Sewing

I’ve continued aiming my attention on Mammie’s National sewing machine; working on more detail cleaning, de-sludging and rust removal.  After reading some articles about cleaning vintage machines, I decided to soak the rusty face, bobbin and needle plates in a vinegar/salt solution.  Without precise measuring, I used a concentration of around 2 cups of 5% white vinegar (enough to cover the parts) and 1-2 tablespoons of Kosher salt.  I allowed them to soak for 6 hours; then rinsed the parts and soaked them again in a similar solution for another 6 hours.  When I thought they were as clean as possible without further pitting the finish, I rinsed the parts well and waxed them with automotive carnuba wax.  Though the parts are still rough, I’m quite pleased with the result.  I can always decide later to work further on these parts but it felt like time to move on to the next step.

With the entire machine begging for attention, I decided to next concentrate on the bobbin area.

Upon receiving this machine, I was extremely pleased to find the bobbin case and a bobbin of thread in the machine.  I discarded the old, rotten thread and cleaned the bobbin and case with machine oil and a worn green pad.  It cleaned to my satisfaction.

The bobbin/feed dog area required some careful scraping and prodding with an exacto knife, stiff artist brushes and dental tools.  After removing the oily lint and wiping the area, the feed dogs are clean.  I did much the same around the bobbin area to remove old oil and sludge.  It’s clean enough and moves freely.  I applied a thin layer of fresh oil.

The next area I’ve worked is the side behind the faceplate.  It was equally as grungy as the rest of the machine. With stuff brushes and oil, I was able to rid the area of sludge.  At this point, I’ve decided unless I completely disassemble the machine and sonically clean each part, there’s little hope of making the machine pristine.  Everything will remain ‘good enough’.

I decided to give some attention to the other end of the machine.  Although the hand wheel and bobbin winder parts move freely, they are encased in rust.  I’d like to try improving their looks.  I’ve tried removing the huge flatslot screw holding the bobbin winder to the machine.  No luck, even after being soaked in oil for months.  I even tried walloping the screwdriver with a rubber mallet but the screw still will not budge.  Heck, so much of this machine needs attention, I decided to skip working on the bobbin winder at this time and concentrate on the hand wheel.

I’ve found instructions for removing a Singer hand wheel on the Net.  As recommended, I photographed each part as it was removed and laid them in order on a clean rag.  Unfortunately, I ran into a dead end.  After pinching and scraping a few knuckles, hitting it with a rubber mallet and cursing, the hand wheel remains steadfast.  I just can’t figure out how it comes apart.  I decided it would be a better option to reassemble the hand wheel and walk away from the machine.  After unsuccessfully trying to disassemble both the bobbin winder and hand wheel, I could feel my frustration mounting.  It was time to point my attention in another direction.

A few days have since passed and I’ve re-oiled the machine head and placed it back into it’s padded box.  I will continue to research how to move forward with this machine and know I will soon return to it, fresh and undefeated.

In the meantime, I have quilts to finish and clothing to sew on any of several vintage, working machines.

I really want to sew on a treadle!

More soon.

Shirl

I really, really, really wanted to invest some time to refurbish my grandmother’s treadle sewing machine.  I can’t say I actually remember her using it because she purchased an electric machine possibly before I was born.  I do know she sewed a zillion stitches on her treadle machine, including sewing for the public to help with the family budget.  She was a very resourceful woman and a fabulous seamstress.

From stories she told, I knew she had purchased this National treadle sewing machine in 1925 (the year she married) and when I was in my mid 20’s, I asked if she had sold it or given it away.  She explained she put it in the dirt floor lean-to shed attached to the hay barn after purchasing a modern, electric machine.  The shed was open on 3 sides so the treadle machine was near totally exposed to the elements (including blowing rain, sand, hay dust, kids, chickens, mice, etc.) for several decades.  I asked if I could have the machine and she said if I could get it out, it was mine.

I was excited… until I saw the machine.  It had literally sunk about 18″ into the sandy mud, requiring a shovel for removal.  The cabinet was destroyed with only the top and one drawer front nearly recognizable.  Under the drawer front, we found a metal box of rusty machine attachments.   Everything was a complete sad mess.

Hubby saw my disappointment but encouraged me to  bring it home and we would work to restore it together.  Unfortunately, life got in the way and the machine sat in our high-n-dry wood-floor barn for 3 more decades, until my recent interest in vintage sewing machines sprouted and grew.

I brought it from the barn into the garage for a general dust-off and spiderweb removal.  As you can see in the photo, the top was wrecked and unsalvageable.  The treadle and machine head were both frozen from rust, old oil and sand.  In hopes of making something move, I doused the entire thing with machine oil and let it sit for 48 hours.

The treadle mechanism slowly began breaking loose so I continued dousing it with oil every few days.  After several weeks, the treadle moved freely and the machine hand wheel turned easily.  It took another week of oiling to enable the bobbin cover plate to swing open and the button release to allow the head to tilt back for access to the machine bottom.  I continued applying oil in hopes of flushing some of the sand, rust and sludge from the machine.  It’s amazing how much gunk came out!

When I felt the sludge was finally flushed away as much as oil would accomplish, I moved it into the house for more detailed cleaning.  I removed the head and cabinet parts so the irons could be scrubbed and oiled.  Other than quite a bit of rust, the irons and treadle are in surprisingly good shape and operate smoothly.    I’ve sat the head on a tray and continue to apply oil while I concentrate on removing some rust from the face, bobbin and needle plates.  I’ll soak them in a vinegar/salt solution and hope for the best.

I’ve accepted the machine will never be beautiful but because it was Mammie’s, it will always be special!

More soon.

Shirl