my latest acquisition

[flummoxicated]

I have started collecting sewing machines. I don't know how it happened...really. I have my grandmother's Singer in a cabinet (it really needs a tune-up), a Singer 301, a Genie (looks like Austin Powers' sewing machine!) and I have been looking for a Singer 500 since I first saw one. I mean, what's not to love about a machine that has been nicknamed "the Rocketeer"? Every time I drive by a yard sale I look for one of these. Usually if I see a machine it's some crummy Montgomery Wards model from the 70s. But Saturday I saw it: a Rocketeer in a cabinet. Just sitting there, kind of off to the side away from all the other stuff for sale. Fortunately when I exclaimed "They have a Rocketeer for sale!" my spouse A) knew what I was talking about, because I had showed him pictures of one and he was nice enough to look at them and B) turned the car around without me having to ask. It was marked $25, I got it for $20. It sounds a little rough but I'm actually getting pretty good at poking around under the hood, as it were. I'll take a picture in the morning, right now it's a bit too dark to take a good photo; the cabinet become a prime cat hangout.

Comments

[tudorlady.livejournal.com]

I have a present for you. The monogramming attachment for your machine. In the original box. I found it about a month ago at a thrift store and just couldn't let it sit there because SURELY I would know someone who would squee over it like they were getting a pony. Message me with your mailing address, please =)

The first person who taught me hands-on construction (in the 70s) had a 500 - I believe it had been a high school graduation gift to her. We worked it mercilessly in a freelance costume shop, it never so much as coughed. She had it cleaned and tuned regularly, and I believe that's what kept it going. I've got the feeling she still has it ;)

Anyhow...

[flummoxicated.livejournal.com]

Muchas gracias! I sent you a LJ message, let me know if it doesn't show up.

[mmcnealy.livejournal.com]

Oooh, a Rocketeer! I used to sew on one of those as a kid in 4-H, they go through anything.

I've resisted the sewing machine collection urge so far...

[flummoxicated.livejournal.com]

Yeah, I think I may sell the Genie, I sewed some pleats in flannel with it and the machine didn't seem to like that. My collection needs to be able to pull its weight.

I'm looking forward to taking the Rocketeer out for a spin. :)

[msmidge.livejournal.com]

Good yard saling!

[flummoxicated.livejournal.com]

Thanks, for once patience paid off!