Christmas & My Happy Place Equals Perfection. - A Dec 2011 PTR

[cogero]

okay I have always wanted an old machineuhm a vintage machine. There are certain old things I love. Old sewing machines have always been one (I love old Milk seperators and if my uncle's wife hadn't stolen my grandparents I would have one of those to use as a plant holder in my house)

So I do have an old New Home machine to restore but it is at my moms and makes me nervouse. She has an Old singer in a bentwood box that I am going to research but it was her aunts and she isn't giving upon it. (it needs to be restored too)

so all this talk about vintage machines had me stalking ebay and craigslist for something local.

On Monday night I found a listing on Craigslist for what looked like a nice machine.

Last night I went to see this hidden gem and this is what I came home with. Isn't she pretty.

She came in this lovely case that the top smells like mothballs YUCK

I need to research how to get her locked down in the box so I can use her because she runs. I just need to clean her up a tiny bit.

The Details isn't she pretty.

I even have the original owners manual (I will say I love the way the manual is written super easy to understand.)

and look at all these feet. I need tofigure out what they are I do think one is a buttonholer

This is a Singer 99 and it was made around 1956 since that is the date on the manual. She is a 3/4 size machine. I just am in love with her and she makes me happy just looking at her.

I was able to get a great deal. I paid $25 for her. This baby has been sitting in someone's attic. Just so happy to have her.

 

[DMGeurts]

So... I've done a bit of research about the mothball smell... And I've found a few different ideas to try...

Heat and air are the main ways to get rid of the smell... Some people say to put a container of baking soda/charcoal/kitty littler (I nearly spit out my coffee when someone put "preferably unused" behind the latter) and put it in a sealed box of some sort to absorb the odor. Changing out the absorbant material regularily, until the odor is gone. If you google "how to get mothball odor out of wood" you will get quite a few answers. I hope that helps.

D~

 

[DMGeurts]

Oh Chiara - SHE IS GORGEOUS!!!! WOW!!! Yes, I am screaming!!! She is absolutely beautiful!

Is she just sitting kitty-wompus in the case??? That case looks like it's much newer than the machine... usually those machines came in a bentwood case - it's possible that's the wrong case for your machine, and that's why she isn't sitting in there properly.

D~

 

[DMGeurts]

Oh, and aren't those manuals awesome??? They are sooo descriptive, and really explain everything in detail - if manuals were still written like that, I think sewing would be much less intimidating.

D~

 

[cogero]

I did some reading and the case is one of the cases for the 99 it was a later case.

One of the pegs is bent and doesn't move freely so I am goingto start by greasing that to see if I can fix it. I am going to put the top of the box in my boiler room and see if that will help the smell LOL.

The pictures online did no justice to her.

I am also going to get some new bobbins and an extra light bulb for her since I do not know how long this one has been in her. I was amazed by the condition of the electrical.

 

[DMGeurts]

I just saw that is the proper case for a 99... Hmmm... There's got to be something in there that's blocking it from sitting right.

I agree, the craigslist pictures did nothing for that machine - she is just beautiful!

I am glad that the electrical is in good condition. I would still have your dad/brother look at it, just to double check... I read that these old machines didn't have a ground - so YOU become the ground... Not sure about you, but I have no desire to be electrocuted - better safe than sorry.

D~

 

[dianemom2]

What a beautiful little machine! You sure did a great bargain for your $25! You are going to make me want to start shopping for a vintage machine. My machine that I use for the actual sewing is ok but not like one of those older machines!

 

[VBAndrea]

She's so pretty! Argh on the mothball smell -- I can't stand the smell of mothballs. I once dated a guy that lived in a highly wooded area and his house wreaked of moth balls so he was the first thing I thought of when you got your new machine

Also loving your appliques for the Christmas outfits and like your new oven as well. I so want a new stove b/c we got a new dishwasher and frig and now the stove doesn't match. Nor does the microwave. Someday, if I get rich....

 

[cogero]

Thanks everyone. I have a crush on the new machine.

My brother looked the machine over and even told me I got a good deal.

He told me to try putting a little WD-40 on a q-tip and see if I can loosen some of the things on the case. He had to run to a meeting so couldn't play.

Need to work on my list of things to do this week.

1. Crayon roll for D
2. Skirt Applique Minnie
3. Skirt Applique Donald
4. Cut out Pj pants Marc
5. Cut out shorts for Give.
6. Test design

okay have to keep it managable since the next 2 days are crazy.

 

[DMGeurts]

Thanks everyone. I have a crush on the new machine.

My brother looked the machine over and even told me I got a good deal.

He told me to try putting a little WD-40 on a q-tip and see if I can loosen some of the things on the case. He had to run to a meeting so couldn't play.

Good - I am glad your brother looked at it for you.

Need to work on my list of things to do this week.

1. 
   [*]Crayon roll for D
2. Skirt Applique Minnie
3. Skirt Applique Donald
4. Cut out Pj pants Marc
5. Cut out shorts for Give.
6. Test design

okay have to keep it managable since the next 2 days are crazy.

I got a bit excited there for a minute.

D~

 

[cogero]

If you really want one I can make it for you but that is for my nephew.

 

[Lidian]

Grats on a great deal and a new machine! I hope you can get everything sorted out and get it running soon!

So... I've done a bit of research about the mothball smell... And I've found a few different ideas to try...

Heat and air are the main ways to get rid of the smell... Some people say to put a container of baking soda/charcoal/kitty littler (I nearly spit out my coffee when someone put "preferably unused" behind the latter) and put it in a sealed box of some sort to absorb the odor. Changing out the absorbant material regularily, until the odor is gone. If you google "how to get mothball odor out of wood" you will get quite a few answers. I hope that helps.

D~

Why wouldn't you use "used kitty litter"?

 

[VBAndrea]

Why wouldn't you use "used kitty litter"?

I agree, nothing like the smell of cat pee to mask the smell of moth balls. I have plenty of used litter I can send your way

 

[Lidian]

I agree, nothing like the smell of cat pee to mask the smell of moth balls. I have plenty of used litter I can send your way

That's totally what I was thinking.

 

[cogero]

I agree, nothing like the smell of cat pee to mask the smell of moth balls. I have plenty of used litter I can send your way

That's totally what I was thinking.

Thanks for the super kind offers but I think I have to decline.

 

[DMGeurts]

Thanks for the super kind offers but I think I have to decline.

Now Chiara... I wouldn't turn them down quite yet - if all else fails, you might have no other option. And then, where will your faithful friends be with their used Kitty Litter?

D~

 

[babynala]

Love your new machine. I think it is so cool that it is in that little case, even if it is not the right one. Great score and good luck getting rid of the smell.

I guess D~ is hinting that she wants a crayon roll.

 

[miprender]

Love your new machine too bad about the moth ball smell. My mother had the bright idea to place moth balls in the house in Maine to get rid of all the mice and not only did it not work when we come back home all our luggage and cloths reek of it and it has been over 3 years and we still smell it

So the Christmas skirt is officially underway. I finished 2 of the 6 panels. I think I am loving how it is coming out.

Here is a little sneak peek... Tinkerbell & Pluto

Love those designs

Rats...that is who I was afraid you were going to say...I have never had any luck getting hers to stitch out as well as I would like.

And I know that if you are not an embroiderer...you would not notice that they are not perfect...but since I am they would drive me crazy....and I know the saying that people shouldn't be looking at my kids clothes that close...

(my way to handle less than perfect designs is to add twice as many skirt panels and add a petti. That way there is too much to look at to notice if they are perfect..yes I am weird! LOL)

Can't wait to see the finished product.

Nini

Alot of her designs are cute but I too have had trouble with them stitching. Mostly the tackdown stitch never gets covered up in spots but when I complain to DH he thinks I am just being fussy

I agree, nothing like the smell of cat pee to mask the smell of moth balls. I have plenty of used litter I can send your way

 

[cogero]

Love your new machine


Alot of her designs are cute but I too have had trouble with them stitching. Mostly the tackdown stitch never gets covered up in spots but when I complain to DH he thinks I am just being fussy

I use my seam ripper to get rid of the really bad ones

 

[cogero]

Need to work on my list of things to do this week.

Crayon roll for D
Skirt Applique Minnie
Skirt Applique Donald
Cut out Pj pants Marc
Cut out shorts for Give.
Test design

I really need to work on this list.

TOday I am going to cut out the crayon roll and cut out shorts for my Godson's christmas present.

I just need to get something accomplished.

I have been walking with Leslie Sansone DVDs the past 3 mornings I need to get over my hump of doing 3 days and thinking that is enough. GOing to try to get a second walk in today and make sure I get one in tomorrow too.