Machine Madness

I am trying to get some photos of machines ready so that I can post them to the website http://www.sewingmachinemagic.com/

I got the new Black and Decker Work mate out,  put a piece of luan (sic) on it with a back drop and started shooting.

I had forgotten that this machine is a free arm.   It really is a good machine.  I am becoming more fond of free-arms and find myself drawn to them on the auction sites.  I think that they are more versatile, thus worth the effort at repairing and restoring and, yes, hoarding.  (Don't tell Ingrid)

Kenmore 158.1931 (I think)

Which might explain why I am determined to get this Taiwanese Kenmore fixed.  This is the one with the broken drive spring.  We are about to order one from a parts supplier.  We are NOT going to try to scam one off of another machine.  Too much work with those tiny little screws.  And awkward positioning.

Kenmore 158.1350

This machine is a nice looking, sleek machine.  But it has its chintzy side to it, I think.  Still its a "Made in Japan" Kenmore 158 so it probably is a good one.  I hate the way it threads.  If it were a free arm I would like it better.

Kenmore 158.1814

 (See the comments below for reference)
 Compare the 158.1813 (below) to the above machine.  I think this one is elegant.  I think the one above is chintzy.  Just sayin'....

REMEMBER THE PFAFF!!!

Pfaff 230

I sewed on this Kenmore 158.1430 in our classes at Project Anthologies last month.  I really like it.  Nice and quiet and strong.

Kenmore 158.1430

We have two of these.  One I bought from a "local" (60 miles away) seller on Craigs List.  The other I bought from an online auction site.  Both machines are in fairly nice shape.  Again, not free arm but good machines.

This Singer Featherweight was the one that Betsy and I chased down last spring.  I paid well under 100 dollars for it.  The machine is in nice shape.  Better shape than the Centennial that I paid way too much for.  

Singer 221-1

T

The seller had broken into the case.

 I bought replacement hasps and finally got around to putting one one and replacing the latches today.

Steven found some tiny bolts and nuts for me.  He claims that they were mine originally.  I rather vaguely remember having them, though I know not for what.  They are the perfect hardware for attaching the "new" hasps.  I just must put something over the nuts on the inside of the case so that taking the machine in and out doesn't damage the finish.  I think some leather glued over them should do the trick.

I found some slightly larger than the original screws for the latches.   The key works in the new hasp.  The old hasp is too damaged.  It latches but I would not want to depend on it.  I have another hasp.  One day I will gently pry the damaged hasp off and replace it.  I would have done it today but three dogs were pestering me for dinner.

Its getting cooler out so the critters are moving in.  Already, Steven has trapped two mice in the kitchen.  Right now Wilson and Wrigley are on alert, trying to find the critter rustling around in the walls or in the cellar.  How I wish they were cats...or Jack Russels.  Poodles are not vermin killers...too big...though Wilson has been known to nail a field mouse or two.