Any vintage sewing fans out there??

DressUP

DressUP

Registered Guest
Well, my newest project is going to be sewing. I picked up this machine at an auction for next to nothing. It's quite old but I would like to use it. It's still has all (i think) the attachments the manuals, bobbins, needles etc... Here it is
http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb164/DressUP1278/DSCN0902.jpg

http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb164/DressUP1278/DSCN0903.jpg

http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb164/DressUP1278/DSCN0905.jpg

I also picked up a lovely old dress form at a flea market yesterday. I would like it for my sewing attempts and to model some of my vintage. Here it is: (sorry if it's sideways)

http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb164/DressUP1278/DSCN0909.jpg

It's made by the Acme Company.
http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb164/DressUP1278/DSCN0908.jpg

Does anyone know anything about either of these? I'm at a loss on how to work the sewing machine(partly because I haven't read the manual yet). And I have a very vague hazy idea of how to operate the dress form. Any tips would be very appreciated. I have sewed probably 3 things sucessfully in my life. Thanks.
 
It's great that you have the manual! I learned how to sew on my grandmother's treadle machine, and once you get the hang of the rhythm of it, using one of these is very easy. I know that my grandmother's made the most uniform stitch I've ever seen, and I've used some pretty pricy "modern" machines. I very stupidly let a cousin take my grandmother's machine.

Lizzie
 
Yes, my dad did get it to go up further. I just wasn't brave enough to put my hand inside of it until i get it vacuumed.
 
Wow, you have some super old kit there, DressUp!

I'm no expert (at all!) but I'm pretty sure that treadle sewing machines are much more controllable than electric machines. You can start off as slow as is comfortable, and then speed up as you get more confident/competent.

I really envy you! I have piles of vintage fabrics and piles of old sewing patterns. All I'm lacking is space and time (and practise of course). One day . . . !
 
I'm no real help (sorry!)--just wanted to say I recently bought a sewing machine almost exactly like yours (black and gold antique Singer with the wood cabinet and wrought iron base).

I was gung-ho, fully prepared to learn how to operate the treadle (even though I'm a total sewing dunce--can hardly sew a button). Turns out someone electrified it! I don't know whether to be grateful or annoyed they hybridized it (and annoyed at myself for not noticing before I purchased...)

Anyway--good luck in your endeavors! I am similarly inspired, and hope I will pick up the requisite skill (and basic aptitude!) along the way... :rolleyes:

Perhaps you can post photos of some of your completed projects?
 
If the machine doesn't seem to stitch right at first, see if the manual gives instructions on how to adjust the settings. I have a treadel that runs beautifully, but for a while was a mess because the bobbin setting was off.

I also have a 1937 Bernina Favorit (that is how it's spelled on the machine) - that thing is built like a tank! All metal parts, perfectly geared and is lightening fast when you want it to be - 12 different stitches built in too.

It was interesting, when I picked it up it had no manual so I contacted the Bernina company for a copy. They didn't even have one anymore in their archives~ they were able to email me a copy of the manual for a similar model~

Have fun with it - it's a beauty!
 
My Acme girl was a bit on the funky side when I first got her. A thorough going over with the wand vac, a wiping with windex and a rag on all her metal parts, some Lysol-ing and a few days in the sunshine got her back into shape quickly. She's been with my 5 years now and works wonderfully. I did find I needed to put a stuffed bra on her to smoothe the bustline, but she holds it nicely.

I don't know anything about treddle machines, other than it looks like it would wear you plumb slick after a day of stitching. Will be interesting to know if it does!
 
Originally posted by glamourpussvintage
I also have a 1937 Bernina Favorit (that is how it's spelled on the machine) - that thing is built like a tank! All metal parts, perfectly geared and is lightening fast when you want it to be - 12 different stitches built in too.
Click to expand...


A 1937 Bernina!! OMG I am so jealous! During my dressmaking days I depended on my Bernina 830 for machine stitching. I sewed on that machine 7 days a week for nearly 15 years without ever having to bring it in for service. It sewed the finest chiffon like a dream and went through denim like butter. AND it was fast! I had two industrial machines (an overlock and a straight stitch)...also a Pfaff and a Nechi but my Bernina was my baby. The motor finally gave out a couple years ago and since I no longer sew for a living I haven't gotten it repaired. I use the Pfaff now but I miss my Bernina.

Dress-up, You have a nice machine there. Any all metal machine is good to have. Getting used to a treadle is work but once you have the hang of it you should be fine. I found treadles to be excruciatingly slow but then I had to make my living sewing.

I suggest you find a decent sewing class in your area and take it. Ask tons of questions and practice practice! I taught sewing at my shop for a few years and the best students just kept at it.

Have fun and Best of luck!

Melody
 
Melody is absolutely right about a sewing class - I learned by trial and error and it was so frustrating! Even just a basic beginner class can help you ~ I was at a point where I didn't even know what questions to ask or how to explain what I wanted to do. I just kept plugging along and now just do basic sewing, which doesn't even touch that Bernina's potential. Maybe someday :rolleyes:

And Melody, my Bernina was owned by a seamstress many years ago. I can't imagine anybody needing or really wanting to sew as fast as that machine does unless their paycheck relied on it. When I bought it, it came with it's cabinet and mountains of notions, threads and some really cool buttons. I would have loved to have seen the previous owners work :)
 
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