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| Singer 347 - complete with zig-zag stitch |
I was given this sewing machine through the freecycle system ( you list things you no longer want, and someone collects it for free, or in my case, you ask for a sewing machine and someone realises they have gathering dust that belonged to their mother.).
I was told the machine was in perfect working order when it was put away. Unfortunately whilst that may have been true, its 10 years or so in a box had slightly stiffened up the joints. Also, the little toolbox had become seperated from it, and so it arrived with no bobbins.
With the wonder of the internet I found a site that sold bobbins for this model. They arrived in 3 days. I loaded one up, but boy was the tension miles out! It took some time to persuade the machine it wanted to behave.
However now that I had the machine up and sewing, I felt the motor was a bit sluggish, so I assumed the belt needed replacing. Once again I began searching the web to find out if it was possible to get a new belt. Not only did I find somewhere to buy the belt, but I even found a blog that showed me how to adjust it. I left a comment on the blog and by this morning the blogger had offered to e-mail me a copy of the manual, all the way from Indiana!My machine was manufactured in 1965 I think, (obviously there is a website to type in your serial number to work out the age of the machine too).
So by the now my 2nd hand rather tired Singer Sewing Machine is like a brand new machine.As thanks to the wonder of the internet and the generousity of fellow bloggers, I shall be arranging a small giveaway on Thursday if you wish to call by.
Foot note below
Footnote (pun intended), if you were wondering, this is the generic free motion embroidery foot above a piece of cardboard. I haven't found anyway of dropping the feed-dogs so I have covered them up!
As well as hearing stories about how/why everyone does what they do, I also love stories about sewing machines!!
ReplyDeleteWhere were you when my Singer broke a few weeks ago??!!!! Hehe!! I was given a Singer, around the same age as my first machine a few weeks ago but I had no idea how to fix it and not being someone to have a lot of spare time to attempt to fix something I know nothing about I went out and bought a cheap replacement! Works well but not as versatile. Oh well I am still learning how to use it anyway!!
ReplyDeleteI like it when you can still get spare parts and things were made to last. Great that you could get help from some lovely bloggers.
ReplyDeleteThat's a brilliant story - thanks for sharing it! My old 1970's Singer machine used to have a raised footplate for free machine embroidery (it might have been called a darning plate). It was a superb machine for free machining - hope yours is as good (the foot is certainly a similar style so maybe the footplate will be similar too).
ReplyDeleteA great post, really interesting. Gone are the days when things were made to last longer than their guarantee. Hope you have a good week.
ReplyDeleteHey Polly. Something we truly have in common - sewing machines and Singers. I have two treadle machines and regularly use one (when I am doing things like curtains that is). I love the way it purrs as I am treadeling (is that a word?). Thanks to your post I now know that it is from 1923 and the more recently acquired one is 1933. That one needs a good service. I will get it done. Thanks for the link. I will now get the numbers off the others and find out how old they are. One of the machines had the receipt with it from about 1920 from Howells of Cardiff!! Yes it still works though it is a hand machine. Bless! Much nicer than electric!
ReplyDeleteI would love to have a sewing machine and be able to use it but it's so complicated! I hope you have many years of fun out of this machine. Have a good week. x
ReplyDeleteWhat an interesting blog this week. Amazing that you got the machine sorted out. My machine too is old - I got it for my 21st and that wasn't today or yesterday! Mich :)
ReplyDeleteI remember those machines when they were new! well done for sorting it out sometimes the older machines are easier to repair yourself and greatly satisfying.
ReplyDeleteSounds like you've got a friend for life now. Thats what I call a proper machine and how wonderful to be able to get spare parts on the web. The new machines are all computerised and have nothing you can oil and maintain....clever? yes, but they do get lots of hard work here and when the computer says no there is very little I can do to put things right.
ReplyDeleteHugs,
A x
I was bought that same model of machine when I was 14 and it was my pride and joy - I replaced it about 12 years later. I think I had a metal plate which sat on top of the feed dog for free machining. I might still have it so I will delve deep into my bits and bobs box and see!! x Jo
ReplyDeleteI'm still using my trusty 1980 machine, it's great to know that spare parts and helpful advice is still out there.
ReplyDeleteI haven't looked at freecycle for a while, I may need to remedy that :)
Jan x
That machine is a young whipper snapper... mine is 91 years old and still works perfectly. I love the sturdy nature of old machines, they are true workhorses who keep going forever! Am looking forward to the freehand embroidery...
ReplyDeleteGreat useful blog. I have an old Singer in the loft - it was in the house when we bought it 20 years ago - this has encouraged me to get it out and take a look at it. Thanks xx
ReplyDeleteHi Polly, I've found you via sandee's blog and just wanted to say what an interesting post. I'm a writer and am soon (I hope!) to embark on my second novel, which is based on dressmaking...although I'm not a seamstress and have no clue about sewing(!), so it'll be good research for me to have a look at your blog :0) I'm new to WOYWW, but I hope to make my first post this week. Best wishes, Deb
ReplyDeleteThat is just typical, a writer calls by just when I have one of my rushed postings with loads of errors in! Take a look at the blogger who advised on adjusting the belt, he fixes machines and he has loads of fab photos to get you in the mood.
DeleteI had fun bringing my old lady back to life, so satisfying isn't it? And your feed cover is genius.
ReplyDeleteI have a Frister Rossman machine (not sure of the spelling) which must be 35 years old. It used to be my mum's and I've been using it for the last 20 years and as far as I know it has never had a service! I've squirted a drop of oil on it from time to time and blown a bit of dust out but nothing more, it just keeps on going (touch wood, lol)
ReplyDeleteIt's amazing what you can find and do on the internet these days! Your so smart! I nominated you for the Liebster award so zip over to my blog and grab it! http://inthehillsofnorthcarolina.blogspot.com/2012/02/liebster-blog-awards.html waving hi from the hills of North Carolina :)
ReplyDeleteI think that's awesome! I love old things getting new homes that love them. I gave my old (well, circa 1985 or so) Kenmore to my Daughter in Law, altho I had it cleaned, adjusted and lubed first. It should be in working order. I also had to order a new manual since I could not put my hand son the original, altho I suspect it will show up eventually. However, there's nothing in the world wrong with a good old machine! Can't wait to see what you make now!
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