Wednesday, July 16, 2014

new love

I went to an estate sale recently and came across an antique sewing machine.  I didn't really know anything about it so I came home and researched it a little bit.  It turns out the machine was a Singer Featherweight 221.    It seemed to be in pretty good condition.  So, I went back up to the estate sale and talked to the family more about it.  The owner's kids told me they only ever remembered her using it 4 times.  Long story short, it came home with me that day.


Isn't it so pretty!?!?  It's in beautiful shape.  It has a few light scratches, but nothing too major.  The decals are all pretty sharp with only a light rub in one spot.  My husband oiled it, polished it, and checked the wiring.  I got a kit from April 1930's to give it a tune up.  I researched the serial number and it was made in February 1952.


Yesterday, I figured out how to thread the top stitched and the fill the bobbin.  I also figured out how to adjust the tension on the bobbin and the machine.  It's all a learning experience for me because I haven't sewn that much before except on cards.

I've been wanting to do some sewing and learn how to quilt for quite a while now.  Finding this beauty was just the push I needed.  I took my kiddos to the fabric store last week and they each picked out a couple fat quarters to create some bags and some other fabric for pillowcases.   They want to learn, too, especially my daughter so I thought pillowcases would be a good place to start.


Today, I sewed my first project on the machine.  It sews like a dream!  I'm a perfectionist and a novice when it comes to sewing so I love that I can control the speed so easily.  I've never used my larger machine that much because it sews too quickly for me.  I used Amy's Easy Fat Quarter Bag Tutorial to create this bag with some fat quarters my middle son chose at the fabric store.  Her tutorial was really easy to follow and I love how it turned out!


This was the fabric that J picked.   I tried to talk him into another color/design for the inside, but he loved the green and that's all he wanted. :)


(He's getting to be such a big boy.  We celebrated his 4th birthday the end of June.  Where does time go?!  He is seriously one of the sweetest little boys ever.)


I think he really likes it.  lol  It's filled with trains now and the older two are anxiously awaiting their bags.  I wasn't able to get started on their bags.  I had a little one needing me.


The littlest one really wanted to help when I was taking a few photos.  He reallllly wanted that bag!  He's crawling and standing by things and into everything! lol  It's amazing how quickly they grow and change.


I love his little pudgy legs and arms.  It's so cute seeing a tiny, little person standing up and he's so proud of himself.




I may be a tad more than impartial, but that little adorable face just makes me happy.  He is such a cutie and such a blessing (like all of our children have been).  I'm really trying to soak in every minute of the baby years.  They go by so quickly.

Have a great week!
Niki

10 comments:

quirks59m said...

I have one of these machines as well - from 1938. Belonged to my M-I-L's cousin. I find that these make a more perfect straight stitch than any new computerized machine. Happy sewing!

Vicki Dutcher said...

What an awesome machine! My mom had one and it was excellent for sewing! Good for you on the find! Your 2 littles are SO CUTE!!! You have reason to smile :)

Mendi Yoshikawa said...

Such a beautiful machine! Congrats! Your bag turned out cute and your models are adorable! I can never get enough of the pudgy arms and legs. ;)

Debra said...

Your kids are just adorable! Glad you got that sewing machine! I used to sew clothes for myself and totally loved it. I will get back to it someday. Good luck on your new craft and looks like you're off to a great start!

Gabby said...

FAB machine, Niki! Your DH did a great job. It looks like new! So glad you are enjoying it. When I was a kid, my G'ma and I used to sew on her Singer treadle sewing machine. It was fun! A few yrs ago, when I bought my inexpensive machine to use to sew on cards, I wished I had G'ma's old treadle. :) OMGosh your boys are cuties! They both look like happy boys. Those roly poly baby legs are sweet! :)

mary said...

I just wanted to tell you that the machine you bought is worth considerable amount of money. I don't know what you paid, but they sell for hundreds of dollars, like $500.00 and more.... So hope you got a good deal!
Have fun.......

Michelle said...

What a beautiful machine! What a great find! I have my Grandma's old Singer treadle machine (from somewhere between 1910 and 1920), but it has been used way more than your "new" machine. I love your cute models, and that bright bag! :-)

Kathy Martin said...

Hey Niki! I have the very same sewing machine. It belonged to my husband's grandmother. I don't know how to sew, but I've been dying to learn and your post made me go to the attic, get the machine and dust it off! Mine has a nice sturdy case to store it in so it's very clean and looks to be in good shape. I'll have to give it a cleaning or bring it in for servicing to see if it needs any care. It would be fun to learn on this old beauty! Look forward to seeing more of your creations! :)

Anonymous said...

My mom has a Singer machine just like yours and my sister has my grandma's. Both of these machines have been used a lot and are still working. You did a good job on the bag and thanks for the link to the tutorial.

BMW said...

This looks like the sewing machine I used when my Mom taught me to sew (early 1970s). Your two youngest look sooo cute! Isn't it nice when they are the age where everything is fun for them!