Treadle addition Garage sale find

While taking a different route to mall last week I spotted a garage sale. From the moving car ( not a galloping horse LOL) I noticed a treadle stand and just had to stop by. I had been looking for a treadle singer for years but not willing to take on the shipping costs and customs duty that an eBay purchase would require.

As I am getting ready to have a garage sale of my own to sell things from my Moms estate that were not wanted by family and friends the last thing I needed to was acquire more stuff. But hey!!! it was a Singer Treadle!!!! So after a quick once over a test drive and a nostalgic trip down memory lane that baby was signed sealed and packed in the back of the Outback heading to my house.

When I was talking to DH( working out in Western Canada) by phone that night I said "Guess what I bought at a garage sale today?" He must know me well as his immediate response was "Another Sewing Machine" He still blames me for a back problem after slugging my 99 home from Amsterdam. LOL. I left it in the garage along with my garage sale stuff until he was home this past weekend. He teased that it could just stay there and attract customers to my sale but he wasn't long hauling it upstairs to my sewing room and checking out all the moving parts. From the notions stuffed in the drawers (kilt pins and guide badges) it could have been the same old machine I remember from my childhood. I have been able to date it to 1921 New Jersey manufacture thru the dating service. The oak is in good condition - no plants were watered on this baby. The cast iron is dull but not painted as some I have seen. The decals are clear for the most part, just general wear. The belt is in poor shape and will need replacing. Thinking of naming her Suzie as the day I found her was the day my DS brought his new Australian wife Suz home to Canada for a visit for the first time. Questions: Other than eBay any one know of sources for belts??? Also how does one determine the machine model type. Would it be a 66? How to restore the cast iron?

Thanks for sharing my excitement at my new (old) machine. Still on the hunt for a featherweight. Mom had one but it went to DS. That's OK as she appreciates the value and portability etc. Anyway the thrill is in the hunt and the find. When I find one we will be able to compare and share.

Brenda (in Barrie Ont)

Congratulations on your wonderful find. You should be able to find a belt relatively easily. Since treadle machines are still being manufactured many sewing machine stores sell them. The belts are uniform in size and can be cut to fit your machine perfectly. I have routinely purchased them for about $5.00 usa. Also by going to the singer web site you can track down the actual age of your machine. Each machine has a serial number (many are on a plate on the front of the machine). Just key in that number and you will be able to track the model number and year of manufacturing. As far as restoration of the iron there are a few items available that can remove rust or tarnish from the iron. Off the top of my head I don't recall the brand I have used. I don't think I have any left from the last one I did (it has been a few years now ). At one time I have 15 treadles, when I moved here most of them were donated to the Henry Ford Museum just outside of Detroit MI. When I purchased or acquired some of these machines they needed more than a bit of help. But in time they were all in working order. Enjoy your new baby! And be sure to use it for a quilt here and there. juliasb

Jim Ball wrote:

Thanks for the offer TerriLee, but I've got the 66 manual! It has all the original stuff with it, it's just the belt that needs replacing.=20

Grandma even stuck her hair nets and hair p>You know, I think I have a manual for a 66. email me privately if you

All you need to know-

Helen

Keep the old thread for the memories it evokes, but don't try to use it. Old thread deteriorates.