My Quilting Board Journey has led me to.......
 

First the Pics make the machine look much better and shinier than it really is. The lady I got it from never cleaned/restored after she bought it seven years ago; all she ever did was dust it. However, I think she used household chemicals spray between time pics took and we picked up. I have never used a treadle before and easy-peasy right off the bat! I probably paid too much for it but the cabinet, to me, is a quality piece of mission furniture. I wanted it for the treadle but now am in love with the machine. We instantly bonded, for sure. The bench the lady made herself to her leg length which happened to match mine. I probably paid too much for it but then, maybe not. I probably could have offered less but when I got right down to it, I was comfortable paying that amount. I want to sew, like yesterday and do not have time to work on restoring one so I won't be embarrassed to admit I spent $275. (I know you all would be curious but might be too polite to ask!) These pics are from the ad, not ones I took. Like I said, these pics make the machine look really good shape, which is a bit missleading. I have wanted a treadle for years but thought it would need be a mid-century machine, assuming the older ones were longer working. Alas! The Board opened my eyes. So, here I am thinking I must have only one machine that meets regular sewing/mending/quilting and thus, no straight stitch. Ha! No more. I now have my treadle, a ss and I can still have my mid-century de luxe with cams electric. Here I was talking of converting a machine from electric to treadle and I went and let you all convert me to a natural born treadle and an electric. I feel like I am having my cake and eating it, too! I must share that it was all the pics you all post of your vintage machines (electric and treadle) and how you found them and updates on restorations that got me here. Yeah, Board!



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oops, pics did not post correctly and some missing. Ugh!

Don't feel bad about the price. My understanding is those mission tables aren't all that common and are popular. I like mission furniture and would love that table. It's a beautiful machine. Mine looks like someone in the past hit it with some windex too. I've seen other examples of people cleaning, sometimes painting machines between making the deal and the buyer showing up. They almost always do more harm than good. I hope they didn't destroy your decals because they look great in these pictures.
Rodney

I just bought a machine this afternoon that would have been perfect for your conversion. I'm not sure if I'm unloading it tonight or will wait till morning but will post pictures when I do.
Rodney

Rodney, the decals are not that great. I was disappointed when I got there and looked at pics again to see if the same machine. Yep, just missed with the shine and the beauty of the cabinet, which is in great shape. (except smells like cigarettes but I can fix that) Then I remebered I really was there first for the cabinet and the machine was the sprinkles on the cupcake, so to speak. Then...I sat down and sewed and I did not care about the decals. Although, I did get a wave of covetousness when I saw yours you acquired today. What is the serial number? Mine is FR 466124 which I don't find on any of the lists. The last patent date listed on the silver plate used to access bobbin is April 18, 1911 so we know it was after that. The pully system to pull the machine up and bring in the front panel is amazing! Outstanding engineering. The cabinet has the ruler inlaid and it is in very good condition. There is the key, original screwdrivers and all kinds of little thingies. The lady sold it as she bought it seven years ago, including all these little bonuses. Lots of bobbins. We heat with an old wood cookstove in our diningroom (yes, heats the entire house) and I am actually looking forward to sewing across the room from the stove looking out the bay window and treadling. I have had no luck, up to this point, with free motion quilting. However, after just a few minutes I tried and things are looking more hopeful. I have watched alot of videos on treadling and most seem to use two feet but this thing cruises, without me loosing control, with hardly any effort. And to think I thought I waas going to burn some colories and strengthen the leg muscles! Just runs to easy and with such little effort. The lady told me, but don't know if true, that when she bought it she was told it was still the original belt. Really? How? And the same belt is on it now. She did put a new one in the drawer for me that she bought for when the old one died but never needed it.

Very nice, I like it. When I bought my Featherweight, before I picked it up the owner spray painted the case to "spiffy it up". He ruined it.

Cari

Well from what I can see you got a lovely machine and hear tell you are very happy with it! Sounds great to me! Congrats!

Great purchase! So glad you are happy. I don't think the price paid is never too much. If you are happy (yes) and the seller, the price is fine. go enjoy your new toy!

I agree with wilburness. You have a beautiful machine and cabinet and I've seen those for far more than you paid. The cabinet looks like it's in really great condition (and a nice machine, too!).

I think that if I found a truly pristine machine (meaning no dings, scratches -- basically never used), I wouldn't want to use it, as I'd be afraid to reduce its condition from 'mint' to 'near mint'.

Some years ago, I finally treated myself to a 4-figure wristwatch. And I never wear it because I'm afraid I'd scratch it. I may not be in poverty but that is the psychology of someone in poverty!

That can be a tough one to overcome. I think I've seen the same sort of thing with people who cover their couch in plastic to not ruin it. In the process of protecting it they lose a lot of the enjoyment they would get from it otherwise.
Collecting is different though. Part of the job of collector is caretaker where you do try to preserve the condition of whatever it is you're collecting.
I don't know that I would wear an expensive watch every day but I would take it out for special occasions.
Rodney