Wrap on vintage machines
 

Sorry if this is a silly question, but here goes: I frequently see pictures of vintage machines with some sort of fabric wrap on it. Can anyone tell me what the purpose is/was? Thanks in advance! Holly

http://images.craigslist.org/00T0T_4...f7_600x450.jpg

that was used like a pin cushion

...and collectors refer to the damage that the pins typically cause to the machine under that as "diaper rash"

Those wrapping you see are also the cause of a lot of needle damage to the finish.

Here's my New Home AB when I first got it home:
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You can see the two needle bands on it.

After cleaning:
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You can see the damage to the finish where the bands were.

Those bands are the worst idea anyone ever came up with. I always try to ignore machines with such bands on them.

Joe

LOL Steve, that's the first time I've seen it called that. I've always seen it called 'pin rash.'

Cari

same here it's called pin rash LOL

Pin and diaper rash have a lot in common. Both are a pain in the butt. It must be a real handy place for pins because so many people have done it over the years.
Rodney

Yep. Pin rag, pin rash.

I like machines with LOTS of pin rash - usually they are really good machines because they have been well used.

My 128 had pin rash. The rag on it looked like it had been first used to wipe up oil under the car.
Someone said to just put on a new rag.

I agree. Most of mine that I rely on have pin rash on them, a couple of them have severe pin rash, but they’re great-running machines.

Installing a new wrap but not using it for pins can actually return the machine to an “authentic-looking” appearance, since wrapped machines were so common back in the day and it’s not unusual to see old photos of one. Carefully inserting a few decorative pins to explain the wrap can add interest as display.

CD in Oklahoma

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The DGKs think this is adorable.

I feel the same way about pin rash ,, it's an honor. in 2 cases I now wish I would have cleaned or tried to wash the original cloth and put that and it's pins back in place. I feel that fabric would have fallen apart

Odd man out again.


I don't see pin rash as an honor, I see it as abuse.


Joe

I kind of like how they look, as well as how utilitarian they are. I've been trying to figure out a way to make one that won't get in the way of the light on my Featherweight, will have some sort of thick back on it (like the flexible plastic on those semi-disposable cutting boards) to protect the machine and will actually have a little fluff in it so the pins can go straight in, but stop at the protective backing.
We'll see what I can come up with.

I've been thinking about some kind of backing to go inside, too.

Well, Joe - mechanically speaking there may be abuse but from what I've found they are like roaches you can't kill those old black machines and they run faster for trying. As far as how they look - at least they look used - very well used. We should do some kind of picture thread with the rags on the machines maybe see how creative we can go with it.

Haha! Too funny! :D

Use two layers of mole skin and then your wrap? This only comes to mind because I broke my arm last week and and they had to put mole skin in a couple of places yesterday where the cast was irritating my thumb area. It is soft foam, sticky back. I bet if you stacked two layer then a thin layer of quilted batting/fav fabric around it would be pretty awesome right? Wouldn't have to peel off first paper from mole skin if didn't want it sticking to machine finish.

Pin cushion on the arm was usually put there by a seamstress who did lots of dress making and used lots of pins in her sewing. She sewed very fast and needed a quick place to put pins. This was not abuse this was very functional and a needed place for pins without it being on the table. I got this bit form researching the net and and reading about sewing history in the library. I wish I could remember the book.

It just makes it harder to find machines with good decals in that area. People have always modified their tools to suit their needs. It was an honest use of the machine at the time though most of us here wouldn't do it now. Besides, modern machines won't let you.
Roserips told me that Elk leather will stop a needle. We were talking about me making a leather thimble at the time. Leather would be a good backing if you want a pin cushion there. A thick piece of leather would be flexible and stop the pins from hitting the machine surface. We don't jab a pin cushion with the same force we use on a thimble. A stiff but still flexible piece of plastic might work as a backing too if you want a functional pincushion there that won't further damage your machine's finish.
Rodney

I sure wouldn't use anything with adhesive - that stuff is horrible to get off when it gets old and dried out. I have thought about a magnet strip behind the rag though.

one of the rags I've taken off had a piece of tin inside

That's why I said don't peel off the paper on the piece that is in contact with the arm....but stacking the two pieces of moleskin with the sticky would work. But I like Rodney's answer better than mine anyway....leather makes good sense!

I made one to replace the one that was on my LaVinnie hand crank. I used pliable plastic as the inner pin stop, the plastic came with bacon, and made a tiny little quilt with some batt for the fabric.

Oh we so need to make some kind of pictures of these 'do rags' on the machines!!! I want to see yours.

that plastic on Bacon sounds prefect ... Gotta love the " do rag" = pintex or Depins

Just like the mixer in my kitchen and the various tools in the garage, sewing machines were "tools" of the day and treated as such - especially by a tailor of a seamstress. Those are hard earned battle scars, or as I often refer to them - their stories. Would I rather a pristine machine? Sure. Will I pass one over because of rash? It really depends on what I want it for. Certainly for usability, I won't. They're run in good when they've got rash. :)

One of my favorite machines in my collection has a lot of damage from pin rash. It's just more of her stories and she's got a lot of them.

I was thinking a piece of leather like what they make tool holders out of would work well. I have some from when my dad took me to leather classes. It's probably 1/8" or more thick and should ward off needles. You might even be able to install a plastic snap to secure it to the machine... and a little fabric under that to make sure it doesn't scratch the machine.

I wonder if a bit of soda can would work. It is easily cut and could be molded as needed. Pins might go through.

I have a very old domestic treadle coffin top machine. It has a rag around it and I am hesitant to remove it even to clean the machine. Seems to give it caricature and personality. My great grandmother had a similar machine that a cousin now has, so when I look at mine, I think of her sewing for her family.

I also have a 99 Singer with terrible pin scars. It was froze up when I got it, box falling apart and packed full of lint. With lots of loving care I brought her/him back to life and it sews well!! I call it my little giant. I just wish it could tell me all it sewed and for who. I am sure there would be a interesting and fascinating story if it could only tell. It is a knee controlled portable and I found a knee bar that works and the control still works.

Ethel

Ethel, those old battle scarred machines are the best. Would the previous owner have put on a new wrap??? I betcha she would have. I would worry about a soda can scratching things up more. A new wrap wouldn't do near the damage. I've seen old white wool - all kinds of other fabrics. What I don't understand is why so many were white? If you look at my avitar pic you can see the white wool rag on the machine - of course I removed it.

I would guess that the most prevalent colors of fabric in most households was black and white since they were so basic, plus, white or natural muslin was possibly two of the least expensive fabrics. No need in using expensive or desired fabrics for a simple wrap.

Plus, since white (or light) fabric was more distinguishable on a black machine than black fabric, and many operators pulled pins and placed them in the pin cushion without actually taking their eyes off of their work (think: keeping the treadle going), the lighter-colored fabric may have stood out in their peripheral vision better. Just a guess.

CD in Oklahoma

Thank you all for your knowledge!

Holly