help with old sewing machine??

Could be you're missing the screw that holds the needle in place. Go to a local sewing machine shop and maybe they'll have one that fits.

sue

I forget the URL but do a web search (Google or other) for "Kate Dicey" and look at her website. She is in the UK and collects and uses old and new sewing machines. She may be able to help you.

=Tamar

Do you have a model number? Those babies are not only highly collectible, but wonderful little workhorses. I'm a quilter, and they're highly coveted. Newer models sometimes don't have the same power, IMHO.

Here's a website that might help with identification:

's another site with information, but it looks like it pertains a lot to 221's, the most coveted: it might have information for you regarding your machine. You might even be able to download an instruction book.

I think she participates in rec.crafts.textiles.sewing.

"jthell" skrev i melding news:L9E0f.68$ snipped-for-privacy@news.uswest.net...

Jenny, I too think you miss a screw! (sorry,your machine!!! If I tell you here in Norway that YOU have lost a scew, it means you are crazy) I have used Singer in my childhood, different old models, and to me it sound like a scew is lacking. Here is from the sites Tamar told about, this is the gallery! Click on the pictures, and you may be find your model, or a picture which explain what you ask about!

luck! AUD ;-))

It's similar in the US too - having a screw loose, or simply `screwy'.

sue

Perhaps this is the site you are thinking of?

believe I "saw" her over on rec.crafts.textiles.quilting.)--Carey (going back to my corner now...)

> >

Hi, yes I have been told for years "I have a screw loose"!! but the machine has no screw ,or a threaded hole for a screw. just a small hole and a smooth metal peg to hold the needle in, which does not hold it.big problem. Thanks for the info on Dicey, I will check it out. Yes it is a pretty machine, I have two newer ones,but would love to have this one working! also wondering what the price range for these are now? no its not for sale!! Thank you Jenny

Hello Jenny!! Yes, you are missing the screw and maybe the piece that holds to screw in. I have 2 antigue ones here that I have refurbished. I even HAVE the original manuals!!! I can copy them if you need one. It would not be a big deal. My sewing machine is called The Redhead. It has red oval shapes in the markings and kind of flore de lis. (I can't spell that). The flor de lis is red in the pattern too. I think it was told to you correctly that you can find the parts in any sewing store. I don't think Walmart has anything like that. You also need to oil it all up and check the belt. It costs $7.00 here for a new one. It is made of leather and it will stretch over time. You can adjust it as needed. Then check the both of the tensions. That is a pain to adjust. It can take some time. I am thrilled you found one and got it at a good price!! If you need to book copied, let me know, I am happy to help!!! Fairwinner

Hi Jenny I had one years ago and know of the 'pin' you speak, but these machines are easy enough you pull the pin toward you and slip the butt end of the needle up into the slot. However it is the alignment of the needle that has to be right for it to work.

If my memory serves me correctly you will find the way to 'house' the needle is with the flat side facing to your left, not to the back as you would a more modern machine. When you have the needle in, look at the top, and you'll see a metal bar that goes up and down when you turn the wheel, gently turn the wheel on the machine with your hand, and thus raise the bar as you do so, look for a tiny line, not really a groove but an indented line on this usually square shaped bar, this line must be level with the part of the machine that it goes in and out of, when it is visible manipulate it further, til the little line comes to rest just visible where the bar goes in and out of, pull the needle pin again and push the needle up or down so that the 'eye' of the needle is level with the hole that the needle eye has to go into....now release the pin. This should be right, if it isn't, then yours is the other way, so just repeat the process again til you get the indent level correct again and this time push the needle up as far as it will go...it will be either one way or the other.

Tell me, has this machine a boat shaped bobbin or a round one?

Cheers....Cher

LOL Aud, here in Canada it is the same if you say "You have a screw loose!" ;o)

Peace! Gemini

Jumping in... OR you don't have both oars in the water OR your cheese fell off your crackers OR one french fry short of a Happy Meal (Mickey D's-Golden Arches) OR a sandwich short of a picnic

LOL!!! Noreen

Or The light is on but no ones home

Not too tightly Wrapped

cheers,,,,,,,,,,,Cher who feels like a dry week in a wet fortnight..lol

ROTFL! Noreen

OR - Not the sharpest tool in the shed. ;o)

Peace! Gemini

OMG lol....or there ain't no lead in the pencil...cough...mmmn that I think means something else..lol

there certainly are alot of old sayings, how many craft related do we know...??

A stitch in time saves nine.

cheers....Cher

ROTFLMAO Yes, Cher it *does* mean something else! My Mom used to say that one! LOL

One day when I noticed that my hem or seam (can't remember which, it was a while ago) needed repairing and I didn't feel like taking the skirt off to do it, I thread a needle and was about to fix it while wearing it and my Mom pounced on me (no, not literally) to take it off first. She said "Sew on your back, you'll never have a tack!" I raised my eyebrows at her and said "What does THAT mean?" She said "If you sew something while wearing it, you will never have anything... money, clothing, etc for yourself."... "Okay, if you say so, Ma!" ;o)

But you know what? I've *never* sewn anything while wearing it, or while Matthew was wearing it since she said that to me.

Ahhh I've heard similar ones like this...sew in haste and it'll be waste

And what about Knit a hair never wear! apparently they reckon if you knitted a hair into something you'd never wear it....must have been meant for when they used to knit knickers....lol cheers...Cher

Or a sandwich short of a picnic! Love Christine