Saturday, November 21, 2009

my place and yours ... my collection ... vintage sewing machines

I'm joining in on the "my place and yours" fun over at Meet Me at Mikes for the first time ... how about you?

I collect lots of things ... I like old things ... things with a past, a story and charm. Today, I'm going to share my first serious collection - vintage sewing machines ...



It all started when my sister salvaged an old treadle sewing machine off our family property for my birthday about 10 years ago. The machine once belonged to my great aunt. The wood on the table was rotten, and the machine rusted beyond repair, but the cast iron base was lovely. Best of all, it was a WHITE sewing machine - an American brand, the same name as my maiden name. The addiction began. I still have the old machine in the shed, and I am currently sitting at the table I made from the cast iron treadle legs typing this blog post.

My rules for this collection are pretty simple - sewing machines must be hand crank or treadle (no electric models), they should preferably work, they must be lovely to look at, and there must be space to put them (this last one came from Mr Yardage - this from the man with every games console ever made - we both collect stuff!). I also don't have any Singers in my collection (yet) - not a rule, but I wanted to give the others a go and be a bit less predicable!

This machine is one of my favourites, and was my first aquisition. It's from a tiny antique shop in Handorf (South Australia) - it's German and still sews (once you get the hang of the hand crank!).



This one is also a favourite - a WHITE treadle in an art deco timber cabinet. It is in mint condition.



All in all, I have eight vintage machines - six on display in my home and two in the shed who need restoration (maybe when I retire??!). Five of the eight are WHITE sewing machines - I love them! This is definately an ongoing collection for me - I love the workmanship, the feel and the look of these old machines. To think that women 100 years ago made all of their clothes using one of these just amazes me.

Thanks to Kate at Fox's Lane for the brilliant theme, and Pip at Meet Me at Mikes for being a wonderful host!

22 comments:

Beck said...

I love your sewing machines and that you have them on display to enjoy every day. They are such gorgeous pieces and so decorative. Imagine all the people who have used them and all the creations that they made, such a lot of history xo

Beky said...

Thanks for sharing. Wonderful!!!!
I think my husband should get together with Mr Yardage. My husband loves games and especially anything to do with computers.

Tracey said...

how nice! I'd love to collect these, but pretty sure I don't have the space in this house. Buuuut in the next house in the far away future.. well thats a different story :) ps: Hahndorf is quite a sweet place isnt it!

Vic said...

Oh. Wow.

They are GORGEOUS, and I LOVE that they are your first serious "collection" (or obsession?!). There will be no going back now...

Kate said...

I love that your collection has a history, is a beautiful display and is also very functional. Gorgeous!

Sally said...

I'm in love.
Those sewing machines are divine... and that they still function - unreal.
Feeling a tad *green* here!

CurlyPops said...

Oh wow, how I would love to have your collection. I'm amazed at how they managed to make anything by hand cranking those machines!

Cherry said...

That is a fantastic collection! Very envious.

Manda said...

Now that is one beautiful collection Nic....new sewing machines are so ugly in comparison aren't they!

midge said...

those machines are lovely. my sister inherited my grandmothers divine old treadle with the ornate carved drawers ( do you detect a hint of jealousy ) and don't they sew a fine stitch

Anonymous said...

OOHHHH STOP my RACING heart..i CAN't bear to LOOK..i simply ADORE vintage sewing machines too!!..and i SSOO want to just reach out and grab YOURS to keep for my verrry OWN!!

Unknown said...

I love your collection! I really want to own vintage sewing machine myself. They are so charming!!!
I enjoyed reading your blog and will follow it for updates. Fabric printing is something I am planning on learning and your blog is really helpful.
Thank you for visiting my blog and leaving a comment!

teddybearswednesday said...

WHat a beautiful collection, they really did know how to make things in the old days!

Amy said...

They're great! I really want a vintage sewing machine but would have no place to put one, let alone an entire collection!!

Jackie said...

Aren't they gorgeous. I have a couple of old treadles and a hand crank in mint condition. Love 'em. Just wish I had the space and the money to collect more! Very jealous of your collection!

Holly said...

They are gorgeous! What a great collection.

Tanya said...

Im impressed that they function as well as lookign jolly beautiful

Pippi creates said...

What an impressive collection Ms White!

Gina said...

Wow. I love vintage sewing machines and have eyed several off in recent times at local op shops and antiques places. They're gorgeous. Not much room in our 2-bed flat, the boys would end up sleeping on them!!!

DELiciousDesignz said...

They are so quaint ! I have an old hand crank Singer that my Nanna gave me when I was 10 and I learnt to sew on it..now my girls are learning to sew on it.

Mrs.George said...

HI i have the exact same sewing machine and cant figure out how to get it cleaned and ready for me to try it out? any help would be great! thank you!

Mrs. George

yardage girl said...

Mrs George - I normally clean them myself with a little sewing machine oil, however any good antique dealer that sells old sewing machines will be able to help you or know someone that can. Also try googling restoration businesses in your area. Good luck!