I have just found your channel. I have about 10 sewing machines - all old singers - but I absolutely love them. I do use most of them. It started when I bought a brand new sewing machine and tried to make stuff on it during Covid lockdowns. It was terrible and plastic and kept breaking. I got rid of it and for 15 dollars bought a 100 year old singer treadle machine. Absolutely perfect for my projects. I already had an overlocker so a straight stitch was all I needed. It was a bit seized but that is where the magic started. I soaked the insides with kerosine, cleaned it and watched all the parts move and connect, connected all the accessories and OMG I was hooked. They are ingenious pieces of equipment that changed the world. I can sew silk to leather on my old treadle. I have covered chairs, sewn canvas, fixed my clothes, made a new leather thing for my husbands gear stick on the car - made our travel bags - so much!
I couldn't have said it better myself! The magic of watching these machines coming back to life can't be explained. These were precision machines made to last - and they did!
I was gifted a Singer 201, then needed a 301, whoops bought a 99k, then a 404, another 99k but in a table. The first 99 is my current love and will hopefully will get the 99-table running to give to a sewing family member. The problem for me is collecting the machines faster than I know how to work on them! Your channel gives me courage
My husband just counted mine.....20! A variety of mostly vintage Singers. (I love my Juki as well)! Totally understand the addiction- they are all so different!! 🎉
You’re part of the reason that I have so many vintage and antique machines! I love your videos. I feel the love for these beautiful machines. I use four of my 11 vintage and antique machines regularly along with my top of the line Bernina’s! I have one set up just for buttonholes. I LOVE the Singer 15-91 for buttonholes, my awesome 201 and my two featherweights 221 and 222. Thanks for the inspiration!
Don't fight it. 😂 I love your videos on old machines, so informative and interesting. I've learned so much from you and have managed to save six old singers from the scap heap with your help. My 201k is my main machine now and works to perfection because of your knowledge. Thank you so very much and please never ever stop. We'd be lost without you.😊
Back when i got my 115 singer i had an opportunity to buy one of these grass hoppers , always regretted it , thought it would make a great video , thanks you saved me a purchase lol ......
1:38 the bobbin you're showing has the same amount of holes as an Elna bobbin (7) but the Elna bobbins I know only have holes on the top and not on the bottom. Singer 15 bobbins have ten holes on the top and the bottom though. Greetings from the Netherlands! (edit to remove a typo)
Excellent videos!! I, too, thought I couldn't break the addiction, but Friday after inspecting, I passed on TWO vintage Singers for $15 each. They were beauties but I have more than reasonable space will allow. I enjoy sewing on my fancy computerized machines, but the lovely old Singers give a comforting satisfaction they do not. I also, really enjoy the non electrical versions!! So, please keep making these videos so that I can keep what I have in top shape (and live vicariously)!
The tan metal machine is just like the one my mom had and taught me as a child to use. It had an enormous amount of verve, she had a foot pedal and a knee bar connected to the cabinet. It was tricky to get started and would run like a monster if you didn't start it slowly.
The Singer Slant-o-matics which my mom had, and it was the 401 is the first sewing machine I learned how to sew on, I am partial to that machine. So yea I can understand that lol
I absolutely feel your pain, and you have contributed to mine! In the past year, by following along with your videos, I have purchased and restored two machines, Singer 201 and a 301. I work at a thrift store, and have begun cleaning up the machines that are donated. Yesterday we received a Singer 128 -13, and I spent my day getting that one ready to display on the floor. It is the first machine that I have worked on with a vibrating shuttle. It is a gem, although it does need a new power cord as the original 1924 is a bit frayed. I am struggling with selling it rather than buying it myself. But, as you said, how many sewing machines does one person need? Thank you for sharing your knowledge and your process. I am so much more confident about cleaning and adjusting machines, and fear that I have a new obsession. Please keep sharing!
I just bought and restored a Wilcox & Gibbs G shaped chain stitcher, sadly no attachments. My husband restored the mahogany box for me and bought all new brass fittings. I feel your pain about machines taking over. With 3 red eye treadles, a 306 and a plastic portable down in the laundry room, a White rotary and a 305K in the sewing room, another more modern Singer under the dining table, I think my husband is getting ready to pitch them all on the tip or move out.
I absolutely love Elna sewing machines. I bought my first one in 1976 and quickly upgraded twice. Then from 1978 on, I’ve owned the same brown Elna. I always wanted the air-electronic, so I picked up a used one at my first opportunity. Unfortunately, it never made the lovely straight stitch of my old brown Elna, so I eventually gave it up. My youngest daughter asked for my brown Elna about three years ago now and she even bought me a brand new Elna experience 560 to replace it, which I do absolutely love, but I still super love the solid older machines that use cams. So I picked up my new all-time favourite Elna - an Elna SU! Super, super love it! It sews, (which is all I really need), but it won’t work my double cams and although not critical, it was still disappointing! I would definitely get it fixed if I could, but where does one get the parts nowadays? 🤷🏻♀️ It seems difficult just to find an experienced technician to work on it, even if the parts were available, but I live in a town of less than a hundred thousand, so I guess I’m grateful I can even do basic sewing with it.
Three great finds...hope you find parts to restore the Elna. The two Singers look as if they need very little to make them complete...always enjoy your content
The two singers will be simple - I think I have a spare set of accessories for the 401. The Elma on the other hand, I may have to make some parts if I can’t find them. Glad you enjoyed the video.
Great finds! Hey, I've done a few foot pedals now. Instead of a paper towel, I now use a 4 sided nail buffer on the 2 finest sides. It's cushioned, flat, and I find I have lots less disc breakage now. Cheers from NZ!
You can never have too many sewing machines! I'm in the USA, and have restored many machines, including Singer 400 and 500 series. I've never come across a capacitor in the foot pedal (but I have heard of them) and never heard of a fuse.
@@CurioByBSpokeDesigns Thanks for answering. Different standards in different countries. I love your videos, not to mention your country. Been there a few times.
I'm the same every time I look on market place up pop's a new machine to rescue. The first couple was so I had some spares the second couple was so I had spares for the spares now I won't stop until my workshop that is really a shed is full.
I have the 401G as well. My only vintage machine currently, but I just couldn't pass it up. It's just such an unusual machine. I was very lucky - when I opened it up it looked very clean and well oiled on the inside. Runs perfect, as well. The last owners had no information about it, but whoever actually used it last, must have taken good care of it. I would love to collect old machines, but sadly live in a shared apartment, so 😅 They're lovely though. From the beautiful to look at mechanical marvels of a 100-150 years ago to the 'plain but sturdy' fullmetal workhorses of the postwar period.
I've one of these but can't seem to get the bobbin to loop i think its the hook tensioner but I've never used a sewing machine and don't know what I'm looking for.. please and thanks
I have a few vintage machines that I use regularly so I don’t really have a use or room for them. However if I know someone who is looking for a machine that I’m familiar with and know I can fix it I’ll text or call them and tell them what I’ve found and how much including what I expect the cost to get it going. With that said I’ll admit to having 10 machines.
I have just found your channel. I have about 10 sewing machines - all old singers - but I absolutely love them. I do use most of them. It started when I bought a brand new sewing machine and tried to make stuff on it during Covid lockdowns. It was terrible and plastic and kept breaking. I got rid of it and for 15 dollars bought a 100 year old singer treadle machine. Absolutely perfect for my projects. I already had an overlocker so a straight stitch was all I needed. It was a bit seized but that is where the magic started. I soaked the insides with kerosine, cleaned it and watched all the parts move and connect, connected all the accessories and OMG I was hooked. They are ingenious pieces of equipment that changed the world. I can sew silk to leather on my old treadle. I have covered chairs, sewn canvas, fixed my clothes, made a new leather thing for my husbands gear stick on the car - made our travel bags - so much!
I couldn't have said it better myself! The magic of watching these machines coming back to life can't be explained. These were precision machines made to last - and they did!
VSMAD (Vintage Sewing Machine Acquisition Disorder) . No known cure. I practice Harm Reduction by giving away as many as I can.
Me too!❤
I think old machines just sound better than plastic new ones.
I agree
I was gifted a Singer 201, then needed a 301, whoops bought a 99k, then a 404, another 99k but in a table. The first 99 is my current love and will hopefully will get the 99-table running to give to a sewing family member. The problem for me is collecting the machines faster than I know how to work on them! Your channel gives me courage
I have to say, I’m staying strong - for now, and haven’t bought and in a while! How long that will last is anyone’s guess lol
Any of these machines are relics.
We need to bring these machines to life
Noting beats the sound of a vintage sewing machine.
I agree!
My husband just counted mine.....20! A variety of mostly vintage Singers. (I love my Juki as well)! Totally understand the addiction- they are all so different!! 🎉
And I still have a few on my wish list!
You’re part of the reason that I have so many vintage and antique machines! I love your videos. I feel the love for these beautiful machines. I use four of my 11 vintage and antique machines regularly along with my top of the line Bernina’s! I have one set up just for buttonholes. I LOVE the Singer 15-91 for buttonholes, my awesome 201 and my two featherweights 221 and 222. Thanks for the inspiration!
Great choices in machines there!
I understand.. I love these beautiful machines .
Don't fight it. 😂
I love your videos on old machines, so informative and interesting. I've learned so much from you and have managed to save six old singers from the scap heap with your help. My 201k is my main machine now and works to perfection because of your knowledge. Thank you so very much and please never ever stop. We'd be lost without you.😊
I feel the same . Love them .
Yea, they follow me home like lost puppies, too. They need a home with someone who can love them.
Back when i got my 115 singer i had an opportunity to buy one of these grass hoppers , always regretted it , thought it would make a great video , thanks you saved me a purchase lol ......
1:38 the bobbin you're showing has the same amount of holes as an Elna bobbin (7) but the Elna bobbins I know only have holes on the top and not on the bottom. Singer 15 bobbins have ten holes on the top and the bottom though. Greetings from the Netherlands!
(edit to remove a typo)
That was my thought too. The Elna Lotus bobbins are solid on one side, so I expected these to be too.
Ahhh! Good old FB market place. I have a similar problem with stuff just popping up. But it's enjoyable.
I've barred myself from Marketplace for the moment!
I am always excited to view your videos.
Happy to hear that!
Excellent videos!!
I, too, thought I couldn't break the addiction, but Friday after inspecting, I passed on TWO vintage Singers for $15 each. They were beauties but I have more than reasonable space will allow. I enjoy sewing on my fancy computerized machines, but the lovely old Singers give a comforting satisfaction they do not. I also, really enjoy the non electrical versions!!
So, please keep making these videos so that I can keep what I have in top shape (and live vicariously)!
Of course I'll keep on making the videos. I just need to chose wisely and not buy everything I see!
I do too. Keep at it!!
Thanks for the video, I have 15 machines at the last count...
The tan metal machine is just like the one my mom had and taught me as a child to use. It had an enormous amount of verve, she had a foot pedal and a knee bar connected to the cabinet. It was tricky to get started and would run like a monster if you didn't start it slowly.
The Singer Slant-o-matics which my mom had, and it was the 401 is the first sewing machine I learned how to sew on, I am partial to that machine. So yea I can understand that lol
I absolutely feel your pain, and you have contributed to mine! In the past year, by following along with your videos, I have purchased and restored two machines, Singer 201 and a 301. I work at a thrift store, and have begun cleaning up the machines that are donated. Yesterday we received a Singer 128 -13, and I spent my day getting that one ready to display on the floor. It is the first machine that I have worked on with a vibrating shuttle. It is a gem, although it does need a new power cord as the original 1924 is a bit frayed. I am struggling with selling it rather than buying it myself. But, as you said, how many sewing machines does one person need? Thank you for sharing your knowledge and your process. I am so much more confident about cleaning and adjusting machines, and fear that I have a new obsession. Please keep sharing!
Thank you. It's nice to know my obsession inspires other people! Keep up the good work!
I enjoyed this video. I have a small collection as well. I love to see when they get working again. Hard to let any of them go though.
I just bought and restored a Wilcox & Gibbs G shaped chain stitcher, sadly no attachments. My husband restored the mahogany box for me and bought all new brass fittings.
I feel your pain about machines taking over.
With 3 red eye treadles, a 306 and a plastic portable down in the laundry room, a White rotary and a 305K in the sewing room, another more modern Singer under the dining table, I think my husband is getting ready to pitch them all on the tip or move out.
I absolutely love Elna sewing machines. I bought my first one in 1976 and quickly upgraded twice. Then from 1978 on, I’ve owned the same brown Elna. I always wanted the air-electronic, so I picked up a used one at my first opportunity. Unfortunately, it never made the lovely straight stitch of my old brown Elna, so I eventually gave it up. My youngest daughter asked for my brown Elna about three years ago now and she even bought me a brand new Elna experience 560 to replace it, which I do absolutely love, but I still super love the solid older machines that use cams. So I picked up my new all-time favourite Elna - an Elna SU! Super, super love it! It sews, (which is all I really need), but it won’t work my double cams and although not critical, it was still disappointing! I would definitely get it fixed if I could, but where does one get the parts nowadays? 🤷🏻♀️ It seems difficult just to find an experienced technician to work on it, even if the parts were available, but I live in a town of less than a hundred thousand, so I guess I’m grateful I can even do basic sewing with it.
I've recently picked up an Elna Grasshopper but it needs a fair bit of work.
I have this problem too!
Three great finds...hope you find parts to restore the Elna. The two Singers look as if they need very little to make them complete...always enjoy your content
The two singers will be simple - I think I have a spare set of accessories for the 401. The Elma on the other hand, I may have to make some parts if I can’t find them. Glad you enjoyed the video.
Great finds! Hey, I've done a few foot pedals now. Instead of a paper towel, I now use a 4 sided nail buffer on the 2 finest sides. It's cushioned, flat, and I find I have lots less disc breakage now. Cheers from NZ!
Great tip. I shall have to find some!
Nice one.
You can never have too many sewing machines! I'm in the USA, and have restored many machines, including Singer 400 and 500 series. I've never come across a capacitor in the foot pedal (but I have heard of them) and never heard of a fuse.
The capacitors were used to supress interference with analogue TV. All UK plugs have a replaceable fuse.
@@CurioByBSpokeDesigns
Thanks for answering. Different standards in different countries. I love your videos, not to mention your country. Been there a few times.
@@ronalddevine9587 I've been to your country a couple of times too!
I'm the same every time I look on market place up pop's a new machine to rescue. The first couple was so I had some spares the second couple was so I had spares for the spares now I won't stop until my workshop that is really a shed is full.
The struggle is real...
It's an addiction 👋😄
I have the 401G as well. My only vintage machine currently, but I just couldn't pass it up. It's just such an unusual machine.
I was very lucky - when I opened it up it looked very clean and well oiled on the inside. Runs perfect, as well. The last owners had no information about it, but whoever actually used it last, must have taken good care of it.
I would love to collect old machines, but sadly live in a shared apartment, so 😅
They're lovely though. From the beautiful to look at mechanical marvels of a 100-150 years ago to the 'plain but sturdy' fullmetal workhorses of the postwar period.
You just need to get better at hiding them ….
❤
I missed out on a Grasshopper for £20, I always seem to be 10 minutes too late for a Marketplace posting!
I wonder if it’s the same one I bought
@@CurioByBSpokeDesigns No, this one was in Essex a while back 🙂
@@janevacani6789 Ah right.
I've one of these but can't seem to get the bobbin to loop i think its the hook tensioner but I've never used a sewing machine and don't know what I'm looking for.. please and thanks
Without seeing the problem it’s difficult to say. I would start by making sure that the bobbin and the needle are in the right way round.
Its your duty keep going hahaha
I have a few vintage machines that I use regularly so I don’t really have a use or room for them. However if I know someone who is looking for a machine that I’m familiar with and know I can fix it I’ll text or call them and tell them what I’ve found and how much including what I expect the cost to get it going. With that said I’ll admit to having 10 machines.
Oh I wish I only had 10…
I’m dying for a hand crank 99
That Elna I have , I will check my bobbins for you, those are not the correct ones.
Thank you!
How many does one need? I’d say one for sewing and an undefined number just for doting on. 😂
Agreed!
Second deal has another sound