Tuesday, June 1, 2010

Saving the earth one treadle at a time...

Check it out, check it out!  
 When we moved into our home the old owners left a treadle machine.  They graciously said I could have it.  This means a great deal to me, because I learned to sew on a treadle machine.  It was always better to me than my mother's Brother that she bought thinking an upgrade would work better.
Over the weekend my husband and I spent a little time cleaning up the cabinet portion of the treadle.  This morning I took the machine down to The Sewing Machine Shop in town.  I had no clue what to expect.  The owner was so nice to me, he showed me how to take it all apart and what to use to get it cleaned up.  I brought Rose (I'm not sure I've settled on that name yet, we'll see if she likes it) home and took her apart and spend most of my day soaking parts, scrubbing and cleaning, and reassembling all the springs and do-dads.  In the next day or two I'm going back to the repair shop to get all of my replacement parts.  
When we get it all put back together & running that's when the fun begins.  I can put it anywhere, because guess what?  I don't need electricity.  So I'm saving on electricity & our bill.  WIN WIN!  We already moved the base to my studio, with all my other treasures & wonders.  I'm getting really excited and on the hunt for cutesie dress patterns for my girls.  I can't wait to put Rosie to good use.  She will be loved.
More pics to come!!!

7 comments:

  1. This picture is pre-machine scrub down! When I get her all put together & I've got her settled I'll take more pictures :)

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  2. Rose is gorgeous! What a wonderful gift. I hope you'll share a video of you making something with her. I've never seen a treadle sewing machine working before. Thanks for sharing - you always have interesting things going on at your house.

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  3. What a great idea! A video! I'll work on that, maybe by this weekend!!!

    Thanks dear!!!

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  4. How awesome! I have been looking for a sewing machine on craigslist and I keep coming across old sewing machines like this. I am not sure what a good price is and if I should even bother with an old one but it sounds like I should perhaps? I used to sew a lot as a teen but now in my late 20's I don't anymore mainly because I don't have a sewing machine but I am dying to get one. What do you think? Should I get one of these older one's off Craigslist for the character or should I just get a new one for now and get an old one later?
    smiles,
    gina
    http://hiyaluv.blogspot.com

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  5. Gina,

    When researching treadles I found that they can range anywhere from about $150 to $500. I'm sure the year and the condition is a factor... but if you can find one that is inexpensive & clean it up I highly recommend it. One drawback with mine is there is no reverse. If you go backwards the thread breaks. I've had to practice lots.

    A cool little fact, when I was talking to the repairman about my machine he told me that he sells treadle machines. Not vintage. Janome has a 10 stitch treadle with buttonhole stitch! I think it sells for about $200. http://janome.com/index.cfm/Machines/Specialty/712T You would have to buy the table to go along with it. You could always call my repair guy. He is really nice & loves to help out! (920) 467-3135

    It would depend on what you wanted to use it for. I have a sewing machine that I use for buttonholes & quilting. I try to use the treadle as often as I can, but I think I'm doing it more for my kids so they can have the same experience I had. If you are very energy conscious & really want a treadle as your main machine I'd research the newer ones... but that's me. Maybe you like a challenge, and if so you go girl!!! The vintage ones are very very fun! And you can brag about it ;)

    I might be doing a video soon with mine to show people how it runs and so people can get a closer look. Hope this helps!

    <3 Sally

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  6. I have 2 treadle machines and an old pug in .... I have have used none, instead I stick to the modern convenient portable electrics.

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