Originally Posted by vintagemotif
I don't own a featherweight, but I do own and use my vintage machines which are all in treadles for piecing and quilting.
Why own a vintage machine because:
they are easy to care for and clean
can be purchased for under $50
they make beautiful stitches
they are designed for heavy use, to sew through thick fabrics like denim
true horse horses
they have a large harp space which makes it easier to quilt a large quilt they have beautiful decals and motifs
their cabinets are gorgeous, a piece of wood art
treadle irons are a piece of mechanical art
all metal, no plastics
And they never die- their previous owner may be long gone, but these machines just keep on living.
Well said! I don't have a FW yet, but am looking for one to follow me home. I got my 1919 Singer treadle for $20 and a portable hand crank Serata given to me by a friend when she saw my interest in vintage machines. I love the way they sew! Beautiful straight stitches. They are out there at good prices, so I will wait. After using the hand crank, I'm not in any hurry...I will probably take it to my quilt group. I think they are just beautiful. They were made to last, not to be replaced.
Serata hand crank
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1919 Singer treadle cleaned and oiled
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Section of the iron stand cleaned up only...not repainted, just cleaned up. You couldn't tell it had gold paint on it before cleaning.
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