This was the first electric sewing machine my mama had. I learned to sew on her old treadle machine, which was traded in on this machine. Popa says these machines were built like "tanks", meaning they were good, reliable machines, with no plastic parts, but rather all metal. Several years later, Mama bought another Singer and rather than see this one leave the family, we bought it from her. It is housed in a cherry cabinet made by Daddy's brother. I already had one just like it, so I let the youngest daughter take it to use. She had trouble with the tension and brought it back to me. The last time I tried to use it, there were lots of skipped stitches.
Google research tells me most skipped stitches can be solved by changing needles. So, after a good dusting with "canned air" (now who would ever have thought we'd be buying canned air!) I'm going to put in a new needle and see what happens. I have a little quilting project started and need to machine quilt since I'm using a thick fleece, and this machine has a walking foot for quilting. Wish me luck, and I'll show you what comes from it all.
Charlotte
This brought back lots of memories of Mama using her treadle machine! I have her Singer, but it's not in as good shape as yours. I have it beside my bed and use it as my nightstand; I just don't want to get rid of it.
ReplyDeleteOh, how special. I love family heirlooms.
ReplyDeleteThat's a peach of a family heirloom. I hope you can get it to stop skipping stitches.
ReplyDeleteA machine with a walking foot is a true treasure for quilting. I do miss the tank-quality machines and their simple and helpful attachments.
:)
I hope just the new needle will do the fix for you - I hate tension problems and have a hard time figuring them out. With the internet now if you have a problem you might be able to do a search with the name of the machine and what needs to be adjusted and maybe find help on line. I'll keep my fingers crossed for you.
ReplyDeleteKaren
I wish you the best of luck Charlotte. I'm pulling for that little machine. It is so sweet.
ReplyDeleteMy friend has a used Singer she is saving for me. I can't wait to get it. I am a total wash-out when it comes to sewing, but I am eager to try a quilt. I can't wait to see if the little machine is okay.
Someone told me, when my older machine was skipping stitches, to drop the needle down just a tad. Looking forward to seeing your latest project. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteA beautiful machine that will stand the test of time. We cleaned out my parents basement last winter and the treasure was our Great Grandma's sewing machine, the original payment booklet was with it.
ReplyDeleteGood luck! My mom would never use an electric machine: just her old Singer treadle, which I have now (and treasure!).
ReplyDeleteMy mother had a machine like this one--then I got it--then gave it to my daughter and now her daughter uses it. They are made to last a lifetime--well...several lifetimes!
ReplyDelete*haha* For some reason the words "canned air" made me laugh... *giggle*
ReplyDeleteThis was a sweet post, Charlotte~ I have my mother's Kenmore machine and I treasure it because I can still see her sitting at it.
Can't wait to see what you're making!
I remember these old machines. They are still wonderful because they are easier to work on.
ReplyDeleteThats a Singer Slant-o-Matic and there is a group on Yahoo groups dedicated just to them. There is a gentlemen on there that can usually figure out your problem just by telling him the symptoms. If you can't tell I have one too.
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to see the quilt!
ReplyDelete