tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1991166428290808171.post6600079571394102981..comments2023-10-20T08:27:40.314-04:00Comments on male pattern boldness: Busy, Busy, BusyPeter Lappinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05109154527996679077noreply@blogger.comBlogger33125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1991166428290808171.post-30954955195605826852012-03-28T22:32:58.425-04:002012-03-28T22:32:58.425-04:00I recently picked up a 99k hand crank in beautiful...I recently picked up a 99k hand crank in beautiful condition, and have to say I love it to bits. <br />I also looked at some VS machines, but with the cost of replacing the bobbins etc I chose not to go that route.While researching them, I noticed that there is info on converting a 99 on the Sew Classic blog if you choose to go that way.Wendyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04900346456116162606noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1991166428290808171.post-24523713338821876302012-03-22T08:59:36.341-04:002012-03-22T08:59:36.341-04:00Thanks Steve -- great info!
Check out Steve'...Thanks Steve -- great info! <br /><br />Check out Steve's sewing machine repair site (he also offers classes):<br /><br />Bobbindoctor.comPeter Lappinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05109154527996679077noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1991166428290808171.post-66572999793113456602012-03-22T06:28:17.607-04:002012-03-22T06:28:17.607-04:00Like most any machine that is properly adjusted, a...Like most any machine that is properly adjusted, a VS shuttle machine will stitch as fine a stitch as any other machine. If you stick to one of the Singer models (27, 28, 127, 128), you don't need to worry about parts. My wholesaler still sells the bullet shuttles, long bobbins, and even the shuttle carrier. Although the last models Singer made in the late 1950's had respectable construction standards, the older ones (pre WWII) are the better ones and run the smoothest/quietest.<br /><br />Winding bobbins are a breeze with the oscillating winder arm that slowly and swings back and forth along the length of the bobbin to precisely wind on the thread in perfect contiguous rows. But be careful - it's mesmerizing to watch it work and you can end up winding 47 bobbins in all the same color thread!! ;-)<br /><br />The most satisfying aspect of a VS machine is the soft rhythmic sound it makes as it stitches, especially a treadle or hand-crank - a soft "ka-chick, ka-chick, ka-chick" as it sews.<br /><br />Only downside is it's speed - with a relatively large mass of steel swinging back and forth to carry the shuttle/bobbin, it doesn't run very fast. And if you push the pedal to the metal, the machine can walk across the room from the vibration - I think that's why they must have named them "vibrating shuttles". ;-)Steve Phttp://www.bobbindoctor.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1991166428290808171.post-84841277739731296232012-03-22T05:33:28.978-04:002012-03-22T05:33:28.978-04:00Lint is in the air this week! Yesterday I thought...Lint is in the air this week! Yesterday I thought a pin had somehow slipped into the bobbin case of my (nonvintage) machine, so took off the throat plate and lifted out the case. There I saw a nice little birdsnest of lint just waiting to cause grief. When it was brushed out and I moved the machine on the table I found the pin hiding behind the scissors. <br />If I'd had rice pudding handy I'd have offered the pin some in thanks for saving me from potential disaster on a fine wool crepe. <br />In Melbourne we have just had the first night that hints at winter after a fairly warm and wet start to Autumn. Hence the wool crepe jacket. I hope your summer is pleasant and that either you or Cathy get some harem pants.Cleverclogsnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1991166428290808171.post-41702403847224845342012-03-21T16:23:19.915-04:002012-03-21T16:23:19.915-04:00Send me your address to crystalpgh@hotmail.com.Send me your address to crystalpgh@hotmail.com.Maryhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00018875901547746165noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1991166428290808171.post-68227358344937793222012-03-21T11:47:52.999-04:002012-03-21T11:47:52.999-04:00Wait! You might be able to use your RedEye 66 tre...Wait! You might be able to use your RedEye 66 treadle. The Treadle On website has instructions for removing the treadle belt and installing the handcrank. You can then remove the crank and go back to the treadle. Wow - 2 machines in one. Of course a 99 is lighter weight but they don't usually have a spoked handwheel. 99s also seem to be overpriced right now.sewpdxnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1991166428290808171.post-41057597452859805362012-03-21T11:31:08.357-04:002012-03-21T11:31:08.357-04:00Rice pudding, a man hike, and being nominated for ...Rice pudding, a man hike, and being nominated for a Versatile Blogger Award by Laura Mae!<br /><br />You sir, live a charmed life.Testosteronenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1991166428290808171.post-20056535565260388072012-03-21T10:31:44.728-04:002012-03-21T10:31:44.728-04:00Roberta, with the bobbin winder in the "up&qu...Roberta, with the bobbin winder in the "up" position you should be able to roll the old tire off and roll the new one on. It may take a few tries (turning the winder as you fit each part the tire in its groove should help) but eventually you'll get it on.Peter Lappinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05109154527996679077noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1991166428290808171.post-8433234115898917072012-03-21T10:20:33.312-04:002012-03-21T10:20:33.312-04:00You are a great neighbor! This post is very timel...You are a great neighbor! This post is very timely. I just finished cleaning and oiling my 1950’s machine that I inherited from my mom. After her cleaning, she is running just as smooth as silk. Her bobbin-winder tire is the original, though. Not being in NYC anymore, I guess I’ll have to order a new tire online, but I have no idea how to install. Any tips?<br /><br />My inherited old industrial machine is a mystery to me with regard to maintenance. No joke, the motor is bigger than the machine head and it sews a bajillion stitches a minute. I was terrified of it, but we got acquainted this weekend. Now I just need to learn how to clean and oil. I don't have any manual/instructions.<br /><br />I also saw a really beautiful VS machine in the antique shop last week. It has been calling out to me ever since, so I’ve been scouring the internet for info, including the sandman site that Rain recommends. The consensus is that these machines are very durable and reliable. They built those babies to last. But the parts are hard to find. If it’s still there after a while, I may buy it just to give it a home.Robertanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1991166428290808171.post-16721731969993322112012-03-21T09:17:18.630-04:002012-03-21T09:17:18.630-04:00I hope you warned your neighbor to never replace t...I hope you warned your neighbor to never replace that machine with a new one - they are not be so forgiving of lack of care.<br /><br />I have a VS machine, and it sews fine. I have only 1 original bobbin, and the new ones are dicey if they work or not. If I were buying one to use, I think I'd stay with a model you already have - if nothing else, it would be one less type of bobbin to keep track of. I bought mine only because it was sitting in the antique store scared and crying, not because I intended to use it.JustGailhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08948391538309176039noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1991166428290808171.post-62755390195325602862012-03-21T09:11:57.424-04:002012-03-21T09:11:57.424-04:00Oh, it is gorgeous!Oh, it is gorgeous!Peter Lappinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05109154527996679077noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1991166428290808171.post-44232359720368276932012-03-21T09:00:27.774-04:002012-03-21T09:00:27.774-04:00You are a very nice boy to help out your neighbor,...You are a very nice boy to help out your neighbor, rice pudding or no. I just posted on my rather nubile blog re: sewing with a hand-crank. There is a certain je ne sais quois about machine-sewing without electricity. Really feel like you're getting away with something. Plus, when the power goes out after Armeggeddon hits, you can still patch your ragged, zombie-bitten clothes. I found my 201 hand-crank on eBay, at an astonishingly great price. I love it to bits. Keep looking there, and scouring your local haunts, 'cuz one man's junk, etc. I too stay away from vibrating shuttle machines---just looks like a potential PITA. Anyhoo, good luck on the hunt---and really love what you do here in blogland! Come see the betty bricolage blog for my hand-crank photo-shoot!elle squaredhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15664023976020088004noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1991166428290808171.post-30316787298205868972012-03-21T08:52:03.908-04:002012-03-21T08:52:03.908-04:00I have my grandmother's Singer shuttle and tre...I have my grandmother's Singer shuttle and treadle sewing machine. I primarily use my modern New Home machine, but I learned to use the shuttle sewing machine because it would be a shame to let the old girl become a relic. The stitch quality seems fine, but I assume that is a factor of machine condition and tuning, like any other machine. Also, there is a mechanism on my machine that winds the bobbin, so that's not hard. On the down side, I think the bobbin holds less thread, and the shuttles on these things rub metal on metal and they do actually wear out over time (a lot of time). That can be a consideration since it can be hard to find parts. If you see a machine you are interested in, make sure it comes with a few extra bobbins and check the condition of the shuttle.<br /><br />The mechanism is cool to watch and amuses small children for irrationally long periods of time.Amynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1991166428290808171.post-68465238658059883292012-03-21T07:45:17.536-04:002012-03-21T07:45:17.536-04:00But of course! ;)But of course! ;)Peter Lappinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05109154527996679077noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1991166428290808171.post-23096648458578723832012-03-21T07:44:29.022-04:002012-03-21T07:44:29.022-04:00I can't remember! ;)I can't remember! ;)Peter Lappinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05109154527996679077noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1991166428290808171.post-43174616994287111182012-03-21T07:43:54.307-04:002012-03-21T07:43:54.307-04:00Cold Spring (near West Point).Cold Spring (near West Point).Peter Lappinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05109154527996679077noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1991166428290808171.post-46800468375984052362012-03-21T07:02:54.340-04:002012-03-21T07:02:54.340-04:00Irmas machine looks identical to my model 66 cabin...Irmas machine looks identical to my model 66 cabinet and all. Sewing on it is the reason I started the I love vintage singers and wagging them home. I have a treadle with the shuttle bobbin system for apocalypse but secretly wish it had the bobbin system the other vintage ones I own have already. I have been told the vs bobbin machines work well though and it is serviced and ready to go as well as the 99k hand crank should power outages occur and ever hang on. I love the cabinet like Irma's machine is in-doesn't take up much space folded up and mine has a sweet little stool that is handy and stores up under out of the way. It was a nice thing to do to get the machine fixed up-might save it from the trash at some point. I have no schedule just other peoples-have not been home for the day in a week and headed out today.Lol! No you are not alone in getting your schedule messed up. mssewcrazyAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1991166428290808171.post-58061450706536450082012-03-21T06:14:05.880-04:002012-03-21T06:14:05.880-04:00Hey that shot of the Hudson looks familiar - where...Hey that shot of the Hudson looks familiar - where you near Tarrytown?Phyllishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04668161467072636784noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1991166428290808171.post-53568365245237150802012-03-21T03:59:06.883-04:002012-03-21T03:59:06.883-04:00I confess to be challenged on the upkeep and maint...I confess to be challenged on the upkeep and maintenance front, but I do remove lint and apply oil. However, I'm more interested in the hiking location -- where were you? Looks lovely. It's spring here in Naples, my trees are full of lemons, and the apple, almond, and pear trees have all blossomed.Erzulimojohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01475371609166418042noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1991166428290808171.post-49832305582639205922012-03-21T03:05:12.660-04:002012-03-21T03:05:12.660-04:00Hee hee, I have a 66 in an identical cabinet to Ir...Hee hee, I have a 66 in an identical cabinet to Irma's. Mine hails from the thrift store, though. I'm curious about the hand crank but hear the repro cranks aren't as well machined. Cindy Peters tests hers before sending them out.<br />Interesting to see vintage Singers, treadles and hand cranks all getting popular. Some places you still can't give them away!Summerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14800522660951414782noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1991166428290808171.post-67014073290733790382012-03-20T21:19:26.089-04:002012-03-20T21:19:26.089-04:00I think this is why the shop I worked in at Uni al...I think this is why the shop I worked in at Uni always paid the sewing machine repair man so well...there's a lot of work and knowledge involved.<br />Hooray for this warm weather! It is lovely up in Rhode Island, so much so that I got sunburnt on my shoulders today.Alyssahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14204598010453409678noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1991166428290808171.post-22056467762215984432012-03-20T21:00:48.496-04:002012-03-20T21:00:48.496-04:00There is also a Vintage Singer Yahoo mailing list ...There is also a Vintage Singer Yahoo mailing list you can join that is a wealth of knowledge. Rain posts there occasionally.Juliehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06221577622794207889noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1991166428290808171.post-4717661212936075992012-03-20T20:53:26.046-04:002012-03-20T20:53:26.046-04:00I just have one question- did they have a photogra...I just have one question- did they have a photograph of Edie Sedgwick at the Youthquaker exhibit - the socialite who was Andy Warhol's "it" girl and the original Youthquaker-sarah chttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12420367186796307675noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1991166428290808171.post-55069786041727048092012-03-20T19:48:20.155-04:002012-03-20T19:48:20.155-04:00Now, that's a good neighbor. And oiling and de...Now, that's a good neighbor. And oiling and delinting an old 66 is a mission of mercy.<br /><br />I have a Singer 128 that I converted to hand-crank. It has a vibrating shuttle. It's not hard to use at all, and the bobbin seems like it lasts a lot longer than the 66 bobbins do. It's quiet, I use it to piece quilts while watching old movies.<br /><br />If you buy one, make sure the shuttle is in there. The shuttles cost almost as much as the machines if you buy them separately.lwhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08731797783816953087noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1991166428290808171.post-60771847122975512032012-03-20T19:46:45.540-04:002012-03-20T19:46:45.540-04:00Wish I were your neighbor, too. (Sounds a bit lik...Wish I were your neighbor, too. (Sounds a bit like Mr. Rogers...).<br />I had a long to-do list today. the first 2 things were the most important and neither got done, because the places I needed to find what I wanted were NOT OPEN!!!!! ARRGGHH!!<br />But I did do everything else, including make Thai mushroom soup, so I'm over it.<br />I used to have a beautiful old 100th anniversary model Singer in a cabinet. Gave it away. I never thought about making it a hand-crank. Nuts!Ustabahippienoreply@blogger.com