1954 Singer 66

I purchased a 1954 Singer 66 in mint condition from a local Craigslist seller.  I thought that the machine might be more "solid" than Brown Betty, not a cookie, but my pet name but for my Kenmore 117.812 (made by White, 1948).  I paid $100.  It was in excellent, original condition.  It needed nominal cleaning but MUCH oiling.  It needs a replacement belt and a new tire for the bobbin winder. Also, the clutch is not disengaging correctly for the bobbin winder as the winder winds but the needle goes. . I think that is an easy fix.

With two vintage machines, one a rotary, one an oscillating, I had a chance for a sew off.  Make no mistake.  The Singer 66 is "Black Beauty"...she is sleek and graceful.  Brown Betty...well she looks like she is built for radar subterfuge like a stealth bomber: angular and jaunty. I've heard so much about the Singer 66 being a workhorse and that it had more foot clearance than the Kenmore it seemed a reasonable purchase.  I do have my grandmother's Singer 66, but it is a treadle, and I have not conscripted that into service.  However, I did learn that you can motorize one if it has a hole in the cast body to accept a motor.  It does.  We'll put ideas about that machine in the parking lot for now.

Before the sew off, though, I had to give the 66 a fighting chance.  Armed with Kroil that I had put into a small bottle with a very small metal tip, I liberally squirted Kroil in all the oil parts and underneath the machine.  I removed the side plate and spied some trapped, red,  'material'.  Oh, I must get this out.  I tugged, poked prodded and even resorted to getting a lighter to burn it out.  I also spied a screw that if I could undo it I could more easily get to the trapped red stuff.  That screw was so tight I had to abandon.

It then occurred to me that all of my efforts were thwarted for a reason.  Alas, I learned that the red bit of felt is simply wicking material that you drop oil on to keep the race lubricated. Whoopsie!  Second, I learned that the unyielding screw was "the screw that must not be turned".  It houses the integral, needful things for it to STITCH.  Luckily the screw that must not be turned could not be turned:  Disaster averted. (I will also note, that I have my grandmother's vintage 66 red eye.  I note that the red felt in the bobbin is completely gone).

To repair my felt excavation damage, I found some candle wicking material and shoved it into the spring that held the last few shreds of the red felt. It seemed secure, and I oiled it.  I ran the machine very fast so that the Kroil could do it's thing.  I then put sewing machine oil on everything.  The machine was running well.  

In my unofficial sew off, I was evaluating speed and feed in addition to stitch quality.  Brown Betty, hands down, feeds stronger and straighter than the Singer 66.  I'm no scientist, but I'm going to attribute it to the configuration of the feed dogs.  It has a middle grabber in front of the needle v. behind the needle as my other machines do.

I also did some obnoxiously thick fabric (basically a strap that (that is 4 layers of fabric once folded) and then folded 4 times.  It barely fit under the feet of either machine.  Brown Betty chewed right through it.  Black Beauty...balked at first, but chugged through.  I believe the stitch formation was prettier on Brown Betty.

I ran a quilt sandwich through Brown Betty.  She said, "Yessir, I will have some more please!"  Effortless stitching.  However, there is no way to lower the feed dogs.  I improvised 'something' that would equate to a darning foot.  However, I could not get a stitch to form.  I have other machines, so no need to spend time worrying with that.

I'm unclear of the origin of my new fascination with these vintage machines.  However, one thing is for sure...."They don't make them like they used to!"  Nevertheless, modern machines do have more amenities.

I have two more machines coming...such a bug has bit me. 

Machine 1:  An mid-50's Singer 215G I found on  Ebay.  It is a German made Singer with some residual features from the Haid und Neu Company which was purchased by Singer..  It is straight stitch only, but the feed dogs do drop.

Machine 2:  A mid-50's Singer 404 Slantomatic.  It was only made for a couple of years.  Apparently quilters did not like the stitch so much, and it was not as portable as the 301's.  I purchased this from Goodwill.  I consider it a donation, so I don't feel so badly.

 

 

 






Toastmaster

 No, I'm not going to speech-making school.  Rather, I purchased a little bit of my history--I bought a Toastmaster griddle.

I foolishly stored my Krups Belgian Waffle Maker on top of my fridge...tall side up, rather that flat side down. So a jog from the fridge door shutting sent it down to it ignominious death on the kitchen tiled floor.  I could have been beaned just as easily.

Booh!  Hooh!

A go-to dinner staple is Italian sausages with Belgian Waffles.  (I do no understand chicken and waffles...never had it; never will).  Now, my waffles are not the whipped egg whites...too much trouble.  Though I'm a perennial kitchen nerd.  Accordingly, I've cycle through and tested many many waffle recipes.  The fav goes up on the magnet on one of the fridge (killer!) sides.

Backstory:  I was helping my FIL connect his phone and computer to his new Dish network.  It was an easy thing to do.  One thing he likes to do is go to Barhamsville where there is a local thrift shop that operates Saturdays only.  It was a short drive from where he lives.  

He is the last parent alive between Mark and I as well as my BIL/SIL.  It was a treat to shuffle about the little thrift area.  I found some nice sheets which I will use for making bag liners.  (Though I imagine the stuff that I might have that will go to a thrift store at my demise).  My goal is to employ a two-pronged approach:  I will execute Swedish Death Cleaning over the next few years (I am 60 (gasping to myself) and in good health) along with creating like mad to transform "stuff" to usable things.

There's a little alchemist in all of us...alchemy is the root of creativity...or maybe the process of...

I digress.

On the way back, we stopped at a "Barn Sale".  It is was an on again off again place over these last 3+ decades.  There was a Toastmaster griddle (waffle/pancake) contraption. The original panini machine. Two surfaces:  waffle, smooth.  It was $10.  I passed.

I dropped my FIL home, and then on the way home  stopped at the thrift shop in Providence Forge.  I love shopping there as I always find something "needful"...a/k/a "deferred contributions".

There it was again:  A vintage Toastmaster waffle iron/pancake griddle.  Mint condition at the gasp inspiring price of $2.  Sold.  

Today I transported myself back into the way-back machine.  I made a grilled cheese sandwich:  perfectly flattened, toasted and gooey.  And the other thing that I remembered?  The glorious fried cheese that oozed from the sandwhich onto the griddle.

Who knew that $2 could buy bliss?

 

(I should also note that I saw same on ebay for considerably more money).




 


117.812 Kenmore Deluxe Rotary Part II

I wrote about my acquisition of this machine here.   I've been doing a little sewing on it, and I wanted to provide some "fresh" observations. The person who sold this to me stated she got it from a 92 year old woman who was the first owner.  She would have been 20 when the machine was purchased as it is a 1948 machine.  I asked her if she were a collector...she said that she was a rescuer.  The woman was suffering from dementia.

  • Stitch Length: Maximum stitch length is a smidge less than my Bernina maximum stitch length.
  • Pressure control knob:  I did not know that most vintage machines have pressure control knobs for the feet.  It's a wondrous thing.  My Bernina 910 did not have it, but my new B530 does.  There's a plus in the box for considering vintage.
  • Continuous backward:  This machine has a lever that allows for continuous backward until you change the direction of the lever. (Up for forward; down for reverse).  My Bernina 910 does not offer this, though my new B530 does.
  • Amazing power:  The woman who sold this to me had several things that she had sewn together to include (all together)  2 layers of denim + 3 layers of handbag vinyl  All perfectly stitched.  I tried my own hand at this.  I took 4 layers of quilt batting + fabric.  The stitches were perfect and beautiful, but I did break the needle on a backstitch test.  It was the needle that came with the machine so I'm unsure of the quality of it.
  • Feed Dogs:  The machine has 3 rows of feed dogs.  The middle feed dog is in front of the needle.  My two Bernina's have the middle feed dog behind the needle.  I note that the machine feeds material through quite nicely.
  • Size.  I consider this a diminutive machine.  The machine itself  is 9.5" high and 13.5" wide.  This takes into consideration the highest (to include knob heights) and the widest (clutch knob) measurements.  This is compared to my Bernina which measures 12" x 16"==so about 80% smaller than those machines if you split the diff.  The base is wooden and is 2 7/8" high and 17.5 x 8.5 long and wide respectively.
  • Weight:  It weighs exactly 18lbs (base + machine).  I did not weigh the case.
  • Body material:  I've seen it said that the body and machine bed is an aluminum alloy.  A magnet will not stick to the base, but it will stick to the chromed presser foot area plate.
  • Seam guides...none.  Interesting the pre-drilled holes did not fit any of my screws.  I have ordered some "old stuff" (vintage feet and seam guides).  We will see if that works.
  • Bobbin:  It takes an old style bobbin.  Bobbin goes in clockwise.  Remove the base screw to tilt the machine back for easier access to the bobbin.
  • Threading.  It has an unusual threading pattern to the modern eye.  I saw an excellent aphorism to remember at "Sewingiscool" blog:  "Tension before takeup"  This machine threading can be EASILY reversed (and I made that mistake).  So no matter the machine that you are threading, remember that little jingle!
  • Foot pedal...the foot pedal is a bit awkward and very stiff. 
  • Muscle memory:  Because this machine requires you to spin the handwheel AWAY from you, your prior muscle memory is in conflict.  Also for those used to flipping a lever UP for backward stitching (like I have to do on my 910), muscle memory is not friendly here either.
  • Feet:  It takes a "forked" foot.  The machine only came with the perfect 1/4" foot.  I have ordered additional feet from Ebay. It also includes a manual for a 117.551

While my Berninas (910 and the newer B530) offer newer conveniences, the seriousness of this machine takes my breath away!  And I would not give up my BSR on my B530...but not every machines does everything well.

Kenmore 117.812: Part I

 Update + Preamble:  If you need a high quality manual for this/similar machine I copied a manual for a 117.551 that I received from the purchase of some Greist Rotary attachments made for this machine.  You can download here --similar in every aspect but the needle stitch selector (mine has a screw that locks the width).  I copied the manual in 600dpi.

I frequently peruse Craigslist sewing machine offerings.  There are all manner of things offered, and I don't see too many things of interest.  However, yesterday I found this Kenmore 117.812,




According to an information source on the web (here's a link to searsarchives.com which will download the pdf of all Kenmore machines), it is a 1948 Kenmore Rotary Deluxe machine.  It does one thing:  straight stitch.  The machine came in a wooden box with a thick leather handle, as were made for suitcases.  The handwheel turns away from you.  It has a stitch length adjustment and goes backwards.  It is a rotary hook, not an oscillating hook like most machines.  It is driven by a motor that has a rubber wheel that sits flush against the turn wheel.  It also has a bobbin pully wheel that winds the bobbin.  To use, simply disengage the clutch by turning toward you and holding the handwheel firmly.  

Though the machine had been serviced in the spring, and I could see the gears underneath the machine had been greased freshly, there was some friction that developed rather quickly after my sewing for less than 10 minutes.  

I went to the garage (with supplication for Mr. Snake Man to not surprise me.....Mark spied a snake in the garage...which has NEVER happened before. My hope is that he exited as we left the door open to allow him a graceful exodus) and got some PB Blaster.  I tilted the machine to expose the undercarriage and sprayed every place that moved.  Within 10 minutes everything was working quietly and smoothly.  I reapplied oil to everything.

The machine is not large.  It takes different feet...top clamp.  Basically a two pronged fork that fits over the shank and a round screw that secures it.  The foot that came with it is a perfect 1/4" foot.  Using this for quilting will be a pleasure.

I certainly did not need another machine, but I wanted to get one that would do heavier duty work while only straight stitching.


Upcycling

 Oh yes, "upcycling" is the new, big thing.  You Tube has many great vids/contributors on the glories of upcycling.  I've been a "thrifter" for decades.  Of course, thrift stores were not as ubiquitous "then" as they are "now".  Thrifting satisfies our hunter, gather impulses--without breaking the bank. Plus the monies that go to charitable stores support great causes (in addition to feeding our impulses).  

I recently had a chance to go to one of my favorite thrift shops--CHKD:  Children's Hospital of the King's Daughters. It is an old organization, founded in 1901 by women who cared for indigent children known as "King's Daughters".  Their thrift stores contribute $2mil annually to their causes.  

I have found some really cool stuff there.  With Covid, I've been not done much foraging, but did so yesterday.  For the small some of $20, (I got a senior citizen discount of 25% off), I got

  • 3 100% cotton king-sized Sheets.  I 'm going to line shopping bags with these.  
  • 3 sets of 100% cotton duck, tabbed curtains.  Great fabric to make aprons, shopping bags.
  • about 3 yards of a vintage Waverly "Yew Too" print...green topiary on blue and white stripes.  Again...shopping bags or other bag like stuff.
  • A large damask table cloth...you got it...bag interiors.

I've already made 2 aprons from the duck.  I took one of my favorite aprons, folded it in half and traced it out with the seam allowances on some Pelon pattern fabric. I love that stuff...so much easier to work with than paper.  I just placed it on the fold of the fabric and it was so easy...particularly since I used the pre-hemmed piece of the curtains.

Though I have several aprons, but due to their use over these many years, they are a tad 'ratty'.  I always cook with an apron, and I like to where one when I clean.  So now I have a "newer" one. It was nice to have a maiden voyage.

The second apron I made for my sister in law. I made her a utility apron...something that she can wear when she gardens. 

It was fun to imagine and execute on possibilities AND  support one of my favorite causes.


CrossBody Bag

 

I found this wonderful video for a cross-body bag on You Tube by Kay Whitt.  With my burgeoning stash of fat quarters AND some home fashion fabric that I likely will not do anything with, I thought making some cross-body bags would be a simple and useful thing to make.


I made the one to the right which turned out nicely.  However, after I made it, I elected to make another some other modifications that are different that Kay's. First, I added a 3/4 pocket to the back.  Second, I added a pocket to the interior. I will not add a pocket in future makes, because the interior is so flat, there is no need for such. However, I would NEVER make another bag without the 3/4 pocket on the back.

It's a pretty straightforward bag to make--and perfect for stashing essentials while not weighing you down.  I put a small aluminum spring clip on the outside so that I can clip my mask to the bag.  

I'll warn that the opening is 6" and is not all that big.  So if you are a  big-wallet person, it is not going to be all that easy to get in and out of the bag.  You'll then get frustrated in using the bag. My wallet is not big, but it felt stuffed in the opening, and was not all that easy to get out when I was at the checkout counter!  (I'll note that it fits nicely in my 3/4 pocket on the back. Even though I had a smaller wallet, I found it awkward. Of course you could make the bag bigger. A better alternative is to have a stash and go wallet where you can have your essentials and not add weight to your grab and go bag experience.





The Little Zippered Bag

 I used to write systematically.  I would get up in the a.m....early .... and begin writing.  As Jose Ortega Y Gasset said, "Writing is the policeman of the mind."  The act of writing is organizing the chaos of the brain.  I think that applies to "makers" as well.  I've always done some sort of making, and I attest that it forces the brain to take concept to concrete.

I write the above mostly as a reminder that I should write daily.

 

I have a growing stash of fat quarters.  I purchase them from Amazon.  For about $22 you get 20 fat quarters which are part of the Free Spirit Mystery bundle that comes in and out of stock. (Other places sell this for double).  You get all sorts of things from Free Spirit designers.  I can honestly say, that I've seen some the lovely and loathsome fabric in these bundles.  Never fear.

Some of the fabric is so odd that you have to wonder what to do with it.  I had some 30 year old zippers (and the price was still attached).  Zippers cost the same now as they did then.  I decided that I would try my hand at making a little zippered bag...fully lined.  

I also wanted to experiment with sewing with Perle Cotton. I wound some turquoise Perle Cotton on the bobbin and put some widely spaced (too wide really!) quilting on the bag.  Fat quarters are the perfect size for making bags of any sort.  I took one of the odd quarters and thought it would make a cute bag.  I'm so glad that I undertook this skill-building exercise.  Gladder still that there is the fraternity of You Tubers who generously share how to make such a bag.

So after watching a few vids, I embarked on making the little bag above.  That odd fabric made a cute bag.  I gifted it to a friend of mind who was hosting an outdoor happy hour.  she loved it.

And then I made the second bag out of gorgeous bright fabric.  That, too, was gifted.  I also made a third and fourth.  I'll make many more, but the idea is that for the price of a zipper and a fat quarter, and less than an hour of your time, you can make a simple little bag to use as a hostess gift, or to fill with goodies (in a Ziploc), lotions, kitchen gadgets.  

The hardest part about making these bags is to remember to open the !@#$^@%$& zipper before sewing the outer fabric together. (If you forget, just grab the zipper tab through the outside part of the bag...the thicker your bag, the harder that is).  The bag gets turned through the zipper and through the inside lining. So if you are on auto pilot, you could easily forget and leave the zipper closed or sew all the way around your inside lining.  For the latter problem, your seam ripper is your friend.

Supplies are simple:  Outer fabric, inner fabric, zip, batting (fusible or non, if not fusible, quilt it) thread scissors.  Boxing the corners is an easy skill and will open up the bag.

 My sister has been undergoing some stress (as have many).  I made a larger format bag for her in a beautiful metallic gold peacock designed fabric.  I quilted it with some lovely embroidery thread (poly).  I gave it to her as a "worry bag".  Put you worries in it and forget about it.

Why not consider making your own?