Originally Posted by Fabb

Need some help deciding something...I'm picking up a wooden straight-legged treadle this week and I want to drop a 201 head in it. I have two, a 201K (cast iron) from 1956 in absolutely perfect cosmetic and running condition on which I have already performed a motorectomy and put on a hand wheel from a sacrificed 15k. I also have a April 1932 head from Elizabethport which is in excellent running condition but not as pretty as the newer one and has the original correct handwheel.
Now this will sound stupid, but I can't decide which one to put in...the replacement handwheel on the newer 201 is not in great condition and it bugs me to look at it. The older one is the oldest 201 I've ever come across so I am partial to that one just for its age. Maybe I should put the motor back on the 1956 and put it into a nice art deco desk? Would it be silly to have an electric and a treadle 201? Help me decide!

Originally Posted by Fabb

Need some help deciding something...I'm picking up a wooden straight-legged treadle this week and I want to drop a 201 head in it. I have two, a 201K (cast iron) from 1956 in absolutely perfect cosmetic and running condition on which I have already performed a motorectomy and put on a hand wheel from a sacrificed 15k. I also have a April 1932 head from Elizabethport which is in excellent running condition but not as pretty as the newer one and has the original correct handwheel.

Now this will sound stupid, but I can't decide which one to put in...the replacement handwheel on the newer 201 is not in great condition and it bugs me to look at it. The older one is the oldest 201 I've ever come across so I am partial to that one just for its age. Maybe I should put the motor back on the 1956 and put it into a nice art deco desk? Would it be silly to have an electric and a treadle 201? Help me decide!

Originally Posted by ThayerRags

Hi Sharon,

Yes, you’re right. The Singer 115 threads from left to right.

And for trivia sake, not all 15s thread the same direction. Singer changed directions sometime between the models 15-80 and 15-88.

I had a very nice lady tell me that she was so glad that she had a “right-handed” machine, because someone else in her circle had a left-handed machine and she hated it. It took me the longest time to figure out what she meant. I finally realized that she has a 15-91, and her friend has a 15-80. The difference in the needle thread path is what she was referring to. On her “right-handed machine”, she had to push the thread through the needle with her right hand, and catch it with her left hand, thus it was “right-handed”. But on her friend’s machine, she had to do it the other way, from left to right, and she didn’t like threading it with her left hand.

BTW - She referred to both machines as “Dress Makers”. The reason for that was both she and her friend were of the age when they in fact made dresses, many of them, for themselves and others in the area. So, if a nice little lady tells you that she has a “right-handed dress maker”, it could just be a Singer 15-91.

Back to the subject, the main difference about the Singer 115 is that it is a rotary machine instead of an Oscillating Shuttle machine. Rotary means that the hook goes completely around in a continuous circle, while the OS machine hook goes around about half way and then reverses back to the starting point. The rotaries are believed to have less vibration and run smoother.

CD in Oklahoma

Edited to add: I believe that the Singer 201-2 has been referred to as "The Dress Maker", possibly in Singer Advertising....

Originally Posted by purplefiend

A "new" machine followed me home today; cost me $10. She is a 1910 Singer #115. My first project machine, the only thing that moves right now is the handwheel(nothing else moves) and the stitch length lever. Most everything is rusted. It came with an added bonus! A mud dauber nest in the pillar(#2 pic). The decals are beautiful. I hope I can get her moving again.
Sharon W. in Texas

Originally Posted by miriam

How do you get pictures from Picasa on to here? I have pictures on there but it fails every time.

Originally Posted by quiltdoctor

I was reading CL today (Dallas)and have been watching an add pop up and be resubmitted for a week or so. The title was 1950 Singer and case $150.00 obo The body of the add didn't say much more and no pictures, so I decided to call and ask. The lady was kinda ditzy, but she remembered the machine had a fold up side and was in a black box. She read me the number and sure enough it is a Featherweight !! It needs a new power/cord assembly, so she was thrilled to take $100. for it. It is a Centenial machine and looks in good shape with very little wear to the decals. I have my Mother's featherweight, so I can plug it in tomorrow and check it out. Can't believe it was on CL for that long before I lucked into it. Pictures tomorrow.

Texas Jan

Originally Posted by Charlee

Save them to your computer and then post them from there...

Originally Posted by Kathie S.

Not only is Nancy petite and cute, she is a great person to have as a friend. She is always willing to go that extra mile for someone. Kathie

Originally Posted by QuiltnCowgirl

Today I am glad that I passed on getting the Brother machine earlier this week. This one re-listed today at a lowered price & I'm going to look at it tonight. A much nicer machine & cabinet. Oh and the guy with the other one relisted too. Dropped price from $80 to $60. Still too much.
http://fresno.craigslist.org/fuo/2743528417.html

Originally Posted by BoJangles

Ok you guys, now you are embarrassing me! There is not one person on here who wouldn't go the extra mile to help everyone else! You are all great!

I want to go pickle bowling with Miriam!

Nancy