Kyiav10

Ok, I have been wanting a treadle sewing machine for a little while now. I have never seen one work in person, only on youtube. But I can finally say I have entered the ranks of having a vintage machine.

My maternal grandmothers, brothers wife inherited this machine from her mother. The aunt does not know if her mother was the original owner of the machine or if she inherited it from her mother or mother in law. I would love to know this information to keep with the machine! My Aunt does not sew nor does she have any immediate family that was interested in this machine. She heard that I was looking for one and gifted this to me. Does not want anything in return. But I made a small quilt for her that would be great as a table topper. Will mail it off to her this week with a thank you card for her generosity.

The machine has not been used in 20+ years. It needs a thorough cleaning. I am going to watch Mav's videos and see if I can handle the job on my own??? Should be fun, right!!????

The manual pictured says it is a 1889 Vibrating Shuttle No. 2 Singer. SR# 9036624. How do I find out more about this machine? Where do I run the serial number for the info.

Is there anyone that can tell me what this machine can do?? Will I be able to quilt with it?? Can I drop the feed dogs on it to do motion quilting?? Any and all info is greatly appreciated!!

Here are the pics, Kyia (Michele)

nurseknitsLaura

OHHHH, pretty! Treadlon.net is also a good source for actually sewing on a treadle. I have this machine on my wish list! IIRC, you can't drop the dogs, but many people don't drop them for free motion. Using a treadle is addictive! I find myself using one more often than not, now that I have room to have one set up all the time. Enjoy your lovely machine! Laura

Kyiav10

Laura, Thank you for the reply! Shame I can't drop the dogs, but I think I will still do some quilting on her when she is ready to go. What does IIRC stand for??

I think she is pretty too even though shes a little shall we say, up there in age. I am going to name her after my aunts mother but I have to find out her name.

Kyia

Crossstitcher

I looked up your serial number a can only come up with the year made which is same as your manual 1889. Someone on the board may have a copy of the numbers before Singer pulled them from the internet. Your machine is very pretty and so is the cabinet. You will enjoy sewing on her.

almond

Look what I got in the mail today. My newly purchased 301. Sews really good and is really clean. I love how it fits in the table.

[ATTACH=CONFIG]360310[/ATTACH]

Monroe

What a lovely 301, and the table is gorgeous! Was it refinished or simply pristine? I seriously should put a cover over my keyboard for the envy drool. So many beautiful machines here.

almond

No it has not been refinished, just don't think it was used much.

blueheavenfla

Kyiav10
I am just about finished refurbishing this same machine with the same coffin top but a 5 drawer cabinet. Unfortunately, mine was missing the shuttle and the one that I purchased rubs just a bit so I have to look into that when time permits. We put a new leather belt on her yesterday but I fear we made it a bit too loose...we shall see...can always cut off a bit but can't add on if we cut off too much. I need to get a new tire for the bobbin winder. Don't know where my mind was when I ordered other parts but I have to get some parts for the 128 that I got a couple weeks ago and am working on now. When I get time to take photos of mine refurbished, I will post them but I have a pressing time limit on another project that must come first (a challenge quilt). I am really looking forward to sewing on my VS2. Isn't it funny that our machines are identical, along with the exact same coffin top. I got a puzzle box of attachments with mine but many are missing and the ruffler was the wrong one but it was broken anyway so ...
I had to replace the veneer on the top of the box and cabinet (it disintegrated into tiny pieces and a lot of dust) and have finished the staining and shellacking. It was exciting to finally get the machine in the cabinet yesterday. My husband stripped, primed and painted the iron and put gold paint on the Singer emblem on each side. It looks very stately now as should an elderly lady of her age. Glenn has posted really good instructions on refurbishing our lovely ladies. This is quite like the machine I learned to sew on about 65 years ago. Have fun working on your machine.
Donna

blueheavenfla

Your 301 is lovely...I have one that is black and one that is Godzilla brown finish. They sew very nicely. Enjoy yours! The table looks so much more useful for quilting than a regular cabinet.

Jeaniebeanie

Hello, new kid on the block. Right now handy hubby is working on a White rotary treadle ("Mary Gertrude") I inherited from an old neighbor. Plus I own another vintage machine ("Madge") -- a lovely avocado green/cream colored beauty. Just poking around now, mining some of the sage info.

Looking forward to learning more...