No... it wasn't a Silent Sewing Week.....

Singer Model 99 Portable Sewing Machine Singer Model 99 Portable Sewing Machine

This little Singer Model 99- is a 3/4-size sewing machine. We purchased it at an antique store in New York during November 2007.
The paint and decals on this machine are in exceptional quality showing little sign of wear. We have a Model 99 which is a handcrank version which is much different from this one. Most notable differences are in the handwheel and decals. Decal detail can be seen on the banner at the top of this page.
Because of their small size and lighter weight, the 99s are great for taking your quilting projects onto the road with you. It will do anything a Featherweight will do and at a fraction of the cost. However, we hasten to point out that our stitches at this time are less than perfect, but think we can improve the stitch quality after the bobbin case is replaced and both thread tensions are properly adjusted. Our stitches show a very slight zzz thing happening. The upper thread tension system appears somewhat primitive when compared to other machines but this tensioning method has been around longer than this writer.
Our Model 99- makes a lockstitch sewing forward and in reverse. it only does a straight stitch (no zig-zag).
We.. Jim and Elizabeth's Brown have sewed a little on this one and soon learned that it is nice to be able to feed fabric into the machine using both hands

Singer 500A Slant-O-Matic i

The Singer 500A Slant-O-Matic is sometimes referred to as the "Rocketeer" due to its space-age styling. After the Singer Featherweight, this machine seems to have the greatest following according to a Singer dealer we were talking with.
The wavy pattern on the red and black quilt fabric banner above was sewn using this Singer 500.

The needle is slanted bringing it closer to the user for better visibility. There were arguments that the slant provides better penetration, but we wonder about that since it seems farther through fabric at an angle than straight through it. We have seen one sew through eight layers of denim and some claim they can be used to sew canvas, etc.


When it comes to a vintage all-metal machine that is the most versatile using built-in capability, this is our best one. By varying the two controls on the top-center of the machine, a wide variety of stitch patterns emerge. Also, cams or special disks can be purchased which increases the number and variety of stitch patterns.
Some folks claim this is the last of the good metal machines. After making these machines, the industry began using space-age plastics for some parts, however, the change effects the way the machine sounds and feels. There is no question that the newer machines have more capability such as drawing graphics, stopping the needle at the desired point, ease of making buttonholes, etc. Still, for those of us who like all things mechanical, we prefer heavy metal.
The 500A Slant-O-Matic feature moves the needle over 1-inch closer to the operator. The average bed is 7 inches wide and the needles are usually centered. On the Slant-O-Matic, the needle is less than 2-1/2 inches from the edge of the bed. This is a significant difference for some of us old people with failing vision.

The cabinet is 46" long (when extended and machine is up) x 29" tall (not including the machine height) x 16" deep. The manual with the machine says it is for 15-88 and 15-89. I believe the cabinet is made of walnut. I do not see any major defects or blemishes that I need to disclose. The cabinet has five drawers: The four on the sides of the cabinet and one long separated drawer below the machine well. 

Singer Serial Number Database ISMAC

Singer Treadle   linking to another good blogspot

LETTER:                                            AF   

Register Number:                              91806 - 126805

MACHINE CLASS  MODEL #       15

DATE ALLOTTED                          November 21, 1938

The Singer Model 15-88 was the last machine they designed specifically for treadle use. It was supplied in a somewhat modern looking treadle with steel or occasionally wood sides, a bit smaller than the older ornate treadles. It was equipped with built in lever stitch length regulation and reverse, plus lowering feed dogs. The Class 15 action is a good strong one. This machine uses standard needles and standard low shank feet, and will accept all of the modern piecing , even feed and darning feet. If you can find one, you have virtually the best of all possible worlds from a treadle user's standpoint.
So, what are the disadvantages of a 15-88… basically only aesthetic… they are the typical plain black Singer, and the treadle is quite simple in appearance. They were marketed from the early 1930's into the 1950's.

The Model 15 was made as a hand crank, treadle and an electric machine. An industrial version - the Model 16 was also made.

Model 15, introduced in the 1880's and continuing into production today. The Model 15 series features a removable round bobbin in a bobbin case mounted under the needle vertically… quite different from the shuttle bobbin machines. The oldest version commonly found is the 15-30. It has a lever stitch length control, but no reverse. This is a somewhat better built machine than the shuttle bobbin models… it was more expensive in it's day  (Dick Wightman)

Abt 1941 ~ Singer Treadle Sew - Soo Cute

It's closing in on Spring Fever... and that means garage sales and Estate sales.... So this was the TREASURE OF THE DAY!!!

Welcome to your new home.....    Saturday Estate Sale price was $45.00.... Sunday via 9:22am.... Half Price Sale was $22.50...........SOLD  !!!!

(abt)  1939 Singer Treadle Sewing Machine

Serial Number:    AF-152.106 to AF-397.655

Here's an internet picture of what I think is the same machine...

 Below.... Little pop-out drawer.....

I'm on my way out of town... but as soon as I get back I intend to spend several weeks spraying the inner parts of the machine with WD40  (need to rinse off.. really well so it won't turn gummy later on)  – then apply oil, wait, clean again, and re-apply.  (Blogger... Sue's World prior link....)  Hopefully my effort will be rewarded with smoothly running  . . moving parts! It;s not yet in pristine condition due to years of sitting in storage in garage.

.......there are simple ways of taking care of a machine . . . .
The best way to return the wood’s original and beautiful shiny feature is to rub some lemon oil. If you do this process for several weeks, you can regain the brand new condition of the machine.

1. It is common for the metal parts of any old type of machine to rust or crack its paint. Most collectors are attracted to this kind of look, so no need to repaint or sand it down.
2. The machinery or mechanism of the machine only needs some sewing machine oil and belt to get it back in good condition.

It's a beautiful morning....

I think I'll go outside for a while.... and just smile.....!!!!!

......this is a jpg I downloaded called.... World Quit from a fellow blogger a few months ago...

ENJOY the Day!

Making it to Thursday....

And A Friday payday....... btw.... I'm ironing and hand sewing folder flowers and Cathedral Windows.

Who told Life to Crowd Me out of my Sewing Room???

All of My Hexies are UP-To-DATE.....

I am mailing out to my February Inchy Hexagon partner....She asked for pastel and cream.  I went to Walmart and paid a quarter for 1/8th yd of cotton fabric --- Pastel!!!   And she has to have the X and O (hugs and kisses) for Valentine Month!!!

Finishing a Cathedral Window....

My 14-inch completed cathedral window square is made up of four sewn-together 7 inch" little pressed blocks........then I have hand-sewn 24 little 2inch colorful fabric squares for a finished block...WHEW!!!

This particular square has really been my depression companion  ...  lots of down, dopey, prayer thoughts and feelings....   when I've felt like giving up.... I stitched on and on.... step by step, one at a time.... coming close to perfection.... and making it to the end!
  


Then it is so neat....   to take a blank page in my life...via the next 7" square .....starting a new one....  there's hope and beauty to be attained in my life!

 Actually, I had driven to browse an antique shop... picked up a pretty little 1920's TAM..little hat... and with all the down feelings.... I shot 4-5 self portraits with a smile.....   Just trying to make it... PTL!

II Corinthians 4:17 verse:  For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory (!!)

Just before Midnight....A Flower-Girl was Spotted!

She grew and grew...until she bloomed into this little Hexie!   
Tis... it is One Flower Wednesday....I'm browsing my bookshelf.... and this fabric selection was purchased about 3-5 years ago???   Sassy, classy black girls.... like me... Except I haven't sported a pony-tail since I was 12 years old.... there's a picture somewhere.....   But still young at heart!

 Here is my Winter Journal.... A gift from my Church Women's Group1

    COMFORT

And just where do you think I find comfort and peace of mind?

Sewing is the craft of attaching objects using stitches made with a needle and thread.  Even before spinning yarn or the weaving of wool into fabric......The act of sewing is believed to be the oldest of the textile arts.... Stone Age people sewed fur together to make clothing using bones, antlers or even ivory objects...shaped to pull thru a "THREAD" made of an animal part (sinew, cat-guts, or the stretchy, strong veins)
      So it is that sewing is a thing of comfort and beauty!

How is comfort defined?

1. state of being comfortable: conditions in which somebody feels physically relaxed
2. comfortable thing: something that makes you feel physically relaxed

• As a Verb (used with object):  comfort means to soothe, console, or reassure; bring cheer to!
  

  
  
  
  This is what I see as a rather unusual picture of Mary McLeod Bethune..... a 20th century educator and pioneer!  It's a somewhat younger photo, her hair is nicely pinned back, her clothing is upscale, lace on her sleeves..... with a heart shaped necklace.... I wonder if it were children or a good man that she loves.  It's a studio setting as she gazes....  she carried many a burden.....
  

  

  
  

  
  

  "Remember the word to Your servant, upon which You have caused me to hope.

  This is my comfort in my affliction, for Your word has given me life."  Psalm 119:49-50

  
  
  

  My inspiration today for hope and comfort!

  
  

Merry Monday.... for me...

I'm thankful for Oklahoma weather!

etc.... More of the same..... Hexie Mania

 This was Wednesday's completion...... Aptly named etc.... more of the same... but no monotomy involved in this hexagon!!

Time to re-read a good old quilt book!