This machine is a perfect example for a sewing machine restoration. Manufactured in 1910, it machine was made exclusively as a treadle machine. There is no provision on the body casting to attach a motor, or more likely for the times, a hand wheel crank. The machine is dull from old dirt and oil. It shows some wear on the decals, but not as much for a 113 year old machine as you would think. The machine is very stiff and has the hallmarks of a machine that has been unused for some time. So, what makes it a perfect candidate for a restoration? Well, it is my expectation of the before and after ..read more

Introduction This restoration is interesting for a number of reasons. For me, one of the most interesting things about any machine I restore is it’s history. This machine is no different and researching its history was quite a chalenge. My customer purchased the machine from Shopgoodwill because of it’s name. It’s a Gimbels… and like many machines of it’s vintage, it’s a Singer class 15 clone made in Japan. But who made it? Gimbels did not manufacture sewing machines and like every other retailer would commission a Japanese sewing machine manufacturer to make their sewing machines and brand th ..read more

Introduction This is a private restoration of a Kenmore model 1914-2 sewing machine. The serial number 0035262 identifies its year of manufacture from 1976 to 1977. Manufactured by Maruzen Sewing Machine Company, it was made in Japan, and it is a high quality all metal sewing machine, Because of its quality and capabilities, it is a very desirable model with a very good following. I said all metal…. well, the top motor belt pulley is made of plastic, but it has proven to be durable and seldom a problem in machines despite its age. Otherwise, every other component in the machine is made of stee ..read more

A reader recently contacted me with two questions that she wanted me to post an answer to… “There are two things I’d like to see you cover. One is an explanation of Kenmore model numbers. They make absolutely no sense to me- they don’t seem to run in any kind of numeric order. The other is an explanation of Kenmore attachments. You mention many times ‘the best buttonholer ever’, but when I look it up, there were many Kenmore buttonhole attachments, and most look no different than the Singer ones. And you mentioned once ‘it has the under-bed mechanism to drive the fantastic attachments Kenmore ..read more

Introduction This restoration is one that is dear to my heart. You see, I have been blessed with five wonderful grandchildren. The oldest is my granddaughter, Millie. She is a very talented and artistic young lady! She loves anything that requires her to use her hands and her mind… beading, crocheting, and basically anything artistic and creative is easy for her. Like most young girls, she enjoys music, photography, and her pet dog Daisey. About six months ago (maybe a year, I can’t remember!) she asked her grandmother (Nanny to her) if she would teach her how to sew. Well, that was it for me ..read more

Introduction This is a private restoration for another fine Singer model 201-2. This beautiful sewing machine is named Lola. It isn’t surprising to me that folks get so attached to their sewing machines that they name them. Vintage sewing machines like this 201 have been sewing reliably for decades. Often, they become part of the family and passed down thru generations of folks that use and cherish them for decades. When you consider that Lola is 81 tears old and still sewing reliably after all that time, it is a testament to the quality build that is evident in every part of the machine. Cast ..read more

Introduction Meet Belle, she is a Singer model 201-2 and the serial number AK553646 identifies her as a centennial machine commissioned for manufacture on July 26, 1951. What is a centennial machine? Singer began manufacturing sewing machines in 1851. They celebrated their 100th anniversary in 1951 and in commemoration of the event they changed the usual brass color Singer badge with a commemorative badge that had a blue border and the anniversary dates embossed in the badge. This badge was an instant success for Singer. They could not keep up with demand for centennial machines, and believe i ..read more

Introduction This is a custom original finish restoration and a great opportunity to restore a fine sewing machine to sew like new and stabilize the original but care worn Sphinx decals and beautiful black Japanned paint and protect them from further wear. Before undertaking a restoration like this, I think it is important to know a little bit of the machines history. This model 127 is serial number G3179937 and it was one of 30,000 127’s commissioned for manufacture on August 27, 1913. This 127 was designed to be powered by either a treadle or hand crank and has a boss in the casting that is ..read more

Introduction The serial number of this machine is AK210841 and Ismacs dates it to 1951. It was one of 25,000 201’s commissioned for manufacture on February 20, 1951. The blue badge marks that it is a “Centennial” machine. Celebrating Singer’s 100th anniversary, machines were produced with a blue centennial badge. There is an interesting part to the story… there was such a demand for the centennial badged machines that Singer grabbed older surplus inventory and gave them a blue badge! I had a 201 with a centennial badge that was made in 1948! I have seen centennial badged machines produced in 1 ..read more

Introduction This is a custom order restoration for another great Kenmore model 158.1941 sewing machine! In case you are not familiar with the model 1941, before I get started I will tell you a little bit about the machines history and features. Kenmore offered three machines in model 158.1941 lineup first introduced 1n 1975/76 as the model 158.19410. The model 158.19411 came out in 1976, followed by the model 19412 in 1977. Manufactured by the Maruzen Sewing Machine Company in Japan, they remained essentially the same machine over their three year production run. The most noticeable differenc ..read more