I had seen a green sewing machine cabinet that I wanted to use for my Janome, at $25 that is cheaper than buying a new ugly plastic one.
I opened it up and looked at it and it was a White number 8 electrical sewing machine.
It was pretty filthy, I wanted you to see the metal underneath the machine.
This is the inside of the door on the cabinet, see the place for the threads? There are also two little shelves.
This is a great article on White treadle machines from treadleon.net, a great resource for treadle and hand cranked sewing machines. The serial number is 1833719, according to the operator it was manufactured in 1934 in Cleveland, OH. According to another serial number list it is from 1928, from the style and stuff that makes more sense. That is the only info she had. So we do not know if it was originally a hand powered machine that was later converted or if it was made new as electric.
I still love this cabinet, so I have two people warring inside me right now. On the one hand I love antiques and I don't want to mess with it unless it is to refurbish it(although the chord is so old it is scary) or do I go ahead and gut it and make it into the much needed sewing machine cabinet I need for my Janome so that I get it off the kitchen table? What do you think? Please comment and let me have your opinion or any information about this machine.
Update: I have decided to keep the two together, My vintage loving self just could not take them apart! LOL
Update: I have decided to keep the two together, My vintage loving self just could not take them apart! LOL
Oh, here is another great article on the history of White sewing machines
Torn between between history and necessity,
Missy
16 comments:
It's a hard decision. I love old cabinets...but I love old machines too.
what a great find!xo thank you for linking up to the hop!
That's great to find that sewing machine inside. Love vintage!
I found your blog via the link-up I saw on the White Wolf SUmmit Farmgirl blog. Your sewing machine is LOVELY. I have one that looks almost exactly like it. I suspect is was made electric...only because mine is like that. It's a cast-iron Montgomery Ward's sewing machine that's attached to a folding-desk..so when it's not in use, it turns upside down and turns into a lovely side table. It was made either in the late 30s or early 1940s. It was one of the first electric sewing machines. You might also try the Country Woman or Country magazine sites on Facebook (if you're on Facebook) or writing to their on-line forums. There might be someone there that could ehlp you too. My grandmother's sewing machine is really cool. It still works...and she got it as a wedding present. It had three stithes functions, forward, backward and zigzag :) :) Happy Valentine's Day. Love and hugs from the ocean shores of California, Heather :)
I would leave it and make use of the table, that's what we did. Then you can find another cabinet for you modern machine. I have a treadle, two electric vintage models we use as end tables plus a few others from the family. You can see them here http://movingontothepast.blogspot.com/2011/03/threads-that-bind-our-family.html
I found you through the Hop. Nice to meet you.
I had a vintage sewing machine years ago. I lost it in a move. I was so upset. Can you safely take the machine out. That way if you want to you can put it back together one day,I am now following you.
I agree with Kathy....keep the old sewing machine as is...It would make a lovley side table. Or you can leave it out as decoration. it's a gorgeous piece :) :) You don't find pieces like that hardly at all anymore. Love and hugs from the ocean shores of California, Heather :)
Have you sewn on a treadle long? I am curious about trying it. No help on the cupboard/table.
Very cool piece, I would have to think long and hard before deciding to use the machine. They really did a good job of adding extras like the thread spool holders and shelf. Great find.
Ann
What an awesome find! Funny, my sister and I live 8 hoours apart and she just left you a comment! Blessings, Debbie
I would use the cabinet for your Janome and use the White when it is cleaned up for display. You could later get the White rewired and try it out. Just my opinion but I love having somewhere for my sewing machine to be left ready to use.
That is truly a vintage sewing machine. Sewing was not my thing, but mother was very good.
I'm glad to read the addition to your post - I wouldn't know what to recommend to you.
Lovely cabinet though.
Easy peasy... use the cabinet for your janome IF it fits, or you can make an insert to accomodate the janome (assuming you want it to drop in like the white does). The white is easily convertable to treadle, as the belt carrier is on the outside of the handwheel. The motor is friction drive and easily removeable. You may have to get a good carpenter to make you a custom tabletop that will accomodate the position of the belt and handwheel above the flywheel in the base. They must be vertically aligned. Before you get too deep into making the white useful again, check and make sure you have the white vs shuttle (has a post in the center for the bobbin to ride on), and have at least one bobbin with the half moon curved ends and the hollow shaft to ride on the shuttle pin. Join treadleon.net. there are many of us that have a colkection of White and white/peerless machines.
Hi Missy,
The instructions manual looks like it might be the one for the machine I have which I've been trying to find. Would you be able/willing to scan it in and email it to me? That'd be super awesome. My email address is scrosby08@ gmail.com. Thanks so much!
Sincerely,
~ Sam
Hi Missy,
The instructions manual looks like it might be the one for the machine I have which I've been trying to find. Would you be able/willing to scan it in and email it to me? That'd be super awesome. My email address is scrosby08@ gmail.com. Thanks so much!
Sincerely,
~ Sam
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