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Thea Starr
United States
Приєднався 4 сер 2006
Hi! I'm Thea. I'm known for folding fabric into flower shapes that have been worn by the famous and the neighbors next door.
These days I share my handmade vintage styled clothing, vintage finds and vintage sewing machine information and repairs.
Welcome!
These days I share my handmade vintage styled clothing, vintage finds and vintage sewing machine information and repairs.
Welcome!
What Should I Work On Next? PFAFFS, 1970s Sewing Box
The weather has kept me outside of my sewing room most days. But I can't resist a good deal or a PFAFF machine.
For more about me visit:
Subscribe: ua-cam.com/users/theastarr
www.theastarr.com
Instagram:@thea_starr
#PFAFF230 #Singer401A #vintagesewingmachine #sewingmachine #sewist
For more about me visit:
Subscribe: ua-cam.com/users/theastarr
www.theastarr.com
Instagram:@thea_starr
#PFAFF230 #Singer401A #vintagesewingmachine #sewingmachine #sewist
Переглядів: 279
Відео
Fixing A Vintage Sewing Machine Case (The Un-Stinkening)
Переглядів 257Місяць тому
I tried cleaning wipes. I tired "cooking" it in the hot heat for two weeks. I tried oxygen absorbers and baking soda. I couldn't bring myself to try and "mask" the stench with a perfumed smell. In this video I show what actually worked. My Singer 301 Longbed sewing machine: ua-cam.com/video/PbOwQSnUIFo/v-deo.html What I used: tinyurl.com/msn3fyrp Thanks to a couple subscribers who recommended t...
Singer 301 LongBed - Did I Pay Too Much & The Mistake I Made
Переглядів 1 тис.Місяць тому
Not every machine I find is a deal. Featured machine in this video: 1952 Grand Introduction Singer 301 - Black Long Bed For more about me visit: Subscribe: @TheaStarr www.theastarr.com Instagram:@thea_starr #Singer301 #vintagesewingmachine #sewingmachines #sewingmachine #sewist
Vintage Singer Sewing Machines 221K vs 301A (Short bed versions).
Переглядів 6012 місяці тому
This is a quick comparison video for those considering the Featherweight (221/221k) or the 301/301A. My previous video on the Featherweight featured in this video: ua-cam.com/video/kI3IcIhtUM8/v-deo.html My previous video on the 301A featured in this video: ua-cam.com/video/-0wbvo4LG-Q/v-deo.html For more detailed information about the Featherweight: singer-featherweight.com/blogs/schoolhouse/t...
Singer 221 - (Featherweight) The Wee White One
Переглядів 9013 місяці тому
Meet my 1964 Singer 221K Featherweight! The white one! I had a tiny problem with getting her going, but all turned out swell. No proper sewing project with this one friends, but you get a handle replacement on the case with a special guest - my husband John. For more about me visit: Subscribe: @TheaStarr www.theastarr.com Instagram:@thea_starr #Singer221K #vintagesewingmachine #sewingmachine #1...
Singer 503A (Rocketeer) With Knee Bar Control
Переглядів 7405 місяців тому
Be sure to stay tuned until the end for a owner's manual flip through and a note left behind from the previous owner. This 1961 Singer model 503A was in a very dirty state when I brought her home. It unfortunately had some really old stuck on adhesive that took a bit of elbow grease to remove. This machine came with a hardwired knee control. If you've never had the opportunity to use one or are...
Singer 301A - Did we just become best friends? #vintagesewingmachine
Переглядів 9 тис.6 місяців тому
Yep. I purchased this 1954 Singer 301A at a local Goodwill (thrift store). I give you the cost breakdown, repairs I made and a corresponding era sewing project. The pattern I used was a vintage Butterick Sewing Pattern (1950s). Links: (not sponsored or affiliated) Bobbin/Bobbin Case: www.amazon.com/dp/B0824QHRZV?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details&th=1 Thread Guides and screws: www.quilters-conn...
Quick & Easy Gift Ideas - Reusable Napkins w/ Decorative Stitches
Переглядів 2528 місяців тому
Quick & Easy Gift Ideas - Reusable Napkins w/ Decorative Stitches
Singer (Rocketeer) Model 503A - I Ignored This Machine For Almost A Year
Переглядів 4,5 тис.8 місяців тому
Singer (Rocketeer) Model 503A - I Ignored This Machine For Almost A Year
Singer Model 27 - A 117 Year Old Machine That Blew Me Away
Переглядів 1,6 тис.9 місяців тому
Singer Model 27 - A 117 Year Old Machine That Blew Me Away
Singer 99 - The Machine That Catfished Me
Переглядів 2,8 тис.10 місяців тому
Singer 99 - The Machine That Catfished Me
A New Project - Singer Model 27 Treadle
Переглядів 26811 місяців тому
A New Project - Singer Model 27 Treadle
A Singer 401 A in a Copenhagen table for $20!
Переглядів 2,4 тис.Рік тому
A Singer 401 A in a Copenhagen table for $20!
A Project I Didn't Plan For - 1917 Singer 66 Treadle Sewing Machine
Переглядів 1,9 тис.Рік тому
A Project I Didn't Plan For - 1917 Singer 66 Treadle Sewing Machine
A Dress Made From A Duvet Cover And Vintage Pattern
Переглядів 251Рік тому
A Dress Made From A Duvet Cover And Vintage Pattern
Pfaff 262 Seized up to sewing within a week!
Переглядів 4,2 тис.Рік тому
Pfaff 262 Seized up to sewing within a week!
Spooky Dollhouse (Before and After) Duracraft San Franciscan
Переглядів 631Рік тому
Spooky Dollhouse (Before and After) Duracraft San Franciscan
My Vintage Sewing Machines - Singer 201-2
Переглядів 8262 роки тому
My Vintage Sewing Machines - Singer 201-2
Vintage Show & Tell: Nila Sewing Compact
Переглядів 952 роки тому
Vintage Show & Tell: Nila Sewing Compact
Vintage Show and Tell - Furniture From Forslund Catalog
Переглядів 2333 роки тому
Vintage Show and Tell - Furniture From Forslund Catalog
I made a dress out of a vintage bedsheet.
Переглядів 1213 роки тому
I made a dress out of a vintage bedsheet.
Jet City Rollergirls Derby Demo March 13 2010
Переглядів 7214 років тому
Jet City Rollergirls Derby Demo March 13 2010
Most of the cases smell. I order the deodorizer fro the Featherweight Shop. I tried all the remedies on my FW case nothing worked. refinished that. Now I my 301 long bed case only has a musty smell not nearly as bad a FW. First LIGHTLY spray with mix of 2/3/ water 1/3 white vinegar wipe inside and out with sponge or rag. Do not soak that will ruin your case. REPEAT if still dirt. Buy the deodorizer. The Vinegar will help with the odor and clean the case. Best luck
I actually decided against the Featherweight Shop's product and used Howard's Feed & Wax. ua-cam.com/video/WSJBOA-2ax4/v-deo.html
Yes
Wonderful demo! So nice to see new generations value these older machines from when I was younger. The new plasticky machines today with their zillion electronic complicated parts are not appealing to me at all. I adore vintage machines with their mechanical all metal parts. They last forever, well built, solid, robust, and easy to use and maintain. 9:07 - See that screw head sticking out on left side of screen? What is that part please? It seems to be missing from a machine I want to buy but I am not able to see beyond the outside. I would love to know what that is called. Its on top of one of the shafts going up and down. This was a delightful video and the star of the show is of course, the chickens! What sweet birds, so curious about the sewing machine. The morning coat was lovely with the vintage buttons. Keep making videos. This was a lot of fun!
I believe it's the pressure regulating thumb screw. Agreed on the build quality of all metal machines vs the modern plastic ones. I have broken so many pieces on modern machines. Even just by changing a lightbulb. Thank you so much for your comment!
Not to brag, but I bought a 301A for $2 at an online auction. I'm not a very experienced sewer but I have made a few small projects. I had an old White rotary and wanted a cabinet to set it in and that was the reason I bid on this machine. As it turned out, I really didn't know what I had, but I found this wonderful, practically new looking Singer inside and cleaned it up. I think it does a great job and would do a better job if the operator knew what he was doing. I think these older machines are super.
Wow! You really got a great deal on that auction. I have many machines and nothing beats the 301's stitch quality. Congratulations on that score!
I have the same montgomry ward machine, I found it at a dumpster, the only thing I had to do was replace the wires and moter, that's it! It also has a different case made by montgomry ward, wich I never see anywhere.
I just got one too and I absolutely love it!💜
Yay!
Tough one to pass up. Seven drawer cabinet, with toys in puzzle box, in great condition. Complete, nicely loved machine. I would've stopped a few times to go back.😅
It was tough. I talked myself out of it for sure. I already have that cabinet, but I was hung up on the machine. I have a Model 27 with the common Sphinx decals. Only if I had a larger house. :)
@@TheaStarr ☺️❤️
Nice i got mine for free and retimed it. If you need help, lmk
I love everything about this!! <3 thanks for sharing and enjoy!
(Thank you!)
The foot plate is easily bent on these machines because it MUST be inserted from the back instead of the front like most machines. If people aren't aware of this, they might bend a little metal piece that holds it in place when struggling to insert it from the front.
Wow!! You made that base awesome!! What a great find and fix up!
Great job, congratulations
Just got mine in the mail, saw someone online using one and then spotted one at a vintage store but it was 70 dollars so eBay saved the day and I got one for 16.. ha! Can't wait to give it a try 🙌
Yay for finding it cheaper! Some vintage sellers mark them up crazy high. I often find them at thrift stores in the $5-$10 range. It's wonderful, I hope you like yours!
I was waiting to see if there was a bobbin case in there. Usually they are NOT especially in at thrift store they are COSTLY almost triple what you paid for the machine. I know people who will go look for one for sale just to buy it for the bobbin case. I have read online that you cannot leave that machine alone if it is for sale as it will be stolen ! Lovely machines glad you found one and yes I would be pinching myself to see one there. Hold on you paid 22 bucks for the bobbin case? Was it new made in China ? I will go look for one for that price thanks so much for mentioning the price in Canadian $ they are not cheap nor on ebay and then the shipping. Cool !
The one I bought off of Amazon was made in China. It is new and had over 500 reviews on it. Mostly really positive. I read them all before I bought it. With that said, I figured it was worth the smaller investment vs the real deal. For me, it worked out great. I have a black 301 longed now with the original bobbin case and the stitch is comparable. Of course! I grew up just on the otherwise of the border from B.C..
@@TheaStarr Thanks so much, I will tell my friend as he needs one. Happy sewing :-)
Absolutely gorgeous, I have a centennial model as well and just adore it ❤️
What are your thoughts on the white model 43?
I don't have any experience with that model. The only White machines that I've worked on were from the 1960s. Sorry.
Hi Thea,,, wow what great finds and prices,,,I think I like the sewing box just as it is,,, cant wait to see how the machines turn out mechanically,,, love your dress. And I m real close to your Moms age and I d say all the machines are vintage, except I’m not sure how old the hobby machine is. ❤
Thank you! I've learned the word vintage means different things to different generations when it comes to sewing machines. I've encountered some older folks that say only the all metal machines are vintage. Younger folks base it on time. That Hobby machine is from 2002. It's an interesting topic.
That singer 401a. Thats a great machine for sure
It's a good one.
My jaw actually dropped when I saw the Singer 401 + the cabinet for $30. What a steal. I am so jealous.
I was stunned. That thrift store is crazy with its pricing sometimes. For $30, I could not leave her.
That Singer 401A in that cabinet for $30! You know how to find them. Nice deal on that.
My eyes can't stop looking is my problem. Hahahaha. It was such a great price, I could not leave her behind.
Your youngest child is 20? Aren't you about 25? I have a Pfaff 401A in a beautiful cabinet. The machine is a marvel of engineering!
Hahaha, thankful 25 is behind me by a few years. Agreed wholeheartedly. I've worked on a 401A before and during that I learned so much about how it does what it does. It's honestly amazing. That's a machine that definitely gets the quote, "They don't make them like they used to."
Congrats on the new machine. The Featherweight Shoppe in Idaho is my go-to for evrything. They really know these machines.
Thanks for the video I’m going to try this!
Good luck!
Thea, you have impeccable taste in sewing machines. These Pfaff machines are precision built machines that work perfectly when cleaned and lubricated. They are the most challenging machines I have ever encountered. Several repair videos are available but you need to understand German for some of them. I have one now that is just waiting for me to tackle. Maybe I will get the courage from your experiences. Thank you for posting this video.
Well thank you. I really do love and appreciate the Pfaff builds. It is helpful to know some German for a few models for sure. The manuals are often only available in Deutsch. Ich spreche ein bisschen Deutsch.
Congratulations, Thea. I have never seen in person or owned a long bed Singer 301. I like the slant shank Singers that have the oil port to lubricate the motor bushing. Even though these Oilite bronze bushings are sintered bronze and pre-lubricated with oil, occasionally replenishing with 20 weight nondetergent oil (sewing machine oil) is a good idea. Especially after all these years. As I recall there is a wool wick that absorbs the oil inside that tube. When disassembling these motors I remove the old dried up wick and replace it with a fresh new wool wick. At one time, I thought those slant shank motor wicks were impregnated with grease like the Singer 221 motor wicks but they were lubricated with oil. Oil with detergent or PTFE additives might clog up the sintered bronze. Thank you for posting this video. If you ever want to sell this machine and case, contact me!
I actually did not see a 301 long bed in person until mine was delivered. I was convinced there were none in my area at all. It has been my understanding that you can just remove the oil wicks on the 301s. I did and I just put a few drops of oil in the ports as part of my maintenance routine.
So glad you got the Feed and Wax to work! It is the only method that has worked for me. The biggest problem with other methods is that heat and humidity actually feeds the microbes and mold spores, so this is not a good idea. I talked to a museum conservator who told me this. To be a bit more thorough, you can also unscrew the metal attachment brackets to get under them too. Great job and video!
I am so thankful for the recommendation. That case was the worst I've come across. Thank you!
She is beautiful and so are you! Thank you for sharing with us your love of sewing. I’m a newbie learner and appreciate this so much.
Aww, thanks so much.
I had the white but needed to get the black featherweight too. I need to sew with each of them more to find a favorite. And now I bought a 201-2. I’m addicted. I just like to clean and polish them.
Now you're going to need a 301 and.... Hahahaha! I also have the addiction bug. I was originally smitten with my 201-2 too. I love it. It is one of my favorite machines. I am still curious about the black Featherweight vs the White one sewing capabilities. Thank you so much for your comment and reassuring me I am not alone in this addiction. :)
I've got a white Featherweight from 1968, and the case has that same horrid smell. I've tried various approaches, all for naught. I'll give Howard's a try. The case and everything stored in it, including machine, cardboard box with attachments & bobbins, has that horrid smell. Thanks for your video!
I've only had one machine actually stink to high even like that. It took a lot of cleaning and airing out for weeks. Mine did have a drip pad that was the main culprit. After I replaced that most of the smell went away. Thankfully the case in the video was alone in its stench. Howard's did an excellent job. Good luck! I hope you're able to get rid of the smell.
Just picked up a 1955 301A longbed for free! I'll be tackling the tension assembly too. Someone definitely put it back together a bit wonky. Enjoyed your video and love your adorable chickens.
Yay! Congratulations on a really great freebie. I hope the tension reassembly goes smoothly for you too!
Super beautiful SINGER 201 ♥️🧵♥️🧵The would have to be the best looking Sewing Machine ♥️🧵♥️🧵Glenn xx
Very hot here in Montana as well as Smokey, ugh , glad your hard work paid off. ❤🐓❤️
Ooof, I've been in Montana during "fire season" and paired with the heat is no fun. I hope it doesn't last too long for you. (Thanks so much for your comment.)
I'm using a cheap product "Car polish for all types of plastics" for vinyl surfaces. It removes smell and bring back shine.
Great! I’ll have to try it. PS: the peanut gallery is adorable!🐓
I was honestly pleasantly surprised. Thanks, they sure are cute but always have lots to cluck about. :)
For the smell you need to kill the fungus, so use bleach I use scented bleach so I won’t die trying😅 just mix it half and half with water and up to sun for a little bit to dry and it should be fixed, however if the bleach is not for you, spray some freeze and also helps with the smell, I hope it helps 😊
I found one in its case, I assumed it was a typewriter. I opened it & was surprised, it had been marked down.to $20 bucks, it had 8 feet & manual, button holer. It's a great machine.
I've also mistaken the case for a typewriters. I always check now, even if I am sure it is a typewriter.
Featherweight shop sells a tune up kit for 301 as well. It includes a new felt drip pad, that could be some part of the smell as well. Worth looking into to help Renew your new to you machine.
Yes, I just got one. It is a work of mechanical art, it is a work of metal working art. I can't believe you can get the at used prices.
I agree it is absolutely a mechanical work of art. I have been very lucky with finding them at really good to decent pricing.
very nice machine, very classy! it oozes 1950 chic
I bought this exact machine about 12 years ago and ma just about to sew on it for the first time. Wow - I should've started sooner! It's stunningly beautiful. Thanks for your video!
Enjoy it! It is such a wonderful machine!
I'm just through to the cleaning part of your video and I wonder if the overall layer of gunk on the machine is cigarette smoke residue. I have a 301a with that on it but eventually I got it mostly off. You know everybody smoked back then. It was a way of life.
Good point, I didn't consider that for this machine. I did have one machine that definitely came from an old school smoker's house. The machine, the case and all of the threads that came with it, smelled like a bowling alley in the 1980s.
❤ love it
Baking soda clean and baking soda ,and you can put a pieces of carbon inside to absorb the smell
I recently bought a 1930 hand crank 99K on Etsy and it was shipped from Scotland. The seller claimed it was cleaned and serviced but it was dirty and quite linty under the throat plate. It worked very smoothly but the stitches were bad for the upper and the lower thread. I had to take it to a shop and probably won’t see it for a very long time. Boo! Can’t wait to get it back. I thought it would be fun to use with our grandkids.
I hope you get it back sooner than later and that it works perfectly when you do get it. The hank crank would be a fun thing for kids to sew with I think.
I especially enjoyed this video since I have a 1953 301A short bed in black. I just love this machine and it makes me so happy to use it. I wish I would run across some of the low cost or free machines that you seem to find so easily!
Thank you! I do have some luck finding some good deals on machines at secondhand stores. I think it's a lot about my area. Older generations retiring and moving away. Too bad they're not always 301s. I just love that machine. Thanks so much for your comment!
Mi máquina preferida,es de las mejores que hay,la quiero mucho ❤
It's such a strong machine. It's one of my favorites too!. Thanks so much for your comment!
i over paid for some of my vintage machines depends how they have been stored if it dont smell an has been kept in good condition i think its worth the money compared to the plastic machines you can buy today but i got sum at a real good price the stich quality of my singer206k 306 319k an 320 is top notch
I agree. The plastic parts on the newer machines just don't hold up.
I think the only thing worse than buyer's remorse is passers-up remorse, so congratulations on not having the latter. If the machine inspires you to put it through its paces and excites you - as it obviously does - then the price you paid ceases to matter in the big picture. The newest member of the brood looks great with your other 301. Any thoughts of pursuing the other variants?
100% Passers=up remorse is far worse for me for sure. I regret nothing about this purchase. :) Oh I've been bitten by the 301 love bug. I have the strong urge to have one in each bed style and color way. But I am thankful that I got this black long bed, because that's the one I wanted most.
Congrats, you got your black long bed 301!! 😊. Sewing is now so much more fun!
It totally is! (Thank you!)
Acabo de comprar esta bella makina 401A pero asta ahora no la se usar pero me encanta
Yay! I hope you have fun discovering how to use it. It's a great and strong machine.