I tripped today....

[Lightwriter]

Just yesterday on one of the threads about treadle sewing machines I made the statement I wanted one but hated estate sales and craigslist is just not useful in my rural environment, so I would have to literally trip across a treadle to find one to purchase.

SO.....

I was driving through my small town today when I spotted a sewing machine out on the sidewalk in front of a new vintage shop. I took a second look and realized it was a treadle. I parked, went back, and looked at it. The cabinet was in good shape and the decals of the machine were excellent. It is a Model 66. The slide plate is gone and the belt is shot, so could not tell if it would actually sew. Mechanisms did seem to move freely when I moved the hand wheel. They were asking too much, but I finally haggled it down some. Still wasn't completely happy with the price, came home and did more research. Finally decided that for the condition and the fact I didn't have to waste gas going to hunt one down that it was worth it.

SO..

she will be delivered tomorrow. I learned to sew on a treadle...Mom traded hers for $20.00 when she bought her Touch and Sew 600E in the early 60's. We had a small house and she had no where to store it. Wish I still had it. At least this one has the same cabinet.

Also, my MIL loaned me her treadle when I first got married. Mom finally bought me an electric (which I learned to hate because it was the devil to sew on and caused me to hate sewing for years....). That treadle disappeared after my MIL passed. Guess the aliens don't have electricity and beamed it up for Scotty to sew on.

SO..

I can't believe it. I finally will have a treadle in the house again. This is a pic from my phone as she stood on the sidewalk. Probably name her after my Mom. Today would have been her 95th birthday.

[ilive2craft2]

She is pretty! Have you looked up her serial number yet to see what year she was "born"?

[Carrie J]

Oh my, she is bee-yoo-ti-ful!!! Very happy for you, and hoping I run across one, one of these days! Just the picture brings back very fond memories for me! Hope she's up and running soon, Congratulations!

[stitchwishes]

How exciting for you! It was me musing about treadles, and I'm so glad you tripped over one! I remember reading your post and thinking there had to be some way for you to find one, and here it found you! It looks lovely, I bet you can get it working. As I understand it, there are a great number still in existence, so I think one should eventually be able to find any parts needed.

I'm going to try and move mine to my living room today, it has so much stuff piled on it and it's tucked away. My mother said it always worked, so I'm hoping it needs minimal work to get it sewing.

[Pandabear]

Pretty pretty pretty!!! I have a Red Eye 66 as well. eBay is a good place to look for parts. I bought some bobbins from eBay because I found the regular Singer bobbins don't work well in the treadle. I couldn't get them to wind at all using the treadle. Singer needles work well though.

I also picked up the puzzle box with everything in it but one screw driver.

Have tons of fun!

[lourixe]

Congrats! It looks in good shape. Do you have a manual? You can find them on line, it will help you a lot to spot where you must oil and the reference of the parts that need replacement. A slide plate and a belt are not hard to find. Enjoy your haul!

[Genny]

WOW...what a beautiful machine!

[SallyO'Sews]

How. cool. is. that?!? Beautiful machine.

[JCY]

Brings back memories. I also learned to sew on a treadle machine. I have a treadle in my bsmt. in the sewing rm. Haven't used it for years. It was in my first husband's family, & when I acquired it, I had to agree to keep it in the family. Not sure if any of the kids or grandkids will ever want it.

[Bubby]

She's beautiful...a graceful reminder of the past.