Thread: Vintage Sewing Machine Shop.....Come on in and sit a spell

Originally Posted by grayhare

And I just answered a CL ad for a 66 in a bentwood case. The machine looks in very good condition. The decals look very nice. The case looks nice; the wood looks a bit dry. It even has the key! I will pick her up tomorrow, I couldn't resist the price $20.
I really have to stop looking on CL

Anamaria, I wouldn't even try to resist a 66 in a decent bentwood case for $50, let alone $20 (unless it was a Godzilla, of course). I need to stop watching both CL and eBay - going to take a look at one from CL this weekend (treadle in cabinet) and just bought another one on eBay (though in my defense, Herself made the call on that one [though honesty forces me to admit that I didn't argue!]).

I am a home winemaker and in the process of sanitizing equipment I use Potassium metabisulphite. About a tablespoon of Potassium metabisulphite dissolved in a quart of water can be used to kill bacteria, yeast and mold. It is the gas from this solution that is the most effective. YOU DON'T WANT TO BREATHE IN THE FUMES if you can avoid it. I have but boy do your lungs burn if you do. Make the solution and put about a cup in a small bowl in the bottom of a large plastic bag. Set the case (not the machine) over the bowl in the bag and close the bag securely. I would think that a couple days would be enough time for it to penetrate and kill the offenders. It will bleach some old fabrics so don't spill it on the felt. I doubt that it would hurt the exterior if wiped on and then off. Unless you are allergic to it, it shouldn't bother your hands as I use it on my hands in the winemaking process. The powder, Potassium metabisulphite, can be obtained at a wine making supply shop or some large family run pharmacies might be willing to order it for you. After removing from the plastic bag, let the case air out in the sun for a day (or less...sniff to decide). Unfortunately the Potassium metabisulphite is packaged in a greater quantity than you need but you can share with friends or your quilt guild. If you are a red wine drinker, it doesn't hurt to keep a spray bottle, properly labeled, in your laundry. If red wine is spilled on a tablecloth or carpet, give it a spray and watch the magic begin. Talk about getting the red out...it is the best (for wine, not eyes!). I haven't had a problem with it on modern fabrics but do the usual, test on an inconspicuous area first. Oh yes, whatever is left in the bowl can be poured back in your solution bottle. Potassium metabisulphite is sometimes sold as Campden tablets. I hope you have good luck with this. The solution can be washed down your drain safely if followed by water.

Originally Posted by SewExtremeSeams

I am cleaning out my office and ran across the case for my FW. Eeeek! I don' t want to open it because I know it had moldy odor issues two years ago. I had tried leaving it open in the summer sunlight for days and to no avail.

What is the BEST way to get rid of that odor? Or, is replacing the felting inside the only way. I hate musty smelling stuff.

Both my daughter and granddaughter have started praying for Wilbur. They live in Lakeland FL and I imagine their whole Church will be praying for your family and Wilbur especially. They asked me to let you know.
Donna

Originally Posted by miriam

DD says Wilbur was playing good outdoors today - he's had less nose bleeds but more very messy diarrhea - she figured out if she puts the medicine in some of Walter's baby food Wilbur will eat it - specially if he thinks it belongs to Walter. The girls names do not begin with W.

Originally Posted by grayhare

Hi Nancy, I've seen that ad, the machine looks real pretty, but I don't like the cabinet. I really do prefer the plain wood. But, my wood finishing skills are zero. I thought painting would be easier, and I also want to stick with water based products.
I would love to find a yellow, green or pink machine, but I have only seen the blue color it must have been very popular,
Anamaria

I agree Anamaria, I don't care for the painted cabinet either, but I can see that cabinet and machine in some houses - not mine! Remember, that Wilcox and Gibbs cabinet we re-did? It had been painted white, then black? The irons were painted gold. It looked really nasty when we bought it, but it is so beautiful now! We used several cans of stripper to get through all the paint layers. Re-finishing cabinets is doable - just takes a lot of elbow grease and determination! Good luck on whatever decision you make on the re-finishing method you chose for your cabinet! Please keep us posted on what you end up doing!

Nancy

Originally Posted by mwfoley

Hi. 38389 posts - I was surprised when I found this forum the other day. Lots of great information here. You all have a very nice forum. Let me introduce myself. The name is Mike and I am in Clearwater, FL. Retired. One hobby is making stuff for motorcycles, dogs, and even people sometimes. Seats, grocery bags, covers. My first machine was a Consew which I had to restore to get working. So I figured out how these gizmos work and got 'hooked' on restoring. I use the Consew for leather and heavy materials. It's great for motorcycle seats, etc. Also I like garage sales, and that way I started buying old sewing machines and fixing them up. It's one thing I like to do.

So I am pleased to meet all of you and hope to be helpful as I learn.

I saw a post back a few pages about finishes. I did a lot of woodfinishing and prefer shellac. If anyone is interested in the way I french polish then let me know. I do use urithane though. Not a purist.

Hello Mike! Welcome aboard! We love to have people join us who also share a love for the vintage sewing machine! We are a very enabling group! If you are not completely hooked on the 'old' sewing machines now, you will be hooked after visiting this forum for a few days! Several of us use treadles. I am one of those treadle people! I also use electric - mostly vintage - machines. A lot of us do motorectomies when we get one of the really old machines that someone had added a motor to - put it back to a treadle or hand crank! We'd love to see photos of your machines and the projects done with them!

Nancy

Originally Posted by Mizkaki

Anamaria,
I have a pink Necchi. Lelia, I think. I do remember that the model number is a 512.
If you are interested I can send you a picture after I get back to Sacramento tomorrow.

Cathy

Hi Cathy,
Thank you, I remember seeing it at the TOGA in your sewing room. I have a SuperNova, I think my favorite style, shape for sewing machines, is the more traditional shape. I just love the Singer 99K's, don't know what it is about them. Here is a picture of my pink, really a (coral color) machine.
Anamaria

I think my grandsons would be interested in this machine

http://pinterest.com/pin/117023290286984498/