine will not seem to go at a consistent slow speed. It seems
like you really have to give it the gas to get it going but will not run
slower. Maybe it's just me.
Oh, if anyone finds out about knee levers for the 99K, please let me
know. The one on the cabinet was missing. My mom owns a singer she
purchased in l948 and I was going to use her cabinet, but the 99K is
smaller than her machine.
Better sign off--Hope I remembered everything I wanted to say and ask.
Bye from rainy Western Washington.
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Date: 14 Jan 96 18:34:24 EST
Subject: Monogrammer - Part Number
Per Terry's request: "MONOGRAMERS: Would someone please give the
part number on these and the copyright date in the manual?"
I just posted a note asking some questions about monogrammers, but I can tell
you that the one I have is No. 171256 for "slant-needle zig-zag sewing machines
for use with 750 series machines" It came with feed cover #161825 for "Touch &
Sew and Slant-O-Matic Zig-Zag sewing machines with elevator throat plates".
The manual goes into detail that other feed covers--#507661 or #86748--will be
needed for "Touch &Sew...machines with magnetic throat plates" and "zig-zag
throat plate of vertical-needle zig-zag...machines, respectively. The manual is
dated 1969 and was printed in Great Britian. Inside the hinged top door of the
monogrammer, one of the parts is also stamped Great Britian and has it's own
part unique number. Included in the box are 26 round disks for all the letters
A-Z. The manual also includes a clear plastic "initial placement guide". It's
very modern-looking, over-all, and I do not think it has ever been used! I am
curious if there were other models of monogrammers made by Singer, aren't you?
Shirley
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Date: Sun, 14 Jan 1996 19:51:04 -0500 (EST)
Subject: Re: FW Fanatics 1/13/96
Does anyone know anything about a blue steel sewing machine called the
Fleetwood? it has a dial that can be turned to embroidery, silk, and
normal, though I haven't fooled with it as yet. the serial number is TW
713, and it says Made in Japan on it. It has a blue steel case motor
attached on the back, which says Made in Belgium. Any information would
absolutely make my day. Stacy sits proudly in my living room as a
decoration, though she does work. I do need to give her a good purge job
on the inside, as a burning type smell, like old lubricant comes out of
her when she is turned on.
My Bernina/Pfaff dealer will give me $700 of a new machine for any old
trade in, no matter what kind, so not wanting to part with my Singer 99,
or my Pfaff 806, I went yard sale hopping for a cheap machine to turn in
during the summer when the new computer updates come out. Well, there
was Stacy Blue sitting in a driveway, for $10.00, without any
attachments. The attachments were lost so long ago the woman had no idea
what a sewing attachment looked like!. Well, I bought Stacy for $5.00
due to lack of attachments. (Bad, I know) She only goes front and back,
and, unlike my 99, does have a reverse lever. She is no light weight.
She has to be the heaviest machine I have ever lifted!
Please help me find out something about her past! She is such a pretty
lady, that I will have to go yard sale hopping to find another to turn
in. Of course, I am always on the lookout for a Featherweight, and one
day I know I will find one with my name on it.
Thanks for any and all help.
Peggy K
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Date: Sun, 14 Jan 1996 20:05:56 -0500
Subject: attachments wooden case
Fellow appreciators of fine sewing machines,
I escaped my house today and went to the local antique centers. I was
actvely escaping my two boys, and their father. We were snowed in for most
of the last week!
I found several wonderful things but need help with them all:
There was a very interesting Wilcox and GIbbs treadle. It had most of the
manual, a box of extra needles, and a treadle case in okay condition.
(front gorgeous, top has LOTS of water marks - probably used as a plant
stand.)
The machine seems to work. It needs some cleaning up. The only date I could
find were patent dates of 1876 and 1883. My question is; "Does this thing
have a bobbin?" There were lots of diagrams showing the proper threading ffor
the top but absolutely no mention of a bottom bobbin. I have a copy of
sinceres sewing machine repair guide, but this machine is TOO early too be me
mentioned. PLEASE tell me if I could possibly get his thing going. ALso
is there a bobbin, if not how does the stitch mechanism work? They wanted
$165 for this machine, I love the butterfly shaped treadle, but the cost seems
high. Opinions please
Second. I found and purchased one of the attachment boxes
with a patent date of feb 19, 1889. Does anyone have an expanation of all
of these attachments, there seems to be 19. The box is lined in a burgundy
red velvet. There are also screwdrivers, and other things in the box.
There is no indication of what kind of treadle mahcine these are for, except
I did find the singer name on one of the larger more tortuous looking feet.
If anyone could send me a copy of their instructions that show what these are i
are I would readily trade for fabric or something else.
IF anyone has a good reference for older treadle machines, and how to make
them work, please let me and the list know. It is incredible how many v
different kinds of machines there are out there.
TIA
Kim M
PS I also saw a Betsy Ross toy sewing machine. Overpriced at $95. Looks
good, with the reptilian red and black case. If you are interested I will
let you know the name of the dealer. Just write for the info.
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Date: Sun, 14 Jan 1996 22:09:40 -0500
Subject: Survey update
As promised, an update on info gathered in the survey. Please let me
know if you have anything to add, especially datapage information.
There are now 272 Featherweights on the database. 12 have Canadian
owners, 2 New Zealand and 1 Australian. The remaining are spread over 31
states.
The number after the date is how many on the database have that
birthdate. They will not add up to 272, however, because I don't have
birthdates on quite all of them.
AMERICAN :
AD
10/3/33 - 3 Original price $84.
9/10/34 - 2
11/27/34 - 4
6/24/35 - 1
9/23/35 -2 AD996956 to AD999999.
AE
9/23/35 - 3 Foot pedal changed to all plastic midway through this run.
12/30/35 - 3
3/25/36 - 1
7/13/36 - 1
9/10/36 - 1
11/5/36 - 1
6/11/37 - 1 Beginning of numbered tension knob.
6/17/37 -1
AF
10/10/38 - 2 One of these has a Golden Gate Expo medallion.
2/15/39 - 2
7/11/39 - 1
12/5/39 - 3 One of these has a matte finish.
4/10/40 - 2
5/15/40 - 2
8/15/40 - 9 Stitch length indicator changed to new style during this run.
These sold new for around $105. One has a matte finish.
1/7/41 - 2
4/1/41 - 5
5/14/41 - 1
AG
7/1/41 - 1
9/19/45 - 1
6/4/46 - 1 AG689391 - AG709390.
9/16/46 - 3
2/19/47 - 4 Balance wheel (hand wheel) now painted black.
AH
4/22/47 - 2 AH050371 - AH070370.
6/26/47 - 2 AH111971 - AH131970.
8/19/47 - 6 AH193771 - AH223770. Faceplate changed to striated during this
run.
10/28/47 - 1
1/22/48 - 5
4/20/48 - 1
6/18/48 - 1
10/1/48 - 3
12/9/48 - 5 These sold for around $148 new.
AJ
12/9/48 - 2
3/13/49 - 1
3/15/49 - 3
11/18/49 -7 Case probably changed from lift out style to shelf on left
around this date.
1/23/50 - 3
3/31/50 - 5
6/1/50 - 4 One of these 4 has Anniversary Medallion.
8/22/50 - 2 Anniversary.
10/26/50 - 5 Anniversary.
AK
1/29/51 - 3 Anniversary. One of these was originally sold in Brazil.
5/10/51 - 7 Anniversary.
10/31/51 - 5 Anniversary.
2/20/52 - 6 One of these 6 has Anniversary medallion, rest have black band
medallion.
8/11/52 - 6 AK984876 - AK999999.
AL
8/11/52 - 6 AL000001 - AL034875. During this run seam allowance guage was
added.
12/12/52 - 5 AL158501 - AL208500.
5/4/53 - 4 Riveted model number (221-)began to be added below medallion.
10/14/53 - 9 Gold leaf changed from ornate to plainer style during this
run.
4/22/54 - 6
1/17/55 - 5 AL900891 - AL950890.
AM
6/10/55 - 7 AM137761 - AM187760.
2/27/56 - 6
1/29/57 - 9
BRITISH
EE
12/10/48 - 1
EF
5/25/49 - 1
8/17/49 - 2
11/7/49 - 1 Anniversary medallion.
EG
7/17/51 - 2 Medallion changed to black band style during this run.
10/17/51 - 1 Stitch length indicator changed to new style around this date.
EH
12/18/51 - 1
3/4/53 - 2 Gold leaf changed from ornate to plainer style during this
run.
EJ
9/4/53 - 1 Riveted model number began to be added below medallion.
EK
3/14/54 - 1 EK319939 - EK329938. Freearm. Seam allowance guage added.
EL
3/2/56 - 1 Freearm.
EP
3/3/59 - 0 EP131001 - EP133500. Freearm.
5/18/59 - 0 EP256021 - EP257520.
9/22/59 - 1 EP541572 - EP544071. Freearm. Medallion changed to brass with
red "S" around this time.
12/18/59 - 0 EP758473 - EP760972. Freearm.
ER
3/15/60 - 0 ER022034 - ER024533. Freearm.
ES
10/19/60 - 0 ES165344 - ES167843. Freearm.
11/23/60 - 1 ES170544 - ES165543.
1/10/61 - 3 ES239244 - ES249243.
1/31/61 - 0 ES352344 - ES357343. Freearm
3/30/61 - 0 ES522944 - ES527943. Freearm
5/15/61 - 0 ES648144 - ES658143.
8/19/61 - 2 ES873744 - ES883743. Both tan. One is a 221-J, one is a 221-K.
ET
11/2/61 - 0 ET06135 - ET071344.
EV
3/1/63 - 1 White.
3/3/64 - 1 EV776991 - EV826990. White.
4/21/64 - 2 White.
5/7/64 - 1 White.
5/13/64 - 3 EV919198 - EV969197. White. Singer says these are 328K's.
6/11/64 - 3 White.
EW
8/6/68 - 1 White.
EY
unknown - 2 White.
FA
unknown - 4 White.
There are 93 birthdates above. Assuming there are over 100, and that an
average of 20,000 were made each run (which is probably very conservative
since we know some runs were as high as 50,000) there were well over
2,000,000 Featherweights made. So why are they so hard to find?!
Happy featherweighting,
Krisi
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Date: Sun, 14 Jan 1996 19:31:24 -0800
Subject: BelAir Bantam
Ingrid, I have a BelAir Bantam also. This machine is a copy of the
Singer model 99. Interesting note - the model 66 was Singer's first drop
in bobbin machine introduced in the 1890's and then along came the model
99, a 3/4 size model 66, and then we have the Bantam which is called by
BelAir the model 33. The Bantam, however, is an aluminum machine and is
much lighter than the Singer model 99. It weighs about 13 lbs. Mine was
made in 1950, manufactured in Japan, ser. no. B5010804A. The machine is
well made and sews beautifully. The motor is labled Bell Electric, Los
Angeles, Calif. It's in a rectangular case covered with dark blue
imitation alligator.
For those of you that like the Singer model 99, keep a look out for one of
these BelAir Bantams if you need a portable. I got mine from a thrift shop
for $25.
Gordy
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Date: Sun, 14 Jan 1996 22:29:06 -0500
Subject: FWFanatics
Someone recently asked if the 99-13 type machines in breadbox case always
came with knee-lever. Answer: no. I saw one today in a shop and could find
no sign that it had been converted to foot control. No circular hole in
bottom case where knee-lever wo
uld be inserted.
I have a set of Singer attachments with 'fashion disks in green/white box '
for a Singer Style-O-Matic 328. If interested in purchasing these, please
email me. $20.
Also I have a Singerhole attachment "for Singer Lock Stitch Family Sewing
Machine". In a Singer green/white box it is part No. 121795. $25.
Please note that if you sign off with only your city, many of us have no idea
what state you are in! Thanks.
Millie
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Date: Sun, 14 Jan 1996 19:36:00 -0800 (PST)
Subject: The Antique Trail
Hi there fellow fanatics,
Just got back from a 150 mile long Sunday Drive. Saw many, many, old sewing
machines. There was only one Featherweight, a 50's model priced at $475,
too much IMHO. There was a Singer shuttle type treadle, oak cabinet kind of
beat up, machine (with grape leaf endplate) really beat up. Price on this
is unknown, I left my name, I just have to know. Then I found a black
Spartan for $55, it was a model number 192K. Right beside the Spartan were
two boxes of Greist attachments priced at $8 each. I pawed through the
attachments and chose the better one. When it came time to pay for them, I
was only charged $6.40. So this is my find for the day.
Further down the road I saw a couple of model 99's, one of them in a
cabinet. There was an old Singer fiddlebase handcrank. It was charming, but
the decals were really quite worn. There was also a Singer bentwood case
mystery machine. No key in sight.
Further down the road again, we stopped at an antique mall that had ten
(10!!!) old sewing machines. This place had a huge, dark, cold back room.
DH diligently looked in corners and under furniture for little black cases.
There were two Singer treadles similar to the one at the first shop but in
better shape, they were both $185. There was a black Voque sewing machine
in a cabinet. There was one 99K with a knee lift. There was a Singer
treadle in a closed-in, console cabinet, not the usual open bottom treadle.
There was a handcrank machine of unknown make, I couldn't get the needle to
go up an down though. One machine spooked DH, I opened a cabinet to find a
turquoise Singer monster, poor DH begged me to close the lid, he didn't
want to let it out. Then there were two mystery bentwood case sewing
machines, one bigger than the other. DH tried to lift the big one. Nope.
The owner said they could be had for $25 each. It was a temptation, I tell
you. If anyone is interested, this store is in Napa, California just off
highway 29, perfect for fitting into a wine tasting expedition. It doesn't
look like much from the outside, but looking was a lot of fun.
Lynn
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Date: Mon, 15 Jan 1996 08:58:06 -0500
Subject: Kenmore Attachments
Hi All,
I posted a message on AOL that I was looking for old sewing attachments. The
following is a response I received concerning Kenmore attachments (sent on
with permission). If anyone is interested, please e-mail Clyde directly.
Thanks.
Hi Would you be interested in attachments for a Kenmore sewing machine?
I have a Button Hole maker. It uses one of 6 cams to control the size of
the hole.
Plastic case included.
I also have the Kenmore Overcaster attachments. In the original box.
I also have a box of loose parts, attachments and instruction book.
According to the book , the parts are as follows:
3 Bobbins
A cutting gauge. (attaches to a scissor)
Three sizes of hemmers.
A Multiple Slot Binder
The Combination Edge-Stitcher, Tucking Guide and Top-Braider.
Foot Hemmer
Quilting Foot and guide bar
Parts missing - The Five Stitch Ruffler and the Combination Adjustable
Zipper Attaching and Cording Foot.
If you would like to see these, I can E-Mail a Bitmap Picture, captured from
a video camara.
I am asking $15.00 + $5.00 Shipping, Total of $20.00
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Date: Mon, 15 Jan 1996 09:21:32 EST
Subject: Marked Needle Plates
Some of you have had an interest in needle plates with seam markings on
them. You can get new marked plates for the 201, 15-91, 15-88, 15-90, and
15-125. It might also fit other 15-Calss machines but I'm not sure. It is
part no. 173585 and is available from Brewer if your dealer orders from
them. It will probably cost $10-12.
Al
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Date: 15 Jan 96 09:59:27 EST
Subject: FWF replies
To Kim M re your Willcox and Gibbes.
The W&G was a chain-stitch machine having a single thread and a rotary hook
looper under the stitch plate. No bobbin. No shuttle
It was the most successful of its kind being in production from 1857 to the
1950s with only one radical change in design -- the addition of an automatic
tension device in 1875.
The machines were made at the Sharpe and Brown Co in Rhode Island.
Most still work straight out of the box but you have to get the threading right.
If you would like to e-mail me with your address I'll send photocopy threading
instructions
Also if you give me the serial number, I can date the machine within a couple of
years. If the number exceeds 660,000 it is post 1921 and my records only deal
with machines made previouss to this.
Graham F, ISMACS
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Date: Mon, 15 Jan 1996 10:10:21 -0500
Subject: Etc.
Today I saw my first Wheeler &Wilson treadle. Very ornate cabinet. The
machine reminded me of a Greyhound. It was at an estate sale and too rich
for me. On the way home we stopped at a Thrift store and they were taking
silent auction bids on a White Rotary treadle. I didn't place a bid but did
look through the drawers. I found bobbins just like the ones I described to
you all before. I was asking what machine they could have been for and
received no response. Well, anyway I still have these 4 White Rotary
bobbins. I'd like to trade them for a fat quarter. Anybody interested.
At another Thrift store I saw an interesting State machine. It looks so much
like a Singer model 15. It has the art deco goldwork, an art deco-striated
faceplate, brass medallion similisar to Singer's, and even a serial number in
front on the bed. The price was reasonable but the bobbins casing was
missing. Too bad.
I haven't sold my Franklin manual yet. I had some interest in it though.
Here's the deal. I'd like to sell both the original manual and its
attachment box with all attachments mentioned in the manual. The manual is
in pretty good condition. I have no date on the manual. Its kinda a olive
green and has Sears and Roebuck Co. on the cover. I'd like to sell them both
for $30.
Within the next couple of weeks I should have a whole bunch of various
buttonholers for all kinds of machines. I'm guessing I'll have about 11.
I'l sell these all for $5 each,shipping included.
Thanks all for listening (reading). , Jacque
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Date: Mon, 15 Jan 1996 09:16:13 -0600
Subject: They're multiplying!!!
Hello fellow fanatics!!
I can't say you started my passion for old sewing machines, but I can
definitely say you help to feed the frenzy!!
About a week or so ago I had heard there was a new antique store (isn't
that an oxymoron??) up the street from my house so Friday after work I
decided to go check it out (Ginney -- it's on 2nd Ave a little ways north of
Pidgeons. BTW, the antique store in the old Pidgeons store is supposed
to open by the end of the month). When I walked in I asked the lady if
she had any old sewing machines and/or attachments. She asked me
how old?? She had a box of attachments for a slant needle (marked
$22.50 but I did not buy that. If anyone is interested let me know and I'll
go pick it up for you). Then I saw it!! It's a New Home in a beautiful wood
cabinet and on top of the cabinet was a boxlid with a ton of attachments
in it that was included in the price of the machine!! I asked her if she
would sell the attachments separately, but she said no. I was almost
ready to leave it all, then I opened the door of the cabinet and, lo and
behold, there were more attachments in there!! So, I said yes, I'll take it.
I don't know anything about New Homes, so if any of you out there know
more, like maybe how old it is, etc., let me know. It's a Type F and the
serial number is ALB-201. I know they're made in Rockford, IL (the home
of one of my best friends from college).
Besides the sewing machine and the cabinet, I got a box of Greist
attachments that will fit the New Home (it's the type that has the two
forks and attaches from the top (the screw is on top). I also got a partial
box of Greist attachments that will work on my Premier and 99k. It does
not have the attachment foot, but fortunately, I have that in another set of
attachments I got with the Premier. In the boxlid was also a zigzag
attachment that I've already tried on the 99k, manuals for the sewing
machine and zigzagger, a box of cams for a buttonholer for the New
Home (but no buttonholer), a box of attachments for a 328K
Slant-O-Matic complete with cams, attachments and oil.
So, with all I just mentioned -- all those attachments and the sewing
machine and cabinet -- I paid a whopping $25!!!!! Did I make out like a
bandit, or what??? BTW, when I got the sewing machine home, I
plugged it in, threaded it and, voila!, it works perfectly!!!
Then, later that evening a friend of mine from college days who lives in a
nearby town called me and I told her of my latest acquisition and she
said, "Darlene I've got an old sewing machine upstairs that belonged to
my grandmother you can have!!!" I asked her if she knew what it was
and she said no but she'll never use it. I told her to save it for me so
someday I've got to plan a trip to Pella to pick it up! That will be baby #5!!
BTW, the lady at the antique store said I should go to auctions because
"they can't give away old sewing machines."
Also, if any of you know anything about Premier sewing machines, I'd
love to hear from you. I have the manual for this one but know nothing
about it except that it's in wonderful condition and I love it!!
Thanks for letting me share my story with you. I've been chomping at the
bit all weekend so I could get back to work today and share this with you
all!!!
Have a great day...
Darlene
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Date: Mon, 15 Jan 1996 10:16:41 -0500
Subject: Re: FW Fanatics 1/9/96
I'm now the proud owner of fw#2. I saw an ad for an auction that said it had
a Singer portable sewing machine in black case (why didn't they just scream
featherweight?) so I figured I'd have lots of competition. As it turns out,
there was only one person bidding against me, but unfortunately that's all it
takes to get the price up. I ended up paying $270, not a great bargain, but I
really wanted it, so was willing to keep going up. It's an AF, prewar model
with the fancy throat plate, lift out tray, all attachments, manual, even
keys! My original is AJ from 1950. I'm so thrilled with my new baby and she
purrs just like my first - what a wonderful machine!! Sue M.
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Date: Mon, 15 Jan 1996 09:30:05 -0600
Subject: FW Fanatics 1/14/96 -Reply
>>>>>>>fran
Subject: singer history
.........I know the 401 wasn't the 1st zig-zag...the 319 came before that
one.
Our listowner has one of those...they use a funny needle and smaller
cams. There was one other one before the 319...it may have been a
273?
I don't have the Singer 306, but I have the manual. Model 306, the "Singer
Automatic Swing-Needle Machine" has "fashion discs", or user
changable cams for zig-zag, multi-stitch zig-zag, blind stitch, scallop,
arrowhead, and domino stitches. Guessing on the model number alone,
this would be earlier than the 319.
Caryl
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Date: 15 Jan 96 12:19:42 EST
Subject: Re: Rubber Stamps
Hi - I really enjoy all the information shared about the Featherweights and
other antique machines - which I dearly love. I'm a toy sewing machine
collector, and have a small mail order business called "A Stitch Back In
Time". I focus on all books on antique sewing machines I can find in print,
some parts, and had several rubber stamps made of sewing machines such as a
Singer treadle, Featherweight, and several toy sewing machines (2 Singers,
Casige). I also have some cute pins of TSMs. If you'd like my catalog, call
me at 1-800-352-1174.
Penney
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Date: Mon, 15 Jan 1996 13:56:36 -0500
Subject: Re: FW Fanatics 1/13/96
Millie M,
What is the address for this "Stitch Back in Time" catalog? I want one!!!
Could you post it here or maybe e-mail it to me? Thanks!!
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Date: Mon, 15 Jan 1996 15:03:46 -0800
Subject: Willcox &Gibbs machines
Kim, the Willcox and Gibbs sewing machine is a chain stitch (single
thread), machine and hence has no bobbin. Willcox and Gibbs manufactured
this machine from 1857 until 1946, with little change in the design. James
Willcox designed and received the patent for the machine in 1857. If you
look at the picture of the patent model in the Smithsonian book it looks
just like the one I have that was manufactured in the 1920,s. Willcox
designed this machine in order to have a simple and inexpensive sewing
machine. It was also small and light weight. Other machines of that era
were big, cumbersome, heavy, and complicated. Willcox sold it for $50
compared to others selling for $100.
If you look closely, you will see the butterfly wings of the treadle are
shaped like the feet that will work the treadle and in the center is the
initials WG. The machine came in three models - treadle, hand crank, and
electric. The electric came as a console model of portable. The portable
model came in a long wooden box that looks kind of like a carpenters tool
box. On the electric models, the motor is placed to the right of the hand
wheel and drives the hand wheel directly through a rubber coupling. When
the patents ran out other companies copied this machine exactly and sold it
under their brand name. I have one made by Eldridge and also one made by
National. The National machine is a treadle and has the same butterfly
pattern treadle without the WG.
This machine is very quiet and smooth running. It sews a beautiful
stitch and can be used for embroidering. As you probably know, the chain
stitch machine was not as popular because of its one flaw - seams rip out
very easily. Here's what Willcox and Gibbs have to say in their sales
brochure:
"The Willcox &Gibbs makes 'correctable seams'. Most sewing troubles are
due to the impossibility of quickly and easily correcting your work. The
clothes sewn on the Willcox &Gibbs can be altered without difficulty.
That's because the 'correctable seams' hold absolutely tight and strong
until you want them undone, and then come out in a moment".
Chain stitch machines are still used commercially and some are single
thread just like the Willcox and Gibbs. These are used for such things as
closing bags of feed, flour, fertilizer, and etc. And the serger or
overlock machines are a variation of the chain stitch that use more than
one thread.
Gordy
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Subject: Greist, 99k, Toy Machines, Rubber Feed Dogs, Etc.
Date: Mon, 15 Jan 96 18:53:37 -0500
Thanks to everyone who responded to my questions about the various Greist
adapters. I should now be able to figure out which machines my Greist feet
fit.
On Saturday I attended a local antique show and found a 1924 manual for the
Singer 99 for $1 which will work nicely with my 99k. I finally can
recognize a knee control from the pictures in this manual. I also picked up
the original box with 6 attachments for a 301 for $10; I only need the
machine now! Lastly I found several Singer ads in The Home Arts Magazines
from the '20s and '30s and happily one from the December, 1934 issue has a
Featherweight featured. The magazines were $2.50 each.
The only tip I've received to keep a 99k lever from going all the way down
to the basting stitch without manually stopping it, is to tape a toothpick
across the opening so the reverse lever stops wherever I place the toothpick
. My 99k does not and never had a screw to tighten on the lever as the FWs
and probably newer 99s have (thanks for your diagram, Dawn). Any other
suggestions?
KAREN: You asked about your green toy Sew Master. There are several in
wooden bases in the toy sewing machine book and quite a long description of
the company's history (KAYanEE Corp.). Also there are five beige Singers
pictured with oval medallions all valued between $100-$135 so at $28 you got
a steal.
LYDIA: Those rubber feed dogs on your Touch n Sew and on Futuras and
Athenas can easily be replaced. The cost here including labor was $12. I
was told that regular feed dogs with teeth could be used instead of rubber
but I won't guarantee that this is true. Ask your service person. Thank you
also for typing the information from the bottom of the Greist box. This
really helps!!
BETTY W.:It's possible your 401A isn't operating in a "consistent slow
speed" because the foot pedal needs cleaning and oiling? I had this same
problem and last night took apart the foot pedal for a thorough service
including tightening screws and it made a world of difference in sewing
performance. One long screw was completely loose but when I tightened it
all the way, the machine ran by itself! I backed off the screw a bit and
now it is behaving perfectly.
SHIRLEY: I, too, have the slant needle Singer monogrammer which I bought
new in the 70s. But what about the monogrammer that is supposed to work on
a FW? Why don't I see it in any of the Singer books I have? Why isn't it
listed on any of the parts and attachments lists? Does it really exist?
Help people!
KIM: Could that Wilcox and Gibbs treadle possibly sew a chain stitch? That
may explain the lack of bobbin. And your wood box from 1889 is filled with
Singer attachments so don't give them away like I did! They were for a
Singer No. 27 machine. Lastly, that toy Betsy Ross machine is valued at $75
to $95 in the book. I have one and it is one of my favorite toy machines
because of the art deco look and cool seafoam green color. It is well-built
-- ranks with the Singer toy. The case makes it more valuable.
KRISI: Thanks so much for the survey update. This made my day! Thanks to
Sue for a great daily dose of sewing machine info from all the wonderful
members of this list.
Terry
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Date: Mon, 15 Jan 1996 21:33:14 -0500
Subject: finding books
Dear Friends Well we had a sort of half-day off here and so in the afternoon
I skated out my driveway and visited two junk/book stores. At The Big
Chicken Barn found an old White Treadle in an elaborate oak cabinet - date
said 1906 - which when you lift the lid pulls the machine up. $195. Seems
like a lot to me, it looked in medium good shape, most of the gilt worn off.
They also had a few sewing and craft books - mostly 60's but they did have
The Singer Sewing Book (1949) by Mary Brooks Picken - hardcover - $5. This
is the one which instructs us in the proper attitude etc quoted hilariously
here by others. It is a gem. Then next on to The Book Barn which was
unheated - its hard to turn pages with your mittens on! This place was
unreal - almost a little spooky. Huge barn packed floor to ceiling plus
uncounted and uncountable boxes and bags full of books and books and books.
The fellow gave me a flashlight and then went back in the house through a
series of sheds past the cat pans and woodpile. He did seem to know his
inventory though and showed me where to look. He had Mending Made Easy
(1943) by Ms Picken in hard cover which I could not turn down for $2! To pay
him I was invited into the kitchen which was heated with a woodstove and also
full of bags and boxes of books. I felt like I had strayed into a Tennessee
Williams goes North screen play. We're talking so full everywhere you turn
that the paths are the negative space, all else being filled.
Since I hadn't spent hardly any money I stopped at the Big Chicken Barn
again on the way home (yes it was a chicken barn once, I remember it).
Bought a Sat. Evening Post 1952 with an ad for "the wonderful new White"
Shows wife in red bathrobe kissing hubbie in plaid bathrobe with sewing
machine cabinet between them with bow on it. Inset shows a picture of a
machine which I would call Godzilla if the name weren't already taken!
UGH-LY!! Dark green matte/stucco finish and sort of chunky looking. Looked
through some old Farm Journals too but no luck there except for the following
off-topic ad from 1931 - In large letters - "Did you know that LISTERINE
...removes loose dandruff?...ends scalp irritation?...sets a finger wave?
...combats oil condition?" Inset B&W photo of lady scrubbing her scalp with
her fingers. Lots of text which included the following instructions "Douse
it on full strength and massage the scalp vigorously. You will be delighted
with the results." Unless of course folks wrinkle up their nose and stare at
you curiously?
All in all an interesting afternoon - thanks to you folks I knew what to
look for and wasn't overwhelmed - just ccccoooold. Anybody going to
Williamsburg MAQF Feb 22-24? I am! Henrietta
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Date: Tue, 16 Jan 1996 16:21:17 +1300 (NZDT)
Subject: Re: FW Fanatics 1/14/96
I just KNEW 1996 was going to be a good year! This morning I heard dh
ratting around under the house and banging and what have for ages, awhile
later he came upstaids and said 'come here, I've got something for you'! I
thought to myself 'what, NOT in the middle of the day'!! He was being very
secretive and in the end I gave in and went to see what it was, boy was it
ever better than any old orgy - it was my old toy sewing machine that I
thought I'd sold at a garage sale years ago! Can you tell I'm getting old
if I thought this was better than sex? Anyway, my poor little machine had
fallen out of a box of stuff onto the damp dirt floor (this was right up
under the house where you have to be a snake to crawl around, ah ha I
think you USers call it a 'crawl-space' don't you, I think I picked that
up from some horror movie once :>) and had lain (is that a word?) there
silently corroding it's little heart out! I nearly cried when I saw the
condition it was in, covered in muck and rust, minus the knob/handle to
turn the wheel and it's table clamp. First of all I took a couple of
photos of it (idea I picked up from FWF I think) and then very carefully
took out every screw and moveable part I could and left everything soaking
in a bowl of rust kill for a few hours. This got rid of the rust but not
the corrosion of course, I've cleaned it all up, in the process broke the
spring in half and noticed the bit that you sit the cotton reel on has
sheared off and been lost. At the moment dh is back ratting around
downstairs for a new spring and is about to attempt to put it all
together, I didn't know there was so many moving parts on a toy sewing
machine! Oh yes the make, this one has to be a boy machine :), on the
front it has Peter Pan stamped into the cast iron and on the back there
is decal, very worn, it's in red and in the middle is a gold figure
playing what looks like the pan pipes, this decal says: Peter Pan, Model O
and underneath so faint I had to get the magnifying glass out to read -
Made in Australia. Maybe this model of machine never made it to the States
but I'm hoping someone out there somewhere will have some information or
have even just heard of this make, I'd be delighted to find out how old it
is, my reckoning is around 50 years or so, maybe a little less. And we
found the table clamp in one of dh's workshop table drawers! This has been
so exciting, I thought it was gone forever, mmmmmm maybe dh will get his
orgy tonight after all ;-)
BTW Over the last week I've been listening to a talking book while I'm
quilting and one of the childrens names in it is Peterkins......good name
for a little sewing machine maybe....
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Date: Tue, 16 Jan 1996 08:57:41 -0500 (EST)
Subject: Reverse stop
Didn't Dawn outdo herself with the ascii art of the stitch length
regulator? We have 2 99Ks and neither of them has a stop for the reverse.
You just have to slow down and eyeball where that lever goes when you
bring it back down. The 2 Spartans we have do have a stop screw. We
always think of them as plain jane 99Ks, but this is one improvement they
do possess.
All of our portables came with foot controls. I can't even imagine how
you can use a knee control with a portable. I love the little 2 button
pedals because they don't slip around on the floor.
I called a lady who advertised an old Singer for sale. Turned out to be a
treadle (which I don't have room for) and sounded beautiful. It has the
round bobbin and red, green, and gold decoration. From the G serial
number I placed it somewhere between 1920 and 1925. She wanted $100 for
it. She said it had an extra top (you place it on the closed machine and
it makes a flat table) which she didn't know whether it came with the
machine or was made by someone who had owned it. What I need is a museum
so I can buy all these neat machines.
Our snow is starting to melt and everything is dirty and ugly. Glad I
took a picture when the snow was hanging in scallops off the porch roof
and everything was sparkling.
Marilyn
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Date: Tue, 16 Jan 1996 08:05:05 -0500 (CDT)
Subject: New Machine
I posted a few days ago about how I had found a great old treadle
portable in a thrift store and even though it was only $30.00 I had
passed it up. Well I couldn't stand it everytime I thought about the
beautiful bentwood case so of course I went back last night and
brought it home. After I got it home I examined it and it's not
near as bad as I had at first thought. The name on the machine says
Ruby, not Rotary as I had first thought. So I guess I'll call her
Ruby. The front piece of the plate is gone where the dates were
printed so I don't know it's age. It has the drop in shuttle bobbin
and it doesn't have a belt but instead has a rubber thing on the
side of the motor that turns the wheel. This piece of rubber has
a bad side front being pressed up against the wheel for so long
so hopefully I can replace it. I cleaned and oiled it and took
it apart last night (as much as I dared. I'm not mechanical.)
and finally got the stitch halfway decent. I'll work on it more
tonight. It's black with gold green and red embellishments.
I don't know the maker though so I don't know if I can get any
info from the Singer Company. All my husband said when he came
home was "Is this 5 machines now of 6?" I think he's warming
up to my new obsession. Still now featherweights though.
Ginney
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Date: Tue, 16 Jan 1996 09:43:53 -0600
Subject: I think I'm raising rabbits...
..instead of sewing machines!!! Yesterday I told you all about the New
Home sewing machine I found at an antique store complete with all these
attachments that don't fit that machine but do fit two other machines I
have. Well, last night my mother called me and said she had had some of
our family's lifelong friends over for dinner. She must have told them
about my latest acquisition because one of them said she has a fairly
new Kenmore with a buttonholer and cams, etc., that does all those
decorative stitches that she doesn't want anymore and I can have it!! I
called her immediately and asked her how much she wanted for it and
she said "I'd be happy to give it to you." So, I will be picking up baby #5
tomorrow night (I guess my Dutch baby from Pella will probably be baby
#6!).
If I keep this up I'll have to move!!
Darlene
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Date: Tue, 16 Jan 1996 10:57:32 -0500
Subject: Lydia
My e-mail keeps coming back as undeliverable. Send me your snail mail
address and I'll forward a SSE for a copy of the bottom of the box
instructions.
Thanks
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Date: Tue, 16 Jan 1996 10:21:16 -0600 (CST)
Subject: Coronado Machine
Does anyone use a Coronado? This is a very small (smaller than a Singer
99) portable electric machine that sits in a very nice wood base. The
entire thing packs
into a carrying case. It is cast iron and therefore is heavier than a
Featherweight, but very handy. The only information I have is that the
Coronado Company was in Minneapolis MN. I'd appreciate ant details
anyone has.
Thanks,
Daryl
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Date: Tue, 16 Jan 1996 08:33:31 -0800 (PST)
Subject: Re: FW Fanatics 1/15/96
Jacque mentioned a Greyhound sewing machine. Can anyone fill
me in what that is? I've been looking for one for almost a year since a
lady in a quilt shop said she liked hers better than her Featherweight (I
know, traitorous words). She said a man told her they had been used
aboard ship during the war for mending uniforms. I would appreciate more
info on what they look like, weigh, features, etc. Thanks.
Kolleen
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Date: Tue, 16 Jan 1996 08:55:49 -0800
Subject: Monogrammer
I would be interested in purchasing a monogrammer for both/either the FW or
the 301 slant needle. If anyone knows where I might obtain these, please
e-mail me directly.
Debi O
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Subject: Centennial Medallions
Date: Tue, 16 Jan 96 11:35:38 -0500
Here is a Singer trivia question. Do any of you have Singer centennial
medallions on models other than a FW or a 15-91? My Godzilla 128 just missed
having a centennial plate by 1 to 3 months IF they put them on 128s. Please
post to FWF.
Terry
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Subject: Singer 15-91 Centennial
Date: Tue, 16 Jan 96 11:35:40 -0500
Just have to say I laughed through a good portion of FWF today. The
description of that book burial ground in Maine made me want to go there (on
a warm day) and dig around for a week after checking out the fire exits.
Dawn, check with Beth as she has a Peter Pan toy, too! I
just can't comment on the rest of your orgy letter until I stop laughing.
And I can see that all one needs to sell an old sewing machine to a FWF is
throw a pile of attachments in the drawers. Graham's and Gordy's
descriptions of the Wilcox and Gibb chain stitch gave me the urge to BUY ONE
. My toys do a chain stitch but they don't have the W&G rich history.
Now I have to tell you about my wonderful new Singer Centennial 15-91
#AK482757 born 7-26-51 (just 20 days later than my birth month and day). I
found it last week looking cosmetically next-to-perfect including the
bentwood case w/key, box w/attachments and original needle case, and green
manual. I tried very hard to get the $125 price down but she wouldn't budge
even after my sewing test revealed the needle bar moved while winding a
bobbin and the foot pedal (which looks brand new) was sticking. Two days
later I went back and paid her price; it was the shiny new condition and the
centennial medallion that grabbed me. But something else was beckoning me
and it turned out that this is nearly the same machine with which my mother
sewed my clothes as a girl (Model 15-90). She would never let me touch her
machine and I used to watch her with envy! I even left teeth marks on her
cabinet where I bit down on the edge, pulled my head back and left deep
grooves. Does that sound like desperate desire or what! :-D
With help from a FWF expert and my MACHINE SEWING Singer book's close-up
photos, I spent five hours dissolving the dried lubricant causing the
balance wheel shaft to stick and cleaning, oiling and tightening screws in
the foot pedal. A good overall oiling and polishing and this machine is
gorgeous and purring like a kitten.
I've been sewing on FWs for 11 years and have several which I dearly love,
but when it comes to performance, I'd have to say the FW is a Mustang and
the 15-91 is like stepping into a Cadillac! I can understand that a quilter
wouldn't want to carry a heavy 15- to a class too often, but you should
really consider buying one for home use. There is so much more room to
maneuver a quilt for machine quilting in the inside arm area and the motor
is stronger. Best of all you can lower the feed dogs on this machine. It's
completely gear driven so no belts to replace or adjust. The finish is like
glass compared to the painted metal finish on a FW. The lube holes are
filled once per year so you only need to oil this machine as there are no
other exposed gears to lube like the FW. Thanks to Al's note yesterday, I've
placed an order for a throat plate with seam lines to replace the existing
plate. I've been told Model 15s sell between $25 to $45 at thrift stores so
they are within anyone's budget. Sincere's History book gives them an
excellent review. I can't comment on the earlier 15s but the 15-91 is a
dream straight stitch machine.
I mentioned in the past that I had address labels with a Singer pictured
and I'm sure it is a 15-91. Also, did you know that if you buy a replacement
Model 15 needle plate with the lines it is $10 but if you buy an unlined
needle plate for a FW it is $40? I had a long talk with a repairman and he
agreed they are gouging us on prices for FW parts big time.
Terry
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Subject: Willcox &Gibbs
Date: Tue, 16 Jan 1996 13:01:06 -0600 (CST)
Thanks to Graham and Gordy for all of the information on W&G machines.
I bought a hand-crank model years ago at a flea market. I'd never seen
anything like it before and loved it instantly.
At the same time I bought a machine head that looks very similar in
design but much smaller and whith a wheel on the right side for a belt.
I'm assuming this was a treadle machine. There was no cabinet or base
for this machine but it came home with me too. It is marked
Clemens Muller and below that Dresden. The serial number is 6112.
Does anyone know anything about this company or machine? I'd appreciate
any information. TIA
Jane M
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Date: Tue, 16 Jan 1996 11:32:44 -0800 (PST)
Subject: wearable art mailing list
A correction on Wearable Art Clothing mailing list:
majordomo@lunch.engr.sgi.com
In that message, say one of the following as the body of the message:
subscribe wearable
end
or
subscribe wearable-digest
end
The first will put you on the list to receive approx. 3-10 mailings per
week. The second will put you on the list to receive one digest
approximately every five days of the past week's mailings.
--
Diane C
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Subject: Polyester Thread in a FW?
Date: Sat, 15 Mar 1980 00:30:13 -0600
I mentioned to Mom that I'm taking my first sewing class after oh, twenty-odd
years.
She inquired as to if I had sharp sizzors, what type of pattern, etc. She asked
what
quality of thread I was using in the featherweight. She made a comment that
"Don't
cheap polyester thread in your featherweight". I assured her that I bought the
thread
at a quilt/fabric store. So is there a particular reason why polyester thread
shouldn't
be used?
I'm also looking for sites on the web for beginner sewing information.
Thanxs!
(Almost 80 degrees!)
Gail
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Date: Tue, 16 Jan 1996 12:31:40 -0500
Subject: minnesota ads
They're Here and ready to send to anyone who wants to put 3 stamps postage
in the mail to me. Actually, I think its something between 73 and 79 cents,
, but of course I did not have a pen with me at the post office window and
by the time I got to one I had forgotten exactly what I was told.
Your 80 cents (for the sake of arguement) will get you 13 double-sided
pages and 1 single side (total 14 pieces of paper) xerox from the Sears
Catalog showing lots of varieties of the Minnesota sewing machine, parts
and assorted attachments.
All you need send is postage and your snail mail address--I was able to
acquire envelopes along with the copies.
Special thank you to Graham F for telling me about my Veritas hand-
crank. Now I know it was made in Germany no earlier than 1905 and as late
as 1920. Lots of other background history also.
Susan
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Subject: Antique Dealers
Date: Tue, 16 Jan 1996 20:24:14 -0500 (EST)
Hi.
Last Saturday, my son and I had some unexpected free time, so we decided
to do some antiquing. We went into one shop where the dealer pressed
us to tell him what we were looking for--even when we said we wanted to
look around. I finally told him I was interested in sewing machines.
He made a face and said he had two or three, but he didn't like to buy
them because they were "hard to move". (He did say he would buy FWs,
but nothing else.) Then, before I could look at anything he did have,
he said: "Let me show you what you can do with an old treadle." I
said: "I want to sew with a treadle machine." Then he took me into one
of the rooms of his shop and showed me a little table that he had made
with the parts of a treadle cabinet. He had taken the wrought iron legs
off the original cabinet and attached it to a small round table; he had
taken the drawers from the cabinet and placed them on the bottom of the
table top, so that he had a small table with drawers and fancy legs. I
was stunned that an antique dealer would have so little respect for such
beautiful old items as treadle sewing machines. My son (18) spent the
rest of the day saying: "Let me show you what I can do with an old
treadle--I can completely destroy it for you." I spent the rest of the
day thinking that we must continue our mission to save these wonderful
old machines from destruction!
This man did have one machine that I am interested in. It was a
Standard treadle in an oak cabinet. The cabinet needed to be
refinished, but we could do that. The head was in pretty nice shape,
but it needed cleaning. There was a set of attachments in a very nice
metal box. The price was reasonable. My question is that there was no
manual, and since i would like to use this machine, I'm wondering how
much trouble it would be to find a manual, either reprinted or original?
I'm not sure what model it was. Do any of you own a Standard treadle?
Are you happy with the machine?
Thank you in advance for your help and information.
Janet D
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Date: Tue, 16 Jan 1996 21:00:35 -0500
Subject: Singer 201?
Can anyone tell me about a Singer 201? I found a guy that has one for sale.
It came out of a cabinet and he no longer has it (the cabinet) but is willing
to sell the machine. It has the foot pedal and cords, no manual or
attachments. The serial number starts with AM so it must be 50s vintage. Is
this a good machine? Any idea what it looks like? I haven't seen it yet. I'm
assuming I could have a base built to set it into. What do you all think?
BTW, Clyde sold the Kenmore attachments.
Thanks a bunch, Katy
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Date: Tue, 16 Jan 1996 21:25:55 -0500 (EST)
Subject: etceteras
Hi All!
Shirley S: Just after Christmas you wrote: "My DH gifted me with a
beautiful black Singer 301 and a matching 301 table." How does the 301
table differ from the FW table? Ye olde Golden Touch and Sew came with a
card-type table with removable insert to cover the hole for the machine.
Until I started reading this list, I had always assumed that my FIL, who
is very handy with tools and wood, had made the thing from an old card
table for my MIL. I checked the underside the other day, but could find
no markings. What should I be looking for?
Betty W.: I second Terry's suggestion about doing some work on your foot
pedal. I had a similar problem: two speeds only -- full tilt and stop. I
ended up getting a new pedal and now everything's fine.
Terry: I don't know what the lever on a 99K looks like, but what about a
rubber washer? You might have to fight a bit to get it on the lever, but
if the inside diameter of the washer is just about the same size as the
outside diameter of the lever (assuming the lever is round), the washer
might stay tightly in place enough to function as a control. I think
diameters might vary down to 1/64th of an inch, but I'm not sure (plumbing
is NOT my favorite indoor sport). My other suggestion was going to be
taping a piece of heavy template plastic across the opening -- that would
not risk damage to the machine the way plugging up part of the hole would,
would still be transparent (more or less), and would give you a firmer
edge than a piece of tape.
Henrietta: Loved your adventure in book hunting. Be thankful the fellow
from the "spooky" place didn't tell you to look in the Occult section.
Lydia
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Date: 17 Jan 96 06:52:28 EST
Subject: Questions, Lucky Finds, Etc.
Dear Fellow FWF's...I've just been lurking and not posting for the past couple
weeks, so I thought I better take my turn today and post a few questions and
also talk about a couple happy "finds".
Questions first--can someone please tell me what a "tag sale" is that several of
you have mentioned? Is it an Eastern term, because I've never heard it here in
the West...maybe some kind of rummage sale? DH and I are both wondering, and my
practical DH said, "Well, ask them!"
Yesterday I found a great condition 1969 Singer monogram attachment for a
750-series machine, but the Singer sales lady said it would fit a 401, since it
is also a slant needle, zigzag machine. It came with a feed-dog cover, though,
so that makes me wonder if the 750's did not have any built-in way of
inactivating the feed dogs. The 401 and early 500-series machines have the
elevator-type throat plates, so I would not think a cover plate would be needed
for those model machines. I haven't tried it yet. Can anyone who knows these
different models clarify that for me and others?
And, I have a Singer 401 question, while I'm at it. I got just a photocopy of
the 401 Singer manual with my machine, and it doesn't exactly match up with my
401A. The manual shows the bobbin winder on top of the head, but my 401A winder
is actually down on the front of the machine (presses into the front of the
machine for storage) just like the 301's. Is that the main difference between a
401 and a 401A? Just wondering.
Also, did Singer make any other monogram attachment that fit the FW or other
short shank machines? Or, is this the only kind they made? Do monogram
attachments ONLY work on a zigzag machine or were some made to operate like the
old buttonhole attachments which move the fabric back-and-forth? There doesn't
seem to be any monogram attachment experts here in Arizona that I can find, and
I've even called out of state to try to find out answers to these questions.
Everyone I've talked to either knows nothing about them at all or hasn't seen
them in years. So, I jumped on the opportunity to buy this 1969 model when I
finally found it.
I think I am working my way up through the Singer model numbers. First I
started with an interest only in 221's, then dropped back to the 99 and 128,
then leaped forward to become immensely interested in the 301's. Next came a
401, and now my mind is wandering in the direction of a 500-something. By the
way, is there actually a 501 model? Reason I'm wondering is that the "blue
book" doesn't list it--just a 500 and 503 and so-on up the number scale. But
Carolyn said on 1/10/96 that she has one, and I'd rather take the word of our
FWF's than a little blue book. Especially, considering that little blue book
doesn't even list my wonderful old 1970-model Kenmore, and I know I haven't just
imagined that I've sewn on it for 20+ years! Maybe they missed a few other
model numbers, too. (But, it's still a good reference!) The other day I saw a
real "rocketeer"-looking, tan Singer, and I think it is a model 500, but I
didn't see a model-number actually on the machine anywhere. Besides being very
50's stylized with it's fins, it's distinctive in that on top of the head there
is a large hinged door that needs to remain open during use so the two spool
pins are available...can anyone with a 501 tell me if this sounds familiar or
what else it might be? I didn't start out liking the looks of this model at
all, but now I am intrigued by it's extreme 50's appearance--cool! I think I'll
stop with the 500-models, though--don't want to get too modern or they will no
longer be vintage machines!
Terry! Imagine my surprise this morning when I finally put 2+2 together and
realized that I have one of the Godzilla machines you've been talking about,
complete with Godzilla stucco finish! I have to admit right here that I may be
totally lacking in good sewing machine taste though, because I love mine! I
bought it because everything about it is totally different from any of my other
machines. This one is in very, very good condition, I must add. The bentwood
case is so beautiful I have wondered all along if it's ever been used since it's
12/49 d-o-b. If someone has refinished the wood case, then they have done an
excellent job, because even the gold Singer decal is totally original looking.
(Again, don't you wish these machines and cases could talk?!) I liked it
because of it's long shuttle bobbin, because of the matte crinkle finish paint,
the blued finish on the throat plate and two bobbin slide covers, the black
striated faceplate, etc. It came with the original box of attachments, some of
which are chrome and some blued; even a blued screwdriver. Really, Terry, it is
a little Godzilla jewel and beautiful in it's own unique, antique-looking way!
:-}
Two books that FWF's have recently recommended I was lucky enough to have
already come across for mere pennies, and they are good books! Mary Brooks
Picken's "Singer Sewing Book" was found at a used book store about a year ago
for $4.95, and it is copyrighted 1960--reprinted three times from it's original
5/49 publish date. (The 1960 version is gray with maroon and gold printing.)
The "Singer Instructions for Art Embroidery and Lace Work" is a reproduction of
the original publication dating back to 1911. Robbie Fanning wrote a foreword
in this 1989 copy, which I got for about $6 at a Warehouse Books store last
summer. Good books for FWF's! Isn't this hunting and searching great fun?!
Well, I'll conclude (finally, you say?!) by adding that I really am glad we are
still discussing all old model machines, because, otherwise, I couldn't have
posted this note at all! Thanks everyone--I appreciate all of you and your
knowledge and experiences!
Shirley
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Date: Wed, 17 Jan 1996 08:31:54 -0600
Subject: Baby #5 is home!!
Because the weather is supposed to turn bad today, my Baby #5's
former parents brought her over last night. She is a Kenmore 1601 (a
pretty green in color -- and I don't even care for green!). Has 10 cams to
make decorative stitches -- even a cute little heart!. The buttonholer is
the funniest thing I've ever seen! But I'm sure it'll all work great and I'm
thrilled to have her.
If any of you know anything about Kenmore 1601s, I'd appreciate any
info. Does Greist make high shank attachments? I don't have her serial
number yet -- didn't get a chance to look that closely at it last night. But I
can't wait to get her in her cabinet so I can check her out!
Thanks for listening to all my ramblings. I'm still waiting for a chance to
get to Pella to pick up my Dutch baby.
Sue, I've sent a message so often in the last few days, I know your
address by heart! This is getting scary. Thanks for keeping us all
together. This is the highlight of my workday, believe me!
Darlene
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Date: Wed, 17 Jan 1996 09:27:59 -0500
Subject: Information Exchange
I have a story and a question.
My boss told me a story that I thought some FWF's might be interested in
hearing.
Apparently his dad was a Singer salesman when he was growing up. He said
after the war sewing machines were very scarce. His dad used to go around
and buy up old treadle machines. It was my boss's job to clean them up
(using gallons and gallons of solvent) and paint them with black enamel
paint. Then his mom would bake them in the oven and the finish would get
crackly. Apparently you could buy decals with the Singer label or White
label which were also put on the machine. His dad would attach a motor and a
light and sell the machine as a "portable". Those beautiful cabinets would
then be hauled to the dump and pitched.
I am also curious if anyone can give me information about this machine.
It's a chain stich machine.
On base plate: Manufactured by
National Sewing Machine Company
Belvidere, Illinois and New York
It's about 10.5 inches long and 8.5 inches high. Has very small (3.5 inch
diameter) flywheel at bottom, not at the top like most machines. Tension sits
on
top next to thread holder. Base is round and only about 4 inches in
diameter.
Has threaded hole in bottom, so obviously was mounted into a cabinet for
stability. I have looked, and I cannot find any numbers on it anywhere!!
Thanks!
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Date: Wed, 17 Jan 1996 13:44:18 EST
Subject: Medallions
For Terry: One of my 99 class machines has the blue seal anniversary
medallion. I don't have a 128.
Corinne
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Date: Wed, 17 Jan 1996 14:23:02 -0500
Subject: treadle/hand-crank instructions
Janet D yesterday asked about a manual for a Standard treadle which
prompted me to write.
I bought a Franklin treadle, which came with a Singer 127 manual. The
picture was almost identical to my machine. I have since found a Franklin
manual which shows the only difference being the location of the bobbin
winder. I have also been able to use the information from these manuals to
figure out how to use my Veritas hand-crank.
So, my point being, aren't most treadle machines basically put together the
same way so that if you had a manual for any one you could use it to figure
out the parts of your particular treadle?
Susan R
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Date: Wed, 17 Jan 1996 14:32:42 -0500 (EST)
Subject: Where the FWs are
I believe that all the remaining FWs in the world are in the hands of
older women who are not letting go. After Christmas I wrote a letter to
an aunt of the DH. Mentioned the sewing machine collecting we have been
doing. In her past she made dolls by the 100s, so I asked what machine
she had. Guess what? In her Punta Gorda home she has a featherweight and
at home she has an old Singer which she described as all metal. She has 2
daughters so I have no hope of getting hold of that FW.
For Henrietta - Your account of the old barn makes me remember a trip to
Maine years ago. We saw a sign on a barn that said BOOKS and stopped the
camper and went in. At the time I was looking for a copy of Tinkerbelle
by Bob Manry but we looked all over that barn. 2 stories and books piled
everywhere. As we went out, we told them what we were looking for and
they later sent it to us. It was Bedford's Used Books, Riggsville,
Ellsworth, Maine. I wonder if it is still there. Very nice people.
Katy, the DH thinks the 201 is the greatest machine Singer ever made. It
runs so quietly because it is direct drive. We have 2 of them. It will
sew seven layers of canvas.
Haven't been to a thrift store in a while. Have a Dressmaker (White)
sitting in my living room. Wish you all weren't so far away. I would
sell it for $40 but shipping would be a problem.
The snow is melting and we can see the grass again.
Marilyn
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Date: Thu, 18 Jan 1996 10:01:10 +1300 (NZDT)
Subject: Singer labels
Terry said:
>I mentioned in the past that I had address labels with a Singer
>pictured and I'm sure it is a 15-91.
and
>Dawn, check with Beth as she has a Peter Pan toy,
Are your labels from Colorful Images? If so I need a new catalogue, they
aren't in my one! Can you tell us where yours came from and whether we
might be able to get some please?
Thanks Terry I'll check with Beth BUT the next person that mentions me
and Australia in the same breath gets their knee-caps shot off :)
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Date: Wed, 17 Jan 1996 15:42:24 -0800 (PST)
Subject: Re: FW Fanatics 1/16/96
Hello All,
Went to the antiques stores today to look for books. For $21.00, I
purchased three books--Singer Sewing Book by Mary Brooks Picken dated
1949, Singer Sewing Skills Reference Book published by the Singer Sewing
Machine Company, dated l954, and Mending Made Easy by Mary Brooks Picken
dated 1943. All of the books are large--haven't really gotten into them
yet. More on them later.
Thanks for the hints about cleaning the foot pedal. I will tackle it
tonight.
Oh, at a local antique mall, I spotted what I think to be a 128 (could be
wrong,serial number started G00752---forgot the rest of the numbers). It
was shiny blsvk medal with the scrollwork on the faceplate. It was in a
cabinet with the knee lever. It had the box of attachments and some
packages of needles. The cabinet was in great shape. The sewing machine
had the stitch adjuster on the sewing machine bed. It was a silver
dial. They only wanted $98 for the whole thing and maybe could have been
talked down. I saw it last week but I really wasn't very knowledgeable
about machines. If anyone in the northwest area is interested, I can get
it and store it for you for a while. If I bring any more sewing machines
home, my husband is going to kill me.
Everyone have a great day. Must start some chores.
Betty
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Date: Mon, 15 Jan 1996 22:08:36 -0500
Subject: What's up at Singer 800?
Alright, what's going on here. I called Singer today to get a Bday on my
mom's FW and got two surprises. They told me the machine I grew up with and
learned to sew on was not a FW (221) but a 241 (that's industrial according
to Dawn). I don't think so. I learned to sew on my mom's FW, I own two of
my own, and my MIL has one. It's a 221. The other surprise was on my 221K.
Last year Singer 800 told me its Bday was 9/16/48. I gave them the serial
number again today just for fun and they gave me a different Bday - 12/10/48.
So what's going on here??? I have to agree with the FWF last week that
proposed some funny business at Singer.
Thanks to all who have offered to send or trade manuals. I'm still in search
of manuals for Singer models 2, 15 and 28. I have to offer Singer manuals
for wooden box of attachments, 66, Buttonholer 121795, Wheeler and Wilson No.
9 (same machine as Singer Model 9W1) and Willcox and Gibbs chain stitch.
Susan and Al - Thanks for the leads on the 99 knee lever. I finally
reached Derry Sewing Center and he is sending a knee lever for $15 plus
postage (he still has three of one kind of knee lever for 99s). (Tom Derry
314 837-6103 or 314 839-4925).
Kim - On the Willcox and Gibbs, $165 is just a tad high. I paid $100 for
mine (too much but it is a neat machine and treadle). It is a chain stitch
machine so it has no bobbin. Once it is threaded correctly it should sew
just by turning the flywheel (or treadle if the belt is working). If the
decals are in good shape (mine are gone) I would pay $165, or if you like it
- buy it. On the attachment box, its for Singer machines. The attachments
manual says Instructions for using The Singer Manufacturing Co's Attachments
Style No. 11 for No. 27 Machine. It's dated 1904.
Wendy - Singer hand crank. I have a Model 28K if you want to compare. I'll
call Singer 800 tommorow with your serial number. I've called with all
numeric (pre 1900) numbers and they do have info (who knows how reliable it
is). I'll let you know.
Courtney
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Date: Wed, 17 Jan 1996 21:19:06 -0500
Subject: Centennials, other than fws
Terry was asking if there were any machines besides the
fws and 15s that have Centennial medallions. My 128 (a shiny black
and gold beauty, not a Godzilla) is a Centennial. The medallion looks
like it may be larger than the ones that were put on fws, but I've never
seen a fw up close, so I can't be sure about that.
And now for *my* questions: did the 128s have more than one type of
chrome face plate, or do they all have the grape and vine design?
Also, could one of you who has an "A Stitch Back in Time" catalog post
about whether they sell replacement shuttles for the 128? I'm not sure
whether I can use the 1-800 number from Canada, so I'm hoping one of
you can help me. This is the bullet-shaped "vibrating" shuttle. Mine
is in good condition, but the Sincere's sewing machine repair book says
that these shuttles tend to wear out because of the amount of friction
created by the back-and-forth movement. The wick next to the shuttle
race is missing on my machine, too, so I suspect my shuttle will need
replacing faster since it won't be oiled as efficiently as it ought to
be. I'd love to have a spare shuttle.
Dawn
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
Subject: Re:FW Fanatics 1/15/96
Date: Wed, 17 Jan 96 22:09:45 PDT
Darlene:
Sounds like you got a fantastic deal!! I have a couple of New Home
machines, and NLC and an NLB. I believe the N models are the more deluxe
and the A models are the basic. I think the difference is in the
buttonholer and the feed dogs on tne NLB and NLC wil drop. One of my New
Homes is a rough brown finish, and the other two are a smooth gold finish.
The Brown one weighs a lot more than the Gold ones. One of tmy gold ones
is in a cabinet, and the other gold one is in a case. The Brown one was
designed to go into a cabinet, but didn't come with one. It is my parts
machine. what color is your machine? there is not a whole lot of info
available on them, but from what I can tell they were produce in the 40's,
either right before the war, or right after the war. They closed the
Rockford plant in the late 40's. Kim has a New Home NLB. I have a manual
for the NLC and ALC, which is probably very close to yours. I can copy it
for you if you would like. Drop me email if you would.
talkatyasoon! Fran
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
Subject: Re:FW Fanatics 1/15/96
Date: Wed, 17 Jan 96 22:31:02 PDT
Hi all!
I went shopping yesterday. Didn't find any sewing machines or attachments,
but I did find some books! I found The Singer Sewing Book by Mary Brooks
Picken...with the little diddy on "preparing ourselves for sewing" I
especially liked the part about applying lipstick and powder! The book
also has some information on the Singercraft guide (that little gadget you
can use to make rugs and fringe), and zig zaggers, and buttonholers. Mine
is the revised addition, printed in 1958, so it has a little blip about the
joy of owning a zig zag sewing machine at the end. I paid 6.95 for that
one.
I also found the Singer Student's Manual of Machine Sewing. It doesn't say
much about sewing...except details for using the attachments, or Fashion
Aids as they call them. It has lot's of pictures of the various models
available at the time, 1941, including our princess'. It shows threading
diagrams for the 99's, 66's and 15's. It also has shuttle threading
instructions for the 127's and 128's. Altogether a wonderful little
manual, though I think it is more of a sales pitch to students than
anything designed to teach them to sew. It's a 9x6" pamphlet, green and
black. It only cost $3.95!
I also picked up a 1907 copy of "Lessons in Garment Drafting" by Mrs. Mae
Milbourne gingles. I paid a bit more for it, $10.00, but I couldn't resist
it. It is about 7x5" hardbound. It has 38 printed pages of instructions
for drafting patterns for plain clothing from the era, and rest of it is
blank ruled paper. Unfortunately, someone had torn out the notes which
had been written in that portion. It would have been fun to read some
notes from that era.
Anyway, I had a lot of fun, and am quit pleased with my acquisitions. My
DH just shook his head. At least the books take up less room than the
sewing machines!
talkatyasoon! Fran
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Date: Fri, 19 Jan 1996 07:02:43 -0600
Subject: Member list
Hello All! I just took my first sewing class after such a l o n g time.
It was fun!
Re: Jim D. I cannot return your email message, please call my Dad for
a fw motor. Something in your email address is not correct,
and I get delivery unknown messages.
Thanks!
Gail
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Date: 19 Jan 96 07:49:00 EST
Subject: Singers in Miniature Quilts
Miniature Quilts, issue no. 22 (display until 3/25/96) arrived in my mailbox
yesterday proudly displaying three vintage Singers on the cover. The FW in
the lower left is perhaps a centennial model? But can someone identify the
other two? Is the "sewing box" perhaps the wooden fold-out attachments box
mentioned here frequently? It's holding spools of thread in the photo and I
can't see the velvet lining.
Here's the kicker--the cover caption says...
"Antiques create a touch of quilting nostalgia in the photo. The antique
sewing box is dated 1890 and owned by Debbie Grow, a judge of the Miniatures
from the Heart Contest. Nancy Johnson-Srebo owns the Singer sewing machines
at the right. She bought each of them for less than $10! The Singer
Featherweight in the foreground is owned by Dee Duffy."
Betty
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Date: Fri, 19 Jan 1996 11:23:27 EST
Subject: Pinkers
One thing I don't think I've seen mentioned are the Singer pinkers.
One type was called the ball bearing hand operated pinking machine. The
base and clamp are just like the Singer toy machines. It has a black
crackle finish and an adjustable guide.
The other type attaches to the machine in place of the presser foot. It
came in at least 2 versions. One has a black crinkle finish and is a real
contraption. The other version has a smooth finish, is smaller and doesn't
look to be quite as well made.
Al
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Date: Fri, 19 Jan 1996 10:16:50 -0800 (PST)
Subject: Re: FW Fanatics
Just hearing the blizzard stories is so exciting to me. While I was
in Big Bear Lake teaching, there came a howl through the pines Tuesday
night. I have never heard howling like that. Baby got to play in the snow
and go tubeing while I hit every antique store in town. I was found a
couple a HOWE, and another Anniversary FeatherWeight (this one I would be
willing to sell since I have a number of Anniversaries - e for more
details. Can't wait to see the new Mini Quilts Mag. I found some serious
antique doll beds for Tina Gravett while I was up there and she sets up
such cute cards with the sewing machines beds and quilts etc. Also in the
miniature dept. of craft stores I have found little black singers for 1.99
and am attaching them to all angels in the band, right at the belt line.
Connie thanks for the HOWE and Singer updates on the HOWE, it was
advertised as a very old machine, yes it is very old and looks like it
belonged to Eve. And Millie the word Rummage as in Church Sale did make it
through Donner's Pass and down the CA coast. Christine LOL on the sewing
machine salesmen and their evil ways. I've meant a few that really drive a
hard sale, but I'm into ethics. And when it gets into really big ticket
items I always say go home and think about this one. But often hear the
old west stories of the treadles being dumped into the canyons after a
sale and pick up of the trade in. Terry your Bubba sounds like fun. I've
wanted to find that 10 dollar machine that I could just unassemble. DS
looks at me with wild eyes when I talk about such a venture knowing he'll
end up putting it all back together. Zsux
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
Subject: Re:FW Fanatics 1/15/96
Date: Wed, 17 Jan 96 22:09:45 PDT
Darlene:
Sounds like you got a fantastic deal!! I have a couple of New Home
machines, and NLC and an NLB. I believe the N models are the more deluxe
and the A models are the basic. I think the difference is in the
buttonholer and the feed dogs on tne NLB and NLC wil drop. One of my New
Homes is a rough brown finish, and the other two are a smooth gold finish.
The Brown one weighs a lot more than the Gold ones. One of tmy gold ones
is in a cabinet, and the other gold one is in a case. The Brown one was
designed to go into a cabinet, but didn't come with one. It is my parts
machine. what color is your machine? there is not a whole lot of info
available on them, but from what I can tell they were produce in the 40's,
either right before the war, or right after the war. They closed the
Rockford plant in the late 40's. Kim has a New Home NLB. I have a manual
for the NLC and ALC, which is probably very close to yours. I can copy it
for you if you would like. Drop me email if you would.
talkatyasoon! Fran
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
Subject: Re:FW Fanatics 1/15/96
Date: Wed, 17 Jan 96 22:31:02 PDT
Hi all!
I went shopping yesterday. Didn't find any sewing machines or attachments,
but I did find some books! I found The Singer Sewing Book by Mary Brooks
Picken...with the little diddy on "preparing ourselves for sewing" I
especially liked the part about applying lipstick and powder! The book
also has some information on the Singercraft guide (that little gadget you
can use to make rugs and fringe), and zig zaggers, and buttonholers. Mine
is the revised addition, printed in 1958, so it has a little blip about the
joy of owning a zig zag sewing machine at the end. I paid 6.95 for that
one.
I also found the Singer Student's Manual of Machine Sewing. It doesn't say
much about sewing...except details for using the attachments, or Fashion
Aids as they call them. It has lot's of pictures of the various models
available at the time, 1941, including our princess'. It shows threading
diagrams for the 99's, 66's and 15's. It also has shuttle threading
instructions for the 127's and 128's. Altogether a wonderful little
manual, though I think it is more of a sales pitch to students than
anything designed to teach them to sew. It's a 9x6" pamphlet, green and
black. It only cost $3.95!
I also picked up a 1907 copy of "Lessons in Garment Drafting" by Mrs. Mae
Milbourne gingles. I paid a bit more for it, $10.00, but I couldn't resist
it. It is about 7x5" hardbound. It has 38 printed pages of instructions
for drafting patterns for plain clothing from the era, and rest of it is
blank ruled paper. Unfortunately, someone had torn out the notes which
had been written in that portion. It would have been fun to read some
notes from that era.
Anyway, I had a lot of fun, and am quit pleased with my acquisitions. My
DH just shook his head. At least the books take up less room than the
sewing machines!
talkatyasoon! Fran
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Date: Thu, 18 Jan 1996 01:15:07 -0500
Subject: FWFanatics
I found another place to look for sewing machines which I want to share with
you all. I saw an ad for a CT State Surplus Retail Store in a neighboring
town, so I put the dog in the car and went. Actually was surprised to see 2
Singers in cabinets sitting there. Newer, plastic, horrific condition. Both
were so twisted inside cabinet that I could not bring either one up to the
top of the cabinet to look at the front sides. Asking $125 each. I inquired
if there were others and was shown a storage area with about 8 more just like
the others. There were no attachments. Actually, the cabinets had no
drawers. The guy said that the machines came from the Technical school. So
I suspect the instructors kept the attachments to keep them from 'getting
feet' and walking out.
So, if you live near a surplus store, you might want to give it a try.
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Date: Thu, 18 Jan 1996 00:41:50 -0500
Subject: Strange warnings in the past
Quite some time ago, someone posted on FWF that someone told
them that years ago Singer Dealers were urged to destroy
other company's machines brought in for service or trade. I
thought that was a wild story.
Well, I've been reading through two old manuals from other
manufacturers and perhaps there was some curious business
going on in the past. The Wheeler &Wilson instruction book
says:
"Allow no person interested in the sale of other Sewing
Machines to handle the machine in any manner whatever.
Allow the machine to be adjusted or repaired by no one but
an authorized agent, or at our office."
And, in the booklet called Instructions for Operating the
Franklin Sewing Machine (sold by Sears) we find:
"WE ALSO CAUTION YOU against permitting agents or
sewing machine repair men to tamper with your machine. You
would be surprised if you knew how quickly a person who
wishes to put your machine out of order can do so."
[emphasis in the original]
Christine
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Subject: Frozen Japanese
Date: Wed, 17 Jan 96 21:50:44 -0500
No, it's not a Lean Cuisine entree but a garish sewing machine that gives
new meaning to the word 'turquoise'. I had to take this machine as it was
stuck in a $30 Singer cabinet I bought on Saturday which I wanted for my new
15-91. The machine was so filthy I was ashamed to be seen carrying it out
of the junk shop so of course my dh's former secretary and her boyfriend
happened to be there just at that moment. :-( Where is the quicksand when
you need it? This machine looks like a '60s Nash Station Wgn. Well, of
course, someone on this list put the bug in my head to use it as a guinea
pig and practice my new repair skills on it so today I spent several hours
scrubbing, oiling, dismantling and vacuuming everything I could reach. The
motor runs like a Cuisinart when the belt is removed but after all my labor,
I still can barely move the balance wheel.
If any of you have thawed a frozen machine in your lifetime, would you
please give me some advice? I've heard about using kerosene but how,
exactly? Are there cans with tiny spouts that will reach into the oil holes
? How long to I leave it on? (When do I toss the match?) Also, if anyone
has a DRESSMAKER Precision Built DeLuxe, Made in Japan I would appreciate
hearing about it. The serial number on this one is TW-16135 and there is
also J-A21 on it. The motor says Champion Motor, Made in U.S.A.
Thanks also for all the reverse 99k lever advice. I will follow-up on the
rubber washer idea and let you know the results.
Terry
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Date: Wed, 17 Jan 1996 23:15:41 -0500
Subject: Joe, I got it!
Today I received the Singer tape measure that I ordered from Joe Hurray. It
was exquisite! I have an antique singer treadle, and I am displaying sewing
memorabila (sp?) on top of it. Joe was very prompt and great to deal with.
Krisi, I now have two featherweights (one white, one black) and I'd like to
complete your survey. Can you email it to me? M2SEW@aol.com
Thanks,
Michelle
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Date: 17 Jan 96 23:15:19 EST
Subject: toy sewing machines
hi all,
thanks for all the info on old sewing machines ... fascinating subject!
have decided to part with my 128 .. it's not exactly a portable and i'm in
pretty tight space here ...
is there any interest out there? i'm in the puget sound area ...
condition is .... it sews a nice balanced stitch ... but i've not had it
serviced ... has round cover that does not lock .... has long bobbin, intact ...
but i can't get to it ... front plate won't budge ... rust? ... needs cleaning,
etc ...
.
TOY SEWING MACHINES ... have 3 ... not sure they work ... just the plastic kind
... my little pony, sew n play and another one ... any interest in them?
SEW-MORE .. featherweight type sewing machine ... dealer in Puyallup WA has one
for sale $69.95 ... looks pretty nice and of course has been serviced ... can
get you their number if interested ..
TERRY ... you must LOVE your godzilla ... ! if i had room to keep it set
up all the time, on your word along i would want to keep this monster around!
hope you're all enjoying your weather ... got my first daffodils today and
they've opened already!
kathe
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Date: Thu, 18 Jan 1996 09:33:37 -0500
Subject: Re: FW Fanatics 1/17/96
With regard to the history of our machines, I think we all should do like
quilters do and start to keep a record of as much info as we have about our
individual machines. In quilts, this can be in the form of a label sewn on
the back, I don't know how to attach it to the machine, but with all the
machines I have, I may start forgetting where I bought the machine, how much
I paid for it and what I know about its history. I plan on getting in touch
with the auctioneer where I bought my last fw to ask what he knows about its
past. Probably someone in the future would appreciate having this information
once our machines pass from our hands - I know I would. Also, I was wondering
more about Singer's history. How did it go from being such a wonderful
company making so many great machines to a company that no one respects
anymore? I was reading an article about sewing machines in an old (1980)
craft magazine the other day that says that "Today, only one (sewing machine
company), Singer, still assembles machines in this country." So obviously by
then the parts were imported, but when did they leave the US entirely? I
guess that's progress - I really like reading about the state of sewing
machines after the war in Sincere's book - it sounds like we dug our own
grave. Just wondering , as usual. Sue M.
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Date: Thu, 18 Jan 96 9:44:39 EST
Subject: Sewing Machine Cabinet
I received a beautiful sewing machine cabinet that contained a 1940 Singer.
My question is: The spring that hold a metal plate (to fill the space between
machine and cabinet and to the right of the machine) is not tight. How do I
fix it? Please email me directly. gyleen
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Date: Thu, 18 Jan 1996 10:05:25 -0500
Subject: FWFanatics
Henrietta in Blue Hills, Maine: I wanna come and browse The Big Chicken
Barn" and "The Book Barn" with you. Sounds like my kinda places! I love it!
I go to look at a sewing machine and get treated to tea and crumpets: you go
book hunting and get handed a flashlight!
Terry: If you have GODZILLA, I have seen his original home. A 201 lives in
it now, but that carrying case sure is ugly. I thought it was an accordion
lurking inside at first, but voila, a Singer!
This has absolutely nothing to do with sewing machines, but I just finished
watching the A+E mini-series 'Pride and Prejudice" and am on a high from the
marvelous presentation. If you did not catch it, A+E will redo it starting
on Jan 27th. Mr. Darcy is
like a quiet, gentle Heathcliff. It is a 6 hour show.
In the East, a Rummage Sale is usually put on by a church group and consists
mainly of clothing. Whereas a Tag sale, Garage sale, Estate Sale, Yard sale
are all held at private homes and merchandise is anything used or sometimes
new stuff. Tag saleing i
s a great way to spend the day. Here it used to be that they were only held
on Saturday and Sunday. But now Friday and Saturday are popular days and
Sunday is a dud. Now, what do you call these types of sales in the West?
I don't recall mention of this book, so if you want a good general writeup on
how machines work, things to do/not do, troubleshooting, etc. I recommend
this: author is Gale Grigg Hazen and title is "Owner's Guide to Sewing
Machines, Sergers and Knitting
Machines". Copyright 1989 by Clinto Book Co in Radnor, PA
If you are interested in adding some sewing machine advertising materials to
your collection, email me and I will send details on what I have.
Also, I have copies of the following manuals for sale. Singer 99k, 66-1,
15-125, 115, model 20 Sewhandy, Student's Manual of Machine Sewing,
Wheeler/Wilson #9, How to use Greist attachments, White buttonholer (same
design as Singer with cams) Price is $5 for the first. Add $3 for each
subsequent:
New address for 'Stitch Back in Time' is:3815 50th St, Suite 41 Lubbock TX
79413. With regards to question on bullet-shaped shuttles, the answer is
yes. There is a Singer 127, Free (no notch) for $33.90 and a Singer 27-4
(with notch) for $32.50. Shippi
ng charges are $4.95 (for $15 to $40) but $7.45 in Alaska, Hawaii and Canada.
No mention of New Zealand, Dawn!
Millie
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Subject: written info on 99K
Date: Thu, 18 Jan 1996 11:30:05 EST
If anyone has written info on the Singer 99K, I would really appreciate
a copy...let me know $ or fabric swap or source to obtain information on
the machine. A copy of the manual, if there is one, would be great!
thanks you, venitta
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Subject: Singer Address Labels
Date: Thu, 18 Jan 96 11:04:16 -0500
I've sent snail mail to several FWFs and so many have asked about my
address labels that I am posting to the list. I'd better do it before Dawn
shoots off my kneecaps. Please let me get a machine with a knee control
before you do that! Sorry I confused your country but I had to laugh because
I've placed telephone orders to be shipped to Montana and people in the
eastern U.S. ask if Montana is a state! At least I know Australia and New
Zealand are different countries and now I know NZ on e-mail addresses means
New Zealand. (I thought it was New JerZey... :-D )
The labels come on sheets with only one design. It is a 2 5/16 x 3/4 inch
photo of what I now believe to be a Singer Model 15-90. The gold 'SINGER' on
the front arm has been airbrushed from the picture for some (stupid) reason.
The Singer gold medallion is plainly visible. This is a full-sized black
head with gold decorations, silver around the edge of the balance wheel,
tension discs mounted on the end plate and the throat plate slides to the
left. It is identical to my 15-91 except for the silver around the balance
wheel; mine is all black but my mother's 15-90 had silver. Her machine was
purchased new in 1948. Even with a magnifying glass I cannot tell if the
end plate has scrolling or lines.
These labels can be ordered by calling Colorful Images at 1-800-458-7999 or
writing to 1401 South Sunset St., Longmont, CO 80501-6755. The order number
is Q009 but be sure to specify the one with the sewing machine. They also
have a beautiful log cabin quilt label and others related to needlework. I
no longer have the catalog but when I called they could not tell me what the
shipping charges to Australia, NZ, etc. would cost, only that it would be
air mail. One set of labels is $6.95 and they are on sheets so are mailed
in LARGE envelopes. I think they're beautiful and perfect for us.
Terry
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Date: Mon, 15 Jan 1996 13:25:46 -0600
Subject: Misc singer stuff
I was browsing through a pile of new publisher's catalog at work today and I
found a listing for the following, thought I would share it with the list.
"Singer and The Sewing Machine: A capitalist Romance" by Ruth Brandon,
Kodansha Globe (dist in US by Farrar Strauss Giroux) paperback publishing
date July 1996, #13.00. (Orignally published in 1977 by Lippincott)
The blurb reads: ..an entertaining portrait of the man who built an empire
around the sewing machine. As a youth, Isaac Singer had considered a career
on the stage before turning to inventing, and it was his salesmanship and
theatrical flair as much as his ingenuity that made him a millionaire.
Although Elias Howe had demonstrated the first continuous sewing machine,
Singer claimed the invention as his own, adding improvements, promoting it
aggressively--and eventually paying Howe a large settlement for copyright
infringement. [Singer's] private life was equally unconventional: four
marriages, three divorces, a dozen children and a seemingly endless string
of lawsuits. Brandon brings this remarkable character and his world vidily
to life with the narrative skill and command of detail that mark her as one
of today's leading biographers."
Also, note that if you're looking for one of the sewing machine books
mentioned in the list and your local library doesn't list it in its catalog,
they will probably be happy to try and borrow it from another library for
you. Ask about it.
A few weeks ago someone sent a list of citations of older articles about
Singer sewing machines. I have managed to obtain photocopies of most of
them but have misplaced the original list. Please e-mail me directly if you
want more info. Among the interesting tidbits in these articles: Consumers
Research Bulletin for Jan 1953 covers the Singer Blind Stitch Attachment No.
160616; Consumer's Research Bulletin Nov 1949 rates a number of sewing
machings, On the recommended list is Singer Head 66-16, $175 to $212.50,
sewing performance fair, Singer Head 15-91, $217.50 to $260, sewing
performance good, Singer Head 201-2, $252.50 to $295, sewing performance
good, Singer Model 221-1 (our baby) $145, Weight 19 lb.(light) sewing
performance, fair.
A May 1950 article from Consumer's Reports or Consumers union (sorry,
unclear here) rates the Singer 221-1 Featherweight as a superior buy and
notes that is the smallest and lightest machine tested.
I also found this interesting: "Singer is reputed to be the world's largest
maker of sewing machines; but it is a secretive organization, and does not
announce production figures."
Connie Jo
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Date: Thu, 18 Jan 1996 15:12:55 -0500
Subject: Miniature Quilts Magazine
Frosty Greetings from Iowa!!
The mailman brought me the new issue of Miniature Quilts magazine,
issue #22, today, and I managed to grab it before the 40 mph winds blew it
away. On the cover are 3 beautiful Singer sewing machines, used a backdrops
for the mini quilts shown. One is a Featherweight, shown at the bottom- and
can you believe- they covered most of it up with the mailing label!! Which I
promptly removed.
The other 2 are both portable models- one has the beautiful red &green
decals like my model 66. So, please, any of the rest of you, identify the
models for us!! This issue of the magazine may not be in the stores for a
week or so, I have a subscription.
Inside the magazine, "On the Cover" paragraph says: "Antiques create a
touch of quilting nostalgia in the photo. The antique sewing box is dated
1890 and is owned by Debbie Grow, a judge of the Miniatures from the Heart
Contest. Nancy Johnson-Srebro owns the Singer sewing machines at the right.
She bought each of them for less than $10!! The Singer Featherweight in the
foreground is owned by Dee Duffy."
So, be on the lookout for this magazine, and any of you who can...let
the rest of us know which models are gracing the cover!!
Karan
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Date: Fri, 19 Jan 1996 11:15:38 +1300 (NZDT)
Subject: A few interesting books!
I visited Betty Feinsten's Hard-to-find-books homepage this morning and
found a few books I thought some of you might be interested in, the list
is too long to post here so if you see anything you'd like below, email
me and I'll send you the rest. This is really just for those that don't
have www access to visit her page themselves.
* * *
Complete Handbook of Sewing Machine Repair for Pfaff, White, New Home,
&Brother
Instruction Manual: model 601 by Zig-Zag Sewing Machine, 29 pages, fully
Standard Central Needle Sit Straight Sewing Machines, 28 pages,
Singer Sewing Book by Picken, '49, cloth, dust jacket, 288 pages, over
Sewing Machine: inventions that changed out lives by Siegel, Walker,
Operating Manual: straight stitch sewing machine, (no trade name
My Bernina Guide, model 830 and 831, 66 pages, illustrated manual
Necchi Model BO, Instructions and Maintenance Guide, 93 pages, 1951,
Instructions for Use &Care of Domestic Rotary Electric SM Model #151
Instructions for the Care and Use of the Necchi Model BU, '49, 39
Instructions for Operating the Franklin Sewing Machine by Sears Roebuck
Instructions for Operating the Singer Portable ESM #128-13
Instructions for Operating the Singer Portable ESM # 99-13
High-Speed Lockstitch Machine by Willcox &Gibbs, price list of parts,
circa 1934, 43 pages, some water damage, $4.00 (18482)
* * *
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Date: 18 Jan 96 16:35:03 EST
Subject: Singer birthdays
I don't know how far back the Singer archives go abnd would be obliged if a
Fanatic could ask next time they ring the 800 number. I'm not being a meanie,
800 numbers cannot be accessed at all from outside the USA.
If it helps anyone and Singer do not have the info., I can date to the year
numbers before 10 million (1850 to 1891)
Regards from a cold, wet but snow-free England.
Graham F ISMACS
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Date: Thu, 18 Jan 1996 19:59:19 -0500 (EST)
Subject: tag sale
Hi fanatics - I believe a "tag sale" means a yard sale, a "white elephant"
sale, or any name for buying used items in a similar manner... Often chain
stores like Penneys will have a "tag" sale, meaning a clearance, using the
psychology of the association with used, cheap wonderful "finds" to get
customers in the door. Regards - Ruth A
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Date: Thu, 18 Jan 1996 20:21:38 -0500 (EST)
Subject: does this woman need our help?
Another old sewing machine fanatic in-the-making! Perhaps we should add her
to the list...
Rayna
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Subj: Sewing machines
2. Just saw an ad for an antique Singer machine. I called, and
though she did not know the model number she said it was
manufactured in 1910--has a wooden case and works except it does
need a new belt.
a. are belts readily available?
b. do any of you have a 1910 singer?
As always, thanks for your help.
/Ginny
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Date: Thu, 18 Jan 1996 20:34:17 -0500
Subject: Re: FW Fanatics 1/17/96
Hi! A tag sale is like a yard sale...they are referred to as garage sales,
also! I have been enjoying this newsletter so much! From you all and
references from the books you have recommended, I have found out some info.
on my FW221K. It's a 1962 model made in Scotland, but the interesting thing
is that it is black! It seems that most models made in Great Britain are
white. Does this mean anything to anyone?
love, judy,
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Date: Thu, 18 Jan 1996 21:35:53 -0500 (CDT)
Subject: Blizzard
Central Iowa is definitely in the midst of a blizzard. I was lucky
enough to get off early today and spent some time with my latest
addition, whom I've named Ruby, regulating her tension and trying to
find out why she sounds like a lawnmower. But what a great night to
wrap my latest quilt project around me and sit and hand quilt while
the wind blows outside. I hope all of you fanatics who are involved
in this latest storm get to spend some quality time with your
machines like I did.
Ginney
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Date: Fri, 19 Jan 1996 14:52:27 -0500
Subject: Magazine article
My dh just received a copy of "Great Inventions That Changed the World". It
lists the top ten patents of all times. No. 2 on the list was the sewing
machine. The magazine also includes a fascinating article on sewing machines
and how hard it was to get them accepted. Article runs 12 pages and has lots
of pictures. It includes a detailed description of the rotary hook
mechanism-complete with pictures. Personally, I liked Gordy's description
better, but the pictures are very helpful. This is a publication of American
Heritage. I have no idea whether this goes on news stands or not. DH has a
subscription to Invention &Technology and this came as a result of that
subscription. There is a phone number, but it's meant to be used if you wish
to subscribe. Worth asking the library about. The back cover of the
magazine has a reproduction of a Singer ad from about 1920. Nothing on our
beloved FW's as they are too late.
Flo
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Date: Fri, 19 Jan 1996 14:52:42 -0500
Subject: spartan machines
I went hunting machines yesterday, and saw an interesting sight.
It was a spartan. The motor seems to work fine. It is missing the
little case you put the bobbin in, that you then place into the bobbin
case. If anyone has more information on it I would love to know.
It looks like an overweight fw. It has a large blocky base, and
the spartan name across the front of the machine.
The selling price was $10. I didn't have that much cash with me, b,
but I can always return..... I haven't a clue about bobbin size or type
etc. HELP!
i have not yet decided about the wilcox and gibbs machine. It would
seriously impact my machine budget for the year. But it is
a beautiful treadle. If you are interested in the machine,
and live near Washington DC write me. I'd love it to go to a
fanatic, instead of being used as a plant stand!
have fun hunting this weekend. We are being flooded out here. The 3 feet of
snow melted in the 50+ degree weather we are having. Now we are having
flash floods. Oh to live in Maryland in the winter...
Kim
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Date: Fri, 19 Jan 1996 14:59:05 -0500
Subject: Stitching Pretty
Someone posted info about this book before Christmas. I called to order the
book. I need to nag the publisher and can't find the original info anywhere.
Would someone better organized than I am please take pity on me? Many
thanks
Flo
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Date: Fri, 19 Jan 96 14:05 EST
Subject: Davis treadle machine
Hi everyone,
I am new to the list. A Quiltnet member suggested I subscribe in
search of some information. I have been enjoying the chatter the last few
days.
A few months ago I became the proud owner of a treadle sewing
machine made by the Davis Sewing Machine Co. of Watertown, NY (which is
only 1 1/2 hours from me and I don't think the company exist there now).
The last patent date listed on the throat plate is 1885. The machine is
vertical feed with the long spindle-type bobbin. It is, I believe in
working order though I have not really taken the time yet to try to figure
it out. There is a only a small part of an instruction book with it. So
far I have only enjoyed it as a visual treasure of the past in my hallway
but I would like to get it under motion.
In your collective wisdom, is anyone familiar with this machine?
Does anyone own a Davis or have a manual for it or a similar machine. I am
a novice antique machine buyer and I bought this at an auction. It was
owned by a woman on a distant branch of my husband's family tree and her
decendents. She died in the 1950's. I also bought a quilt (my passion)
that she had made on this machine. Very neat, I thought!
Any advice or suggestions greatly appreciated.
Jill T
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Date: Fri, 19 Jan 1996 15:23:37 -0500
Subject: Singer Model 66
I just called Singer yesterday about my treadle machine in the basement. It
has just sat there for years since I only use my FW for quilting. I was told
it was a model 66 born 2/24/1916 with serial number G4475941. What can anyone
tell me about the model 66? Does anyone have a manual they could copy? I also
need a belt. Can they be gotten quite easily? I learned to sew on a treadle
so am now getting interested again after reading this digest. From Iowa where
it dropped from 55 degrees F. to a wind chill of -60 below in one day with 60
mph winds and snow. Look out East Coast!
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Date: Fri, 19 Jan 1996 14:23:19 -0600 (CST)
Subject: treadle machines
I've been lurking for a few weeks, and am so thrilled to find other
people that are interested in old sewing machines. I've shown my husband
every reference to people who own more than one machine!
I'm hoping that someone on this list will be able to share their
expertise, and help me out. I really want to find a treadle machine that I
can have both to enjoy looking at, and also to sew on. I've looked around
town, and have found one in an antique shop notorius for charging too much.
The cabinet is rather plain, but in good shape. There is a manual in great
condition that says for Singer 15-88 and15-89 . In one drawer is a box of
attachments. The wheel turns, the needle goes up and down, the treadle
rocks, the bobbin case is there, the belt is gone.
1. The serial number starts with AE. Is there any way to tell the age
of this machine, like with our little FW's?
2. Is there any way to quote a ballpark price range of what this
machine should sell for?
3. The oft asked question: Can I get a belt for it anywhere?
I live in a town with an active quilt quild and lots of sewing enthusiasts.
Is this machine still there because no one else wants a treadle right now,
or because there is a reason no one else has snatched it up
I would be grateful for any help and/or advice.
Phyllis
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Date: Sat, 20 Jan 1996 10:15:59 -0500
Subject: Re: FW Fanatics 1/14/96
I just got my latest issue of Miniature Quilts magazine and on the cover is
the beautiful wooden box I've heard discussed here (I want one!), a fw, and
two other old Singers said to be owned by NJS, but not described any further.
If anyone else sees this magazine, I'd love to know what models they are -
something ELSE to look for. Also on Sewing Today (the Bernina show on PBS)
today, I noticed in the background there was a hand cranked black sewing
machine, but I couldn't tell much else about it. They're EVERYWHERE! I bought
ANOTHER machine at an antique dealer's yesterday for $10. It's not in very
good shape (the paint's chipping off and the veneer is coming off the case)
but it was so cute I couldn't resist. It's a Greyhound, the decal says New
Home, and it's painted army green. It has a long shuttle bobbin and came in a
bentwood case. It's heavier than my fw (and larger), but lighter than my
Spartan (and about the same size). Any info about this machine would be
appreciated. Sue M. in upstate NY where we can see grass for the first time
in weeks - even though it's well below freezing now.
Subject: Model 128, Medallions, Cabinet I.D. Please
Date: Fri, 19 Jan 96 19:55:16 -0500
SHIRLEY: Eek! A Godzilla in Mesa. My dh and I stay in Mesa every spring
but may have to reconsider knowing there is another one of these on the
loose. Maybe yours is a Gila monster (a large, venomous lizard of the
southwestern U.S.). Godzilla's finish certainly looks like a lizard. Yours
is six months older than mine.
GODZILLA COMMENTS AND QUESTIONS: Dawn D. asked about 128 end plates. My
end plate is black with straight lines. Kathe, I'm sorry you have to sell
your 128 (what a liar I am!). Millie, a carrying case that looks like it
should house an accordion has to be weird if there is a sewing machine
inside! But this tells me I should be peaking inside more than black FW
boxes or bentwood cases.
When Godzilla (Model 128) returned from the repairman, he had a replacement
throat plate that doesn't match the rest of his blued metal plates. If there
is anyone out there with an extra blued round needle plate #8240 Simanco, I
would love to purchase it. It's possible an old Model 127 would have this
same plate. Or if you want to trade yours for my new old silver one, that
would be great, too. I want to keep him as ugly as possible.
SEGURLANE: I loved that story about repainting old Singers and baking them
in the oven. That crackle finish sounds like Godzilla stucco to me.
CENTENNIAL MEDALLION: So far Fanatics have them on a 99, 15-91, FW and a
shiny 128. I am interested in the one you found on your 128, Dawn, because
the gold medallion on my 128 is much larger than medallions on FWs and my
other Singers. Wonder why they'd put a large one on only one of their
models?
CHRISTINE: For more on destroying competitor's machines, Singer's bio, A
Capitalist Romance, says that the following was published in the I.M. Singer
&Co.'s Gazette around 1857: (Quote) Meanwhile, Singer's was taking no risks
of second-hand machines being resold cheaply on the market. "The old
machine will be brought to our office in New York, and there be immediately
broken up and destroyed," they added artlessly. (Unquote)
SUE M.: I like your suggestion of keeping a machine history record. I've
been doing this for years just to keep track of each machine's good and bad
points, costs, place of purchase, missing items like attachments or manuals,
etc. but never thought of it for historical purposes. Great idea.
Does anyone have a cabinet like this: Top looks like a treadle cabinet with
one center drop-forward drawer and oak veneer but it is mounted on four
metal legs. Two legs (on each side) come down to join a metal cross piece
at the floor, much like a school desk. All these metal parts are painted
brown. Lastly is a wrought iron piece running along the floor between the
two sets of legs and SINGER is spelled out in the iron. Right now there is
a foot pedal from a Japanese machine that someone artfully screwed to the
wood right through the pedal. How they missed the 'works' inside the pedal
is a miracle. I'm afraid to plug my Singer into this knee pedal for fear it
will blow out the motor. Does this cabinet fit anyone's in FWF land?
Possibly a school cabinet at one time? It was too goofy to pass up for $30
and it fits a full sized Singer head.
Terry
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
Date: Sat, 20 Jan 1996 22:37:41 +1300 (NZDT)
Subject: A few ramblings.....
Millie said:
>$40) but $7.45 in Alaska, Hawaii and Canada. No mention of New Zealand,
>Dawn!
What!? Just who are these plebeians anyway?
>In the East, a Rummage Sale is usually put on by a church group and
>consists mainly of clothing. Whereas a Tag sale, Garage sale, Estate
>Sale, Yard sale are all held at private homes and merchandise is
>anything used or sometimes new stuff. Tag saleing is a great way to
Here they are called Garage Sales in a private home (never heard of a
tag sale before). Then there are the 'boot sales' where you take your
car and sell out of the boot. Fleamarkets are where dozens of people
congregate in one place to sell their own private rubbish. Then there
are the School Galas and the Church Fairs to mention just a few! All
excellent places to find old sewing machines but boy do you have to be
up with the birds to get the bargains!
Judy, my 221k is also black and made in Great Britain, most machines in
NZ were made there because of the difference in the volts. Where did you
learn that most GB machines were white? I don't believe I've seen that
before anywhere.
I finally managed to get to the library today and looked up on the
computer some of the books mentioned here in the last few months. I was
excited to see that Sincere's History and The Singer Sewing Book by Mary
Brooks Picken were available and IN although at other branches, I'm
having them sent out and I should have them next week. Mary's book was
the 1954 version, there was another one of the same name dated 1972 (or
thereabouts) but there was no author listed, does anyone know if her
book was updated regularly, if so the newer one might be hers too. I
think it must have been as I see I've noted '1949' in my little note
book.
Terry: okay I accept your apology, maybe I'll let you keep your right
knee-cap, only because I'm such a nice person though! Humph! New JerZey
indeed!!
Cheers....Dawn
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