Hey Joe,

The first zig zag sewing machine was invented in the 1870s.
I think vintage is considerably younger that that. VBG I tend to think of a vintage sewing machine as pre-early 70s.

Cathy

1870s?? Hmmmm, I'd like to see a pic or three of that one. Who made it?


Joe

Thanks for this info !

Joe,

A lady, Helen Augusta Blanchard invented the zig zag sewing machine. She was a very prolific inventor. She held many sewing machine patents. She started the Blanchard Over-Seam Company in the early 1880s.

As to which company actually made and sold the 1st ZZ machine I don't know unless it was her BO-S company. I do remember reading that the 1st ZZ machines were for industrial applications. I don't know when the 1st home ZZ machines were sold. But Bernina does claim to have come out with the first portable ZZ with freearm in 1945.

That's not a lot of info, but it is the best I can do right now.

Cathy

I sure learn a lot of interesting and useful stuff when I browse the vintage threads. I will check my old machines to see where the dog teeth stand. Thanks for the info!

Just wanted to add that the adorable little calico looks so concerned, as if she's saying, "I have thumbs - I can help, too!"

Rose,

Pollyanna is a polydactyl kitty. She has 24 toes instead of 18. She uses the extras on her front feet like we do thumbs. She'll pick things up with her toes / fingers, turn them this way and that as she decides weather or not they are worth playing with, or knocking off the table. She has a most friendly attitude as well. Very friendly.

Joe

I agree totally with mme3924! And Cathy, I *loved* the lesson! =))