Vintage Sewing Machine 158.1410

A few weeks ago I purchased an old Kenmore 158.1410 sewing machine, known as a great machine to make buttonholes.  I of course, had to buy the slide plate and buttonholer attachment that are needed to make "perfect" buttonholes". 

At first I couldn't even get a good straight stitch.  By trial and error I finally got a good bottom stitch, but the I couldn't get the top stitch to look good.  When I got the 1410 machine everything was wacky, everything looked like a war zone.  Someone must have turned everything they could turn and messed it all up.  When nothing else would correct the problem of terrible stitches on top and bottom, my last resort was to turn the little screw on the bobbin casing - Bingo! the stitches came out great. 

One thing I haven't figured out yet is the bobbin winder.  I don't have a manual so everything I do is by trying one step at a time. Since I've never owned a Kenmore to sew on other than a few stitches I had no idea how good these vintage machines were made, but my sis always claimed they were the most reliable machine out there. 

 





The pics above are of the machine and buttonholer attachment, I forgot to take a pic of the slider plate needed.  This machine is so much to sew on, it's so smooth and quiet, I might have to keep it awhile.

Getting Sewing Machines Ready

I was taking photos and touching up old sewing machines getting them ready to list tomorrow. I always double check to make sure they all work; checking the stitches, bobbin windings etc.  For sewing machines that are older than 60 years old they run so smooth, I love the old heavy all metal vintage machines.  

Oh, why am I sitting in the house? I got Willow's harness out; she was jumping a foot high with excitement. We went for a walk to the park, what a beautiful day. There were three little kids flying kites. I never could get the hang of doing that, those kids got the kites up right away, maybe they had some practice.  It was such a nice afternoon I couldn't go back in the house so I grabbed a book and sat out on the patio to read.  I saw my first robin for this spring, what a great day. Willow just sat by my feet, if that would have been Abby, my last dog, she would have been running across the yard trying to catch the bird.

Below is a Singer 66-16, a beautiful lady that's been around for a long time. When I got her she was really dirty, had a lot of fuzz and thread to clean out of the bobbin area, and needed all new wiring. After that was done I greased and oiled her. She’s now bright and shiny, ready to go. Anyone who gets her will love her; she works hard and can go through 5-6 layers of fabric with no problem.

How Many Quilts Do I Need?

As many know I run in streaks with everything I do, I'm not too good at staying with one thing.  The last few years I was busy learning how to quilt, making a different pattern each time I made a quilt.  Last winter I did get one made for my daughter Tonia, another for my grandson Eddie, a couple more for two girls I support in Guatemala.  I have tons fabric for many more, but this year I haven't even produced one quilt.  My focus now is to learn how to clean up and get vintage machines back in working order.  Many of these old machines are over 60-70 years old.  It's amazing on the poor condition the machines are in, it seems like their owners never cleaned or oiled them.
 

 

Happy Trails - Eddie's quilt (grandson)

 

 

Picket Fence - Tonia's Quilt (daughter)

 

In 2011 I had lots of fun making a wall hanging for my sewing room.

 

 

Inside the Box

 

I've always liked the "hunt" more than doing the task.  I've spent many hours looking and finding fabrics, patterns, and thread, then kitting the fabric for that special quilt I have in mind.  I 've got many quilt kits ready to go, but for some reason this winter I didn't quite take the initiative to sit at the machine and get a quilt made. A few of the quilt kits on the shelves are going to my son Jeff, his sons Hunter and Levi. 

 

I normally don't sew in the summer, who can sit inside with the sun shining and the fresh air all around.  I'd much rather take my dog Willow to the park.  She enjoys the company of other dogs while I stop and talk to the neighbors who are also enjoying the nice day. Today is a day of mixed weather.  We've had rain, snow, and now the sun is shining bright.