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Friday, April 23, 2021

Kenmore Rotary 1954

This machine has been sitting in storage for almost 10 years.

I thought I should do something with it so I made a little "How to" Movie.

                        

                            https://youtu.be/ql16u6JqEMQ

Saturday, August 15, 2020

1970's Badge Machine....well, kind of....

 

Another very nice "BADGE" machine. Yes it says DOMESTIC on it, but the Domestic Sewing Machine Company was long gone by this time. White sewing Machine Company took it over in 1924.


The Tag on the back says "Made in TAIWAN".  Manufactured for, and guaranteed by "Standard Equipment Sewing Corp".   11750  Berea Road, Cleveland, OH 44111. What is interesting, is that "White Consolidated Industries" which "White sewing machine Company" was a part of was right next door at 11760 Berea Road back in the Late 70's. It had something to do with White Sewing Machines for sure.

Regardless of where it came from. This is one sweet machine. Rescued just short of the Goodwill drop off. Nothing fancy but a great work horse for the Mask Making Frenzy we are currently experiencing.


I believe the past owner had a problem with the tension. After a thorough clean and lube, this machine may just have found a permanent home.


Saturday, June 8, 2019

Old Oil can turn to glue

I ran into this on a recent machine. A perfect example of what can happen with old oil in a machine that has sat for years. This is where the upper tension release linkage goes on a Singer 221. The upper tension would not release when you lifted the presser foot.
It was "glued" to the mounting surface.
 
That mess cleaned right up with some lacquer thinner.
 

Tuesday, June 13, 2017

National Sewing Machine Company. Early 1900's

There is so much information out there on the net that I don't think I have any thing to add. A recent customer shared this with me. It is taken from the first page of an early 1900's, owners manual from the National Sewing Machine Company. It is PRICELESS advice no matter what era you are living in.


The "Standard'' Rotary two-in-one machine, with which this Instruction Book goes is the most perfect machine that was ever made, and most complete in its accessories and attachments.
It should be thoroughly understood by the operator in order to get from it all the
advantages that it is capable of conferring, to know what it will do, and how it will do it, you must carefully study the instructions contained in this book from beginning to end.
By so doing you will find constant delight and surprise at the variety of work that can be accomplished, and at the simplicity  and perfection of the appliances that produce such wonderful results. This machine is like a mine which is full of richness for those who dig for it, but which is only a mountain of rock for those who carelessly walk over its surface. For those who treat it as they have been used to treating sewing machines of older types, it will be only a machine like thousands of others, doing plain sewing; but to those who study this book, and follow its teachings, the machine is a mine of delightful surprises. We will not follow this phase of the subject further than to say, study the instructions,  not  only for the management of the machine in ordinary lock stitch sewing, and in chain stitch sewing, but learn the use of the attachments, hemming, binding, felling, tucking, ruffling etc., until  each  part  becomes a friend to do your bidding.




Saturday, January 9, 2016


The only notable event of 2015 would be finding this old treadle machine that I converted to a hand crank.
 
1922 Model 66
 
 
I will be refinishing the 4 drawer table as weather permits.

Monday, March 31, 2014

Get your sewing machine cleaned regularly

This machine is now having some issues.
 
 
Way past cleaning. May be doing harm........

 
 
 
A look underneath the bobbin case and needle plate.
 
 
 
 
And look at the needle plate......