Another classic Sewing Machine, with a surprise!

As I continue my adventures in the sewing machine world, I thought I had learned quite a bit about some of the older machines. I was thrown for a loop on this one. Here we have what appears to be a classic "Class 15" Singer (15-88, Treadle) The fact that it didn't have "Reverse" got by me initally. It did have the upper tension on the face plate. When I went to check the bobbin case I was very surprised. What is this?

After some research, It appeared that I had a Singer Model 115 here. This is a full rotary hook unlike the "Oscillating hook" of the Class 15 machines. Wow, was I surprised! Unfortunately, the bobbin case itself was broken.

These old bobbin cases are virtually impossible to find. I did luck out and find some parts that did allow me to rebuild this original case and is now in working order.

So, here ya go. a 1918 Singer 115-1, treadle sewing machine with a full rotary hook, sporting the "Tiffany" or "Gingerbread" Decal set. These machines were made from 1912-1935. It sure looks like a 15-88 to me.

And I am never happy untill I get it sewing that perfect stitch.........





Have your machine cleaned before it gets to this.........

The newer computerised sewing machines have some very sophisticated electronics involved with their operation. Lint build up can  deture "optical controllers" from working correctly. Your normal cleaning may not be enough. Most sewers remove the needle plate and clean the feed dogs, the bobbin case and the shuttle.

This looks pretty normal for a shuttle with the needle plate and bobbin case removed for cleaning. Most sewers keep this in pretty good shape. On this paticular machine, here is what was really going on beneath......

The pictures can not really show the extent of how much stuff was packed into this machine.

Just like your car, you need to have your sewing machine serviced by a professional. Depending on how often you sew, will dictate how often you require service. Do it before you have problems. Every problem that this sewing machine had was corrected by this professional cleaning. If you or some one you know is mechanically inclined, you can probably do this yourself. 

Necchi Nova BF restoration

You have heard me say it before, and you will hear me say it every time I run into these old machines.

I love these classic, straight stitch machines. Man, do they sew nice. They actually "purr".

Most of the problem with these old machines is just grime. They are dirty from the old oil attracting dirt and turning yellow and sticky. You end up spending 2-3 hours just cleaning up the oily scum. Here is a picture of the scrubbed down machine, waiting for a final polish and re-assembly.

The outside is just as important as the inside in my book. The outside is usually just as much work. Old yellowed, oil soaked parts need to be cleaned inside and out. The oil that is available today is superior to what was used in the 40's-50's.

Just like most of the classic, electric machines, I end up rewiring them.

This is the 2nd  NECCHI I have worked on. They are extreamly well made and are also very quite running machines.

What a great, Old sewing machine.