I found an antique treadle machine on craigslist that I may consider buying. I want to use the machine for quilting, not just have it for display. The brand is Vanadium - I've never heard of it and can't find info online. It comes with extra belts - accessories - and the manual. I plan to take fabric with me and try it out when I go look at it.

I know several of you piece and quilt with treadle machines --- can you FMQ? or do you mostly SID? Is there anything I should know about an antique machine before I buy this one? Thanks for your help!

ok - a lot of lookers but no responses.... :-(

I did a search of the forum and found a lot of information about treadle machines in general that answered some of my questions.

I am concerned about this brand ..... anyone know anything about them? I'm worried about being able to find the proper needles, bobbins, belts, etc...

I plan to take thread, fabric and batting with me when I look at this machine. Any advice on what to look for in particular on an antique machine?

The only reference I could find of Vanadium is a type of steel... it is odd that this is the only thing that came up in a internet search... Is it possible that they are not advertising this correctly?

okay I have done some searching for you
The brand you listed Vanadium was a badge name for the National sewing machine company. What that means is that National made the machine and then put a store (or) company name on it
So if you search for belts bobbins and such under the national brand you should be able to find if you can find stuff for it

Hope that helps
Also there is a antique sewing machine forum that I go to, I dont know if I can put the address here but if you want it you can PM me

Amma,
Thanks for looking - That is all the information I could find for vanadium, also. I was so confused. lol. AbbyQuilts found the 'real' maker of the machine and I requested the antique sewing machine forum information from her so I hope to learn more about this machine in order to make a decision.

Let us know if you buy it. and take pics for us.