It is time to admit
that I have a growing collection of sewing machines – large to small and old to
new.
Apart from my
amazing Handiquilter Avante 18 (longarm machine), I now have two working modern
machines; my beloved Bernina Virtuosa and my brand new ‘portable’ Brother Innov-is
350 (best eBay bargain ever!).
Last year I acquired a pretty antique Singer
handcrank machine (model 28k - 1902).
I had wanted one because they are so beautiful
and as a reminder of my sewing lessons at school where I always chose the hand
operated machines as I was scared of the electric ones running away from me! I
got it on eBay and drove right across central London to Tooting to pick it up
on a busy Saturday afternoon.
Since then I have recently found a perfect little
treadle table with three drawers either side. It had been converted with a
decoupaged top, so I’m not able to treadle with it. But that was never my
intention, as I have always wanted one just as a piece of furniture. I had only
had the model 28k on it for a few weeks when my oldest friend’s mother sadly
passed away and my friend passed on her old Singer to me, saying that her Mum
would be happy to think of it going to a loving home.
A little research identified it as a model 27k – 1905. This machine is a fair bit bigger and the decals are in even better condition, more complete, brighter and with a lovely sphinx motif. It now has pride of place on the treadle table and I’ve had to move
the furniture around a bit to re-situate the smaller machine.
Towards the end of
last year a friend remarked on the 28k and said she had an old machine that she
was going to put on a skip. I couldn’t bear the thought of that and took it off
her hands with the intention of listing it on eBay. I figured that, even if it
only went for 99p, if someone was willing to collect it, they would have a real
purpose for it and not just throw it away. I’ve still not got around to it, but
I will soon.
It is a Vickers (as in WW1 aircraft and ammunitions) machine and in a comparatively poorly state, with no lid. The online information is not as comprehensive as for Singers, but I would date it from the 1920s. The history of the company makes interesting reading though.
So that’s six machines
in the house. I don’t have space for any more so I’m not actually collecting
them (like I don’t really collect china !)
Happy Quilting
Everyone!
Janet
It is time to admit
that I have a growing collection of sewing machines – large to small and old to
new.
How lovely Jan those machines bring back so many memories,and they are so decorative.....and of course you don't collect.....see those pink pigs hitting the window! Xxxxxx
ReplyDeleteNow Margaret! I think you and I understand each other!! xx
ReplyDeleteYes. It's official. You are a collector. But that's nothing new. Or don't the 50 Tea Pots, or various bits of cream ware, or Eternal Bow count?
ReplyDeleteHey Uncle Big Bad! Who bought me half of that?! xxxx
Delete