I'm back...

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It's been 7 long months since I have posted.  It has been difficult to move on, but I am finally feeling like I can spend time on my blog again.

I did manage to liquidate my husband's business, and to landscape the house as much as I am going to this year, with the help of my work crew.  When my husband died there were 5 employees; that increased to six for awhile, but through attrition is now down to 3. By winter it will be two--the minimum I will need to help me keep things going next spring.  Over the next few weeks I will try to post photos of the landscaping and of other things that have kept us busy.

But for now, just to get back into the swing of things, I'm posting photos of my sewing machine collection.  I joined a couple of groups online who love vintage machines the way I do, and I have picked up some interesting models.  They are all functional, although they may not get regular use. I am slowly learning about the maintenance and restoration of these old workhorses; I now feel that I am rescuing them from a horrible fate, like getting a pet at a shelter. 

So here are photos of the ones I have now:

Singer 115 Treadle, with worn "Tiffany" decals.

The serial number is G3695527, which was issued on June 10, 1914.

This is NOT necessarily when it was manufactured, just when the serial number was issued.

It works well, but I'm not an accomplished "treadler."

 Singer 221-1 Featherweight, #AH056884, Apr. 22, 1947.

Singer 15-91, #AH022248, Apr. 4, 1947.

Singer 15-98K handcrank, #EG177462 with Centennial badge,

Nov. 2, 1950.

 

 Singer 201-2, #AL061649, Sept. 3, 1952.

  

Singer 301, mocha color. 1952-56 period.

I can't get to the serial number right now--it's underneath the machine.

The machine fits in a special cradle in the cabinet. This is one of my favorite machines--it makes a very satisfying mechanical sound as it sews.

 Singer 221K Featherweight, #ES243315, Jan. 10, 1961.

Singer 503A "Rocketeer," NC478885, 1961. Space-age styling!

 Singer 223, a Japanese-made machine from the 60's. JA-8.

 Singer 239 Fashion Mate from the 60's, straight stitch only.

Singer 237 Fashion Mate, but this one has a zigzag stitch. 60's.

These 2 models are the only ones in the Fashion Mate series that still have all metal gears.

 This "Universal Deluxe Precision Sewing Machine" is a clone of a Singer 15, made in Japan after the Singer patent expired, from Singer plans. I love the color of this one. 1960's.

 Sears Kenmore 158.12111, probably circa 1968-70. All metal, free-arm.

 White 764, known as the "Fair Lady" because it was introduced at the 1964 New York World's Fair. I love the gold and bronze color, and the built-in handle.

Well, unless I have one hidden somewhere I've forgotten, that's the vintage collection. So far.  They're like potato chips.  I find most of them at thrift stores, yard sales, auctions, or flea markets. Some were given to me, some called my name as I passed by. I clean them up and bring them back to life.

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I do have some modern machines, although more and more I find myself using the vintage ones.

 A Husqvarna Viking Rose, the only machine I have with embroidery capabilities--but only a 4" x 4" field. Sews nicely, too.

 My newest is a Baby Lock Quest Plus.  I cannot recommend this one; although it sews well, it has certain--peculiarities, shall we say--that make me regret my purchase. I bought it new about 3 years ago. They no longer make it. Hmmph.

 

and of course a serger--a Baby Lock Imagine with Jet Air threading. The only way to go.

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That's enough for now. I'll try to post a little more regularly from now on.