Today I was lucky enough to acquire an old Singer hand crank. According to the serial number, the machine was manufactured in 1894. It is a 3/4 size machine and my best guess is that it is a VS 3. It has the “Scrolls & Roses” decals. The base is slotted for a treadle belt, so this machine could possible sit down into one of the drawing room cabinets. I will have to give that a try once I get her cleaned up.
Picked up a new “tailed” (electric) machine this week, a 301A. Some call it a big sister to the featherweight, but it really isn’t. The 301 was Singer’s 1st slant-needle machine….making it easier to see your work. All slant-needle Singers were manufactured in the Anderson, SC plant; hence the “A”. This one was made in the mid to late 50s. Sews like a dream after a little clean-up.
1914 Florence Rotary
My grandmother’s machine and cabinet are back together! Dad finished restoring the cabinet and I picked it up while I was visiting him in Iowa last week.
It now sits in the most coveted place in the house; behind the sofa and in front of the TV. It is where every machine wants to be! Yep, that is a picture of Grandma taken in 1912.
Here is a “after” picture of Grandma White’s machine. The decals silvered during cleanup, but I made the choice to allow that to happen. I wanted the machine as clean as possible since it is one I plan to use a lot. I believe Dad is done with the cabinet restoration, too, but I don’t have pictures of it yet.
Here are a couple of “before” pictures of my latest project:
My grandmother purchased this Florence Rotary new in 1914. She died in 1981 and the machine was neglected for roughly 30 years, spending most of its time in a shed where it suffered some water damage. My Dad was able to acquire it for me from a cousin last month. I can’t even begin to explain what an undertaking THAT was! I brought the machine head home in my carry-on and have it cleaned up and stitching. Dad is finishing up the cabinet restore at his home in Iowa. I cannot wait to get machine and cabinet reunited!
Dad said Grandma could make the machine “fly”. It sat in the corner of her dining room and made clothes for eight children and who knows how many grandkids. My plan is to piece MY granddaughter’s wedding quilt on it and then give both quilt and machine to her when she marries. She is only 10, so I will have some years to enjoy it between now and then.
Treadle Queen 