| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| cecelia |
Posted - Jun 07 2004 : 1:07:05 PM
 Help!
I know Mary Jane has an article on treadle machines in one of her previous magazines, but I need some help. I'm trying to get my mother-in-law's machine going; it's in great shape and has all the attachments. I bought a new belt, but I'm having a heck of a time getting one end attached to the other! The belt is round leather and has a hook on one end; I can't seem to get it into the leather on the other end (this is difficult to describe) - do I drill a small hole in the other leather end? The hook won't go in no matter how hard I try to push it in.
Cecelia
ce's farm |
| 25 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| Carol Sue |
Posted - Jun 03 2007 : 7:50:24 PM
Wow, this has really inspired me. My mom really wanted a treadle and I loaned her mine for 2 years, just got it back cause she found one of her own in better shape. I need to go through mine and get busy.
Carol Sue
Life is short, enjoy every moment. |
| mommatracy |
Posted - Jun 03 2007 : 5:42:15 PM
Back in 2001 we moved to the coast. We had 25 years of stuff to sort through including a two story building in our yard full of furn,dishes,clothes tools,toys you name it we had it. My husband was still recovering from two hip surgeries that went badly and he was just beginning to walk with crutches after 1 1/2 yrs. I was not too well myself. Anemic and exhausted. Anyway I had to get rid of alot of stuff. Guess what dumb thing I did and will never get over? I sold my treadle sewing machine for 20.00. It had been in the outbuilding for many years since I inherited it from my DH grandmother. It was in a beautiful oak cabinet with lovely carved drawer fronts. All of her sewing notions and [parts were still in the drawers. It was in perfect condition. It was a Singer. I have since tried to track it down but it is hopeless. A flea market vendor bought alot of my stuff including the sewing machine and sold it to someone traveling down the highway headed up north. I will never get over what I have done. At that time I just couldn't deal with all the stuff. I thought " what am I going to do with this thing". We were moving to the beach and I just didn;t think I"d ever use it. Big Mistake. I would pay anything to get it back. My MIL has never asked me about it, I think she just forgot about it. I hope she never does inquire about it because I don't think I could bring myself to tell her what I did. I will never get over it. It was purchased in the early 1920's I think. Anyway I just had to tell someone who would understand. Tracy in NC |
| Kathigene |
Posted - Oct 07 2005 : 2:56:30 PM
I was trying to research Janome sewing machines lately and I found that they make a "modern" treadle machine which is sold to the Amish. I have no idea what the cost is for the machine or if the parts are metal or plastic. And I think the biggest part of the puzzle is that it doesn't include the treadle part. It only replaces the sewing machine part but it's something to keep in mind if you're tired of waiting to find an antique one.
Does any one have a Janome? I'm thinking of buying their Sew Mini so that I can have a machine to use in a small space to do some light sewing.
Kathy
Dogs make such good friends because they wag their tails rather then their tongues. |
| Julia |
Posted - Oct 07 2005 : 10:18:25 AM
I am so sorry for you Tami! I know how you feel. I wasa given a treadle machine years ago. I was keeping it in my dad's garage till we moved into our new home. He wanted to have more room,it was a very small garage and decided to put it under a tarp outside. It was winter in the NW. Needless, to say it ruined the machine, warped the wood beyound repair, all I have of it is one drawer that I keep small books in. I just recently was given a treadle that no one is going to move from its place of honor. My babbling point, Your treadle is out there waiting for you, it will find you.
"...the setting sun is like going into the very presence of God." Elizabeth Von Arnim |
| ladybugsmom6 |
Posted - Oct 03 2005 : 1:59:01 PM
You would never believe the sale I missed out on! OH my I am still shooting myself in the foot. Our local trift organization had their big fair and decided to have an auction for some of the bigger ticket items. Two of which were treedle sewing machines! Well I knew I had no room in the budget or home, so I was kind of slow, distracting myself from the auction, and got to talking to a friend. The auction lasted 30 minutes, not the hours I expected, and those treadles went for $5 and $1! Can you believe it!? My ten year old keeps telling me to get over it! BUT BUT BUT.... Nad someone probably has a nice new table now! Ohhhhhh.....
-Tami
livin' right and loven' life! |
| Julia |
Posted - Oct 01 2005 : 09:05:45 AM
Thanks Karen, your sweet !
"...the setting sun is like going into the very presence of God." Elizabeth Von Arnim |
| KarenP |
Posted - Sep 30 2005 : 5:22:52 PM
Hi Julia,
I found another site with sewing tips for treadle machines...
http://www.motherearthnews.com/library/1975_March_April/Tips_On_Foot_Powered_Sewing_Machines
Hope this helps!
KarenP
"Purest Spring Water in the World" |
| Julia |
Posted - Sep 30 2005 : 4:47:47 PM
Ok, I finally got the belt for my treadle. I put it on but no I have a question, if someone would be so kind to answer. When I peddle, I move the start the wheel moving toward me, but as I continue to peddle the belt moves backwards. Is my belt not tight enough to keep a forward momentum? Or is there another trick to this? I have the original manuel but the instructions are rather vague. Julia
"...the setting sun is like going into the very presence of God." Elizabeth Von Arnim |
| Julia |
Posted - Sep 21 2005 : 09:35:42 AM
Oh Pooh! I was working on my treadle, using Rosin on the belt like Karen suggested, oiling the machine, when my belt broke. AAAAAAAAAH!
So I pouted well enough that my husband said "It's fine, just order a new belt." He's so sweet! At first he didn't get the fact that I wanted to really use the treadle and not just display it. I waas pleased.
"...the setting sun is like going into the very presence of God." Elizabeth Von Arnim |
| westfork woman |
Posted - Sep 20 2005 : 5:10:02 PM
My Dad traded my Mother's perfectly good electric Singer in a wonderful cabinet, for an old treadle. My mother was so mad, she never sewed on the treadle, or even opened it up. I was about 11 when this happened, so my Grandmother taught me to sew on it. It was the only thing I ever could use, until my husband bought a new Elna in 1972. I have used both of them all these years. I love the pace of the treadle machine, and just the idea of using something like my Grandmother and her mother used.
Greetings from the morning side of the hill. |
| KarenP |
Posted - Sep 20 2005 : 1:27:33 PM
Katie-ell,
I just like the rythmic sound and not having a motorized hum etc.
I'm still looking for a reel mower for my yard as I don't like the noisy and stinky motor(mine is a 2-cycle).
I also love to sew when it's snowing out and sometimes the power is out but I can still treadle on.
Just like the loom I have,it is a quieter craft and kinda zen like.
I have noticed when I'm warping the loom, I take my time and enjoy the simple task at hand, the weaving itself is also very relaxing and a good way for me to quiet my mind from a busy day at work.
Threadle machines are also simple, they seem to rarely be out of time and seem to function without alot of futzing with, but can go thru pretty heavy fabrics.
Don't take it that I don't have and use electric sewing machines, I have an 1950's Union industrial machine, 1960's Singer,1980's Babylock serger and early 90's White Jeans machine, these all get used from time to time just like the treadle.
KarenP
"Purest Spring Water in the World" |
| katie-ell |
Posted - Sep 20 2005 : 12:59:54 PM
OK, here's my question again: what do you like about those machines? Just curious. |
| Julia |
Posted - Sep 20 2005 : 09:39:36 AM
Thanks Karen, since my husband plays the violin, rosin is easy to come by. I definitly will give it a try!
"...the setting sun is like going into the very presence of God." Elizabeth Von Arnim |
| KarenP |
Posted - Sep 20 2005 : 06:07:21 AM
Julia,
I read on one of the websites about belts, try violinist's rosin block
to get the belt to grip better.
http://www.treadleon.net/sewingmachineshop/treadles/installingtreadlebelt.html
Haven't tried this yet myself.
KarenP.
"Purest Spring Water in the World" |
| Julia |
Posted - Sep 19 2005 : 12:35:59 PM
Excited for you BlueEggBabe! I haven't used mine yet as the belt is giving me some grief, but I am determined!
"...the setting sun is like going into the very presence of God." Elizabeth Von Arnim |
| katie-ell |
Posted - Sep 19 2005 : 04:13:24 AM
Wow. Guess I should have kept the treadle Singer my neighbor gave me a few years ago. I used it as a table for a year or so and then gave it back to her (it was her great-Aunt Elizabeth's). I remember learning to sew on a treadle. What do you like about those machines? |
| BlueEggBabe |
Posted - Sep 19 2005 : 03:02:36 AM
Clare,
I am afraid, in this corner of the world anyway, that putting up TV stands for adoption is a much more interesting and profitable endeavor!
I can't tell you the number of strange looks I get when I talk about looking for an old, un-electrified machine...let alone wanting to actually use it!!
I am definitely in the minority, but I may be open to adopting more than one. I just might have this guy all to myself
Will keep you posted for sure.
"If more of us valued good food and cheer and song above hoarded gold, it would be a merrier world place."
J.J.R.Tolkien |
| Clare |
Posted - Sep 18 2005 : 7:55:00 PM
BlueEggBabe, It sounds like this guy would do well with an adoption service for treadle sewing machines! Imagine the possibilites!  I'll lok forward to your great adoption details!
**** Love is the great work - though every heart is first an apprentice. - Hafiz
Set a high value on spontaneous kindness. - Samuel Johnson****
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| BlueEggBabe |
Posted - Sep 18 2005 : 7:13:48 PM
Exciting news!
I was re-reading one of MJ's magazines at hockey practice the other
night and one of the hockey dads looked over my shoulder and said "Is that one of those old treadle sewing machines?"
He went on to say that his retired dad has about 8-10 of them in his basement at any one time! He buys them up at auctions for no more than $25 max.
When my eyes lit up, he says "why, you looking for one??"
Well,long story short, he buys them to basically junk the sewing machine. He then refinishes the cabinet and converts them into TV stands!The DVD or VCR "shelf" is the immobilized treadle.
Anyway, after some discussion back and forth, a few days later his dad offered to search out a "fancy" treadle for me at his auction haunts and to clean up the cabinet for basically a song.
He promised NOT to rip out the best part!" He said "GREAT!! That's the hard part!"
I also just discovered that the Amish man who services my Bernina sewing machine also services any make of treadle machine, as well!!
Woo-hoo!! I can almost feel that treadle under my foot now!
Just in time for winter by the woodstove, looking out onto my snow covered garden. It is a fantasy that I have been carrying along for ages.I will let you know when it is ready to come home with me!
"If more of us valued good food and cheer and song above hoarded gold, it would be a merrier world place."
J.J.R.Tolkien |
| BlueApple |
Posted - Sep 18 2005 : 4:34:56 PM
Julia, how nice of your friend! Have you started using it yet? I am looking for and would love to get a treadle machine!
Julia
BlueApple Farm |
| Julia |
Posted - Sep 17 2005 : 7:43:43 PM
A friend just gave me a treadle a couple of weeks ago. It is a New Home and in good shape. I need to shorten the belt as the leather has stretched over time. It came with the original manuel and four bobbins. I got on line and found it was made in 1902. I layed in bed the night I got it and couldn't sleep, all my mind kept saying is,"I have a treadle machine, I have treadle machine... Needless to say, I am THRILLED!
"...the setting sun is like going into the very presence of God." Elizabeth Von Arnim |
| KarenP |
Posted - Sep 15 2005 : 7:41:41 PM
I picked up the Singer treadle from my girl friend yesterday.
I did so checking, it was made between 1910-1912, Table cabinet #6
Serial # G2311788, and is a model #127, with Memphis-Sphinx decals.
Great resource site... http://www.needlebar.com/singer.html
The unit is a little more battered than I had hoped, but it's okay.
I started to clean it today, this will be a job.
I know I can get it back to working condition, I will stop down to my repair guy and get needles,a couple bobbins and a new rubber piece for the bobbin winder (cracked and split).
I think my plan will be to get it back to working condition and try to find a new home for it, as I still like my Davis treadle.
So if anyone knows of someone looking for a Singer treadle, let me know.
KarenP.
"Purest Spring Water in the World" |
| Clare |
Posted - Aug 06 2005 : 10:16:45 AM
Fate stepped in girls, and I didn't wake up until 8am... but I decided to chug a lug my coffee, put on my visor which disguises my bad hair days pretty well, and some random garden clothes and went out anyway. A quick stop at the ATM and I was there at 9amish... but alas, it had sold for $50.... which I am just fine with because it was in really poor shape (cabinet and machine). So, I'm feeling really blessed that the one I found earlier this year was a much better value for the same cost!!!  Funny how we get our positive feedback in unusual ways, isn't it? I found other treasures there that I will post about in Treasures Found!
**** Love is the great work - though every heart is first an apprentice. - Hafiz
Set a high value on spontaneous kindness. - Samuel Johnson****
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| thehouseminder |
Posted - Aug 06 2005 : 06:25:11 AM
Mom has a treadle. She has a Bernina and a serger too but she and Dad do a lot of camping. They also live in a place where power outages are an issue sometimes.
She doesn't want anything to interfere with her sewing or quilting so when there is no power, the treadle comes out. She said she learned to sew on one as a kid. She always re-made her sister's cast off clothes.
I think sometimes she just enjoys the "zen" of sewing more when she is using the treadle. It allows her to full immerse herself in the activity she loves most.
Lucinda
Who loves a garden still his Eden keeps, Perennial pleasures plants, and wholesome harvest reaps. ---Bronson Alcott
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| jpbluesky |
Posted - Aug 06 2005 : 06:08:14 AM
Hi guys - I have sure enjoyed reading all the posts about treadle sewing machines and I see that many of you still use them. I have my grandmother's White, handed down from my mom, and I have the receipt (1914), the instructions, the warranty booklet and accessories. It still has the original leather belt on it, too. And it serves as an end table in my guest room. I know, that is awful! It was in perfect condition until last year when my daughter had the flu and was staying in that room. She laid a wet washcloth from her feverish head on it overnight. The wood veneer got damaged a little from that. It even has an inlaid wood ruler when you open the top. I love it so much, but have never felt comfortable sewing on it. I really need to roll it out into the room and teach myself, but I am afraid of breaking it somehow.
When I was young, it was my job to dust on Saturdays, and I always hated dusting the wrought iron legs of the sewing machine because of all the intricate design. So what do I have to dust now? The same legs!
Clare - did you go to the sale? And???? :) Does a new vintage sewing machine live with you? I hope so!
jpbluesky
Heartland girl |
