Willcox and Gibbs

[chelea]

Several months ago I let a Singer 24 get away. This time, same consignment shop, I didn't hesitate. Meet Eleanor, c. 1891. The Willcox and Gibbs story is fascinating. Alex Askaroff, who has a fantastic vintage sewing machine site called Sewalot (his story is also fascinating) wrote a book about W&G. Anyway, this machine is very special to me because James Gibbs is from Rockbridge county in VA, where my DD lives, and the W&G sewing machines were made in Rhode Island by Brown and Sharpe. RI is where I was born and raised. I just love these vintage beauties and love to research their history.

Eleanor is in great shape. Cabinet and cast iron legs in near perfect condition, no rust anywhere, veneer intact. So it was just a matter of cleaning up a bit. She was frozen but that didn't concern me. I found the manual online, saw where the oiling points were, tried a little sewing machine oil first. No go, so out came the kerosene which took a couple hours to work. It was so exciting when the wheel started to turn. The old leather belt is still working fine. Can't wait for the needles I ordered to arrive. She sews a chainstitch so is very quiet, in fact it was marketed as "The Silent Sewing Machine".

[Caroline T.]

Be still my beating heart ! She's gorgeous! What a wonderful find.

[KPH]

What a beauty! I'm glad she's found a good home!

[KarenC]

You lucky girl! I'm sure you are doing the happy dance.

[Judy, USMC]

That's a real beauty in great condition. Let us see the stitch once you get the needles, please.

[Star lover]

Oh my, my heart just jumped a beat! She’s a beauty!

[Monique]

WOW she is a beauty.

[Cowgirl quilter]

Awesome find, congratulations!

[Hillbillyhike]

She is stunning!! I couldn't let her pass either. Wow!! Great find!

[NoOn49]

Good on you! Congrats on your find! What kind of needles will you be using and where did you find them? congrats again!

[chelea]

The needles are W&G chain stitch by Groz-Beckert. I found them on eBay. They do look quite a bit different from a modern needle.

[chelea]

Here is the chain stitch, front and back. It almost looks decorative on the back. One of the features of this machine is an automatic tension, believe it or not, so this is how the stitch looked right out of the gate. And it's SO quiet.
There's a technique to stopping so it doesn't unravel. Once you get the hang of it, it's not difficult. The seam is very secure so I wouldn't hesitate to use it for piecing. I think I'll try an apron as a first project.

[jjkaiser]

Oh that is such a beautiful machine. Congratulations on finding it and getting it working again. It makes such pretty stitches. I would understand if you don't want to answer this but could I ask how much you paid for it?

[chelea]

It was new to the consignment shop so I paid full price ($225) and it was sold as-is because it wasn't running.

[jjkaiser]

Thank you. She is such a pretty machine. Have fun sewing on it!

[SuzanneOrleansOntario]

Oh she is a beauty. Congratulations. I know you will enjoy her and will be able to add your own stories.

[Cokie]

That's a beautiful machine. I've never seen one like that. I like the pedal!