tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1991166428290808171.post2552053393440740297..comments2023-10-20T08:27:40.314-04:00Comments on male pattern boldness: Treadle Sewing Machines: Yea or Nay?Peter Lappinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05109154527996679077noreply@blogger.comBlogger51125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1991166428290808171.post-23255165042783718692016-04-06T06:35:39.996-04:002016-04-06T06:35:39.996-04:00Absolutely get a treadle... older the better... i ...Absolutely get a treadle... older the better... i have a new home d and a singer 201k centennial and a wertheim transverse bobbin...<br />They are amazing...<br />The older rarer and stranger the better... Im about to buy a Waldorf vibrating shuttle.<br />Edward Tagghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02878809134610221396noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1991166428290808171.post-16238585016834327452010-10-17T05:50:36.820-04:002010-10-17T05:50:36.820-04:00You got the treadle...now get the handcranked too!...You got the treadle...now get the handcranked too!Laurahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03538376053305562124noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1991166428290808171.post-63388719049056281972010-10-09T01:09:38.652-04:002010-10-09T01:09:38.652-04:00i own a similar machine and a 100 y.o one which i ...i own a similar machine and a 100 y.o one which i salvaged from a junk yard. after a few days of cleaning and oiling, works good now. in your case if you don't want to pump the treadle, you can purchase an electric motor which could fit perfectly well and you can even install it yourself easily.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1991166428290808171.post-91055487407405950882010-09-18T17:11:22.338-04:002010-09-18T17:11:22.338-04:00so...did you PURCHASE the treadle?? I just read a ...so...did you PURCHASE the treadle?? I just read a thread on www.quiltingboard.com about how to clean and restore an old sewing machine. Good info! you can find it under Tutorials. Great site with lots of pictures.Bethhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18228272999302748449noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1991166428290808171.post-55060924267592205292010-08-31T02:23:12.429-04:002010-08-31T02:23:12.429-04:00Are you out of your ever-lovin mind??? OF COURSE ...Are you out of your ever-lovin mind??? OF COURSE YOU SHOULD BUY THE TREADLE!!!!!!! $200 is a great price and if I lived on your street you'd have to fight me for it!! <br /><br />As for the HS reunion... I'm not convinced I'll go to mine. I spent a profound amount of my years in school hating and being hated by my peers (perhaps that was just my perception.... hmmmmm) and I'm not sure I want to give any of them the chance to look down their nose at me. However, I think I've decided that if I do go, I will dress more sophisticated than the rest of them, perhaps a beautifully tailored suit, etc just to show them up. I love your white shirt that you blogged about a little while ago... very classic and sophisticated... or better yet, send Cathy! How fun!Kristenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00307218499668491498noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1991166428290808171.post-56192165118860432702010-08-31T01:05:13.726-04:002010-08-31T01:05:13.726-04:00Hi Peter,
I say yes to a treadle. But shop around,...Hi Peter,<br />I say yes to a treadle. But shop around, I have owned five treadles. Treadle sewing is good for the environment as well as varicose veins and circulation in your legs. It is also tons of fun. The most I paid for a treadle was $80 CAD, that is my German Bernard Stoewer manufactured in 1910. I reviewed it at Zigzaggers and also blogged about it. The least I paid for one was $20 CAD for a Singer 15-90. After replacing the treadle belt, bobbin winder tire, a good cleaning and oiling I gifted it away. There is a fantastic website called "treadle on" that provides oodles of information about restoring, maintaining and even how to treadle. I suggest you put the word out you want a treadle...perhaps someone will gift you with one. There are millions of them out there so they show up in estate sales frequently.Tammyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18053469261622557578noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1991166428290808171.post-20074250893725022442010-08-31T00:00:09.764-04:002010-08-31T00:00:09.764-04:00And if I would pay attention, Nellie's name wo...And if I would pay attention, Nellie's name would be correctly typed in both places. Geez!<br /><br />(I earned a lot of money that summer just sleeping. When I went off to camp, my substitute's little brother accused me of stealing his sister's "job" when I got back home.hehe.)Miriam in KSnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1991166428290808171.post-55003575421378505222010-08-30T23:57:12.222-04:002010-08-30T23:57:12.222-04:00I have always wanted a treadle sewing machine, eve...I have always wanted a treadle sewing machine, ever since I was paid $2 a night to sleep on Nelly's sofa the summer of 1973 when I was 12 about to be 13. She lived across the street from my family, she was 80+ years old and had never spent a night alone in her house, EVER! She sewed the most marvelous dogs and humpty dumpty type dolls. All on her treadle machine. I loved watching her sew. I was already a "seasoned" seamtress of 5 years at that point you see, and I was fascinated.<br /><br />Alas, alak. I only got to watch. But a stuffed dog and a humpty dumpty type doll from Nellie still reside in my home. They are as precious to me as the wish to sew on Nellie's machine.<br /><br />As to your questions...I don't know. You just sparked a great memory for me so I had to share. Whatever you choose will be fabulous!MIriam in KSnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1991166428290808171.post-72846141097584124962010-08-30T22:16:42.669-04:002010-08-30T22:16:42.669-04:00You graduated same year as DH. You are of the Mt. ...You graduated same year as DH. You are of the Mt. St Helens class, Although if you weren't nearby the volcano you probably didn't have all your Sr. Finals called off and go straight to graduation. What a year that was! I am a mere child being class of '81.kbronoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1991166428290808171.post-90976397414578336852010-08-30T22:13:15.657-04:002010-08-30T22:13:15.657-04:00I learned on a Singer treadle, mostly because my m...I learned on a Singer treadle, mostly because my mother was not about to let me mess up her new machine. The treadle met all my needs until I was 21 and I got a machine I could take to college with me. Pumping the treadle will not only give you a mild & enjoyable exercise, but you will also get a straight and powerful stitch. No, these are not double entendres. The treadle will even easily sew through sequins, or "sequence" as they are known on ebay. I think this is a feature Cathy could easily learn to love. At age 16, I found all the adjustments and repairs were simple. Just be sure to get the accompanying manual. On a ridiculous note, when I asked my father if I could have the machine, I was denied. The Singer then sat in the closet of an unoccupied house for 30 years. I am now cleaning out the house, affectionately known as the "four bedroom tool shed." Hoard much? Of course I'm keeping the treadle.<br /><br />You must make something unique for your reunion - your classmates no doubt will remember you fondly. The Waldorf should be fun. When we lived in Spain, my daughter had her prom at the Ritz in Madrid. She was photographed by paparazzi. Maybe Cathy could be so lucky!<br /><br />Drama? I love it. Of course the drama up here in NH is the bear in my woods, which has given me quite a few entertaining stories, and the cute logger I like to pester when I am not cleaning out the four bedroom tool shed.Pamela in NHnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1991166428290808171.post-14165985313618820662010-08-30T21:53:41.805-04:002010-08-30T21:53:41.805-04:001. While I have never used a treadle, my mother a...1. While I have never used a treadle, my mother and I went bananas at an estate sale and came home with 3. Luckily, the ones with nice wood covers make SUPERB saddle stands. <br />As a city dweller, I have bought ridiculously bulky objects on craigslist and hauled them many blocks along the sidewalk. It's weird to do but I think you could do it. Or find the local man with a shopping cart to push it a few blocks.<br /><br />2. Funny, I am approaching my 10 year reunion. It occurred to me to lose weight but never to make an outfit. Thanks for the suggestion! As for the Waldorf, maybe you should consult Cathy? She seems like a high class dame. My plan for my reunion is to wear whatever makes me look the most fabulous on that day.<br /><br />3. No. I hope not. I use your blog to justify my own sewing machine and pattern hoarding. Makes me feel normal.Stephnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1991166428290808171.post-62369204969980375972010-08-30T21:08:28.091-04:002010-08-30T21:08:28.091-04:001. I think the treadle (the right treadle) can hav...1. I think the treadle (the right treadle) can have THE most beautiful stitch. It's also soothing to pump the treadle. My grandma had one, its in my mom's upstairs bedroom now. Will you sleep well at night if you don't get it? Or is it all-consuming your thoughts? If you want a vintage machine, I've been researching and the Singer 201 is supposedly THE vintage singer to get (an electric though).<br /><br />2. Of course you have to make something. Duh.<br /><br />3. Ok, really, you don't need anyone to answer this. :P (ps. I always tell my students when they're whining/bargaining...this is not a democracy, it's a monarchy and I am the Queen.)angie.ahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01575366388194033626noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1991166428290808171.post-32099334451261795282010-08-30T20:43:33.414-04:002010-08-30T20:43:33.414-04:00Hi Peter, so glad you're back!! No advice abo...Hi Peter, so glad you're back!! No advice about a treadle machine, have never used one, but the price sounded reasonable to me. You ARE making me wish, however, with your 10 (or is it more now) machines, I had not given away my machine each time I bought a new one. I gave a Singer Genie to my niece when I bought a Bernina and then gave that to my mom when I bought a newer Bernina--which I still have and love and will never part with. It's about 25 years old now, I think. Wow, the Waldorf, huh? No suggestions, really, but my son looked kind of cute going off to proms (he graduated high school in 2002) in a powder blue polyester leisure suit that he bought at Savers. Pink shirt, white tie, white sneakers with pink laces. Truckers' hat that said "Kim's Prom Date." You might want to look into something like that. I would leave the hat out, though! Drama -----?? Don't know, but we love you either way!!!AuntieShelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08940871399593437705noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1991166428290808171.post-60329828743715467442010-08-30T20:21:04.620-04:002010-08-30T20:21:04.620-04:00Still need to get a belt but it sews. More tomorr...Still need to get a belt but it sews. More tomorrow!Peter Lappinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05109154527996679077noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1991166428290808171.post-50886553851838213722010-08-30T20:03:07.370-04:002010-08-30T20:03:07.370-04:00Having fun with the "new" treadle yet? I...Having fun with the "new" treadle yet? I agree that the proximity to your home was worth some $$ in the sale.Debbie Cookhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03601675304884019607noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1991166428290808171.post-3227942140649087542010-08-30T19:52:58.206-04:002010-08-30T19:52:58.206-04:00We aren't going to see you on an upcoming epis...We aren't going to see you on an upcoming episode of Hoarders, are we? You must have a giant apartment. Good thing the dogs are tiny :-)<br /><br />Oh, and of course, I meant *wear* whatever you want. Where = is the Waldorf-Astoria. Duh!meredithphttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17683287411020125224noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1991166428290808171.post-26488512471086183042010-08-30T19:50:45.342-04:002010-08-30T19:50:45.342-04:00No advice on the treadle, although the tables are ...No advice on the treadle, although the tables are lovely, I haven't ever pictured myself being able to operate one, so I have dismissed it from my cluttered mind.<br /><br />$0.02 on reunion: I'd leave Cathy at home (won't she be on the other coast by then anyway?), where whatever you want and take Michael! I wouldn't miss the WA for the world!<br /><br />Oh, and some of my best friends are drama teams!meredithphttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17683287411020125224noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1991166428290808171.post-44805178832027790692010-08-30T18:51:35.697-04:002010-08-30T18:51:35.697-04:00From the responses on the treadle it seems as thou...From the responses on the treadle it seems as though the price depends on where you are. $200 is not out of line here in Missouri...for a Singer. You can get other brands cheaper. I would love to have one. If you don't get it will you be heartbroken? If so, absolutely get it. Okay, I would get it period!! For me it is like saving a puppy from the dog pound. I just can't walk away.<br /><br />What to wear to the reunion? I say go all the way, white tails with one hell of a bow tie and vest! And make Cathy a dress to match, something with a very twirly skirt.<br /><br />Drama?! Absolutely! And thank God! Check out that smile and glint in your eye from 30 years ago and today. It is infectious and urges us to be so much more.....Doreenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09163688276505342063noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1991166428290808171.post-34748888889076875252010-08-30T18:26:26.413-04:002010-08-30T18:26:26.413-04:00you're my favorite drama bean!you're my favorite drama bean!monicahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13853774937834153556noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1991166428290808171.post-81373067144618163392010-08-30T18:23:54.381-04:002010-08-30T18:23:54.381-04:00Treadle sewing machines are lovely, although I'...Treadle sewing machines are lovely, although I've never sewn with one. If you have the room, I say why not buy it. It's a great item to have because it looks so good. I'm facing a 30th high school reunion, too and it fills me with fear and delight at the same time. Don't take Cathy (or anyone) for that matter as I think you need to be free to flip back into your 16 year old self without fear of anyone who knows you in the present being horrified by how you might have been back then. No, I don't think you're a drama anything. If you are, then so am I! I agree with the others; you were pretty damned hunky - and still are, I hasten to add!Carolhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11274649006496918800noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1991166428290808171.post-39657963443748068932010-08-30T17:54:52.723-04:002010-08-30T17:54:52.723-04:00You might be a drama princeling, but certainly not...You might be a drama princeling, but certainly not a drama queen. I give the latter a very wide berth.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1991166428290808171.post-41061434713925058572010-08-30T17:53:44.944-04:002010-08-30T17:53:44.944-04:00A few months ago, I read a blog entry about the es...A few months ago, I read a blog entry about the establishment of a sewing school in a poor region of Africa, I can't recall which country. Because electricity is expensive and not always available, the place was equipped with new, foot-powered industrial machines -- they were functional but not pretty. I think the students were going to learn to make uniforms.<br /><br /><br />I thought, Wow, what drudgery! So non-electric machines aren't magical to me.<br /><br />You seem to have a lot of space for a New Yorker. Could I store something in your apt? :-)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1991166428290808171.post-66118085660834592012010-08-30T17:46:01.817-04:002010-08-30T17:46:01.817-04:00I almost forgot - there is a Treadle On web page: ...I almost forgot - there is a Treadle On web page: "Treadle On is dedicated to promoting the use of antique and vintage human powered sewing machines". I haven't looked at it in some time, but it was a great resource when I first started using mine (I actually have two treadles and one hand-crank machine). <br /><br />http://www.treadleon.net/Nathan Strangehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05419317431913352606noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1991166428290808171.post-54214210568363589262010-08-30T17:42:28.572-04:002010-08-30T17:42:28.572-04:00Treadles are GREAT! I used one as my primary machi...Treadles are GREAT! I used one as my primary machine for several years. They do take practice, no doubt about that. But there is something magical about using one...they're so quiet and smooth. I can't really explain it but you will quickly see what I mean. <br /><br />As for the price...well, that seems pretty steep to me. If it's in beautiful condition with all of its decals intact, and ready to roll, you might go for it. But you can certainly find them cheaper. <br /><br />Good luck!!!Nathan Strangehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05419317431913352606noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1991166428290808171.post-25746288701382227402010-08-30T15:47:52.558-04:002010-08-30T15:47:52.558-04:001. Treadle machine: I've always wanted one, b...1. Treadle machine: I've always wanted one, but totally for the nostalgia (my BFF from age 4's mom had one, and NO ONE IN THAT HOUSE SEWED ON IT! Grrrr.). I just ordered a new-new machine today, so I am the wrong person to ask, but I will say that if you wait for Peak Oil, it will be more than $200.<br /><br />2. Reunion: I would KILL to have a reunion at the W-A. My 30th reunion is going to be in Oct or Nov 2011, assuming someone organizes the f-ing thing. None of the local people (I went to school in Arizona) want it to cost more than $50; one of the ideas being tossed out is just meeting up at a bar somewhere for happy hour (this was a class of 400-500 students) so we don't have to rent a hall or pay for food. Sheesh.<br /><br />I'm planning to go w/ my husband and daughter (easily a thousand bucks on airfare from Maine), so I damn well expect a Friday night to Sunday afternoon reunionpalooza. I may have to step up and volunteer to organize it myself.<br /><br />Oh, yeah, back to YOU. (BTW, what a hunk you were in '79 - and still are.) Whatever you do, it should not be able to be described as "understated" - OK? But don't deliberate too much - October is fast approaching.<br /><br />3. You, a drama --een? Nah...I just think you have a cool life, great attitude and write interesting and funny things. Keep it up.ChristineBhttp://knitsewwhat.blogspot.com/noreply@blogger.com