But then I saw this:
This sewing machine was used in the late 1800's (dunno for sure, head too full of fuzz) to make sails. The thing was at least 30" wide, and the "throat" a generous 12" or so. I was so taken with it, I did not take a photo (with my cell phone, no less) of the stuff UNDER the table, so I can't tell you if it was a treadle machine or not.I am not a sewing machine fanatic. All I ask of a sewing machine is that it sews forwards and backwards, do a little zig-zag once in a while, and work when I want it to. Most of the fancy computerized machines for sale now hold little interest for me.
But this thing stopped me in my tracks. "OoooOOOoooo" I remember thinking, "My quilt blog pals are gonna want to see this!"
6 comments:
I entirely agree with you about the fancy computerised ones. Mine are old Singers and do all the basic stuff, although one is an embroidery machine which I picked up at a house clearance place and hasn't got all the bits and piecies, but it sews like a dream and I love it.
I have got a modern one, not computerised, but I don't love it as much as the older ones.
I like the basic machines too. I like the creativity to be mine.
And there's less to go wrong.
Simply put, the antique machines were made to last. I was fortunate enough to pick up a Singer 301 (big sister to the featherweight) at a garage sale for $50.00. It is a solid machine and runs like a dream. It sews through denim like it is butter and makes a beautiful stich for machine quilting. Although I do have a computerized Bernina, I use my 301 quite often.
Yup. I love the old machines. This one looks to be a treadle.
My grandfather made sails and boat covers for the local yacht club when I was little (ice boats and sail boats). It was a big deal to help him when it came time to strech the canvas over the boat and mark where the brass grommets would be inserted ... he had a machine similar to the one you pictured but he would never let us be near when he was stitching (he was afraid we would poke our fingers too close).
Thanks for sharing and hope your "fuzz" clears out soon (I'm on a second antibiotic to clear out the mess I've had).
Thanks for sharing your experience with sewing machine and sails.
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