Since I don't have any stitching to share today, I thought you would enjoy seeing my antique sewing machine. In case you're visiting my blog for the first time, I've been wanting an antique treadle machine for quite awhile. I finally found one in very good condition about a month ago. My husband decided to refinish the cabinet for me. It still needs the new lock bezels and he wants to go over the gold paint on the stand with another coat but for the most part, it's done:
The original finish on the cabinet was quite dark. My mom told me that it was typical in the "old days". Well, I prefer natural oak so after striping all the old dark finish off of this, Scott just sealed it with clear finish. The wood is Tiger Oak. It has the most beautiful grain!
Here's a close-up of the machine:
It was quite dirty and dingy. Scott used Turtle Wax to clean and polish the outside. That sure brightened it up! This machine has what they call, the "Red Eye" decal. Be sure to click on the photo to go to my Flickr site where you can see a large version. The detail in the decals is so beautiful!
I took the machine to the Singer man and he took care of cleaning it up mechanically and re-aligning something on it. We have the new belt on as well so it's just about ready to go! Since my mom learned how to sew on one of these, she's going to come over and show me how to treadle. I'm really looking forward to playing! I sure hope I enjoy treadling after all the work my husband put into making this so nice for me!
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14 comments:
That is absolutely gorgeous. I love how it gleams like new. It reminds me of my grandma's machine. I never saw her treadle as my dad converted it to electric. Thanks for sharing and enjoy your "new" machine.
Elizabeth
Pam,
It's DIVINE!!!!!!!!!! enjoy every moment of it, think of all the history that must have gone under that foot. Beautiful. We have a roll top antique double roll desk that's tiger oak, it must be my fave wood! Your sewing machine matches it perfectly lol
~Velda
Pam,
Your machine and cabinet are gorgeous! Your cabinet is very similar to my mom's!
Let us know how your first treadle
...experience goes! (Add on to previous post lol)duh!
Kim
My grandma had the exact same cabinet, but I think her machine wasn't as 'decorative' as yours. What a treasure!
Your DH did such a beautiful job...really wonderful.
Hope you enjoy sewing with it as much as you enjoy looking at it!!!!
The cabinet is beautiful! He did an outstanding job on it. The machine is in such good shape, too. How exciting for you to have found exactly this beautiful machine. I think you will love treadling!
Oh, Pam, it's just gorgeous! Color me bright green! Do blog frequently regarding its use, please?
Did you know that Singer still makes treadle machines? Or at least did, a few years ago? Seems there's a large market for them in developing and third world countries, where electricity is either absent or undependable. Makes sense to me!
Hi
This is a beautiful machine and cabinet!!! I have one and i'm ready to sell, how do I find out the sell value?
I have a 1914 model #127 that was given to me in mint condition. I love it and wouldn't trade it for any electric model. I have sewed dresses for my granddaughters and am now in the process of making a quilt. I can't imagine every sewing on an electric model again. I hope it never falls apart!
In your Dec 14, 2007 post you said there was a huge market for treadle machines in developing countries and that Singer still made them. How does one go about buying one?
If your husband has not gone over the gold "paint" yet, DON'T!!!!
If the "gold" on it is original, it's not PAINT, it's actual GOLD LEAF! If you paint over it, you could actually damage the value of the machine!
My Wife found out what it was when she had her 1916 Singer serviced a couple years ago.
Very nice machine, btw.
Thank goodness I found your site -My husband & I are in the process of restoring the same machine - It has been a challenge to say the least but the results are looking great so far - The machine came to me from a relatives estate - all the way back in the old barn! hope she isn't waiting for me to figure out to use it properly - I will be happy to have it as beautiful furniture piece to remember her by.
I have an appointment to go check one out next week. I hate how ebay folks over price these...and local folks look there and guess on the price. I found one that is a fairly good price and the pictures that I saw looks like its in mint condition. I hope. I will be taking a drive next weekend so fingers crossed.
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