Tuesday, February 05, 2013

Old Singer Machines and a kitten

This week a friend is coming by to help me with a couple of antique and vintage sewing machines.  I thought it would be a good idea to dust them off before she arrives.  Two of thee hadn't been unpacked since we moved back from the UK 4 years ago!  (these are in addition to my two featherweights but those are used all the time!)

The one above is part of a treadle.  I don't have the table.  Not sure if it is worth keeping or using it for parts.  It was made in 1910.  The decals are nice though the ones on the bed are worn.  This machine was a workhorse.

This one is and hand crank 99K and was make in 1921.  It came with a manual that includes how to put a motor on it.  It has it's original wooden case with lock and key!  (When I put this on the kitchen table to inspect it my husband said, "aren't you taking this Downton Abbey thing just a bit too far.....)

The last is also a 99K but this one has been motorized (though the manual that is has is for a hand-crank!)  Between the two manuals I should be able to sort them out!

 It was made in Clydebank, Scotland in 1955.  It is wired for the UK...wondering if I should get a transformer and run it that way or get it rewired?  If I remember correctly it ran ok....This has a case that looks a bit like an old suitcase.  It is also made of wood and has a lock and key!

So it will be fun to tinker with these this week...I'd like to get the hand-crank one working!  (which may only mean oiled and threaded as it seems to turn fine!)

BTW...have a visitor in today.  Heard a cat-howl outside the door and the two bully cats from up the street had little Rapunzel, my neighbor's kitten, cornered.  I ran them (the cats...not my neighbors) off then brought her inside for some treats and a nap...

15 comments:

Janet O. said...

You have a great collection of vintage machines. Some day I hope to find one.
What a sweet little face. I'm sure Rapunzel appreciates her nice neighbor. : )

Merilyn said...

Your machines are just gorgeous!! I wouldn't part with any of them, working or not!!!!! LOL!!!
I have 7 vintage Singers and they are like my children, I also have a 99k, 1958, it is used constantly and sews wonderfully, they are 3/4 size machines, and great little workhorses! I live in Australia, but I did buy an American Singer 301a, it is wired for the US, but I bought a 'StepDown Transformer' for it, so it works for our voltage, I didn't want to ruin it by stripping out the old wiring, somehow I felt it would ruin the whole thing! I would try and get a Transformer for your machine and keep it as original as possible, thereby maintaining the machines' integrity and value!!! Just a thought!!! Thankyou for sharing these dear old ladies!! That is one gorgeous looking cat!! I'm sure she appreciated you coming to her rescue!!!

sewkalico said...

Love the first one it's SO pretty. I would keep it for display if nothing else. Your husband and mine must be related or maybe it's a man thing!! Enjoy tinkering with them and send my warmest regards to your friend.

Gypsy Quilter said...

What lovely treasures. I hope you can get them all working.

Me and My Stitches said...

I love looking at old machines, but only want to sew on my newer Viking! Glad you save that poor kitty from the bullies!

Tonya Ricucci said...

sweet kitten, glad you're taking care of her. is it just me or does she look like Brownie?

Frog Quilter said...

Thanks for the sewing machine tour. They are beautiful.

The kitty may want to adopt you....

pcflamingo said...

There's a special place in Heaven for Kitty Rescuers, you know :D

Kindred Quilts said...

I recently inherited a 1938 Featherweight machine, case, and table, from a paternal aunt... a true treasure. Your collection is wonderful! It would be hard to part with any of them! Happy to hear you rescued the poor kitty!

Loris said...

Rapunzel surely appreciated an afternoon with you..instead of a vet! Nice work watching out for her. Have a lovely time with your friend checking out those machines. I'm sure we're all taking this 'Downton Abbey thing' too far! As we should :-) Their clothing is amazing!

Taryn said...

I have two Featherweights but have never used them. Well, I tried once, but it just didn't have the feel of my Bernina and the one I was using had kind of an old oily metal smell. The other one looks good, smells fine and seems to purr along when tested. Quick machine question, though...it's been sitting in its box for about 6 years. Should I oil it? I am guessing yes.

Jeanne said...

Nice batch of machines! You're a nice neighbor to rescue the kitty!

Judy in Michigan said...

"A friend"? Reading your later post, we find out who your "friend" is!! How cool!!!!!

Sew Create It - Jane said...

How neighbourly of you! Sweet looking kitty!

deesy said...

Nice to see your machines. I learned to sew on an old Singer Treadle machine when I was young. When the electric machines came in the 'old faithful' was put in the loft and I never saw it again. It did lots of years of sewing though!