Wednesday 28 November 2012

They don't make them like they used to

Recently I have been let loose to the wonderful world of ebay... it all started when my hubby started selling bits and bobs that were used just once from our wedding (we simply do not have that much space in the house to store it all), and very soon after that, my years of claiming "if I don't stay away from ebay, I will be addicted to it" became history, and my bold claim had turned out to be very true indeed. 

After buying a couple of vintage sewing patterns from it, I had the most genius idea of finding myself a  Singer 99k. Don't get me wrong, my Singer 8280 (Sallie Moonbeam) works perfectly fine, and I did not need a new machine, but who can resist the charms of a vintage Singer? I mean, look at her!


It dates from 1957, and I cannot believe how well it has been looked after. It has a motor and foot pedal installed already, and is in great working order. It came with its manual, some (very rusty) sewing feet and its original case - I am one very lucky girl!


16 comments:

  1. NIce sewing machine! it reminds me my Singer sewing machine! Old, with no motor ( i have to pull the wheel with my hand, lol) and HEAVY to carry! No zigzag point, just the basics!
    BUt i still love it!

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    1. Ah yes, I did see some lovely hand-cranked versions too - I actually think they are more beautiful. I need to investigate this further, but I think straight stitch only machines can offer a lot more, with the help of some clever sewing feet... but I'll have to try it out and keep you posted :-)

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  2. I LOVE vintage Singers! My mother has at home one from 1936 (no motor) and it worked perfectly until two years ago!!!!!
    While the Singer I bought few years ago lasted only 4 years, and when I brought it at the repair shop hoping they would fix it the man said that now the quality of Singer is not the same as before, and that I'm lucky it lasted so long: several people brought him broken machines after about 18 months of usage!
    So love vintage Singers, but currently using Necchi!

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    1. They are such beautiful machines, aren't they? They do look more solid and well-made too, with lots of care and attention (especially if they've been looked after over the years). I have only test-stitched so far, and I can't wait to actually use it!

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  3. Hurrah! Congrats and enjoy xxx

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    1. Thank you! I am so happy to have found her X

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  4. What a lovely machine, and a good choice as a purchase! They really don't make them like they used to. Sometimes the rusty feet/parts can be cleaned up with a nail file. Enjoy your new toy!

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    1. I feel very lucky to have found such a beautiful (and working) machine. Thank you for your tip re the nail file - I shall give that a go!

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  5. Hello Alice, I found your blog recently and really love the things you have sewn. I bought a Singer 99k hand crank which is from 1927. She is a joy to use and is my go to machine when ever I want to put in a zipper because my electric machine tension always plays up doing zips. I hope you get loads of pleasure using her. I have read that a product called Autosol from car accessory shops can be very good for cleaning rusty machine feet.

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    1. Thank you for your kind words Marion! That's great to hear about your beloved Singer 99k - I can't wait to start using mine :D

      Thank you for your tip too!

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  6. Hi Alice! My sister and I wanted to let you know that because we love your blog so much we’ve nominated you for the Liebster Award. The award’s purpose is to bring viewers & potential followers to blogs with under 200 followers. Here is the link to the post on our blog, which goes into greater detail about the award! http://teafortwodiary.blogspot.co.uk/2012/12/the-liebster-award.html. We hope you’ll take part :).

    Jen x

    teafortwodiary.blogspot.co.uk

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    1. Wow that is fantastic!! Thank you so much! xx

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