A new addition to the Singer family!

I picked up a Singer 403A made about the mid-fifties. Very clean condition; I'm thinking a 7 or 8. You can see it up there between the 401A and the 404 – right where it belongs.

It's a ZZ machine, and is essentially the twin of the 401, but instead of a cam-stack, it requires that a separate cam be installed for each decorative stitch. Many like this feature, as it allows for a simple switch of the cam for any given stitch rather than referring to the stitch chart under the "lid" of the 401, then setting the knobs accordingly.

This fairly completes my collection of the best of Singer's Slant-O-Matics from the "all-steel" era. I'm missing the 503(A).

Let's run through those I have then: The 301 was the first of series with an all-new design and all-aluminum construction; then, in the 400 series: the 401A, 403A and 404. Rounding things out is the 500A "Rocketeer".

New additions to the gallery!

I've added a few new photos of machines that have passed through my hands (some are sticking around).

You'll note I've grouped the Singers together at the top. These have become my favorite machines, as they are easy to work on and easy to find parts for. Japanese machines are grouped at the bottom.

I'd like to thank Diane J. for access to her collection of wonderful machines; some of which are pictured here. A number of these are for sale, and will be available for purchase at Space Craft Center's next event in Half Moon Bay, CA. This will be a great opportunity for those interested to try these machines.

I'll have my entire collection at the HMB event, plugged in and ready to go!

Sold my White Rotary

Because my main thrust will be vintage machines from the '50s and '60s, I thought I'd let the White Rotary go. It found a happy home, but won't be a part of what I show in HMB in June.

I've been busy with a few new projects and will post photos soon.

A couple of new projects.

The White Rotary and the Singer Featherweight are a couple of machines I was working on over the weekend. Incredibly different machines!

The White hadn't been used in many years (would be my guess), as it was in need of more than a basic cleaning. Lint had compacted under the throat plate, and there was a rat's nest of bobbin thread behind the bobbin.
As well were frayed wires requiring a complete rewire of the machine.

The Featherweight needed a more basic cleaning and a new belt. These are highly prized by sewing-machine collectors, and it's easy to see why. Lightweight, fine quality and a pleasure to work on.