Featherweight Fanatics Archives

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Date: Sun, 28 Jan 1996 13:06:04 -0500
Subject: Response

I hope Sue and Eric had a wonderful anniversary weekend.

JoAnn:  Why do you want to remove the bobbin case from Miss
Herdman's 99K?  Are you having trouble with the tension?

Jeanne (jjoens): The price of $45 is a pretty good deal for a treadle with a
good head IF the plates are all there.  If not, some of the slide plates are
hard to find.  Try to get the tape off before you decide to buy it.  A friend
of mine who restores antiques told me veneer is easy to replace (for him!)
but I have heard others say it is hard to do.  Check with someone who does
restoration, then think of the price as $45 plus the cost of replacing the
veneer.  I bought a Singer treadle last weekend for $75.  The machine was
shot (broken metal inside) but the woodwork was in good condition -- only
minor refinishing necessary.  I have another head to put into the case.

Marilyn (carl): Too bad you lost the treadle for sewing and it is now going
to be a plant stand :-(

Terry in Montana:  Yes, lets hop and plane and fly over the pond to England
to buy up all the Featherweights that are sitting around unwanted!

Graham with ISMACS:  I joined ISMACS and am looking forward to the back issue
newsletters.  Thanks Graham for your contributions to FWF.  I found a
hand-crank model #3 made in 1891 at an action.  Actually, I chased down the
fellow who won the bidding on a large lot of sewing machine stuff and bought
it from him for $28.  It works, but it needs a lot of cleaning.

Jill Thomas:  What a nice story about your Davis machine with a family
history.  It is so neat that you have a quilt made on that very machine by a
distant relative.  I hope this inspires you to keep the tradition going.

I received two very nice presents last week.  The first was a miniature
Singer mechanics oil can, 3-inches tall, with the half sphere bottom and a
tiny spout, all polished up.  The second gift was a paperweight saying
"Compliments of New Home Sewing Machine Co. Orange, Mass" on a yellow ribbon
under the glass.

Christine T.
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Date: Sun, 28 Jan 1996 14:26:00 EST
Subject: Parts

Hello group!  Caryl  was recently asking about parts.  I
think a good place to try would be C. W. Johnson in Apple Valley, MN 
(612-431-7017).  He's a Singer dealer (I think) and sells FW's, but
definitely NOT the place for a bargain.  I haven't met him, but my
sister in the Twin Cities says he's pretty knowledgeable about old
machines.  Give him a try.

Speaking of my sister, she collects toy sewing machines and is looking
for a Red Singer.  Anyone have one they'd like to sell?  I'm starting
early birthday shopping, so please LMK.

Graham F, yes, I believe there is enough interest in FW's to
warrant a section in your publication.  As a newer collector I don't
feel qualified to volunteer to write anything but I'm sure there are
others "out there" who are.  Hopefully, you'll hear from them!

Leslie
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Date: Sun, 28 Jan 1996 17:31:50 -0600
Subject: bobbin winding

Hi everyone!    

I just got on the mailing list to FWF this morning and am very excited to be
a part of all of this. I have been accessing the archived digests and have
read only up through Sept., so I'm not at all up to date on what's been
going on. Have only been on-line a few days. 

I'd like to tell the story of how I got my featherweight sometime if you'd
like to hear about it. 

I took my FW in to be serviced a couple weeks ago because one of the
problems I was having was that the needle went up and down when I wound the
bobbin. I bought this machine from a vac and sew place and the dealer said
he had serviced it. I have been using it since June and had the bobbin
problem on and off-more on than off lately. There were a couple other things
I wanted checked out too. What my service man did was to buff something out
inside the fly wheel. It works fine now. Also, I had a problem on and off
with the thread pulling thru the tension hard sometimes when I ended a seam
and was pulling the fabric away from the machine to cut the thread. Thought
I was going to bend the needle! The problem was so simple I was embarrased.
I wasn't pulling the presser foot lever up ALL the way!  My face was red,
I'm sure.

Now, if I'm not hogging too much space I'll tell my acquistion story. Maybe
it will help somene else in their search. The first time I heard of a FW was
last summer in Lady's Circle Patchwork Quilts. I knew I had to have one, so
I started my quest. I started scoping out want ads, checking rummage sale
and auction ads, and went to several antique stores in the area telling them
exactly what I wanted and leaving my phone #. One lady told me that she got
one when she was young and it traveled all over with her. She had the table,
the button-hole thing, the whole bit. Her daughter uses it for mending now.
She looked up prices in her little book and told me a fair price would be in
the $200-$250 range. Another antique shop owner told me he had just sold a
case and had 2 FW's at home but they weren't for sale. He also took my name
and phone #. The following weekend I was beginning to get discouraged (only
about 2 weeks had gone by since I started my search!). Went to visit my
brother who lives about 70 mi. from me and decided to visit the quilt shop
there. They had a couple FW's on display that weren't for sale. She
suggested I try the vac 'n sew shop in town as they sometimes have one. I
went in and looked at the used machines on the shelves-didn't see any. Went
up to the counter to ask if they had any and he asked if I was the person
who had called yesterday. No, I said. Well, did you see the ad in the paper?
No. I was getting excited now and by this time spotted a black case that I
hoped contained a FW. Well, it did and when he took it out of the case I
could't believe how beautiful it was, and I knew enough to know that the
scroll work on the end plate meant that it was an older one. I asked the
price - $400! :-O . What do I do now? I wasn't planning on spending THAT
much. I knew if I passed it up I'd kick myself the rest of my life. It had a
bunch of attachments, old needles,old tube of lubricant. I went out to the
car to get DH. He came in, looked, said too much let's go. We went to the
car and went to McDonald's. I was in PMS at the time and said I was going
back for it! I had to take money out of svgs. to pay for it, but it's been
worth every penny! About 2 mos. after I got it the guy at the antique shop
called to say he had one for me for $250. He sells them all for that,the way
he talks. It was one with the striped end plate. I could not afford it at
the time, so had to pass. DH can't understand why anyone would want more
than one, anyway.  I'm sorry for going on so long like this but I don't have
anyone here who understands me and this sewing machine. By the way, my FW is
AH - 1947.

One more quick note- a gal in Mich. last summer said that she hooks her FW
up to a treadle when they go to their cabin that has no electricity. She got
her white FW from her Mom at age 12 and has used it ever since - uses it to
make her living dolls, etc. and selling in her shop. She has a little
plywood shelf on the wall where she works! 

Thanks for listening- please don't kick me out for being too long-winded,
this is my first time and I just had alot to say!

Jenifer
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Date: 28 Jan 96 20:22:29 EST
Subject: Lovely Elderly Singer Lady--Found!

Dear FWF Friends, 
Another week-end, another opportunity to go scouting for sewing paraphernalia.
I told myself I wasn't looking for any sewing machines...don't need any more;
won't buy any more; just looking for books or attachments or the like.  SURE!  I
would have stuck with that line of thinking, too, if this beautiful little old
Singer Model 128 hadn't reached out and grabbed me by the heart!  She is a real
beauty with all the lovely gold and red and green decals, almost all completely
intact.  She lives in a nice old wood bentwood case with a turned spool handle,
and she even has the knee control still quietly residing in the cover, right
where it should be.  No extra attachments, but any low shank ones will fit.  

Many of you have described finding these nice old Singers with the beautiful
colorful decals and the grape-patterned faceplates, but I had never seen any of
them myself (in good condition), until this lovely lady.  Her serial number
begins with AA, so that should date her at about 72 years old.  I just can't get
over how beautiful this lady is, whatever her age!  Certainly she has not have
too hard a life all these years.  I love everything about her--especially her
large "spoked" balance wheel, outlined in shiny chrome.  Her rich black finish
just sparkles.  I spent several delightful hours today shining her up, though
admittedly she didn't need very much cleaning and polishing help from me.  I
used Howard Restore Finish (Dark Oak color) to repair a few blemishes on the
wood case, and it does a wonderful job restoring wood--just as the name implies.
Then, after oiling her,  I fired her up, and after only a slight upper tension
adjustment, she stitches as beautifully as she looks!  I can't get over my good
luck!  I'm going to try to get through to Singer tomorrow to confirm her exact
age.  But, now I do see the difference between this 128 and my little
Godzilla-ette 128 who is 25 years younger, but not nearly as glamorous.  Isn't
this fun, AND addictive?!

As I was paying for little "Carrie" (named for my grandmother), the shop owner
brought out 3 boxes of attachments--2 Singer boxes and one Simplex-marked box!
Wouldn't you just know it, he was only asking $10 a box, and I caved in again.
Actually, I did so gladly, because they were good buys, too.  The Singer boxes
contained one each of the old-style buttonholer and zigzagger, with both manuals
and feeddog cover.  The Simplex box was full of 14 Griest attachments.  My DH
just rolled his eyes, and said, "And I guess you want me to carry it for you,
don't you?"  (He's a good, tolerant sole!)

I also found two great looking, full-color, Singer magazine advertisements, and
they both depict our FWs, along with other model Singers.  The ad from the
"Ladies Home Journal", 1946, measures 10.75" x 14", and shows three cabinet
models (one looks something like a 201) and a scroll-faceplate FW/case.  The
next ad  (10.5 x 13.25") is dated December, 1952, and along with a photo of a
striated-faceplate FW/case, has a large close-up of a tan 301, along with two
other cabinet models.  I am thinking about getting color enlargements made for
framing, and then storing these away from the bright lights, for safekeeping.  I
may be biting off too much asking this, but is any FWF interested in copies?  I
don't know what copies/mailing would cost, but they would make great sewing room
decorations--best color Singers ads I've come across so far.

I better not go out looking again next week-end, because this is getting
expensive!  Oooh, who am I kidding?!  :>)  I'll be back out there whenever
there's time and opportunity!  
Shirley 
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Date: Sun, 28 Jan 1996 21:00:50 -0500 (EST)
Subject: A Treadle Among Friends

My quilt group meets Wednesday evenings on a round-robin basis at each
member's house.  Last night I had just taken my glass and plate out to our
hostess' kitchen and was about to be on my way out when my eyes
snap-focussed on a piece of "furniture" that I'd casually walked by dozens
of times before and I stopped dead in my tracks with: "Margaret!  You have a
treadle!!!"  Of course she let us open it up.  It's a Model in an
extremely well preserved cabinet.  The red, gold, and green decals were all
intact, and the action was very smooth -- not a speck of rust on it.  She
also had the original book, lots of attachments (I now know how an
underbraider foot works), and two oil cans (I've asked her to will me the
little oval one that would fit in my FW case).  She had never gotten it to
work quite properly, even with a new belt, and we finally figured out why.
 Her plush beige carpet is so thick that the thing has sunk into the pile
clear up to the top of its wheels.  There is no longer enough clearance
under the machine for the foot pedal to swing through its full arc,
therefore the arm/rod can't push the wheel "over the top" so to speak (I
hope this makes sense -- I'm not up on my treadle vocabulary).  She got it
via the decease of a great aunt, so I told here if she runs across any
more dead relatives who have left over treadles, keep me in mind.  By the
way, the date on the manual is 1914.

Susan P: My guess on your mystery attachment is a tucker.

Graham: Please refresh my memory, if you don't mind.  What does ISMACS
stand for??

Shirley: Thanks for the 301 table description.  Turns out I don't have one
of these either.  There is no support hardware with this table.  The
Golden Touch-and-Sew just sits on a lip on the inside of the cutout. 
There are two leather-covered half-moon like springs which help hold it in
place and minimize vibration.  Also, the top is finished natural wood, the
apron is painted tan, but the legs (also tan) are metal.

By the way, we installed our new 28,800 internal modem last night.  I can
now type badly faster than ever before.

Lydia
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Date: Sun, 28 Jan 1996 22:31:14 -0500
Subject: FW\fanatics

Hello, this is my first note to all of you.  Needless to say, I am amazed at
the interest in this little machine.  About a year ago, some of my quilting
friends started to purchase from different sources.  Some paid $300 all the
way up to $500.  I saw an ad for $375, got DH to drive miles to check it
out, ended up buying it.  It's a 221K, such a pale green you would think it
was really white.  The box is a mint green with a small strip of white on
the cover.  Turned over there is a number EY847551, I guess this tells when
and where it was made.  It really is fun to use.  I also have my first
portable, another Singer, purchased in a hock shop the year I graduated from
high school (1963). When I was pregnant with first child, I begged DH for a
Singer Futura saying "I'll never need, or ask for another machine as long as
I live.  Thank goodness his memory isn't that good, because I've also got a
New Home that I use for every-day quilting.  I was running out of space for
all these wonderful collectibles when my daughter moved to Tucson, Arizona.
I immediately claimed her room for my plastic boxes of fabric stash.  I live
1.5 miles from a fabric and quilt shop.  I might as well do direct deposit
from my employer to the Red Barn Quilt Shop.  I'll be going to Tucson on
February 27 thru March 5 to visit daughter.  Does anyone have suggestions
regarding great places to buy fabric.  I'll be making this jaunt from the
East Coast, MA. and looking forward to the different kinds of fabrics.
Am also interested in information about Cedar Rapids, Iowa area.  DH is
looking into job opportunities in that city.  I'll miss skiing.

Connie M
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Date: Thu, 25 Jan 1996 19:20:06 -0800
Subject: FW

I am lucky enough to own a Featherweight which I coveted from afar for many
years before my MIL passed on and I snatched it. Mine was virtually
new--all she did was mend things on it for 30 years. I have everything that
came with it, including the receipt. Hers was an AK purchased in Asbury
Park, NJ on 3/12/53 for the sum of $154.00. Thought y'all might get a kick
out of knowing an original price.

I love my little machine but have to admit she's been pushed aside with the
acquisition of a new Bernina. I was having big problems trying to sew a
consistent 1/4" even though my throat plate is marked and I have the seam
guide. I even bought a "Little Foot" but it only made matters worse. Most
likely the problem was me! I'll have to try again and pay a little more
attention next time. That Bernina weighs a ton taking it to class!

After discovering this fanatics list, I'm certainly going to pay more
attention when I come across FW's in antique stores. I didn't realize how
lucky I am.

Carolee
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Date: Sat, 27 Jan 1996 23:31:10 -0700
Subject: Re: FW Fanatics 1/25/96

Yay! Sue is back! We missed you Sue. Glad you enjoyed your get away. You
deserve to do that more often. (Don't we all.)

I just wanted everybody to know that I followed up on a post from a FWF who
had a wonderful shopping spree in Napa and saw so many machines she
couldn't remember them all. I sent my DH while I went to work and he did
really good! What I wound up with was a wonderful German "Saxonia"
fiddlebased handcrank in a wooden base that would have sat in a cabinet
with a wooden box cover. The handcrank is detachable so that it could be
attached to a treadle while in a cabinet. The box cover is missing but I'm
very pleased with it. It is almost an exact copy of one of Singer's
earliest machines. The medalion is missing altho I can see where it was.
The decoration is in excellent condition right down to the mother of pearl
inlay roses on the base. Only $55!!! DH sez there was alot of neat stuff
there and it was really big so I can't wait to go myself, maybe next
weekend. Thank you to Lynn for sharing!

Gretchen
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Date: 29 Jan 96 05:45:18 EST
Subject: Quilting in England

Barbara R  takes me to task for suggesting that quilting is not alive and
well in England. OK, point taken, but what quilting that exists here is so low
profile compared to America as to be virtually non-existant.
ISMACS has over 100 members in the USA and just about everyone of them has a
connection to, or is knowledge about quilting.
This is not the case outside of America and whilst just about every big American
antique show has a couple of tables with quilts on offer I've never seen the
same thing here.
If Barbara could put me in touch with one of the guilds she mentioned (I can
find no trace) I'd like to get someone to write an article on quilting for us.
Saw a white Featherweight at a garage sale this weekend. Very reasonably priced
but with clear evidence of the motor having overheated at some time and the
owner said it no longer run. Was this a common problem?

Regards from London where the rain has turned into snow.

Graham F , ISMACS
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Date: Mon, 29 Jan 1996 07:31:46 -0500
Subject: Bruce machine post

Good morning Fellow Fanatics!
 
In an effort to find a few more minutes each day, I have pared my mail lists.
But I could not leave FWF because of all the wonderful information I find here
each day! Thanks to all who post and to Sue for running the list.
 
My SIL has run across a machine that interests her but before she buys it she
would like a bit more information. It is a Bruce treadle from 1904. It appears 
to work. The current owner is asking $226. Is that a good neighborhood? What
data is available on this machine and company.
 
My collection has grown by one more - what my alliance with other fanatics has 
done! Following the DH's grandmothers funeral, I was given custody of Nannie's
1951 vintage Singer 66 with the stucco finish. SIL has at her home the manual 
and box of attachments. Now I know why they call that finish Godzilla! It must
wear like iron! I was surprised that it is newer than my FW but that this 66
does not have a tension dial gauge. I know that FWs were not a bottom of the
line priced machine - could this model be the economy machine of the era? 
Nannie had cared for the cabinet and it is still beautiful. 
 
TIA for info on the Bruce. I'll forward those messages to her. Have a great 
day and happy hunting!
 
Teresa 
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Date: Mon, 29 Jan 1996 07:36:12 -0500
Subject: To buy or not to buy...  

Greetings fellow fanatics,

Went to look at a treadle for sale today (Thursday).  It's a Singer that came
from Germany.  The cabinet looks like 20's or 30's modern furniture.  The cabinet
needs to be refinished.  It encases the machine to the floor.  Access to the
treadle is gained via a door in front.  Mounted on the inside of the door is
a half-moon box - these are 2 or 3 drawers.  The drawers pivot out for
access.  The head of the machine has the Singer decal with words in German
along the bottom of the decal.  The machine is black in great shape with the
gold details, chrome flywheel, and a scrolling pattern on the silver parts.
 I called Singer and was told it's a model 29 - birthdate 3-15-13.  I'm
confused because the cabinet looks of a more modern design.  It doesn't have
any attachments or manual.  The woman wants $100 for it.  I didn't try to sew
on it.  ( We were meeting in a parking lot and I didn't want to stay out any
longer in the cold than I had to.)  But the flywheel moved easily.  It has a
bobbin case and a bobbin still threaded inside.

My question: Is this a good price?  What is a fair price for this machine?
Any one have information about this model?  Thanks in advance!

-Helen J

BTW I also got the Birthdate of my FW.  It's August 22, 1950.  

Thanks in advance for your help.  I love this list!!
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Date: Mon, 29 Jan 1996 07:36:20 -0500
Subject: FWs sighted

Good Morning Everyone,

Hope all had as pleasant a weekend as Kim Mehalick and I did.  We spent
Saturday in the rain scouring antique shops in So. Maryland for old sewing
machines.  Found a few but nothing we couldn't live without.  We returned to
our part of Maryland and stopped by a local sewing machine repair shop.  It's
called Doug's Sewing Machine &Vacuum Cleaners and is located in Crofton
Maryland.  He's fairly new at this location and bought out the previous owner
- including mystery stock.  He let us in the back room to PLAY!! 
Big mistake.  I saw a shiny black machine from a strange manufacturer and I
might need to go fondle it again.
 
The reason for posting this is:
He has 2 FWs for sale.  One is $350 and one is $250.  Cosmetically both are
in good shape and have the striated face plate.  Both run and have cases.
 One of the cases had the green box of feet to go with it (the $350 one) the
other case was to high for us to reach.  The $250 machine has a broken bobbin
winder but he will repair it.

I've only dealt with Doug to repair my vacuum (so far) and he's been
reasonable and honest.  He has also made house calls to repair machines
belonging to some of the older members of our quilt group.  All who have
dealt with him have been pleased.

He can be reached at:
     1651 Crofton Blvd (Rte 301)
     Crofton, MD.  21114
     Phone:  (410) 672-7072            (301) 858-1882

Crofton is easily reached from Washington DC, Baltimore, and Annapolis.

Enjoy!  Time to go and play with my little FW friend.  -Helen
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Date: Mon, 29 Jan 1996 00:01:30 -0500
Subject: Betsy Ross Treadle?

If someone has already asked about this machine, my apologies--I tend to
glaze over at the treadle messages and seek only the FW info.  But . . . my
sister just got a Betsy Ross treadle machine in a gorgeous cabinet.  The
machine itself is workable/fixable, but it has no information at all with
it.  Does anyone know anything about Betsy Ross machines, or can anyone
point me/her in the right direction?  Thanks!

Oh, I also want to encourage everyone out there to hunt down FW Cardtables.
I sewed on mine just last weekend for the first time and it was great.
Admittedly, I've never had any machine with a cabinet, so just the smooth
surface was wonderful.  But it fits in so perfectly . . . yay!

And an anecdote, I took a flannel lap quilt all-day class yesterday (7-4),
and at the end, I was the only one finished with my quilt top (plus I added
borders :>).  One of the women remarked, "and all on that little machine."
Another of the women coveted my little FW greatly and wondered if you could
even get parts for it anymore.  If they only knew!

Anne
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Date: Mon, 29 Jan 1996 08:51:28 -0500
Subject: more Singer bio plus a little history

Well, you all got me interested in this Mr Singer and I have always been
interested in history so I went to our little local library to see what I
could find.  di nada!  Not even in the encyclopedias.  humph! So I was
talking to the librarians about this before I left, oh, because they were
showing me how to use our MCAT computer that we just got so we can search all
the libraries in the state of Maine.  (I did find The Invention of the Sewing
Machine by Cooper which should be coming to me by InterLibraryLoan.)  So I
went home feeling grumpy because of living where there isn't any anything and
the librarian called me about an hour later and said she just remembered that
when she read *Life at the Dakota* by Stephen Birmingham, Random House, 1979
that it had a chapter with a lot about Singer!  This is because Edward Clark,
the man who built the Dakota (an absolutely fabulously unique apartment
building in NYC which still stands today and yes where John Lennon lived) was
the lawyer who was Singer's partner.  So I got to read that and it was
interesting and later I was talking to my Mom, (who is 82) about this because
she grew up in NYC.  Recently Mom went back to college at 78 and got her
Master's in History and she said *well of course, I wrote a paper about Isaac
Singer for my History of Technology course!*  Yes she still had it!!!!  I was
astounded, to put it mildly.  It's a very good paper and has an excellent
bibliography, if anyone is interested in it I will xerox and send it via
snailmail - I mean the Bib.  She also had a list of her course readings and
some it it is very interesting.  The invention of all this technology did not
necessarily free women up.  In fact one book is called *More work for mother*
 The point being that many many families (not just the upper classes) farmed
out a lot of their house work - ie went to laundresses, seamstresses, bakers,
etc.  With the loss of servants and the increase of new machinery Mothers
started doing all the things that had been delegated to others before - so,
although the work was easier, there was more of it!  An interesting point.
 Enough for today, which is better than the good old days!  Henrietta
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Date: Mon, 29 Jan 96 08:36:16 CST
Subject: Singer

Hi Everyone
This is my first posting. I have really  enjoyed reading about all the old 
machines. I learned to sew in 1950 on a treadle Singer. In 1961 I bought a new 
Singerand traded my treadle for $10. "If I knew then what I know now" or 
"hindsight is 20/20". 
I need help in identifing a machine I bought at an estate sale. It's a Singer 
with beautiful scroll work. It was made by The Singer Manufacturing Comapany, 
Simanco, U.S.A., Elizaebethport, New Jersey, #AF124266. The number embossed on 
the bottom of machine 33656 and a large 3. I have the manual for it but it 
starts with page 5 and ends with 44, so there is no date on it. There is a 
reference made to the Darning and Embrodiary plate #32622. Anyone with DOB and 
it's possible value please let me know. I have a treadle cabinet, no machine, 
that I was thinking of putting this in for display purposes. A friend of mine 
said I should have it cleaned and use it. The motor sounds great. Looks like it 
welll cared for. The cabinet it came is not any good, very wheather worn. I also 
got the sewing case for $10 and it has a lot of wooden spools in it. Also some 
cards of snaps from Woolworths. I am thinking of displaying these in my sewing 
room. 
I am also looking for FW machine, or any lightweight portable machine in good 
working condition, for making quilts (only piecing), that I can take with me to 
quilting bee meeting. 
Thanks for all suggestions.
Joy
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Subject: U.K Mags ?
Date: 26 Jan 1996 12:12:48 GMT

Hi fanatics,
   Can anyone please tell me about Quilting magazines in
England ?   Terry in Montana thought there was at least one.
A few years ago there were none that I could find.   T I A
   Greta
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Date: Mon, 29 Jan 1996 16:32:14 -0500
Subject: Re: more Singer bio plus a little history

Hi Henrietta.  Hi all.
Yes, I did read that Edward Clark was Singer's Partner.  I think he was a
lawyer and a crafty one.  He did get one up on Singer, which I understand
was a hard thing to do.  I did not know that he built the Dakota, but I'm
very familiar with the building.  I go next door to the Dallas BBQ as often
as I can.  Great food there.  Singer was a wild man.  If I recall correctly
he had about 5 "wives," and sometimes he had wives 2 at a time, and 20 kids.
His genious was not in inventing, although he was OK at "improving" things,
but at marketing.  The sewing machine was originally aimed at tailors, but
Singer invented the idea of marketing to housewives.  My dad called me
yesterday with some old newspapers he had bought and was reading to me from
them.  He said there were alot of ads for sewing machines from various
companies, and the Singers were advertised at $75 to $100, not a cheap sum
by any means, especially for 1860.  One of the marketing techniques
mentioned that there was a shortage of household help so that the sewing
machine was really necessary so that the homemaker can get the clothes sewn.
I can't wait to get my hands on the papers so I can read the ads myself.
Henrietta, I would be most interested to read your mom's paper. 
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Date:     Mon, 29 Jan 96 11:43:58 PST

for some reason my messages are delayed by a week - this one
was rejected altogether. Let's see if it makes it this time:

Subject:  sphinx Singer; QuiltBiz contest

I visited an antique arcade this weekend, and had great fun. There
were two toy machines, but neither looked like anything special. One
was rather rusty, the other was plastic and quite small. In the same
(rather messy) booth, there was a big steamer trunk (wonderful, but
too expensive) with the bottom drawer having some nice 1950's
patterns, two of which I bought (one was an apron - I have a thing
for 50's aprons, the more sexist, the better for my collection...
have one that says "Don't Kiss Me, I'm Busy!" Too tacky).

I also found some old buttons, also from the 50's or 60's I think,
although they could be 70's as well. Anyway, I picked up eight cards
of mother of pearl and bright colored buttons, an a couple that were
swirly designs (plastic? glass?).

The only old machine there was quite dramatic, in a nice cabinet
with the small drawers on each side, and the treadle. The Singer
"S" was on the iron on the sides between the table legs, not on
the treadle itself.  The belt was broken, but when I turned the
wheel everything seemed in okay shape.  Kind of rusty around the
bobbin area.  The bobbin flipped back and forth - not rotary, but
not a bullet-shaped one - it looped up and down, not across the
surface, if that makes sense.  It was a Singer, serial number
beginning with a P - something like P66792 (I forget, exactly).  The
interesting thing was that there was a sphinx in gold along with the
usual gold designs.  In fact, there were a couple of sphinxs.  One
on the upper part, one on the flat surface.  And LOTS of gold.  It
was priced at $250, which seemed kind of steep to me.  Anyone have a
clue what model this might be?  There was no indication that I could
see.

There were also a couple of interesting needle packets (cardboard).
One was "Army - Navy needles" and the other - I forget. Anyway, they
were $4.00 each, and this seemed a bit high unless you collect the
things with a passion. Does anyone? It could be an interesting
collection...

I don't remember posting the following to this list - hope it's not
a repeat.

Announcing, the QuiltBiz Cyber-Fiber Challenge!

There is a new wall quilt challenge contest, open only to quilters
with email access. The theme is "Quilting on the Internet."
Deadline is June 30, 1996.  Size of pieces is 36".  First, second,
and third place prizes valued at a total of $1,000 come from
donations by QuiltBiz members, including quilt related books,
fabric, patterns, subscriptions, etc.

For more information, see the QuiltBiz home page at
http://www.nmia.com/~ozzg/quiltbiz.htm

-Carolyn Y
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Date:        Mon, 29 Jan 1996 17:05:01 CST
Subject: Auction Find

HI.
Dh and I went to an auction on Saturday because several old quilts were
listed.  The quilts were nothing much and we would have left, but I
spotted the familiar little black box.  Inside was a beautiful AM
featherweight.  Nobody else seemed to take much notice of it.  It hadn't
been listed on the auction bill or else I"m sure there would have been
more people interested.
DH was the high bidder.  I don't need another featherweight; I can't
afford antother featherweight, but she was too beautiful to leave
behind.
She has an AM number, which means she was probably made in 1956, the
last year they are known to have been made.  Looks like she was bought
and then put away.  After vacuuming the dirt off and then gently
cleaning it up, I saw that the gold paint is perfect and there is not a
scratch anywhere on the machine.  There was a little envelope with two
keys, a full set of attachments, and even a full pack of Singer needles.
The oil can was missing (probably some "handyman" took it!) but other
than that she is intact.  I oiled it and she sewed perfectly.  The most
interesting thing about this machine is that the instruction manual
isn't one of the familiar green oes--this one is blue and about 5 inches
wide and three inches high.  I've never seen one like this before and
wondered if anyone else had.  I haven't named her yet.  Michele
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Date: Mon, 29 Jan 1996 19:37:29 -0500
Subject: back to my life

I have been working (weird job removes me from society for months at a clip)
for several months, but a friend has been pulling the FWF digests for me,
just read them all the way from Nov.----we have covered a lot of territory!

This week has been my first off, and have had a nice break in the weather,
too, so yesterday went out snooping and came back with a perfectly beautiful
model 27, although it has been put into a case from the 50's.  It's entirely
there, though, with so many decals (Egyptian motifs) it looks more gold than
black, and no visible wear on any of them.  I set it up on the kitchen table
to check it out; my 18 y/o son even stopped to admire it (first thing that's
gotten HIS attention since snowboard season hit!) and try it out.  I did
have to pay more for it, though, than for any of my others ($75).  A recent
remodeling project has opened up the chance for me to have more of my
machines out where I can see and play with them; this puppy will have a star
slice of the space.

For Christmas I was given several old magazines with Singer ads; some double
spreads in color (50's mostly) were quite impressive.  Three of them had
nice photos of the FW and in one, the table is shown.  Took a magnifying
glass to the model #s; now I know what the 301 and 401 looks like.  

Susan Jane
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Date: Mon, 29 Jan 1996 19:19:12 -0500 (EST)
Subject: I FOUND ONE!

Dear All:

I was out and about at a local fabric shop's quasi-Superbowl sale
yesterday and since I was in the neighborhood I went browsing in two
antique stores in the same block.  The first one had nothing that
interested me, but the second one had a fair number of books.  I asked the
clerk if there was a section for craft or sewing titles, and after she
rummaged for a minute or two she directed me to a small bookcase near the
front of the store.  I was stooping and squinting a titles for all of two
minutes or so when -- THERE it was: "Machine Sewing -- Singer"!!! It's the
1930 edition in very good condition, and I paid all of $9.00 for it.  I
don't think that's a lot, plus given all the time I could spend looking
and not finding, I think $9.00 is a small price to pay.  It is extremely
helpful and I'm so pleased to have found a copy.  By the way, since my DH
and I are both fans of bookstores (used books and otherwise), I intend to
keep looking for the benefit of those of you who haven't found yours yet!

Joanne :  If you will e-mail me your snail mail address, I
can send you a photocopy of the bottom of a buttonholer box illustrating
five different types of attachment mechanisms for presser feet.  This may
help you determine which machines your "Gold" attachments will fit.

I have had such good luck in finding some attachments, and now the book. 
Maybe I should decide that I really want a treadle!

Lydia
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Date: Fri, 26 Jan 1996 20:53:41 -0600 (CST)
Subject: Bobbin Winder on a white FW

I have a question for anyone who knows something about the white FWs. I
recently purchased one from reading this list and just received it this
week. After cleaning it up, I decided to try to wind a bobbin and check out
how it sewed. I put the bobbin on and discovered there is a part missing.
When you push the bobbin winder down on to the belt connected to the big
wheel there is no part to touch the belt. Also, on the left side of the
bobbin winder there is nothing to hold the bobbin on. I looked at a black
FW and the bobbin winder appears to be a little different from the later
model white ones. Does anyone know if this can be fixed or if I can get a
part some place. The lady I bought the machine from says I can return it
for a refund minus shipping or she will pay for the part if I can find one.
I used a bobbin from the black FW to check how it sews and the tension is
not right yet, even after adjusting bobbin and machine tension. The machine
won't be able to be useful for classes, etc. if I can't wind a bobbin, so
please help me out if you can. She said she would need to know within two
weeks if I'm not going to keep the machine, so I have to try to find out
quickly if this machine can be fixed. My other choice is to take it to a
Singer dealer a couple of hours away who has had FW machines and might know
about this part. Thanks to anyone who can help me out.

Sue
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Date: Mon, 29 Jan 1996 19:20:13 -0800 (PST)
Subject: Re: FW Fanatics 1/27/96

To Jacque,

I'm not sure the machine I was writing about was a 128.   Sorry, I was 
just guessing on this one.  However, it also had the motor workup you 
were describing on your l0l.  It certainly has a great looking cabinet. I 
went to the antique mall over the weekend (where I had seen it), and it 
was still there for $98.  Maybe someone will buy it soon.

Also, I have a sister living in Boise--has been for a few years.  We are 
going to visit her this summer so let me know about some neat fabric 
stores there.  (My sister can only sew on buttons.)

Sorry I misinformed you about the sewing machine.  
P.S.  I am a bailiff at the courthouse here and I was mentioning to 
another bailiff that my sewing machine (FW) stopped working last night 
and I was taking it in to get it fixed.  He said, Hey, would you like 
another sewing machine in a cabinet?.  Apparently it belonged to his 
mother and none of his daughters want it.  He doesn't know what it 
is, but what the heck-- if it's not anything I want, I'm sure I can give 
it to someone.  This man is probably in his early 60's so maybe this is 
an old machine.

Betty
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Date: Mon, 29 Jan 1996 23:50:49 -0500 (EST)
Subject: treadle machines/abused

>Marilyn : Too bad you lost the treadle for sewing and it is now going
>to be a plant stand :-(

 Yes...........I still dream about it. Oh well, what can I do?

 I just hope others can rescue these beautiful machines before they too
 end up as plant stands.

 I know of two other DH friends who's grandmothers have treadle machines
 and use them all the time. I love to watch them. There is something magical
 about these machines.

 P.S...........A seafood restaurant we went to on last years summer vacation,
had these as the tables in the bar/restaurant area. I don't know if they were
actual treadle tables with the foot pump left on, or just made for the
restaurant. The waitress had no idea. To me they looked authentic. My DH
reminded me of this, the other day.


                                Marilyn
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Date: Fri, 19 Jan 96 03:06:00 PDT
Subject: model 500

The other day I saw a
FF>real "rocketeer"-looking, tan Singer, and I think it is a model 500, but I
FF>didn't see a model-number actually on the machine anywhere.  Besides being 
very
FF>50's stylized with it's fins, it's distinctive in that on top of the head 
there
FF>is a large hinged door that needs to remain open during use so the two spool
FF>pins are available...can anyone with a 501 tell me if this sounds familiar or
FF>what else it might be?  I didn't start out liking the looks of this model at
FF>all, but now I am intrigued by it's extreme 50's appearance--cool!  I think 
I'll
FF>stop with the 500-models, though--don't want to get too modern or they will 
no
FF>longer be vintage machines!


Yes that is a model 500a!  I have one, which for some reason I keep
forgetting it is a 500a, and I keep calling it a 401a...don't ask me why!
FRAN HAS A 500A!  NOT A 401a!  Will I ever get this through my thick
skull???  Anyway, I call it my rocketship, because it looks like
something out of the rocketeers, or like my mom's old 1960 Impala.  I
was caught by this machine the 1st time I saw it in the shop...I went
back 2 more times before I finally succumbed and bought it.  I LOVE it!
It is SOOOO cool looking!  Not to mention, it sews well!  Darn, I guess
this means I have to go and buy a 401a, since I keep thinking I own one,
and another fanatic just copied her manual for me.....I wonder if my
husband will believe that one when I come home with another sewing
machine....hehehe


Fran
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Date: Tue, 30 Jan 1996 07:45:02 -0500
Subject:

I have run across the following:

Singer Class 15-91 very clean machine in equally clean cabinet for $75.

Tan fw in 2-tone tan box with manual, some attachments.  Looks very clean,
but priced way to high for me at $550.  Yes it is tan, not off white.  And
it is a fw.

Pfaff Little Princess toy machine in a case (that looks like old doll
luggage) and includes the manual, some old patterns, and needles for $125
or $145 (sorry I forgot which)

Singer Sewhandy toy machine for $70 I think

Except for the 15-91, I saw the rest at Jane's Antiques in Alexandria
Virginia so anyone so interested in the area can go look.  If you are not
and want her number just email me and I'll give it to you.

I passed on the $75 15-91 and found a horribly neglected exactly the same
machine the next day for $30.  DH thinks I need to call myself the sewing
machine rescue lady.  I can now claim to be able to rewire just about every
wire on that baby.  When the weather warms up I'll be trying my hand at
refinishing.

Susan R
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Date: Tue, 30 Jan 1996 08:37:43 -0500
Subj:    New Sewing Machine

I have been reading this forum for only a few months but I am a convert.  I
now own two featherweights "Ebony" ( a black featherweight, August 11, 1952)
and "Ivory" (a white featherweight, birthday unknown).  I spent about $300
for each but they are both in excellent condition and run great!  Yesterday
however I picked up an old machine at the Goodwill. It was only $10 and in
terrible condition.  However I bought it because I wanted to practice
assembling and disassembling it. (I am not quite ready to operate on my
babies.) After some manipulation with the tension and some cleaning up, my DH
and I were finally able to get it to sew a decent straight stitch.  Now I am
curioius about my patient.  It's an extremely heavy green metal machine that
has a green plastic case which fits over its top and clips to the base and a
drop in bobbin. Printed in the top of the case is the date November 4, 1964
(five days after my birthday) and the Model no. is 285K.  It also says made
in Great Britian.  Any info would be greatly appreciated.  It still has a few
battlescars (its missing the metal cover over the bobbin) but I grown sort of
attached to it.  I think its here to stay.
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
Date: Tue, 30 Jan 1996 08:46:33 -0600
Subject: Misc singer stuff

I originally mailed this to the list a few weeks ago, but haven't seen it
appear.  I am sending it again in response to today's discussion of history
and biography of Singer.

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: Tue, 30 Jan 1996 04:54:14 -0800 (PST)
Subject: New Home Treadle???

Does anyone here have a New Home Threadle machine?  I found one at a local
shop for $85.
It is just beautiful--it does show a few signs of use and wear and tear but
I really did not think I could lose for the price.

Also--since this group "shops" the right places--I am always looking for the
old quilt kits from the 30's that came with all the pieces stamped on the
fabric.  I am getting close to finishing my first one--I have the sales
slip--it was purchased in 1939 for $5.
I would someday like to do another 
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
Date: Tue, 30 Jan 1996 09:13:34 -0600
Subject:  Response to 1/28/96 digest

Jenifer:  thanks for sharing about your machine.  Don't worry
about taking too much time and space with your ramblings.  This
is what it's all about and we love to hear from you!  Welcome
aboard.

Shirley :  I lived in Phoenix for 7-1/2 years until 5 years
ago.  How I miss it now when we have arctic weather and got 14
inches of snow last Friday when we were only expecting 5-8
inches!  I was stranded at my brother's apartment all night, but
fortunate to be somewhere warm and safe.  Lots of people weren't
that fortunate!

Connie  :  Come on to Iowa (except for the cold)!  My aunt
and uncle live in Cedar Rapids and, although I haven't been there
for years, it is a nice place to live.  Not far from Cedar Rapids is a
German community (tourist trap) called the Amana Colonies (that's
where they make the Amana appliances).  There is a great fabric
store there.  Also, not too far away is Kalona that is an Amish
community.  Lots of antique stores there and also a great
fabric/quilting store.  Iowa City is close to Cedar Rapids and Des
Moines isn't too far away.  There's also a huge outlet mall close to
the Amana Colonies.  Let me know if you want more information.  I
could send you stuff.

Darlene   It's so cold here now the schools are
closing just because of the windchill factor!  How I long to be
back in Arizona!
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
Subject: FW Bobbins
Date: Tue, 30 Jan 1996 09:26:31 -0600 (CST)  

I don't know if this has been discussed--so bear with me if it has.

I have owned in the last 4 years seven different FWs--all ages and
conditions.  Some has come with bobbins and some have not.  What I
have noticed is that the original bobbins are not the same as the
after market bobbins.  The original bobbins have an extra small
hole toward the core of the bobbin.  I don't know what it's used
for, but I do know that when I use these bobbins in the machines,
they sew better than the ones that don't have it.  In fact, a
tension problem on one machine disappeared when I used an original
bobbin.  It's not the height of the bobbin--we used calipers to
measure and they are exactly the same.  

Anyone else come across this?

K. N
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Date: Tue, 30 Jan 1996 11:36:20 -0500
Subject: FWFanatics

Sue, I really do admire your efforts in putting together this digest on a
daily basis.  You surely deserved that break!

This weekend, my fantasy came true!  Well, almost.  Ever since becoming a FW
et al fanatic, I've thought how great it would be to come upon a retiring
Singer dealer with a basement full of machines, parts, manuals, etc.  Well I
saw an ad for a tag sale advertising 'Singer sewing' and went to check it
out.  The lady had a cabinet 66-1 and a portable 128 without carry case.  She
said her father was a Singer dealer and when he died 6 years ago she
inherited lots of other stuff from his business - which she did not know what
to do with.  Her son thought he could sell the machines and kept them in his
college dorm for a year and then 'threw them out'.  Actually when pressed she
said that he gave them to Goodwill, which made me feel a lot better.  But
imagine if she had them
 still in her basement!  She wanted so badly that I buy the cabinet 66-1,
which I do not want.  Then when she found out that she and I are both
Millie's (and both derived from Mildred) she practically offered it to me for
nothing.  The 2 machines she had, however, were kept in a detached garage and
the 128 was especially not in good shape - I tried to turn the wheel and it
did not budge.

I would like to offer a set of high-shank attachments for sale.  They are
neither Singer nor Greist.  In fact, manufacturer is not noted anywhere.  The
box is plastic 3x5", black/white.   Attachments are fairly new and include:
ruffler, multi-slotted binder, cloth guide/screw, zipper foot, 2 thimbles,
zig-zag foot, straight-stitch foot, hemmer, quilting guide, darning foot, 1
unidentified. $20.

Also I have a Singercraft Guide for sale.  I have only seen one mention of
this sewing aid all these months on FWF, so I would assume there are not too
many of them around.  Included with the guide is a manual and a set of
transfers.  BTW the guide is use
d when using the sewing machine to attach material (like ribbon) to a backing
fabric.  Hard to explain; the manual has lots of pictures.  includes
shipping:  Part 120987.   In green/white Singer 10x2x1" box with instruction
sheet.   Also 16-page 7x9" Singercraft booklet shows how to make rugs, home
accessories, fashion aids, etc. using Singercraft guide. Also package of  hot
iron transfers for use with Singercraft guide to make designs for articles
for home decorations. $25 for all 

The final items for sale are new, not old like our machines.  There is a sun
catcher which has a black machine (very Singer-like) and says 'I love to
sew'.  $5 includes postage.  There are pins (i.e. jewelry) which come in
gold/silver/black sewing machine
 versions.  Each has hanging from the bottom of the pin a tiny spool of
thread, yardage of fabric, scissors and thimble.  They are adorable! $8
includes postage.  I wore a gold one into my local fabric store and thought
the clerk was going to buy it off my sweater, she loved it so!  Both items
should be available in quantity so just send your address/check to me and I
will fill orders as they come in.  Millie MacKenzie, 17 Kent Lane, Rocky
Hill, CT 06067-2910.  Please put a first color choice and a second
 color choice as the black are limited in number.

Millie
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
Date: Tue, 30 Jan 1996 11:39:22 -0600
Subject: AH-1947

I'm still trying to catch up on the archived issues and am looking at Oct. now.
I wrote yesterday and said that my AH was from '47, and in past issues
people were saying they were from 48 and shouldn't have the scroll work,
etc. I was beginnig to wonder! Now I read about the using up of the left
over scrolled end plates. I feel sorta special now! I always thought my
manual was not the original because the FW in the manual had the striped end
plate. It all makes sense to me now. Thanks for the info. 

I also feel lucky that my case doesn't have that *smell* everyone keeps
talking about. I LOVE the smell when I open my case. Smells like an oiled
sewing machine to me. Reminds me of my sister's clarinet and Dad's trumpet
cases when I was a kid. I used to open up that clarinet case and look at it
all the time. 

The more I read these digests, the more I want to buy anything that says
Singer on it. I keep thiking of a Singer that I saw at an antique shop when
I was on my FW search. It came in a wooden case with a rounded top. The lady
in the shop said she had one in the (60's)?. It was quite heavy and the cord
would need replacing. That's all I remember about it. It may still be there.
It was the last time I stopped. With all this talk about 66's and 99's and
everything I really want to start collecting! My DH just cannot understand
this desire to have many of the same thing-sewing machines. I likened it to
people who have many mounted animal heads on the wall. Of course he has only
*1* fish, *1* deer head, *1* woodduck and *1* turkey tail. They wanted $40
for this machine. Anyone have the slightest clue what it could be from the
tiny info I gave you? I may go see it again this weekend if still there. 

Krisi- How is your database coming along? Are you going to include any info
as to price paid and where found? I find that so interesting, too. Also
couldn't believe my eyes when I read the BD of your AH FW- same as mine!!!
4-22-47 !
I will send you the specs on mine for your database soon. 

Bye, Jenifer
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
Subject: Come to Montana! Cabinet, Throat Plates.
Date: Tue, 30 Jan 96 12:06:26 -0500

	Well you can all be thankful you don't live in Montana as the official
temperature at the Helena airport this morning was 34 deg. below zero!  In
the valley, a bit lower than the airport, it was -40 deg. Yesterday I spent
another hour shoveling snow (1 foot) and I was actually hot but the brown
hair hanging out from my hat was frozen into white ice.   This is our third
day of this and it may not change for two weeks.  -40 deg is possible by
this weekend! I wonder if there will be any yard sales? :-D  (Can't believe
six months ago I was in Phoenix and it was 112 deg.)
	Thanks, Jacque, for giving me a description of your Singer cabinet
.  Mine also has a built-in outlet on the back wall so I am glad that you
mentioned it as I didn't think it was original to the cabinet.  I almost
removed it!  I'm afraid to plug my 15-91 into it to see if the foot
pedal/knee control that is screwed to the cabinet will operate the 15-91. 
If I blow the motor I'll freak.  Maybe I'll use Godzilla as a guinea pig.  A
little jolt to him might improve his disposition.
	Last week it was mentioned that we could buy new throat plates for the
Model 15 with the seam allowance markings from dealers who order from
Brewer's.  I jumped right on it, ordered one and picked it up Friday.  This
is a warning that the throat plate doesn't fit my 15-91.  The openings for
the feed dogs were cut slightly to the right of the original throat plate so
that the feed dogs hit the plate.  Obviously this is NOT good for the
machine!  I'm considering trying to use a metal file to enlarge the openings
but am not convinced it will work nor do I have a file that will fit into
the two small openings.  Has anyone else had trouble with these?
	Daryl, thanks for the information on the various buttonholers.  I have a
beige buttonholer in the turquoise oval plastic case.  The manual says
489500 but the buttonholer says "2482607 and 2536620 or 2547925" in case
anyone is confused (several people have mentioned not having manuals). This
buttonholer is complete, mint condition, freshly cleaned, oiled and lubed. 
It is a low shank but when I attached it to my 15-91, I broke two needles
making three buttonholes!  The needle on the 15-91 doesn't land dead center
in the hole in the throat plate when I turn the balance wheel.  I think the
slightest pull against the needle thread forces the needle to the throat
plate, especially during the zigzag action of the buttonholer.  Is there
anyway to adjust the needlebar so that the needle isn't so close to the edge
of the throat plate opening? I'm afraid I'll be breaking needles when I
finally try to machine quilt on this machine.

Terry
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Date: Tue, 30 Jan 1996 15:16:18 -0400
Subject: Quilting Magazines in England

Hi Everyone, Greta posted a request for quilting magazines in England and
there are a couple I believe. One is called "Popular Patchwork" and it has a
very good listing of what is going on as well as patterns, shops etc. I can
get it at a local magazine shop here in Halifax.
The National Patchwork Association of Great Britain has there own home page.
You can reach them at 
http://www.paston.co.uk/natpat/natpat.html
Or you can e-mail them directly  trinity@paston.co.uk
I'm sure they could update you on British publications.
Cheers
Barbara 
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Date: 30 Jan 96 14:17:08 EST
Subject: Responses

To Carolyn Y

The Singer you saw with the Eqyptian decoration was all part of a fad that
exploded in the late 1870s when the world's press was full of the epic voyages
of Cleopatra's two "needles" from Alexandria to London and New York. The London
one is on the Thames Embankment near to the Houses of Parliament and, I believe
the  New  York one is in Central Park.
For quite a time after this "Egyptian Style" was in fashion for everything from
wall-paper to complete buildings.
Army and Navy needles were marketed in England by the large Army and Navy
Department store in Victoria, London in the 1930s. The company handled a large
range of sewing machines including Willcox and Gibbs from America, Frister and
Rossman from Germany as well as English machines. The store still exists but now
handles mainly clothes.

To Ann

Sorry if I am completely out of step here but was the Betsy Ross machine a toy?
The only Betsy Ross I know was a cast-alloy toy from the 1950s and I've never
seen one with a treadle.

Theresa B

The Bruce was a trade name rather than a manufacturer and a very popolar one for
some reason. Bruce treadles were made by The Free Sewing Machine Co, The
Standard Sewing Machine Co, The White Sewing Machine Co and A G Mason
Manufacturing all in the first quarter of this century.

Gretchen

Your Saxonia could have been made by any of almost a dozen German manufacturers
who all used the unregistered trade name from the 1870s right up to 1950.
If you would like to send me a photograph, I will pin it down for you. E-mail me
for snail-mail address.

Linda P

ISMACS is the International Sewing Machine Collectors Society, based in London
but with members world wide including well over 125 in the USA. Inspired by the
interest arrounded by FWFanatics we're starting a FW spot in our magazine.
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Date: Tue, 30 Jan 1996 18:01:44 -0500 (EST)
Subject: Brief Comments

For Helen:  We have twins! (siblings, maybe??).  The B-day of
my machine is also 8-22-50.

Susan Jane: Would you consider posting the titles and dates of the
magazines with the FW ads to the digest?  I'm personally not looking for
one, but I know someone in Illinois who is.  At the last antique show I
went to, most of the really old magazines were taped up in plastic bags
(not the best thing for the paper, but what can you do...) so I couldn't
leaf through them.  If we had a list of "positives", it would help.

Lydia
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Subject: White FW Bobbin Winder
Date: Tue, 30 Jan 96 21:29:53 -0500

	SUE :  With regards to the white FW you purchased and
discovered the broken bobbin winder.  I bought a black FW with the same
problem.  Last spring I purchased a replacement winder from a sewing machine
shop in Tempe, AZ for about $12.  It looks almost identical to the original
black one.  I also have a white FW.  I just went to my studio and removed
the winder from the white FW and put on the reproduction bobbin winder and
as long as I apply pressure with my finger so it makes better contact with
the belt, it winds a perfect bobbin.  Perhaps if I tightened the screw a bit
more, I wouldn't have to press with my finger at all.
	The original white winder matches the white machine but the "wheel" that
makes contact with the belt is black. My replacement winder is black with a
silver "wheel" so it does not match the white machine.  I don't know if they
are available in white but if you really want to keep your machine maybe the
black would suit you.
	I question why the bobbin wound on a black FW wouldn't work in your white
FW.  It sounds as if this white machine was not in working condition to
begin with, not to mention that the bobbin winder was obviously broken.  Why
, if the seller didn't tell you the machine was broken, are you expected to
pay the cost of shipping if you return the machine? And why is "she"
pressuring you to make a decision in just two weeks?  I don't think that is
fair and frankly it makes me angry. Many of us order things from sellers on
this digest and depend on their honesty and integrity.  I hope everything
works out well for you, Sue. 

Terry 
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Date: Wed, 31 Jan 1996 17:50:18 +1100
Subject: FW's Downunder

G'day everyone,

Yesterday I received my first e-mail from FWF and I was  surprised to hear
that there are so many people who just love these unique Singer SMs.

I am the ISMACS (International Sewing Machine Collectors Society)
representative in Australasia. For those of you who are interested in
collecting both full size and toy SMs you can visit our home page
http://www.vicnet.net.au/~companyp/ismacs/welcome.htm

Yes I do have a 221K which I bought for $50(Aus) and I use it for piecing my
quilts. Shame on you Graham F for thinking that the USA was the only
country really big in quiltmaking! Here in OZ we have numerous clubs and
guilds associated with quilting plus our own quilting magazines and books!

The FWs were very popular in Australia because of their portability and
reliability. They pop up all over the place, in antique shops, second hand
markets and in the local trading post where you can pick one up for around
$100(Aus).

I believe there's a book available by Nancy Johnson-Srebo. Do you know how I
can obtain a copy?

For those of you who collect toy SMs - did you know that ther is a Singer 20
"look alike" which was made in Australia in the late 1930's? It was called a
Peter Pan. There was the model 0 and the model 1 and I am lucky to have both
in my collection!

Thank you to everyone for sharing your interest all around the world. 

Cheers from Brenda
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Date: Wed, 31 Jan 1996 08:41:59 -0500 (EST)
Subject: This and that

Hi to everyone.  Unexpected snow last night. 

I can see how the 128 jumped out and got Shirley.  There is something
about them that reaches out and says "take me home."  Don't know whether it's
the beautiful red, green and gold or the wood case.

For Sue , I have a white FW.  What you are missing is a black plastic
wheel about the size of a quarter.  I haven't seen them on any other model
except the 221.   Makes a good argument for buying a FW in any condition
because all the parts can be useful to someone.  As far as holding the
bobbin on the winder, you aren't missing any parts there.  The short shaft
that the bobbin goes on is made like a spring in that it will take a good
push to get the bobbin on it and then it will hold.

Carolyn, my treadle has sphinxes.  It's a 127 made in 1928.  Of course I'm
using it for a plant stand in front of my kitchen window.  One of my
calico cats was sitting on it yesterday and the DH was wondering how many
other kitties have sat on it over the years.

Carolee, I took graph paper and measured the 1/4 inch on my FW with the
marked plate.  It isn't exactly accurate, so when I do piecing on it I
will lay down some masking tape at the right place.  So it isn't you. 
Someone just got casual about marking those measurements.

I thought of those of you who are collecting the toy machines when I got
my new Clotilde catalog (sewing notions).  There is a whole page of little
cloisonne pins you can buy for $4.80 each.  One is a Mueller #6 toy
machine.  One is a Red Riding Hood Machine.  There is also a 1857 Willcox
&Gibbs.  Wish they made a FW.

Called a lady this week who advertised a FW for sale for $300.  I was
trying to find out what she had and what condition it was in, but she
didn't have any information at all.  She said she hadn't looked at it for
a long time and she didn't offer to look and answer my questions.  She
said she knew she could get $300 for it because she heard of one that sold
for $400.  Don't know how she expected to sell it.  I'm only looking for
bargain FWs now.  Can't wait for the garage sales to start up again.

Marilyn
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Date: Wed, 31 Jan 1996 10:28:15 -0500 (EST)
Subject: Re: FW Fanatics 1/30/96

	I got my new Quilters Newsletter Magazine yesterday and on page 
73 is an ad for a lapel pin that is a Featherweight on a heart and above 
the picture it says "I love my Featherweight". I can't tell if that's 
part of the pin or not. Says 1-1/4". $5.+sh. If interested their phone 
number is (505)345-7647. They are the makers of the "Little foot". Also, 
P.76 shows the cover of a new book called "The Quilter's kitchen" and it looks 
like a AL or AM FW on the cover. 

Krisi
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Date: Wed, 31 Jan 1996 09:56:59 -0800
Subject: Re:Singer 500a

love to read about all the FM machines, but do not have
one..i could sure get into looking for them and would 
love to have one..someday maybe!!!
my question is::could someone out there with a 500a copy
their manual for me??????? my sister got this machine
from a older lady when she was cleaning houses years ago.
she had the manual and has misplaced it.. then she gave
me the machine..i haven't really used it and would love
to get it out and use it.. she had it services years ago
and the man said "do not get rid of this machine,it's one
of the best"!!! so now i would like to get some use from
it and need the manual to see what all this rocket looking
thing will do...
HELP PLEASE
THANKS,
cathy
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Date: Wed, 31 Jan 1996 13:06:01 EST
Subject: Frister &Rossman

I've been meaning to post about my latest acquistion but put it off until
Graham Forsdyke mentioned the Frister &Rossman company in one of his
postings.   A new friend, Kim in Houston, told me about FWF and I've been
like most of us since subscribing to this list....hooked on the daily
readings and bitten by the "How many sewing machines can I bring into the
house before DH explodes..?" bug.  Kim knew I was looking for a hand crank
machine, but they are few and far between in Indiana.  She seems to be a
magnet for wonderful machines so I asked her to keep an eye out for me.
She found a gorgeous mint-condition Frister &Rossman hand crank machine.
Lucky for me the timing was such that she decided not to add this beauty to
her own collection, so I bought it and had it sent to me.

I had never heard of Frister &Rossman, but then I'm just beginning to
"collect".  I would appreciate any information Graham or others may have.
The machine's serial # is 3277134.  The head is rather thin and squarish
shaped, reminding me of the shape of the 1870's Singer New Family machines.
 It has beautiful gold, red, and green decal work.  The gold medallion
reads:  Manufactured in Germany by Frister and Rossman, Trademark R, Sales
Agent  O. Quitmann, 18 City Road, Finsbury Square, London, E.C. 1.  The
wood base and case are also in mint condition with a lovely narrow strip of
parquetry work on the front of the base and an inlaid wood "panel" on the
top of the case.  It came with several presser feet and attachments and
manual.  The manual is missing the first few pages so I don't have a
copyright date to give me an idea of the machine's date.  What can anyone
tell me about Frister &Rossman and/or this machine in particular?

It is definitely a treasure and I promise it will have a good home.  My
friend, Margel, also a FWF gives it a very covetous eye when she is over
here.  Frankly, I think she comes to visit the machine more than me!  But
then she has several beauty's in her collection that are welcome to run
away from her home.  I'd be happy to adopt them!

Chris 
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Date: Wed, 31 Jan 1996 14:51:13 -0800 (PST)
Subject: Re: FW Accessories For Sale

	I did read get a number of posts for the FW table for $200. I 
preview the table and was able to check it all out. It does need 
refinishing, there are not gouges in it but it is scratched, but smooth. 
The black lip that goes around the top also would need to be painted 
again to make it top notch. I also have a FW White Case never out of the 
cardboard box it came in - $100. and also a white FW Motor - $100. I have 
new to my list posted Monday some AJ and AL's ranging in price from 
450-495, depending on the condition. I am pretty much bound to the 
dealer, or collector's price and I myself find when a motor costs as must 
as a new case it all very hard to believe. But because of the supply and 
demand situation in Southern Cal. I find that machines are very high as 
compared to some that I've seen gleanded from thrift shops and other spots.
Last fall a free arms sold for $1500. and now some of the collectors are 
saying the black will go to $1,000 soon. So all of you out there hang on 
to those machines and try to pick up a  cheapie for parts, because there 
will come the day when parts will be difficult to come by too. I will 
compile a complete list this week, I've been tardy because of pneumonia 
and that has just dragged me out. Michele I'm just green about the AM, 
does it have the more Art Deco gold? At first I didn't want an Art Deco 
Gold, but now one is just working on me so that I must have that as a 
part of the collection. And on the topic of 128 long shuttles mine has 
the green and gold art deco and is an AA too. I call it my mother's 
machine because it was born in 1924 the same year she was, and it looks 
like it was my mothers....she doesn't sew!  So this machine was in 
perfect condition. I'm also interested in the Sew Handy, and what price 
should I pay for one, and what do I need to look for as far as needles 
and other parts to make it sew. Zsux
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Date: Wed, 31 Jan 1996 20:04:55 -0500
Subject: HELP

I'm hoping someone can help me.  I have a model 66 with a problem.  The main
shaft that runs down the center of the machine head is bent.  I have all the
parts that go on it (I think).  Does anyone know if I could get the shaft
replaced.  I didn't pay much at all for the machine and the scrollwork on it
was too beautiful to pass up.  I would hate to have to scrap it!

Marie
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Date: Wed, 31 Jan 1996 21:04:40 -0500
Subject: Re: FW Fanatics 1/30/96

Hi from cold upstate NY
To the person wondering about that extra little hole on the original
bobbins, it is to put the thread through when you just begin to wind the
bobbin.  You pull enough through that little hole to hold onto - then start
your bobbin winding - it helps that end thread break evenly and I believe
helps the bobbin to wind more evenly.
Just my .02
More when I have more time - Have to tell you all about my Morse sewing
machine made by Toyota in Ngoya Japan in 1948.
Shelley 
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Date: Wed, 31 Jan 96 23:00:19 -0800
Subject: The Resurrection of a FWF

I recently got net access at my home, while at the same time decided to 
go back to my hobby of days gone by - quilting. Well, I have to admit 
that you FWF have literally contributed to another netaholic!
I have only sewed on FW's; I learned to sew on my mom's when I was 10.  
I still have the machine that I learned on and it is the only 
machine that I have used in my 28 years of sewing.  It is a AM 221 
bought the year that I was born, and I believe manufactured the 
last year that Singer made this type???  I also have an identical AM 
221 that I inherited from my great aunt.  Guess what....it has never 
been used except for once when I took it out to play and make sure that 
all was well with it...and of course for occasional oiling.  I had it out 
the other night after reading FWF page and just couldn't believe how 
it literally looks just out of the box! She bought it when my mom bought 
her's but she never did learn to sew.  I have both of the original 
cases, books and attachments.  I am sorry to say that up until 2 1/2 
years ago I had a table (the cardtable type) that went with my machine, 
but when moving, needed to minimize and w/o knowing what I had....gave 
it to the Purple Heart.  Oh well.....
I also have a Singer Treadle with Egyptian scrollwork that is in 
great shape.  The only flaw in the scrollwork is in the word 
SINGER.  I had bought it from a woman in Pennsylvania who had 
every room of her house outlined with treadles double deep; an 
attic full of sewing machine related items (boxes, tables, 
etc.), a barn full of other machines, tables etc and a workroom 
full of antique machines of all shapes, sizes and condition.  Wow do I 
wish that I stayed in contact with her.  The treadle is in great working 
order, but found that the bobbin (bullet type) plate is missing.  I must 
have lost it one of those times that I moved.  Any ideas on where to get 
one??? Only paid $30 for this treadle about 10 years ago.  The cabinet is 
in pretty good shape, but could use refinishing.  However, I've been 
reluctant since I believe that it is a veneer.  Anyone had luck 
refinishing?
Anyway, I am now a resident of Charlottesville, Va., having grew up on 
Long Island, spent 18 years in PA (great quilt territory), 2 years in Va. 
Beach and 3 years here.  
BTW, found great fabric tonight.  Black background with victorian sewing 
notions on it in teal, purple, pink and gold.  Gorgeous! 
I haven't named my machines but do plan on calling Singer to get the 
birthdates!  Thanks for all of your mail and info regarding FW's!  

Barbara
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Date: Wed, 31 Jan 1996 22:23:38 -0500 (EST)
Subject: After-market bobins

Karen:

Did you measure the diameter of the bobbin hole (not the little hole, the
hole that allows the bobbin to fit into the bobbin case)?  Perhaps the
newer bobbins are not machined as finely as the originals.  I'm guessing
that if the hole is not quite as large, or the surface of the hole is not
as smooth, you might get some form of drag.

Lydia
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Date: Wed, 31 Jan 1996 22:42:58 -0500
Subject: misc


for Jenifer: the only model Singers I have seen in the breadbox-type case are
the 99 and the 128.  Does anyone know if others came in that case?  The 128
has the bullet shuttle and the 99 has the round shuttle, so it is now easy
for me to distinguish.

I'd like to offer for sale a very lovely Singer 99-13 portable machine in a
breadbox type carry case.  Control is via knee-lever. Face plate has scrool
design.  Birth date 2/27/34.  Other details upon request.  Millie
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
Date: Wed, 31 Jan 96 19:24:07      
Subject: Re: FW Fanatics

I'm a new Fanatic, been reading about FW's for the last 

couple of weeks and yesterday I found and bought my first 

FW.  I called all the sewing machine shops in my area asking 

for used machines and found one in a shop.  The lady who 

owned the shop has taken it in as a trade in.  She said she 

did not give the lady too much for it because it had a bent  

hook so she had to replace it and the bobbin case.  She had 

only finished putting it back together after Christmas so it 

had not been sitting out long looking for a new owner.  

Anyway it was love at first sight, there was no case or 

attachments, and she was the very first FW I had ever seen 

and I had to have her.  She sews wonderful, great stiches.  

I can hardly wait to sew my first quilt using only her.  

After looking at the serial # and calling Singer I 

discovered her birthday is Sept. 10, 1934.  Paid $250, which 

I think is a good deal.  So, I hooked. From Liz 
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
Date: Wed, 31 Jan 96 21:00 MST
Subject: A brand new FW

Hello!

I'm so excited, I just got my first real deal on a FW.  A friend was reading
the classifieds for antique cars, when she ran across an ad for an antique
sewing machine.  She called, and gave me the phone #, I called, and got a
hold of a woman that really didn't know much about her machine, I was given
the impression that it was a treadle. DH and I decided to go see it anyway,
since through the digest I have learned that you must go see for yourself,
since to most people a sewing machine is just a sewing machine.
We walked into the house, and there sitting on the coffee table was a
darling little AF FW, the case isn't in too good of shape, and there are 3
bobbins, and 4 attachments, but it has the fancy face plate, and the chrome
wheel.  I nearly died of excitement, I offered her 130.00 cash, and she said
okay.  We nearly ran out of house before she could change her mind, it had
belonged to her great grandmother, she was young, and obvioulsy didn't know
what she had, and yes I did feel a pang of guilt, but I got over that real
quick.  DH is working on her now, cleaning her up and fixing a few little
booboos.
My friend and I have decided it was an official ACT OF GOD, since what were
the chances of her looking at antique car ads, and the paper misplacing an
antique sewing machine ad in amongst them???  


I've decided that once you have your first FW, the desperation level goes
down, and you are more open to those good deals that really are still out
there.  You relax, and let the FW vibes penetrate through.  Just think what
I must still have to look forward to!!

We spent 4 days up in the Seattle area, and took some time to look at
antique stores, and some old established sewing machine stores (another hint
from the digest)  when lo and behold, what should we see, but the rare free
arm FW!!  It was everything you folks had written,  Black finish, with a
gold MADE IN THE UNITED KINGDOM stamped on the inside of the left side.  It
wasn't for sale, but the story behind it was great, the man had gotten it at
an auction, saw the case, but not what was in it, so he didn't know what
kind of machine, paid $35.00 for it and now has a machine that he was
offered $3500.00 for.  We saw some nice machines, but none worth carting
home on the plane.

I was at the local thrift shop today, and found a buttonholer for $1.99, had
everything but
the manual, but since they all work the same, no problem.  It was in the
black plastic 
case, #160506.  I swear, the good deal vibes are really shining through.

Mary
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Date: Thu, 1 Feb 1996 08:17:25 -0600 (CST)
Subject: Obscure Machines

Well, I onece again ventured out into sewing machine land and managed to 
get confused again.

Does anyone have a Singer 636 Touch N Sew?  I picked one up at a thrift 
store for peanuts.  I think it may have been configured as a "school" 
machine, as it is very spartan in appearance and features.  The table 
(which was worth the whole price) sure looks like school-style furniture.
I'd be interested to see if anyone knows if there was such a thing as a 
"school" machine.

I also found a book for a Singer 306 that has a lot of pictures.  To all 
of you Godzilla owners-  you have to see a 306!  It has cams, but they 
hang on the outside, near the handwheel.  It takes twin needles, but the 
threading arrangement looks like the rigging on a four mast ship.  The 
manual was dated 1954.  Has anyone seen one of these beasts in person?

Daryl
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Date: Thu, 1 Feb 1996 09:02:14 -0600 (CST)
Subject: Sewing Machine Design

In my earlier post, I described a couple of what I thought were obscure, 
different machnines.  for those of you with an interest, I have located 
an interesting magazine article about sewing machine design in general, and 
some different styles are illustrated.  there are also pictures of some 
futuristic "concept" machines that were never put into production, and a 
*beautiful* full page glossy color plate of a museum quality Singer 
Sphinx machine, I think it's a Model 27 of 127.

Ask at your library (if they don't have it they might be able to get a 
photocopy for you:

Title of article: "Singer Design:1850-1985"
Author: Arthur Pulos
Title of Magazine: Industrial Design, Volume 32, page 46-49   May/June 1985 
(ISSN:0883-8627)  this will help your library borrow a copy if necessary.

Daryl
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Date: Thu, 1 Feb 1996 08:44:28 -0800 (PST)
Subject: Re: FW Fanatics 1/27/96

  As I begin liquidating for more and more collectors, I'm finding the 
inventory sell/buy procedure is taking more and more paperwork time. So I 
will abbreviate in posts A= Attachments, M=original manual, X=Copy of 
manual, and C=case. If I say it is in superior condition then it looks as 
if it was used only a few times. I try to describe to the best of my 
ability, but if you have more questions I can go into length regarding 
the cosmetic condition of the machine. A mechanic has gone through all 
the machines and then now I'm starting to give them a good run. What I 
find with mechanics they do all the mechanically work (duh) and see that 
it runs and the stitch is good. But I like to put it through its paces 
for at least 30 minutes. I've heard about hot foot pedals and other minor 
problems, but I will say that these machines to the most part are 
antiques and even my new machine gets hot when I run it without stopping 
for an hour.

FOR SALE
AF -A,M,C,. There is a little wear, complete set of attachments. $375.
AG -A,M,C,. Tray case, some attachments, black is a little worn  $375.
AJ -A,M.C,. Layered case, some attachmemts, very good condition with a 
little wear. - $375.
AM - A,M,C, - Great Condition, complete attachments, foot-pedal case, 
case in great condition too, later edition scrollwork $510.
AK - Anniversary Model-great condition, A,C,M, case has key, foot pedal case-
$495.

AJ - A,C,X, the front of this machine lip has scuffs otherwise top side 
is fine. $450.
AL - A,C, X, - machine is in very good condition. - $450.
AJ - A,C,X, - gold is perfect, there are a few slight scratches on this 
machine, but I would consider it in great condition. $495

301-A - Accordian Case, Machine is in good condition, $225.

FW TABLE- Needs to be refinished has scratches on top and also black lip, 
but sanding and refinishing would do her up just fine. ($40. for 
shipping, table weight between 20-30 pounds, insured) $200.

FW White Case-Still in cardboard shipping case, never used, brand new - $100.
FW White Motor- Never used, ready to install $115.
2- Post War Buttonholers $35. each
1- Pre War Buttonholer $35.
Manuals- copies for FW, 99, 66, (e for details)

Shipping for machines is $25, and that includes insurance for amount.
Call or e for futher information. Zsuxxa
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Date: Thu, 1 Feb 1996 12:00:56 -0500
Subject: I found a 99!

Okay, well, I wasn't actually looking for a 99 but I just returned with one!

I've just started looking for a treadle.  Haven't seen anything I have to
have - yet.  I stopped by a thrift shop this morning and looked at the
machines they had.  Only 1 black Singer but the throat cover was missing and
no attachments were to be found so even for $ 20 I didn't take it.  On my way
out I happened to look at the overhead and saw  a bentwood case I've been
reading about on this list.  Well, I got someone to get it down for me.  They
found a key and an outlet and plugged it in.  It ran for a bit and then just
jammed.  I located a manual and box of attachments in the little drop in
drawer in the base and went to work.  Within a few minutes I had it unjammed
and it hummed.  
Silly me, if I had taken it home to unjam maybe I could have had them lower
the price but I fell in love with it and had to have it.  It cost $85.85 and
is in pristine condition.  It's one of the ones with the matte finish.  But
the gold decals are in perfect shape and the faceplate has ornate scroll
work.  All the metal -the faceplate and the throatplate and the presser foot
have a black finish.  I called Singer and it's birhtdate is Jan 21, 1942.

My FW now has a big sister!!!  I hope I don't have to deal with sibling
rivalry ;-)

Hope all have a wonderful day.  I'm off to play with my new machine.  -Helen
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Date: Thu, 1 Feb 1996 12:26:55 -0500
Subject: Bluish/black foot

Greetings from what I'm sure is the icebox.  7 degrees this morning (Wed)  as
the kids took off to school.  Not as cold as Terry in Montana nor further
North.  Terry, I really like that Big Sky country, but, forgive me if I pass
up the offer to venture up.
  Thanks to those that took me up on the buttonholer offer.  I have just a
few left.  Well this is true confession time.  Most of you are probably
figuring out mathematically what took me a trip to the Post Office to figure
out.  I offered to sell each buttonholer for $3.  I based this on what I had
paid for them plus what I thought would cost for shipping.  Boy did I under
estimate how much these items weight on the postal scale.  I ended up paying
some of you to take them.  Well, live and learn.  You're probably thinking
that Blndbuff must mean Blonde Buff.  I am blonde but actually Blnd refers to
blind as I can see past my nose without my contacs.  But I was having a
blonde moment when pricing the buttonholers.  I just had to write this so all
would stop laughing at my blondness.
  BTW, I still have some buttonholers left.  Price is still $3 but I'd like
to add postage to that.
   My question for the day is.  Awhile back someone wrote about bluish/black
attachments.  I don't remember what it was about them cause I'd never heard
of such a thing.  Since I have aquired a presser foot that is bluish/black.
 It is a Simanco USA and with the number 8337.  I didn't see this number on
any of the attachments list.  Does it belong to a certain model and why the
different coloring?
  Thanks for listening and for not giving me such a hard time on my
Blondness.
Jacque
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Date: Thu, 1 Feb 1996 13:29:59 -0500
Subject: 99 Bonus!

Me again!

Just stitched on my 'new -old' 1942 - 99.  Perfect stitch.  I noticed the
cord had been a little smashed at one time and I saw a glint of wire.  Drove
it on up to my sewing machine guy.  He said no problem.  A little electrical
tape will fix it.  I decided to let him give it the once over.  It was hard
to leave it there.  It kept pleading "Take me home and play with me!"  I had
to be firm with it.  While I was putting the cover back over it what did I
see but a little green Singer oiling can attached inside the cover! VBG &
JU&D (jumping up &down)!!  What a delightful and surprising day this has
been.  

Can't wait until Saturday.  My machine will be back then.

BTW My sewing machine guy is Doug - the one I posted about earlier in the
week who had the 2 FWs.  Had.  Both are being shipped to someone on this
list!  As a thank-you he's tuning up my machine for free.  He was one happy
repairman.

Can wait to see what excitement happens this afternoon.  Gosh!  Maybe my 9
year old will not have homework.  ;-)  -Helen
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Date: Thu, 1 Feb 1996 19:36:33 -0500
Subject: Advice needed

I am going to look at a 301 in the near future.  I would appreciate any
comments about the 301 slant needle versus the 301 straight needle.  At this
point, I have no idea which version the seller has.  Any info would be
appreciated.

Flo 
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Date: Thu, 01 Feb 1996 20:56:13 EST
Subject: LUV MY FW - PINS FOR SALE

Hi Fanatics!
     Just arrived today.  Our new Luv My Featherweight Pin.  This pin is
first class, baked enamel with epoxy.  It measures 1 1/4" across.  A bright
red heart with a black Featherweight across it.  You can see a picture of
it in the current Quilters Newsletter Magazine, page 73.  Cost is $5.75
postpaid.  Please Snail Mail requests to Little Foot, Ltd., 605 Bledsoe NW,
Albuquerque, NM 87107.  We take major credit cards but do not recommend you
send cc numbers by email.

Thanks,
Phil @ Little Foot
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Date: Fri, 2 Feb 1996 09:14:51 -0500
Subject: Betsy Ross machine

Hi, someone responded to my post about my sister's Betsy Ross treadle,
asking if it was a toy. Nope, it's a grown-up gal.  Anyone know anything
about *real* Betsy Rosses?

Also, I finally used my 2nd FW (the gift from my MIL) at a class last night.
I guess I had never looked at it closely--too enthralled :>  Anyway, it has
a seam-marked faceplate, so I always know my 1/4 inch!  Yay!  This gift gets
better and better each day.

Off to my quilting retreat . . .
Anne
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Date: Fri, 2 Feb 1996 10:08:59 -0500
Subject: Re: FW Fanatics 2/1/96

I have been offered a white (slightly green) FW 221K with case for $125.00.
Finish has been badly marred because it was used as a school machine and
apparently someone decided that ruining its appearance was the best theft
deterrent. There are some sort of school serial numbers scratched deeply into
the front of the base. Should I take it? Dealer says he has the case for it.
All this is assuming it is healthy when I take it for its test run.
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Date: Fri, 2 Feb 1996 07:15:43 -0800 (PST)
Subject: Re: FWF

	I had to LOL on Chris and how many machines can you bring into 
the house before dh finds out. I have hiding places, left over from 
Christmas. All machine knitters go under the beds, the FeatherWeights are 
everywhere, and I do a tactical maneuver with my cat adoptions. I don't 
know if I agree with the after you buy the first one philosophy.... 
The first one I bought I though was just lovely as all first children 
are, and most impressed with it's stitch. But once I got out there 
seriously and was transferred to the antique sales department I really 
found out what you can get that is unscathed, and then had to have more 
and more. Also I started really getting into the progressive History of 
the Sewing machine. I wondered about styles and how they changed 
especially the art deco green, red, and gold, that evolved into an all 
gold filagree machine in 1925, and then next the FW. As far as the bent 
shank have you checked parts on the Singer Number, and then check local 
"S" dealer. The final step would be to buy one for parts and have the 
shaft changed. I'm sure the mechanics here will have the route to best 
use. Freearm for 3500. huh? I won't tell one of my collectors he will 
feel he got ripped for selling at $1500. But what I'm finding is for some 
there are still bargains out there and they are to be sought after, 
because the day is coming when these little babies are going to be 
priceless. I have two more to pick up one my daughter's birthdate not 
year, and one my son's birthdate not year. I just must have a complete 
collection and any reason to add one in is a reason. Zsux
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Date:        Fri, 02 Feb 1996 10:12:14 CST
Subject: fw table for sale

  I have a featherweight table for sale.  It is the kind with the black
paint on the sides (in excellent condition) and with metal legs.  The
top does not need refinishing and the entire table is in great shape.
I'm asking $225 plus shipping.
Michele
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Date: Fri, 2 Feb 1996 11:57:29 -0500
Subject: 301a manual

Does anyone have a copy of the 301a manual that they could send?

Just bought my first "old" machine.  Found it at a Flea Market
for $30. No attachments - but was able to find some on the list -
they arrived yesterday - thanks Millie.

If anyone has the manual, please e-mail with cost, etc.

thanks

sharon
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Date:        Fri, 02 Feb 1996 11:07:07 CST
Subject: MINT FW for sale

Hi y'all:
I have a mint condition AM featherweight I'd like to sell. Actually, I'd
like to keep it, but DH has put his foot down.  The machine is in mint
condition.  The gold paint is absolutely perfect and the black finish is
unscratched.  There was no lint whatsoever when I got it; I suspect it
was bought, put away, and never used. The case is in perfect shape.  No
wear, no mildew smell.  The inside brocade finish is in excellent shape.
There are two keys in an envelope. There is a set of attachments in the
original green box and the original *blue* instruction manual.  This is
the nicest machine I've seen. It looks brand new even though it was made
40 years ago.  I'm asking $245 plus shipping. Michele 
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Date: Fri, 2 Feb 1996 07:09:40 -0500
Subject: 301 #s

Can someone out there share  with  me a list of part numbers for 301
attachments? I bought some miscellaneous stuff and I think some will fit my
301 but would like to find out for sure. Thanks a bunch, Katy
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Date: Fri, 2 Feb 1996 12:46:49 -0600 (CST)
Subject: Preserving Decals

A lot of good ideas have been discussed about how to clean our old 
machines.  Does anyone know if something can be done to preserve the gold 
(and red&green) decals after we get them spotless?  Is ther a wax, 
coating, or anything?

Daryl
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Date: Fri, 2 Feb 1996 12:54:40 -0600 (CST)
Subject: Blue/Black Attachments

Jacque,

I have several different attachments that are in this darkish color, but 
I never really tried to track down their history.  (Guess I just 
thought they were the economy model :-)  ).  It does seem that they 
have always been in among the regular chrome finish attachments.  I've 
never run across a full set of the dark ones.  It will be interesting if 
anyone on the list has.  Duringthe Korean War, nickel was in short 
supply, and a lot of different items were produced "unplated", without 
chrome.  Maybe that's the story with these attachments, but that doesn't 
explain the different part numbers.

Daryl
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Date: 02 Feb 96 16:33:00 EST
Subject: Frister and R.

Re request from Chris .

Can't help you identify the machine from the number as F&R records were lost
during the war. If you's like to send me a picture of the machine, I can date it
roughly and probably provide copies of the missing handbook pages. 
Snail mail Graham Forsdyke ISMACS 158 Hampton Road Chingford London E4 8NT
England
As to the company itself, F&R began production in Berlin in 1871 or '72 first
producing clones of existing American machines noteably  Wheeler and Wilson and
Wilcox and Gibbs before introduicing its own Singer-system range.
 In 1925 the company became part of the Gritzner Kayser co which itself was
taken over by Pfaff in 1963.
Sorry, I've just realised that I can get some sort of date on your machine from
the agent's label you describe.
Quitmann took over the British distribution in 1920 so the chances are that your
machine dates from between 1920 and 1925.

Graham F ISMACS 
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Date: Fri, 2 Feb 1996 14:59:11 -0800
Subject: My Featherweight Story

I've been lurking for a month now, and have thoroughly enjoyed reading all
the letters. I've decided that while I am not a fanatic, I am certainly a
proud and protective owner of a Featherweight. And if I were not a CPA, and
this were not tax season, I probably would become a fanatic very easily just
by reading all these great letters! Anyway, I would like to add my
Featherweight story to all of yours.

My mother wanted to buy me a sewing machine for my college graduation way
back in 1963. We went to the local Singer dealer in Appleton, Wisconsin, and
came out carrying a little black box - a used Featherweight we were able to
buy for all of $65! (Do I qualify for the lowest price?) I don't think we got
a matching set - I vaguely remember the man running in the back to find a
case, and scratching around for a manual, and then digging up some
attachments. I was very happy with my little machine for four or five years
until I decided I needed a more modern version and my DH bought me a brand
new Golden Touch and Sew. 

I packed my little Featherweight away in the closet, and there it stayed -
almost forgotten - until about four years ago when I noticed the first
symptoms of the addiction known as "quilting". I happened upon Nancy Srebro's
little black book in a quilt shop and suddenly remembered my little black
machine. Could it be a Featherweight? Was it still in the house somewhere?
Had I thrown it out? I bought the book, read it on the way home, and tore the
house apart looking for my long forgotten little treasure. Sure enough, there
she was, waiting patiently and proudly bearing the "221" on her front. I took
her out, and discovered that in my zeal to give her a thorough oil job before
packing her away some 25 years previously, I had oiled her so well  the
excess had drenched the manual! But fortunately the manual is still intact
and quite legible - just looks translucent and feels funny to the touch. BTW
the manual says 221K on it, and is white with the green and red logo and is
about 4 x 6 lengthwise - did someone write recently that all the manuals are
the dark green upright style? Well, now I get her out and piece a little
something with her every now and then just so she won't feel neglected. And I
am always amazed at the stitch quality - it's incredible! I think my Viking#1
is jealous! 

I have a question about the two little screw holes on the bed of my FW - are
they for the Cloth Guide, and if so, does anyone have a cloth guide they
would like to sell?

This digest has inspired me to dig around the house a little, and I found a
few items I now realize should not be tossed out. One is a manual for a 201-2
- the machine my mother had when I was a child. The machine is long gone, but
the manual is in perfect condition except for the bottom half of the front
cover. It has instructions for using that tucker Susan asked about last week.
Susan, if you would like me to copy those directions for you just email me
your snail mail address. I also found a little box of buttonhole templates
that fit several buttonholers including the 160506. One template is missing,
but the other three are still there. I think I did have the buttonholer at
one time, but haven't been able to locate it. Could it have been used for the
201 as well? The missing template is probably in the buttonholer, wherever
that may be. I'm afraid in my ignorance, I threw it out. Is anyone interested
in the templates? 

I want to thank whoever wrote the suggestion for taking the foot pedal of my
FW apart. She was lurching at the beginning of seams - I never dreamed that
could be corrected so easily. I took the foot pedal apart, tightened a screw,
and now she starts and stops as smoothly as she did when we were both a
little younger!

Well, I didn't mean to ramble on for so long. Hope I didn't bore you. Keep
searching and writing, and please let me stay even though I'm not a fanatic.
These letters will help me get through tax season! 

Phyllis 
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Date: Fri, 2 Feb 1996 17:42:06 -0500
Subject: Re: FW Fanatics 1/31/96

Hello all,
Got 2 little things someone might be interested in.  They are little red
and white singer booklets about 3 " by 3" - The white part of the design on
the cover is the outline of a sewing machine and it says "A New Singer
machine is an investment in better living"  Inside on the left is a photo
of a Singer Sewing Machine and on the right it says "Try the new Slant - O
- Matic machine, model 500.  This great automatic zigzag machine has a
handsome new look.  It has a new smoothness of stitch.  It has more
built-in features than any other machine you can own:  spotlighted drop-in
front bobbin, micro-stitch length control, elevator-type throat plate,
famous SINGER slant-needle, calibrated feed pressure control and
whisper-quiet geared rotary mechanism.  The ultimate in sewing machines.
See it.  Try it, soon, at your Singer Sewing Center."  To the right of this
is a black section with a little piece of fabric stuck on it, holding a
needle.  (hand sewing not machine)  On the back is a red, green, and white
advertisement for the new Singer vaccuum cleaner.  These are clearly late
50's early 60's and that 500 machine sure looks like a rocket ship to me.
The back also says printed in Great Britain.  Looks like something that was
given out at a fair or something to drum up business perhaps.
I am asking $10 each postage included - email Shelley@cencom.net
Thanks all for listening
Shelley 
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Date: Fri, 2 Feb 1996 17:08:30 +0000
Subject: Re: FW Fanatics 1/31/96

I bought a FW221K from Glenn Williams in Fla.  It is beautiful and running
fab. But I lost his email as well as snailmail address and would like to
thank him. Anyone have it??? Judy.

Judy 
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Date: Fri, 2 Feb 1996 21:26:19 -0500
Subject: Re: FW Fanatics 1/31/96

To Brenda 
  WOW! Fw's for $100-  Can I place my order for a couple.  What a deal-
Brenda-you could make a fortune importing them to the US.  Laura 
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
Subject: Pins, FW Bobbins, Frozen Machines, Bentwood Case Machines, Black Feet
Date: Fri, 02 Feb 96 20:44:19 -0500

	Oh, thanks so much for the FW lapel pin info.  I have all of Clotilde's
sewing machine pins, several of which are copies of toy machines I actually
own. I must have a FW pin!
	Concerning the original FW bobbins vs. the repro ones (fakes).  This
morning I was cleaning the sewing room so I could at least walk through it,
and while putting some FW bobbins in a plastic bobbin case, I noticed that
two old FW bobbins easily slipped into the cutout in the case but two new
bobbins practically had to be jammed into the same space.  Then I had a heck
of a time removing them.  Was wishing I had some sperm oil!  Anyway, this
proves to me that the newer bobbins are a bit thicker.  Actually, if you
compare the two, you can visually pick this out.
	A few weeks ago I removed a Japanese sleaze machine called a Dressmaker
from an old Singer cabinet.  Before turning it into a boat anchor, I decided
to use it as a guinea pig and "service" it.  Once I scrubbed the filth off
it, it was remarkably pretty (turquoise).  However, after hours of surgery,
I still couldn't get the balance wheel to budge more than slightly.  There
was nothing left to take apart so I simply put it back together and stuck it
in a corner.  Believe me, when the temperature hit -40 below the last thing
I thought about was taking a sewing machine to the dump.
	Well, this morning while walking past the machine, I turned the balance
wheel and was shocked that the formerly frozen machine was as loose as a FW!
 All I did was let plain old sewing machine oil sit on the parts for two
weeks and it is ALIVE!  Now the test will be to see if it sews or if it will
still end up at the bottom of a lake.  
	MILLIE:  My Singer 15-91 came in the bentwood (breadbox) case.
	JACQUE:  Your bluish/black presser foot Simanco #8337 is listed in my 1950
MACHINE SEWING book under the parts list for Class 127 and 128 machines.  It
says Presser Foot 27-4 and 127........... 8337.  In other words, you have a
Godzilla foot.  I recall someone telling me the "blued" metal was used
because of WWII metal shortages.  But I figure, why waste the shiny stuff on
a machine this ugly?

Terry
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Date: Sat, 3 Feb 96 09:22 EST
Subject: Repair Parts

I received my first FW yesterday.  The machine in Beautiful!!!
Unfortunately, the motor was damaged in shipping.  I am looking for a
replacement motor or motor parts. Please let me know if you have FW parts or
if you know of someone who my have parts for the FWs.
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
Date: Sat, 03 Feb 1996 12:43:02 EST
Subject: It was me!

Helen in PA, I'm the one that bought the FW's from Doug!  Thanks for
posting the listing here.  I originally called to buy the one with the
broken bobbin winder and he made me a deal on the pair.  The
horsetrader in me just can't pass that up.  He sounds like a very nice
guy!  Described the machines and they sound great.  Did I "need" 2 more
FW's?  Yes and no.  They should be here Monday.  I'll keep you posted! 
BTW, anyone have a bobbin winder they'd like to sell me?

I learned a bit of trivia that I'd like to pass on.  The little felt
circle that your spool of thread sits on on top of the FW, well,
there's usually another felt circle on the bottom of the machine (in
the middle where the bolt screws in).  They say it's either a spare
circle or a pad to sop up extra oil.

Phil at Little Foot, checked out your pins in QNM, they're very nice. 
Answer me this about the Little Foot, please.  When piecing a quilt top
how does the LF handle the variable thicknesses?  I've had problems
with other brands "stalling".  Thanks!

Leslie 
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Date: Sat, 03 Feb 1996 14:23:09 EST
Subject: Machine from Africa

Saw an interesting machine the other day &I'm wondering whether to 
get it.  It said "made in Johannesburg (spelling?) S. Africa on the 
throat plate.  It was a hand crank in a beautiful wood box (kind of 
like the bentwood box that some singers come in).  The Machine had 
mother-of-peark decorations set into the base.  It bobbin is the 
shuttle-type. Anyone ever see one of these?  Sorry I didn't get the 
manuf. name when I looked at it.  It was $125.  Any info would be 
appreciated.    Robin M
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Date: Sat, 3 Feb 1996 15:02:32 -0600
Subject: FW names

I've noticed that many proud FW owners have named their machines.  I think
it would be interesting to compile a list of these names and any anecdotes
telling why a particular name was chosen.

If you've named your FW (or any other machine, for that matter), please
send me email telling me the model of your machine, the name you gave it,
and any other information you'd care to provide.

TIA!

Lisa
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Date: Sat, 03 Feb 1996 15:28:19 CST
Subject: wd-40 and oil

Some time ago we were all discussing the pros and cons of useing WD-40 to clean
old machines.  DH brought home a product I thought you would all like to know
about.  It's called LPS CFC Free Electro Contact Cleaner.  It works like the
wd-40 to dissolve all the gunk, but leave NO residue.  He tells me the wd-40
residue will eventually turn to varnish.
A note on sewing machine oil.  I handed him my little plastic bottle of oil
that came with my Pfaff a couple years ago, and he had a coniption because
the oil has turned yellow.  He says this means it's starting to change to
varnish, throw it out!
The contact cleaner  worked great on my machine.  He hosed it down and the
stuff dripping off was just black.  The stuff is expensive....$9.99 a can, and 
he just bought it at the hardware store.  If I can get it in this half horse
town, you all ought to be able to find it.
Jeanne
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Date: Sat, 3 Feb 1996 15:34:26 -0600 (CST)
Subject: 66, buttonholer

Hello, fellow Fanatics--

Hoping you all have enough FW fun to keep you warm (unless your weather 
is better than ours here, which wouldn't take *much*)...

The Model 66 treadle I'd looked at previously is still waiting patiently 
for me to bring her home, which I plan to do within the next couple of 
weeks assuming I can find a belt for her.  And unless any of you care to 
warn me that it would be a big mistake...    :)   She's $98 with cabinet 
and a bunch of accessories &manuals, has an added-on electric light.

At the same antique store I found a Singer buttonholer, in the 
minty-green giant-cigar-shaped plastic case.  Part #--I think 1st 3 
digits were 489, last 3 I know were "500" and "510".  Manual was very 
new-looking, though its cover was a little worn at the fold.  Looked like 
all the parts were there, specifically the feed-dog cover.  Does this fit 
the 221, or what models?  Price is $14.50.  I'm not particularly 
interested in this myself, but if anyone else is just let me know!

Rita
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Date: Sat, 3 Feb 1996 17:48:06 -0500
Subject: WANTED

If anyone has a "Tan" or "Brown" FW for sale please Email me with details.
Thanks

Bob C
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Date: Sat, 3 Feb 1996 17:50:52 -0500
Subject: WANTED

I am looking for an original green Singer oil can in good to excellent
condition.  I am interested in one of the early versions that is short with
a long straight spout. Will pay $25 to $40 depending on condition. Thanks

Bob C
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Date: Sat, 3 Feb 1996 17:54:22 -0500
Subject: FOR SALE

Have several FW's for sale with different birthdates and in various
condition.  Will consider offers over $350 for each machine plus shipping.
I live in Maryland.  Please let me know what you are looking for and I'll
send you details. One of the FW's is a white one in excellent condition.
Thanks

Bob C
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Date: Wed, 31 Jan 1996 17:03:52 -0600
Subject: New Number! FS

Hi All!  Brrrr!  A bit nippy in south texas!  Those crazy featherweight
safari hunters, Dale and Deloris Pi, can be contacted after next
Wednesday,5.  Dad's got a couple of freearms, lots of bobbins,
accessories, oh yeah, and featherweights.  See the list on the web page for
the types of fw's that he has (http://www.icsi.net/~pickens).

Last Saturday, started and finished a sewing project on my 100 yr
Anniversary featherweight.  I made a pair of shorts for my little boy!  He
liked them!
It is so neat that this little fw can fit in such a small space.

Cheers!
Gail P
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Date: Sat, 3 Feb 1996 17:43:32 -0500

Hi:  

Although I am  new to FWFantics,  I've been collecting, cleaning, selling,
and keeping FW's for over 2 years.  My quests for the holy grail
(Featherweights) began innocently about 2 years ago when my wife Norma
mentioned that her best friend Mimi Dietrich had purchased a FW and that
many of her other quilting friends and fellow quilting teachers had FW's.
So ... being  the supportive DH that I am ( I just learned what DH means), I
decided that I'd just go out and buy one.   Much to my dismay I learned very
quickly not to pass up a bargain when I see one.

 I went to a local auction with a friend and, low and behold I found a black
beauty and a table in great condition.  Not having discussed with my wife
what sort of price I would have to pay, I unfortunately bid up to only
$160.  The machine and table went for $180!!!

When I got home and told my wife what had happened, she managed not to
scream, but instead made me read Nancy S's book.  Since then I've bought,
sold and kept over 50 FW's -- some for as low as $20  including  a table in
good condition for under $80.   

I've read with interest most of the letters to FWF and thought I'd pass
along some general info and comments  that I've managed to gather ... so
here goes.

1. Dale Pickens is a true character and possesses a wealth of information
about FW's -- I'd love to co-author  the definitive book about FW's with
him.   Also found Gordy's knowledge very valuable -- if you read this please
send me your Email address.

2. It is a shame that the Singer Co does not allow someone to post all the
FW birthdates to an electronic bulletin board (like FW Fanatics) so that
everyone could have the info whenever necessary instead of waiting on hold
with the Singer 800 number.  Has anyone discussed this with them?

3. The characteristic FW odor seems to be the result of mildew in some
cases, but is also the result of a chemical reaction of the glue and the
artificial leather that Singer used in the construction.   If  you store
your machines outside of the case, and give the machine a good cleaning
(including wiping down the wiring)  the odor will eventually dissipate from
your machine.
4. I plan on fully restoring several of the cases that I have in poor
condition, including new leather, new hinges, etc.  Will also experiment in
using a color other than black -- anyone interested in a Red, Blue, Mauve or
Quilt-covered case?  -- would be a great conversation piece at quilt classes
-- please let me know.

5.  I have recently obtained a FW in horrible condition - (rust, chipped
paint, no gold) - and have decided to completely strip the body and restore
the machine in a color other than black, brown, or white.  Have considered
Red, Blue and Pink -- anyone interested in such a Special FW?

6. I've seen numerous questions about  what to use to clean and shine the FW
body.  After  some disastrous trial and error, I've settled on using Armour
All ( the stuff used to clean and polish auto tires and dashboards).  It
does not leave a heavy buildup like waxes and it does not cut through the
shellac protective coating .  Do not use any paint removers, thinners or
other solvent-based products (including Lestoil)-  they will remove the
protective coating and will cut into the gold decoration.  Before using
anything , experiment with a small area to make sure the protective coating
is not being dissolved by the cleaner you're using.

7. I've noticed that some Fanatics seem to be upset about  the prices they
have to pay for a good machine.  Remember that the time required to find  a
good FW can be short ( not likely, unless you are very lucky) or lengthy (
most likely, since more and more people are looking for them)  You can
easily spend 30 to 40 hours at auctions, flea markets or yard sales before
finding a good buy -- consider the value of your time -- time spent away
from quilting.  Suddenly $300 to $500 will not seem so unreasonable.

8. Some Fanatics have mentioned the need to get keys for their cases.  Terry
S. indicated that new blanks are available (Ilco T60).  I've also found that
some keys fit several different cases.  So if you have a friend who has a
machine with two keys, see if that key will fit your case.  

9. Someone had asked what the "C-shaped" wire clip was in the bottom of her
case on the left side.  This is where the original oil can was stored.  

Nice to be a member of this interesting group  ( even though I am just a
DH!)    

Bob C
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Subject: Army/Navy Needle Cases, Betsy Ross, Blue Manuals
Date: Sat, 03 Feb 96 14:19:25 -0500

	Well, this was sent a few days ago and ended up in no-man's land so I'm
sending it again. Hope it doesn't show up with the original!
	CAROLYN Y: $4.00 for an Army/Navy needle case is less than half the price
of one in good condition.  I have a collection of at least 60 needle cases
including six different Army/Navy ones.  They ALL appear to be pre-WWI and
all have "The Army &Navy Needle Book" written across the front except one
which says "The American Army &Navy Needle Book".  They picture various
unnamed ships, most flying American flags, bald eagles holding American
flags, troops in formation, bi-plane with eagle atop, and one of the ship
"IOWA".  One says "cover design patented N.S.C. 1909" and one says "Gellbros
. trademark".  Now, what is most interesting about all of these is that even
though they are plainly American, four were made in Germany and two were
made in Japan.  (Hope your cold is better.)
	GRAHAM: I was excited to see your post about Army/Navy needles marketed in
England by a department store in Victoria, London. I hope I find one of
these to add to my collection.
	ANN:  The National Sewing Machine Co. sold a machine called a Betsy Ross.
This was an American company formed in 1890 that sold mostly mail-order and
catalog including through Montgomery Wards, Wanamaker's, Marshall Field's
and Macy's.  When the company formed it was in Belvidere, Ill. and merged
with Free Sewing Mach. Co. in 1953.
	HENRIETTA: I loved reading about your mother's paper on Isaac Singer. 
Unbelievable!  And the book "Life at the Dakota" sounds very interesting.  I
wish you could publish your mother's paper for us.
	JOY:  Concerning the Singer you can't identify.  Call Singer with the
serial number and they'll tell you what you have.  I could not find a
Darning &Embroidery plate #32622 on any of my parts lists but lists for
Models 66 and 99 had parts with numbers very close.  15-88, 15-91 and 201
machines don't need these plates as the feed dogs can be lowered so I'm
interested to hear what you have (could be a Godzilla 128).
	MICHELE:  I, too, have a blue FW manual with one of my machines.  It's my
favorite of the three colors.
	SUSAN JANE: I second the motion to tell us the names and dates of the
magazines with the Singer FW ads.  It would really help the search. (Please?
??) What a nice Christmas gift.
	LYDIA:  Wow! $9.00 for MACHINE SEWING by Singer, 1930, is wonderful.  It's
$30 plus s &h from the online bookstore. Singer kept updating them into the
1950s so keep looking for those, too.
	K. N: I've always assumed the little extra hole in the original FW
bobbins was the spot to place the thread end when winding the bobbin but
that's just a guess.  Thanks for the suggestion that the newer bobbins could
possibly cause tension problems.  I'll remember that next time I have
trouble.

Terry  
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Date: Sat, 3 Feb 1996 16:40:52 -0800
Subject: what have i got?

Hello my name is Sharon, I have a g4284817 Treadle #66 I need info on how
much it would cost to have it in working condition, the wheel turns and the
belt is busted. My friend has a 221-1f FW what does the 1f stand for? Where
can I get a picture of the FW table?