My Great-Grandmother's Minnesota Model A
 

The first time I ever saw this machine (or remembered seeing it) was last Christmas, and it was in sad shape! I have been looking for parts, etc., knowing that a lot was going to have to be replaced or repaired on this machine. Well, last week, I found a machine for sale for parts and/or restoration. In truth, the shell of the machine is in pretty good condition, and most of the decals are in pretty good shape, although some are silvered somewhat. Also, the bed of the machine is a little rough. I suspect it's going to have to have some shellac added (using Glenn's method) to further stabilize the decals and smooth out the finish. The parts machine has both the slide plate and needle plate, so those items will not be needed. I've already cleaned these two items, and it's amazing how well they've cleaned up. I haven't taken any pictures yet, but I will. I am anxious to get possession of Grandma's original machine (my cousin has it -- I'm trying to restore this one for her), so we can try to put at least a few things from Grandma's machine, enough to say it's her machine, restored! I'm sure I'll be calling on some of you for advice! Am I crazy? I sure hope not! My cousin has had a very hard time during the past several years, but she is really excited about this machine!

Jeanette

No more crazy than the rest of us. ;)
It's great that you're restoring your great grandmother's machine. As long as you post some pictures for us along the way I'm happy. :)
I know I would love some "before" pictures as well.
Rodney

Rodney, the machine I bought as a "parts" machine (which will no doubt end up being almost all of the remaining machine) is pretty clean to start with. The bed of the machine (around the decals) is a little rough, so I think Glenn's method of applying some shellac is called for. We drove to Mount Dora, FL Tuesday night to pick it up, and the weather was horrible on the way down, not too bad on the way back, and we took a main road (US 441) back instead of all the back roads. I started trying to clean a little of the machine (just the slide plate/needle plate (and this machine has two plates). My great-grandmother's original machine is pretty much a rust bucket -- my uncle had no concept of caring for a sewing machine and put it in his "shed" which, naturally sprung a leak, and all but obliterated the machine. There was just enough left that you could read the "Minnesota" and "Model A" and that's about all of it. I already have a shuttle and a bobbin which I got from a member of the quilting board, Betty from New York (last January or February). I'll get those pictures and post them ASAP.

Jeanette

Exciting project. Please post pictures whenever you can. Refurbs are always interesting. :)

Harsh about your Grandmother's machine. I think your plan of making one good machine from the two is a good one. It sounds like the body of the original will never be the same.
Rodney

I wasn't lucky enough to get my Mom's old Singer, or her green White, so instead of have examples of the two, and I think I love them just as much. ok - so I love all my machines LOL!!!

Looking forward to pictures too.

Always anxious for before and after photos.

Okay, here's the "Before" -- if I can get this to work properly! http://www.quiltingboard.com/attachm...d=495706&stc=1http://www.quiltingboard.com/attachm...d=495706&stc=1http://www.quiltingboard.com/attachm...d=495706&stc=1

Well, I won't say they're in the right order, but they're there! LOL!

Jeanette

This looks like the same picture on all of them. Is it? Barny

Barny, it shouldn't be, but they're all going to be similar!

Jeanette