Well, I had my sewing machines at Space Craft Center's HMB event, and it was a very nice day in the cool of the coast to spend working on projects, as others there were doing, or working on machines as I was doing.
We had 15 machines up and running, and it was an impressive sight; the colors, the sounds and the comments (my Elna "Grasshopper" won praise for its fine stitch and delicate manners).
I took apart Diane's 503A to the extent that I would normally for a good cleaning, oiling and adjustment. Without any need for parts or repair, this is a good, intermediate servicing, well above a simple "lube job", but not a restoration by any means.
Edie was there with a number of machines from her collection including an Elna Supermatic from about 1955, and a couple of toy machines that surprised with their quality of design and construction; one of these was a replica of her Supermatic with a hand crank and chain stitch capability. The other, while still a toy, was made of cast iron, just like its "big sisters".
Saturday was a day for setting up and getting things just right for Sunday's event. We had a gourmet pizza dinner that evening at the train station, then enjoyed a private tour of The Johnston House, that little colonial saltbox that is a symbol of HMB's connection to its Victorian past. A wonderful time with a fine walk among the poppies and the roses before our own little step back in time.
I brought Edie's Supermatic home with me for a little maintenance of its own. It will need a part or two, but promises to be up and running as the very nice machine it was designed to be.
Chandsew 406RB
Size Matters
Singer 153W103 Industrial
Singer 316G
Singer 301
A design revolution for Singer, this light-weight portable is a favorite with quilters. This example dates from 1951, but, interestingly, isn't badged as an anniversary model.
Singer 221- Featherweight
In remarkable condition. This one dates from 1956.
Singer 500A
Reassembled and polished.
Singer 401A
Singer 503A
I've had a number of examples from the 400 and 500 series pass through my hands now, and as testament to their quality, they have all been in very nice condition; none, however, has matched this beauty for its near pristine state of preservation. While even on the cleanest example one must forgive a minor imperfection or two, this classic from Singer exhibits none! Truly as nice as one could hope.
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Hi Ian,
ReplyDeleteLove your collection of machines. I have a question that I am hoping you might be able to answer about the Elna Supermatic. I have one just like it and it needs a part, the needle clamp. I am having a heck of a time finding one and wondered if you might have any ideas. I am even willing to put in a needle bar with clamp, but still have no idea how to find that part.
Many thanks,
Mary
I'll have to double check the needle clamp on my Supermatic, Mary. I've had issues with the Necchi Supernova's needle clamp, and with the needle clamp on my Vigorelli, But I haven't, as yet, had reason to familiarize myself with the Supermatic.
ReplyDeleteNor would I know where to pick one up other than through the auspices of the Yahoo Elna Group. I'll do a little research to see if there may be a substitute.