Originally Posted by chris_quilts
I have read all the pages but I'm anal/compulsive/what have you that way and this shop is my escape from reality. :) Also, as a result of being on here, I have acquired approximately 11 vintage machines.
Agreed. This site is bugged, and we've all caught it. Started off with a simple family machine, and an old relic of a treadle base someone dragged home as ornamentation. Then I needed to add a machine to the base. Then I got a donation of 5 vintage beauties which had been classroom machines. I had them serviced, on the donors nickel.
THEN, this segment of the board starts, and I realize how simple and inexpensive it would have been to just clean them myself. (One still needed professional work because of an electrical current leak.) The guild got me interested in having a featherweight, then things began to blossom. My little students have mixed emotions about using the old ladies. Some think it's pretty cool. I think the boys like the treadle technology more so than the girls. We'll be getting a new 4-H center in July, and I can start reclaiming my house. (Translation = add to MY collection without attracting hubbies attention.)
They haven't seen the pristine Taiwanese clone yet. I'm sure it'll get their attention. I do want to put it in a table. I'd still like some feed back on applying decals to the unadorned. I wouldn't want to impersonate a special model, but perhaps some motorcycle flames or garden flowers. Most of my kids are between 10 & 15. Once they learn some basic skills, then I set them up with a more modern machine that they can sign out and take home. More donations and Goodwill machines.