I just want to start out by saying I do NOT collect sewing machines. I mean, really - I just don't. Absolutely, positively, beyond a shadow of a doubt do NOT. Not in this, or any lifetime, reality, or parallel universe. After all, they are big, and bulky, and take up a lot of space. I mean, how many sewing machines can I actually use at one time anyway??? That's right - one. Okay, maybe two - three tops....but realistically, mostly one (or two).
That is why I am proud to say I only own the essentials: three Singers, one Kenmore, one Brother, two Husqvarna, one Necchi, and one Janome. (Do I count the Japanese machine for sale in the shop?)
Oh crap.
To be fair, you can't really count one of the Husqvarna or the Janome - the first is a serger, and the other my embroidery machine.....
So that only leaves.....<gets out calculator>
Oh CRAP.
Okay, okay - I don't intentionally collect sewing machines. (or coffee makers, or blenders - but that's a post for another day!)
All but two of my machines are vintage - the embroidery machine and the Husqvarna sewing machine are newer. Everything else is at least 20 years old. I thrift a lot, and every once in a while when I see a great old machine under a pile of detritus at an op shop (or antique store, or estate sale...), it will somehow magically follow me home.
Some of the fun in having these great vintage machines follow me home is that I get to research them once they are here. If you don't know, I am a huge history nerd, and I love to learn all I can.
I mean, I make Elizabethan and mid-century clothing, I collect and resell antiques and bits of mid-century modern decor, I even have a stash of mid-century clothing I am trying to talk myself into selling (I will never, ever, ever be that size - why am I holding on to them?), and don't get me started on my 1950s mannequin with the bullet bra breasts, or my Edwardian dress maker form - who in the world would have thought I was a history nerd? Go figure.
That brings me to the sewing machine manual at the top of this page. Isn't it fabulous? It came with the machine inside this beautiful case:
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| The machine is plugged in for more testing - I just set the lid on top for this picture. The red faux alligator is separating a little bit from the wooden case, but overall it is in great condition. Very sound and strong - no structural damage, and both latches are functional. The blue plastic handle is also nice aesthetically with the blue and red faux leather. |
When I first brought her home, I did research on the Singer 127 and 128 models. I learned that they date to about the 1920s. Looking at the design and colors of the case, that could be about right. When I first saw the case my kneejerk reaction was 1940s, but it could be from the 20s...
I know, I know - faux leather.... in the 20s? Stick with me here - don't get ahead of the story.
The machine still has its shuttle and one bobbin (a big selling point when I saw it in the store). I threaded the machine up, sewed with it a bit, and then immediately packed it away - satisfied I had made a good purchase. I paid $50 for it, which I thought was a fair retail price. So it sat for quite a while in my weaving studio....
And then one day I was doing research on the Singer 66 treadle I mentioned in a previous post. I decided it would be fun to get the 127 out and compare decals on the two old Singers (since they were of similar vintage, or so I thought)....
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| ...and I was shocked to see this. |
Well, you see - I was expecting a square base, like on my 66... but this has what is called the fiddle base (because of its shape - isn't that a great way to describe it?). Now, if you don't know, the fiddle base is indicative of an older machine that the 127.
Like, 30 years older.
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| Exhibit A - the fiddle base. |
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| the serial number and the decals (colloquially known as "Victorian") dates this machine to the 1890's |
Here is a website of a 127 so you can see how similar they are: ISMACS Singer 127 page
Clearly, I don't have a 127, I have a V2. Actually, functionally and aesthetically the machines are almost identical.
Almost.
The biggest aesthetic difference is the decal set they would have shipped with, and the fiddle bed. The biggest functional difference (other than any mechanical changes under the hood that I know nothing about) is that this was meant to be a treadle machine only. It was never intended to be electrified.
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| Don't believe me? then tell me exactly how that bobbin winder is supposed to work. Yep - that's right, it is supposed to be placed against a leather treadle belt. Which is non-existent with the after market motor being mounted on the back. |
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| Here is the motor. Incidentally, when researching the motor's origins, I found a Japanese Sewtex machine in a case that looked very similar to my red and blue case..... |
For those of you keeping score at home, Sewtex was a Japanese company that made high quality knock-off sewing machines and after-market motors after WWII.
That's right after WWII.....
I'm so utterly confused.....
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| Here is the light - a brilliant add-on (ha-ha...get it? "BRILLIANT" add-on? <crickets chirping> You know...'cuz it's a light...and lights are brill... oh, nevermind). <AHEM> The light is attached to the back of the arm, so it throws off better light and is less likely to burn the user than a front-mounted light. |
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| The front plate - all threaded up and ready to go! I haven't cleaned all of the bits yet, so that is fingerprints and schmutz you are seeing - not corrosion. Let's just pretend I cleaned her up all professional-like before I took pictures of her with my fancy DSLR that picks up EVERY detail. |
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| the tensioner - slightly different than the model 127, but functions pretty much the same |
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| Tensioner and access plate |
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So there she is - my little conundrum. She is like a Mannerist painting - more questions than answers. My little sleuthing expedition has brought me to the following conclusions (that may be terribly wrong): The machine is from the 1890s. At some point it was taken out of its treadle base by a handyman, wired for electricity, and then put into a carrying case. Because of the motor used, I would guess this was done some time in the mid-to-late 40s. Why it was eventually paired with a manual from a 127 is beyond me. I did buy it at a reputable antique store, so maybe the seller knew a thing or two about machines. It is possible she knew that mechanically the two machines were identical enough and the mis-matched manual would still be useful to the new owner.
One burning question I have is exactly how one was supposed to wind a bobbin once the switch to electricity was made? I tried to use a spare sewing machine belt to hook the motor to the winder, but I just could not get enough tension on the belt. I was able to wind the bobbin full, but only with a wee bit of jiggery-buggery and whole lot of swearing because the danged belt kept slipping off of the bobbin winder. My better half and I may make a special belt for bobbin winding out of leather - sort of like a treadle belt - so I can wind the bobbin more efficiently.
I was originally going to resell this machine, but it is so unusual (and makes such a beautiful stitch), that I may just have to keep it for a while....I have a buttonholer that will work with it, and may just have to pick up a zigzag attachment as well. I can't remember if this machine came with any extra presser feet - I will have to look through my stash to see what will work. It is a standard Singer straight shank machine, so it should be easy to find parts for (unlike my 66 which takes the specialized presser feet that screw on the back).
I guess I found my excuse to buy a puzzle box full of attachments!
It IS getting a bit claustrophobic in here with all of these danged machines, though....
<sigh>
What is your favorite machine to sew with? Would you prefer a great vintage all-mechanical machine, or a new, sparkly electronic machine with a billion decorative stitiches? Any suggestions for the bobbin-winder on this machine?
Please comment below :)
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