"New" Old Baby Comes Home

[Hannelore N.]

I happened to see an ad in the paper for a White treadle machine for $30. Probably just a piece of junk.... Mentioned to DH that someday, I'd like to get one.. He says "why wait! Go see this one!"

So we did and brought her home last night. Clearly, this woman had no idea what she had! After some research on-line, my DH determined that it is from BEFORE 1890!!!

The cabinet is mint - has a drop leaf, 4 regular drawers and a little swivel bobbin drawer. Beautiful details in all the wrought iron legs and treadle with the words "White SMC" several places. It has a wooden "hood" which covers the machine and "White" carved on the front.

The machine is grimy and missing a few parts, but might eventually run. It's black with gold details and very heavy. There is a velvet lined case with several different feet including a ruffler. Funny little bobbin cases and 1 bobbin.

She also threw in a large box of empty wooden spools of many sizes. All this for $30!!!!!

I'm exstatic!! I've already polished the woodwork and am going to the library to see if there are any books about cleaning and restoring the actual machine. Look forward to checking all the resources that are listed here. I'll post a photo on my profile when I get a good one.

What a Find!!! Nancy in Western NY

[Hannelore N.]

Nancy, go to http://community.webshots.com/user/arachnesobsession

and you will find a ton of information on White sewing machines. Katie is in some of the on-line groups for sewing machine collectors and has been researching the White sewing machine company for quite a while now. I have a White treadle here that actually was my DSIL's grandmother's machine. It doesn't fit her decor, and her daughter's home decor doesn't go with it either, so I said it could live with me until the grandkids are grown and decide whether one of them would like to have it. I hope one of them will want it. Personally, I think I would kill for my great-great grandmother's machine. You should be able to date yours on Katie's site, or you can email her directly for more info. I hope you will actually get it up and running and try piecing on it. I do almost all my piecing and quilting on my old machines.

Pat in Rockport, TX

[Hannelore N.]

Forgot to say, I use Liquid Wrench or kerosene to clean old machines--wipe it on with a soft cloth, let it sit a few minutes, then gently wipe it off. Some people use sewing machine oil, but it's not good at dissolving old oil the way kerosene/Liquid Wrench is. There is a lot of very good info at http://www.treadleon.net on rehabbing and using treadle and hand crank machines.

Pat in Rockport, TX

[Hannelore N.]

Thanks Pat! I went to the study website and discovered that my machine was made between 1886 and 1889. How cool! I'm working on cleaning it up so at least it's nice to look at. Then I'll look into what it needs to work. So far, I've noticed a broken feed dog and no belt. It still has a needle though! Do you know if it's possible to get stuff like that? How about bobbins? I only have the one.

Nancy in NY

[Hannelore N.]

If you get on the Treadleon Digest, you'll find there are more than 1,000 members, and hopefully one of them will have a donor head that will have the parts you need. The bobbins may be a little expensive, since they haven't been made in many years. I've sold some of the White bobbins with the hole through the shaft for around $5. I think I still have some around, if that's what yours uses and you can't find them for less. Your machine probably uses 20X1 needles, too, not the modern 15X1, and I also have some of those if you're not able to find them locally, but your local sewing machine shop may have some.

Enjoy your new baby!

Pat in Rockport, TX

[Hannelore N.]

Forgot to say, belts may also be available at your local sewing machine shop, or can be ordered from some of the folks on Treadleon who sell stuff.

Pat in Rockport, TX

[Hannelore N.]

Thanks Pat for your info. This is going to be fun finding what I need to get her going. I cleaned her today with Goo Gone and surprisinly, a Magic Eraser. It did a great job taking the gunk off the shiny parts and the gold details came through. I've posted 2 photos at my profile.

Have you ever done anything to the legs and lower wheel? Mine has a bit of rust and my DH has ideas about removing the rust. Will we need to paint the ironwork later?

Nancy in NY

[Sandy F.]

We moved my grandmother's Singer treadle machine from my mom's house to my basement Thanksgiving but I haven't had time to do anything with it. I learned to sew on it back in the 50's. The treadle is broke but I think all of it is there and hopefully my brother can weld it for me.

[Patti P.]

Nancy Ann your new baby cleans up better than I do! She's a beauty.

[Gloria H.]

What a beautiful machine Nancy Ann. I hope you can get it working. I know my Janome won't be a work of art in a hundred years :lol:

[Margo C.]

WOW! Nancy, you get the prize for getting the best deal this year! It's beautiful!

[Pam D.]

Nancy, I love your baby!

BTW While checking out your profile I was interested to see your convergence quilt. I am trying to decide how to do the borders on mine. You have given me another option, if you dont mind me trying your idea. Pam

[Pam D.]

Of course I don't mind. I made that years ago and probably didn't even put any thought into it. Just trying to use up the fabric!

I still like that quilt and look at it everyday. It's on the wall of my work room. There's something so interesting and pleasing about how it all intersects and blends. Intend on making it again soon...

I TRUELY think Ricky is some kind of engineering/quilt artist Genius!!!

Nancy in NY

[Pam D.]

Nancy, thank you.

You are right Ricky is definitely a genius! An amazing human being and an inspiration to us all. RICKY WE LOVE YOU

[Judy M.]

Nancy, what a great deal!!! I'm always glad to see machines like this "rescued" by those that will love them. I have an 1890 Singer treadle and wouldn't part with it!!!