Oh my gosh !! 'Charlee' Update
 

Oh my gosh!!! Oh my gosh!! I apologize if I disturb anyone one with my squealing.

You see, dh got a belt put onto 'Charlee' for me and I finally got to sit and sew with her. We worked through 'tension' issues like a hot knife through butter and getting her 'regulated' was easier than making bran muffins :-) Her bobbin ring is due in soon but I couldn't wait another day so I by-passed the system for now. I brought her bobbin up to Mother Janome and groveled for a favor. She snickered a bit but stepped up to the tasked and voila - old meets new. Trot back downstairs, drop in the bobbin, slide the cover, give the hand wheel a spin or two, and it was just like we've been together since peanut butter and jelly. DH was a love and took some photos to document the moment - how sweet is that?

If you haven't already met Charlee, here's a link to the original post. - http://tinyurl.com/6smnts4 (Meet 'Charlee', a 1920 Singer 66-1 (Pic heavy).

The human QB Charlee told me working through tension on these babies is nothing and was she right. Just kept giving little turns and next thing you know, she was performing like reins on a mares neck. Sweet.

I included one shot of the trial piece. You can see where the tension was crazy out of control, and how easy it was to get it correct. Then it was on to playing with the stitch length regulator. Again, another walk in the park.

These girls... m,m,m. They give so much and ask for so little in return.

Gotta get back to learning and playing. And if anyone out there is considering getting one of these girls but might be intimidated, let me tell 'ya, you will be rewarded a thousand times over when you get one, bring her home, clean 'er up and get her running for the first time. So sweet.

Best,
d

I'm doing a happy dance for you. Enjoy playing with Charlee. You did such a great job!

D, you are just too cute!! ~giggle~ I'm so glad you were able to play!

What a wonderful story and so glad you are able to use her for the purpose she was intended for. She's a beauty. Congratulations.

I am beside myself with giddiness. Seriously.

This is just like when I was a little girl and the year I got a pair of much-coveted ice skates for Christmas.


Dh loves her sound.

best, d

Don't you just LOVE LOVE LOVE these old girls? The epitome of simplicity and style, while working like a plow horse. Just keeps keepin' on!!

I had similar tension issues with my 66-1 when I first got her, but now she just purrs along.

As a side light, I was sitting at my dining room table sewing with my 301, and my mom (who lives with us now) was watching TV, sitting about 8 feet away from me, and she said "Are you sewing?" I said yes. She said "I don't even hear that machine!"

These older machines are just so sweet!!!

If she was any sweeter, I'd choke :-)

Bless you for having your mom live with you.

best,
d

sounds like heaven to me! So happy she is working again! LOVE red eyes!

Congrats enjoy Charlie!!!

Hello Whigrose,

What a fabulous machine! We don't get redeyes here, and yours is an absolute beauty. Also, I'm so pleased you have found my Youtube videos and that they have been helpful.

Sorting out the tension can be tricky. Some machines I have sorted out in seconds (yes, really!) but my most beautiful machine, which is the only one I consider too beautiful even to use, took me four very long evenings staying up far too late. You can never tell.

You will have hours of fun with your machine. I look forward to seeing pictures of the first quilt you make on it!