Originally Posted by
Mickey2
Early 1950s Singer, could be model 15; it came in various versions, regarding motor (potted/belted) , stitch length adjuster (knob/lever, lever=revers stitching). Other straight stitcher common in those years; model 66, 99 (smaller), 201. You mention model 33, but it's an industrial machine, not common for the home. Long bobbin models was still in production(128/127). I'm guessing not the most common either, though 128 was made until the early 60s. By the 50s they all had the same upper tension mechanism with a numbered dial.
Can you remember the bobbin? Was it round with or with out holes in the side? Slighly curved sides or flat? Long bobbin or round bobbin? Revers lever or a simple stitch length knob? Was it a drop in bobbin case (bobbin inserted horizontally) or was there a bobbin case you took out each time you had the bobbin out?
I have one of her bobbins. It was in my sewing box. It has holes in the sides and is flat with a little notch in the side. You took the bobbin holder out with a little lever (on the side of the holder) and inserted the bobbin into it pulled the thread through the side (for tension, I guess). Then you inserted the whole thing vertically into the hole under the needle.
It had an adjustable stitch length and a lever for reverse. It had a spindle on the base for your spool of thread for filling the bobbin.
I don't remember it having a belt.
I learned to sew on that machine making doll clothes. At first, it was very crude, but my sewing improved and eventually I made most of my clothes while I was in school. It would be perfect for piecing quilts.
My mom passed last year and her husband still has the machine, but I don't think he would let me have it. The DH suggested that I just find one and buy it.
bk