Happy anniversary Jacquie. Sounds like a sweet husband. Better keep him. I like mine better all the time, and I have been in love with him over sixty years!!! Glad you had a great celebration.

Gorgeous!

What a beautiful machine! Congratulations on the anniversary, a great DH, and the present.

It's been a while since I've used my grandmother's treadle, but I think to wind the bobbin the thread is still on the top, through the first place on the end, down to the lower hook on the bobbin holder through the second one and onto the bobbin. Then you press the bobbin race against the wheel and peddle.

Mine uses regular sewing machine needles.

It also looks like it uses a leather band around the wheel and down to the treadles on the sides. It's really thin, maybe 1/4 inch. If you can find a shoe repair shop they may be able to help you get the size you need.