This post is a few days late because I need some "me time" with my newest addition to my sewing machine collection :-)
My I introduce "Helen".
Yes her cabinet is in need of repair but her decals show her true beauty. The first owners painted the cabinet :-( so at this point all I can do it to sand it down and basically completely refinish the outside only.
I will explain the name in a minute. I picked her up from a family in Ft Myers Florida last week for $100.00 and not a bad deal at all. When I finally got the machine home I got out the Murphy's oil soap and cleaned her up really good. There was lots of grime and dirt. Then the next task was to get her "unstuck". See I took a chance on purchasing this machine because her hand wheel would turn so of course she was sewing at all and the owners were descendants of her previous 2 owners. Helen came from a family in New York. here is just a snip it of an email i received yesterday about my new "Helen" from the newest owners before me. she writes "My husband's grandparents (Helen Eaton) were from New Rochelle, New York. " this also explains her new name I gave her in honor of the previous owner.
Anyway after loosening every single nut and bolt and screw I was able to get her freed up and stitching again. The culprit was a piece if thread about 1" long and the feed dogs had been crushed down on top of the bobbin casing and basically freezing it in place. As soon as I could run get a couple of pieces if scrap fabric and a cone of thread we were making history treading again.
I have always wanted a treadle machine to expire emcee just a smudge of what women back in history used to create quilts, clothing, mending, etc. it is amazing the workout you get in your legs from treading. I am getting a complete leg workout and being creative at the same time.
I can't wait to get my sewing room in order so I can get out ALL my machines and line them up so I can just go down that line and sew on each one for awhile.
My collection is a very small collection and I really do not feel as though I will be adding to it further.
My collection consists of:
(Stella)
Serial # ES652042 belongs to Singer Model 221K
manufactured on May 15, 1961 in Clydebank, Scotland.
(Mable) Singer Featherweight 221K
Serial #AL944515 belongs to Singer model 221
manufactured on January 17, 1955 in Elizabeth, New Jersey.
(Marsha) Singer 66 Red Eye
Serial #G8878958 belongs to Singer Model 66
manufactured on June 29, 1921 in Elizabeth, New Jersey.
(No name)
Singer Quantum 9920 (2005)
(No name)
1 Singer Single (1999)
I have my grandmothers Singer but I haven't dated it yet or found out any additional info on it yet.
Singer 301 Tan colored
Gammill longarm
Glaco 1 hp machine
Happy Quilting & Treadling
Brenda
