Around 2009 a dear friend, the one that got me into quilting, gave me one of her two antique sewing machines, for me... to keep.
It has lived in storage for already four years. This time around we have enough space for it to be displayed. It turns out that base on the serial number, this treadle sewing machine is dated way back to 1919. It was made in Elizabeth, NJ in the first large Singer factory for mass production.
If this info is correct, that makes this sewing machine 94 years old. With such an old age, I can't helped but wonder about all the places this sewing machine has being to, and how many owners it already has belong to. For sure it has already being in three different countries with us!
Who did this sewing machine belong to? Was it a sewing machine for working or for leisure? How much did the first owner paid for it? I wonder if it ever was used for the making of quilts...
If this machine could talk, I'd be all ears.
There's a good chance we can put this baby to work again. The belt and the lid to the bobbin are missing.
I feel lucky and forever grateful for owning such a treasure.
More info about it here.
What a very sweet gift! It can be a lot of fun restoring these vintage machines to working order. Hunting parts is the best fun! Good Luck
Posted by: SonJa | September 10, 2013 at 07:25 PM
In regards to the belt. Make sure you get a good one that it is solid piece of round leather with a staple. You put it on and then cut it so that the two ends just meet and then push the staple through to hold it together. You need it to be a good quality one so that it doesn't stretch too much. You may have to adjust it after 6 months of use.
I am in Australia and got mine from Italy but you might find one closer to home.
I hope you have lots of luck with this machine, they are truly wonderful to sew on.
Posted by: Mhairi | September 13, 2013 at 08:46 AM
It sure will be fun SonJa!!
Thanks for the tips on the belt Mhairi. Hopefully I'll be able to find a decent belt around here since everything old fashion items are easy to find. I'll keep in mind that it will stretch.
Posted by: Paloma | September 13, 2013 at 10:55 AM