WMUTeach

I ditto Tessagin and after cleaning with the bleach solution, set the case in the sun. That will help too. I just got a featherweight and case was smelly, the sun help with that but the case also had a gray "haze" I did the light bleach solution wipe down and then basked it in the sun. Haze is gone, smell is MUCH better and the haze has not come back!

oldsewnsew

bleach on black cloth covering? hmmmm...learn sumpin new ever day!!!

lots2do

Thank you, everyone.

buntcake49

I know this is a little late, however, I had a dog that chewed up the leather around my case. Since then, at several quilt shows, I found a business called "Twice as Nice" in our area. They recover the featherweight cases with fabric. You can either give them the fabric you want or see what they already have. I believe they also can recover the case with black leather like fabric. If you are interested, I can try to find their address and phone number for you.

oldsewnsew

I thought I might tag on to this thread with some recent work I've been doing on a couple of pitiful FW cases, one from 1929 and one from 1950 (IIRC). They both had the material loose from the boxes, and were discolored and shabby with scratches etc. I wasn't into a complete strip and redo yet. so
[ATTACH=CONFIG]487697[/ATTACH]
[ATTACH=CONFIG]487698[/ATTACH][ATTACH=CONFIG]487699[/ATTACH]
[ATTACH=CONFIG]487700[/ATTACH][ATTACH=CONFIG]487701[/ATTACH]
Basically just using Elmer's white glue and a wet finger or sponge to rebond the tattered edges. I changed the order and bonded the bottom material first and the side material over it. The factory used the reverse order, therefore the sides were in better shape than the bottom. Even the tattered corners and tears elsewhere were just white glued back down. Even the interiors. The finger or sponge or plastic glue spatula can work out the bubbles. Afterwards, I used an idea from a Joe Miller post and used black shoe polish, the liquid black for scuffs and sole edges, to reblacken them. I guess I could use clear something over that, but they do look a whole lot better, IMO.
[ATTACH=CONFIG]487703[/ATTACH] Now if I can find a pair of the top latches for the older case...

lots2do

Wow! Those cases look amazing! Ellie, I wouldn't mind the contact info if you can easily find it.
My sewing machine guy in NH told me to wipe the fuzzies off and heat the case with the high setting on a hair dryer. I did that and then took one of your pieces of advice and baked it in the car in the Florida heat all day long. I really hate bleach so will only use that as a last resort. He said if the mold spores are killed by the heat, I should be all set. I did bring it back to NH and will purchase a soft case for the FW that will stay in FL. The NH one can live in this case. I am going to try the black polish trick, too, just for looks.
Thank you all again!
lots2do

cashs_mom

I live in Houston which is pretty much mold central. I agree with the bleach and water to remove it and also with getting it out of the moldy basement. If it's not possible to get it out of the basement you could try putting it in a large sealable bag (if you can locate one) with one of those packets that absorbs dampness. That might help.

And, yes, mold is very bad for your breathing and is often the source of other "mystery" illnesses.

MFord

I wiped mine down with a vinegar/water solution and set it out in the baking desert sun for about 4 days. It smells much better, but - someone had lined the interior with self-stick shelf liner and that sort of bubbled up. So now I can't close it! Just need to cut some out, I think, but I probably will carry this baby around in a small soft bag or a small roller case as the case is heavy and awkward to carry. Lots better than the old wooden ones, though! (Sadly, my mom had a machine with a wooden case. She got rid of it when she got her plastic wonder Singer sometime in the 70's or 80's. And a cousin got the great-grandmother's treadle machine. I want to cry, but I think I'll have some chocolate ice cream first!

Margaret F

Monroe

Just be careful if storing your FW or any machine in humid areas. Fabric totes/ cases and cotton thread can absorb moisture, causing rust and mold. The horsehide glue used in making the cases molds easily and is a common cause of odors, as is the drip pan felt. Perhaps someone dealing with these issues will chime in, but I think using silica gel packs might help, and some sort of waterproofing or sealer for the case? A friend stores her FW in a train/cosmetic case with packs of floral dessicant crystals which are used to dry and preserve flowers.

Rodney

Good looking repairs Jim. One question: I saw you were using school glue in the pictures. i know white glue isn't waterproof anyway but isn't the washable school glue even weaker in that area? I would be worried the fabric will lift off again though I can't really think of anything that will work better either.
Rodney