Well, the thing is, my focus is on vintage machines of a certain look, one that evokes the forward-looking design sensibilities of a new era: the Fifties, with its tail fins and metallic colors!
So this new acquisition represents something of a change in direction for me, albeit a temporary one: a step back in time to that venerable design sense that gave us so many of Singer's classic sewing machines.
What am I talking about? A beautiful example of Singer's model 221, the Featherweight! (there it is, up at the top).
While not on my list of favorites, this one called out to me for its condition alone. It really is stunning. A collection of sewing machines can certainly make room for something as gorgeous as this!
This is from 1956. It has the "striated" faceplate more reminiscent of the Art Deco period than the Victorian as evinced by Singer's earlier models. This more masculine look is something I can appreciate. It is quite light for a sewing machine, and has proved itself a favorite with quilters for its portability (think quilting classes and quilting bees).
I may not introduce this little gem to the general-use category of those other machines that Mary uses for her crafting events. This, I think, is worthy of more limited use, perhaps for Mary alone. But, to be sure, it will make an appearance at future events, if just as a highlight to my collection.
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.
Friday, July 15, 2011
Saturday, July 9, 2011
To the Moon, Alice!
So, looks like this is the first post for July 2011. What better way to start off than with this tribute to the end of NASA's Space Shuttle Program. I say "Keep 'em Flying!"
It's true, if you've seen one, you've seen 'em all. Well, maybe not. Here's another lonely orphan from the Slant-O-Matic Rescue Mission: I had just purchased a 500A for my sister, but, as was related in an earlier post, I opted to withhold that in favor of a 401A that was is beautiful condition. That Rocketeer just wasn't up to snuff; needing as did that faceplate.
Well, this one came up on CL, and it too had issues, but the one helped the other out and this is the result (see pic of the new 500A up there at the top).
I learned a few things with this refurbishing: how to better adjust the play in the cam stack selection mechanism, for one.
This one is now ready to join its stable mates in Mary's retinue of crafting-event sewing machines.
It's true, if you've seen one, you've seen 'em all. Well, maybe not. Here's another lonely orphan from the Slant-O-Matic Rescue Mission: I had just purchased a 500A for my sister, but, as was related in an earlier post, I opted to withhold that in favor of a 401A that was is beautiful condition. That Rocketeer just wasn't up to snuff; needing as did that faceplate.
Well, this one came up on CL, and it too had issues, but the one helped the other out and this is the result (see pic of the new 500A up there at the top).
I learned a few things with this refurbishing: how to better adjust the play in the cam stack selection mechanism, for one.
This one is now ready to join its stable mates in Mary's retinue of crafting-event sewing machines.
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