new/old sewing machine.

3.30.2010

my new sewing machine.

I picked up this little gal (big gal? it weighs a ton) this past weekend. I literally spent the entire afternoon on Saturday researching "MAYFAIR" machines with almost no luck. I know, that's so depressing. I totally wasted my Saturday. I did find a general manual for sewing machines on google books, though. And since then have done a bit more research and asked a few experts. I am pretty sure it's a White machine, but am not positive. And it looks a lot like the Domestic machines and Eldredge. I also purchased a bunch of supplies to refurbish it and bring it back to life. Some of the cords were looking pretty scary and I am not going to take any chances. Those are getting removed and I'm replacing them with brand new cords and a totally new light. My boyfriend was good enough to volunteer and help me out with this project. I know nothing about replacing cords and he does. :) Also there's a lot of cleaning to be done and detail work. I'm sure this will be a bit of an ongoing project, but I think I'll be very happy when I have it up and running. I've always wanted a vintage sewing machine. They're supposed to be little workhorses and I don't doubt that. I'm also excited to try out my new/old buttonholer. I love sewing tools and gadgets. :)

p.s. my seeds are just starting to pop their little heads up! i'm so excited!!

8 comments :

  1. nice. My favorite machine I have that is currently not working, i need to take it to get fixed. I tried myself with no manual and couldn't figure out why it just jammed and wouldn't move anymore. so sad. but I agree that the older machines work a whole lot better than new ones.

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  2. I didn't find much more in my quick Google search but I did find this Ebay listing of a 1938 White machine in a wooden cabinet: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=230453404651

    Maybe it was during a brief partnership with a cabinet maker called Mayfair?

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  3. Fantastic! I just got a new old machine too, mine's from 1908, a treadle Singer, and it's such a workhorse. Isn't that vibrating shuttle bobbin so cute? I squealed when I figured out how it works!
    Yours is so pretty, and I bet once you give it a good clean (and oil), and put a bit of wax on it (car wax is the stuff, strangely enough), it'll be even prettier. That's just the sort of machine that would fit perfectly in a treadle table, too, if you wanted it to.

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  4. its beautiful!! very elegant. i almost got a sewing machine like this from craigslist but the owners decided to buy me a new one and give it to me instead (im not complaining!!) :)
    xo

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  5. Oh, it's so pretty! I bet you'll have lots of fun with it once you're done cleaning and rewiring. I sew on a 1930's vintage treadle myself and love it! I don't even have another machine at the moment.

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  6. You are going to have tons of fun sewing with this machine, Anna, I just know it! ;) I loved using my grandmother's c. 1950 Singer (unfortunately it's a cabinet model, and I wasn't going to even try to move that down here with me).

    Have fun with your new sewing toys! :D

    ♥ Casey
    blog | elegantmusings.com

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  7. How fun is this! I have a vintage singer machine that I actually learned to sew on as a little girl. My grandmother finally decided her sewing days were over so she gave it to lucky me! Be sure to share pics when you have finished restoring it.

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  8. My mother-in-law has one of these in pristine condition, with a box full of attachments and the instruction book. I drool every time i see it

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