I got my first sewing machine at a yard sale, a 1916 Singer treadle machine. It didn’t work so well, but it was only $20. I carefully took it apart piece by piece, laying out each piece on the table in the order that it came off the machine. Then in reverse order, I cleaned each part carefully, oiled it, and put it all back together, cleaned up and refinished the cabinet, and nearly 30 years later, this is still my primary machine.
But there’s more. I’ve come across newer models, portables, machines without cabinets leading me to go searching for cabinets without machines, and more. It’s a fun hobby, and all but just a couple work beautifully. The ones that don’t work make interesting door stops.
Electric portable, works great. Electric portable. This one has a really unique feature, a knee pedal that locks into the base and hangs over the edge of a table. This machine is in excellent condition, and the cabinet is lovely. This one is identical to the last one. Both of these machines were separated from their cabinets when I got them, but I found cabinets that had been stripped of their machines, so they are once again complete, the way they ought to be!This is a newer machine that works really well with a lot of features. The only time I would use these newer ones is for stretchy fabric using a zig-zag stittch.Same as the last. A decent machine. One of these (I can’t remember which) is on loan at the USM School of Music. This one looks like a toy, but it really works. It’s battery and crank operated.
These two are interesting to look at, but they froze up long ago and are now on honorable display.
This is the only machine that is for sale. It belongs to Christenia Alden-Kinne and we’re asking $250 for it. It works like a charm and has a really neat way of folding into itself to make a very nice looking cabinet. No electricity needed, this could be the only sewing machine you’ll ever need. Let me know if you’re interested.
