I'm not going to catch the bug...
I'm not going to catch the bug...
Oh, WHO do I think I am kidding?? I have the Antique Sewing Machine Bug, and I've got it so bad, I had a friend GIVE me a 1910 Singer 66 Treadle today!
My son said, "So, is this your 'new' thing now, you go find old sewing machines, fix 'em up and sell 'em"? Which led to a nice discussion about how sometimes we do things because we enjoy doing them. Some things are worth keeping, not replacing. We discussed the fact that this machine is 102 years old AND STILL WORKS! to which he quipped, "I guess it's true when they say, 'They don't make things like they used to', isn't it"?
My wife rolled her eyes, and my daughter said, "Dad, I'm glad you have your hobbies and all, that you enjoy a lot, but Quilting? and Sewing Machines?"
The machine has been in Dave's family since it was purchased new by Great Grandma "in the early 1900s". As often happens, Great Grandma passed it down to her daughter, Dave's Grandmother, who sewed her last project on it two years ago. Dave said Grandma made all of his father's clothes in the 40s and 50s and most recently she made doll clothes and dresses for missionary's kids. I asked if she ever quilted and he wasn't sure, but "Grandma was always sewing something, as was Great-Grandma when she was alive, so I imagine one of them made a quilt at some point, but I couldn't be sure..."
Grandma died a few months ago and when they went to auction off all of her stuff, the auctioneer told them they'd be lucky to get $50 for it. They decided for $50 they would rather give it to someone who would cherish the machine like Grandma did. None of them sew, and they knew Grandma would rather it be used than just sit and collect dust, so they began a quest to find someone to give the machine to. I am the chosen one. I get the honor of keeping this beauty sewing stitches for many more years to come.
It's obvious that this machine has been cherished and cared for and used often. The decals in front of the feed dogs are worn away. The "Singer" on the arm of the machine is worn in the middle, probably where someone grabbed it to lower it into the table hundreds and hundreds of times. It is obvious that it has now sat for a few years too. There is some dust grime and there is a nice sized water stain on the cabinet where somebody set something wet upon it.
I will not be doing a full restoration on this machine, at least not right away. I may do it someday, but for now, I will clean it up and as soon as I can, I will start putting it to use. That was the only condition that I was given. "If we give this to you, you need to promise it will be used." I clarified that I wouldn't be replacing my usual full time machine, but that I would definitely clean it up and use it often enough to keep it in good working order... And Dave was happy with that.
I only shot a few photos, I'll do a proper photo shoot when I have a little more time on my hands... Monday's coming fast. But I had to
Until Next time...
Paul
