| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| texdane |
Posted - Jun 27 2016 : 12:35:55 PM
Okay, so from the first time I saw a treadle sewing machine I loved them. Then my quest (obsession) for one started after I saw MaryJane's in her first book...from that point on I was simply smitten with treadles! I LOVE vintage and antique anything, but there's something about a treadle. Well, a few years ago, much to my dh's dismay, I lugged a very old one home from a thrift store, which after cleaning up, he loved. http://www.farmgirlbloggers.com/2529#more-2529
Well, he bought me ANOTHER one recently, about two weeks ago, which we use folded out as a hall table. It's stunning. Of all the romantic gifts he has given me in 25 years, this one makes my heart skip a beat! After many late night hours with lots of q-tips, rags, and elbow grease, I have restored it and it looks almost like new, though it is from 1911! It's a Singer, and I found out after I picked it up (a fun family day trip) that it is the SAME model my grandmother had! It looks pretty mint...I just need to reattach the belt.
We just love them. My hubby thinks they look great as a table (with the machines attached, by the way. It kills me to see them taken apart). It was his idea to get a second one to use as a table next to a vintage rocker we have.
Well, yesterday, we ran across another one (again, for a SONG)! This one is a different brand, and really old, from the 1860's, complete with machine coffin. I have some more restoring/cleaning to do, but it is a fun hobby for dh and I now. I don't have room for anymore (I won't get cluttered), but I love the 3 and how different they look.
We have ordered Farmgirl Connie's book on restoring them. Awesome!!!
So, MaryJane created a (good) monster. Thank you, MaryJane, for always inspiring me! We are keeping these beauties out of the land fills (as the last two I was told were about to go to the dump or to Goodwill...I don't understand it)!
Anyone else smitten with a treadle???
Farmgirl Hugs,
Nicole
Farmgirl Sister #1155
KNITTER, JAM-MAKER AND MOM EXTRAORDINAIRE
Chapter Leader, Connecticut Simpler Life Sisters
Farmgirl of the Month, January 2013
Suburban Farmgirl Blogger
http://sfgblog.maryjanesfarm.org/
www.facebook.com/suburbanfarmgirlblogger |
| 25 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| quiltee |
Posted - Feb 20 2018 : 6:28:28 PM
I have 4 treadle machines - a Singer, a Franklin in a parlor cabinet, a Wabash, and a wilcox and Gibbs. I have not named any machines yet, but think I will call the Wilcox and Gibbs "Gibson Gal."
Farmgirl hugs,
Farmgirl #1919
Farm Girl of the Month April 2017
Linda O
Lone Oak, TX
"Women are Angels, and when someone breaks our wings, we simply continue to fly . . . on a broomstick - we're flexible, like that."
|
| GGBQuilter |
Posted - Feb 20 2018 : 6:21:03 PM
Greetings: I am also smitten with treadle machines! In my sewing machine collection, mostly vintage machines, I have four treadles. My collection is yet to have a coffin style machine. I do have Singer machines with red eye, sphinx, pheasant and lotus decals. I am still identifying a few of the other decals. I do have an electric portable Wilcox & Gibbs. I now have a treadle in my sewing room and I have to make more time to sit and practice, I can stitch for a while and then loose the momentum! I do not name my machines. I have found the best way to clean the silver/chrome pieces is to place them in my Grandmother's aluminum pot with several tablespoons of baking soda; pour enough boiling water to cover all the pieces. Let sit until the water is almost cool and scrub with a small brush. Rinse and dry, magic! I follow Bonnie Hunter's blog and she names her machines and has a link on her web page connecting to photos of all of her machines. I find it interesting that once folks know you sew and collect machines they call you when they see a machine at a yard sale or some just drop machines off at your house!
Gae
Farmgirl #7534
|
| texdane |
Posted - Aug 20 2016 : 06:13:11 AM
Shannon, check flea markets, thrift stores and ebay. Good luck!
Farmgirl Hugs,
Nicole
Farmgirl Sister #1155
KNITTER, JAM-MAKER AND MOM EXTRAORDINAIRE
Chapter Leader, Connecticut Simpler Life Sisters
Farmgirl of the Month, January 2013
Suburban Farmgirl Blogger
http://sfgblog.maryjanesfarm.org/
www.facebook.com/suburbanfarmgirlblogger |
| hudsonsinaf |
Posted - Aug 13 2016 : 3:44:08 PM
I love looking at these beautiful treadle machines! I've never sewn on one, yet dream of one day owning one and putting it to use!!! My MIL has the table for one, but the machine was not with it!?!? Maybe after we move I can start honestly searching for one.
~ Shannon, Sister # 5349
Farmgirl of the Month - January 2016
http://hudson-everydayblessings.blogspot.com/ |
| texdane |
Posted - Aug 13 2016 : 2:47:06 PM
Sara, I wish I was a teen in the fifties, too! "Diana"...hmmm. My grandmother's name and I have a stepsister with that name, too. I am thinking for my little greenie something a bit more "Kitschy"...nice idea, though.
Farmgirl hugs,
Nicole
Farmgirl Sister #1155
KNITTER, JAM-MAKER AND MOM EXTRAORDINAIRE
Chapter Leader, Connecticut Simpler Life Sisters
Farmgirl of the Month, January 2013
Suburban Farmgirl Blogger
http://sfgblog.maryjanesfarm.org/
www.facebook.com/suburbanfarmgirlblogger |
| YellowRose |
Posted - Aug 13 2016 : 2:02:02 PM
Nicole I was a teenager in the 50s, the best era of Rock & Roll (my opinion). My favorite song by Paul Anka was Diana. So I vote for Diana.
I do believe names are very personal and have a life of their own so your green sewing machine will let you know what she wants to be called.
Sara~~~ FarmGirl Sister #6034 8/25/14
FarmGirl of the Month Sept 2015.
Lord put your arm around my shoulders and your hand over my mouth. |
| texdane |
Posted - Aug 13 2016 : 1:53:32 PM
I have named the 1860's model "Half Pint" because she is so much smaller than the others and I can just see Laura Ingalls using one like it. My electric machines, the white featherweight I named "Snow White" but can't decide on a name for my green one from the fifties. Any ideas?
Farmgirl Hugs,
Nicole
Farmgirl Sister #1155
KNITTER, JAM-MAKER AND MOM EXTRAORDINAIRE
Chapter Leader, Connecticut Simpler Life Sisters
Farmgirl of the Month, January 2013
Suburban Farmgirl Blogger
http://sfgblog.maryjanesfarm.org/
www.facebook.com/suburbanfarmgirlblogger |
| Red Tractor Girl |
Posted - Aug 07 2016 : 2:31:54 PM
Gosh, Linda, those machines are beauties!! How wonderful to have such a collection to use and enjoy too. Thanks for sharing photos!!
Winnie #3109
Red Tractor Girl
Farm Sister of the Year 2014-2015 |
| quiltee |
Posted - Aug 07 2016 : 12:14:05 PM
As a kid I sewed on my grandmother's treadle and on a neighbor's treadle. All was basic and nothing spectacular.
Farmgirl hugs,
Farmgirl #1919
Farm Girl of the Month August 2015
Linda O
Lone Oak, TX
"Women are Angels, and when someone breaks our wings, we simply continue to fly . . . on a broomstick - we're flexible, like that."
|
| texdane |
Posted - Aug 07 2016 : 12:04:51 PM
Christy, the first pic is a Singer Red Eye, from 1905. My grandmother apparently had one just like it, but ruined it when she had it "electrified". The second is a New Home model, one of the first from the early 1860's. I also have (not pictured) a Waltham. It was pretty "roached out" as a friend puts it until I fixed her up. Would like to do more to restore it, now that I know more what I am doing.
Winnie, I love the pic of the room you were in! How fun!
Linda - AWESOME machines!!! Great Pics!
Anyone sew on a treadle? I haven't yet...
Farmgirl Hugs,
Nicole
Farmgirl Sister #1155
KNITTER, JAM-MAKER AND MOM EXTRAORDINAIRE
Chapter Leader, Connecticut Simpler Life Sisters
Farmgirl of the Month, January 2013
Suburban Farmgirl Blogger
http://sfgblog.maryjanesfarm.org/
www.facebook.com/suburbanfarmgirlblogger |
| quiltee |
Posted - Aug 06 2016 : 9:12:28 PM
Here are pictures of two of my treadle machines. The first is my oldest treadle machine - a Wilcox and Gibbs chain-stitch machine (no bobbin). I love the foot pedal design of 2 feet. It also has a "coffin" cover.
  
Here are two bad pictures of my newest acquisition - my Franklin treadle machine in a Parlor Cabinet. (NOTE: The machine and its coffin cover sitting on the cabinet is my Jones hand-crank machine; not the Franklin.) This treadle cabinet looks like a piece of furniture, with a flat top; the entire front swings out and has storage shelves on the back of the front. These pics do not show the Franklin machine.
 
I need to clean both of these machines, maybe that will be a cooler-weather project. LOL!
Farmgirl hugs,
Farmgirl #1919
Farm Girl of the Month August 2015
Linda O
Lone Oak, TX
"Women are Angels, and when someone breaks our wings, we simply continue to fly . . . on a broomstick - we're flexible, like that."
|
| HealingTouch |
Posted - Aug 06 2016 : 5:53:28 PM
Nicole, they are beautiful. Now you make me want a few! LOL! When I was a teen, many moons ago, I sewed on my grandmothers machine. I wonder where it got to. With 13 children and all us grands it better be somewhere. I must ask around.
Be Blessed and Be a Blessing,
Darlene
Sister 1922
God first, everything else after!
When Satan's knocking at your door, just say "Jesus will you get that for me?"
When it gets to hard to stand, Kneel!
|
| Red Tractor Girl |
Posted - Aug 06 2016 : 07:18:10 AM
Oh Nicole, what beautiful machines you have!!! I love each one and you have restored them to perfection. Thank-you for sharing this wonderful heirloom Farmgirl passion!!
Grace, I would love to see some of your treadle machines too. This is too fun!!
Here is the one of MaryJane's machines that lives in the cabin where I stayed. I apologize that my junk is getting in the way of seeing the machine. I don't know the history of this machine or if she has others, but it is beautiful and graceful.
Winnie #3109
Red Tractor Girl
Farm Sister of the Year 2014-2015 |
| katmom |
Posted - Aug 05 2016 : 9:53:56 PM
Oh Nicole..
arent we blessed to be the care givers of these old machine...
I have my American grandma's 1902 White threadle machine...
I also scored a hand crank Whestinghouse machine.
I luv that you, I and others are rescuing these old machines.
Enjoy your wonderful machines.
>^..^<
Happiness is being a katmom and Glamping Diva!
www.katmom4.blogspot.com & http://graciesvictorianrose.blogspot.com
|
| Quiltwright |
Posted - Aug 05 2016 : 07:43:30 AM
Your machines are beautfiful! Nicole, what is the make of your machine?
Enjoying the day!
Cristy |
| texdane |
Posted - Aug 05 2016 : 05:51:48 AM
Okay here's the other one. I got the wood done up nicely but don't think i'll be able to get it to sew again as it is so old (1860's)
I love the coffin it came with. SO many repurposing uses...
Post pics of YOUR treadles!
Farmgirl Hugs,
Nicole
Farmgirl Sister #1155
KNITTER, JAM-MAKER AND MOM EXTRAORDINAIRE
Chapter Leader, Connecticut Simpler Life Sisters
Farmgirl of the Month, January 2013
Suburban Farmgirl Blogger
http://sfgblog.maryjanesfarm.org/
www.facebook.com/suburbanfarmgirlblogger |
| texdane |
Posted - Jul 30 2016 : 10:26:39 AM
Hi Chickens! Here is a photo of the treadle that was just like my grandmother's, that now sits in my family room. I've finished fixing her up, she just needs the leather put back on (a two person job). This is my second treadle, who I now call "Ruby". (Jan, you inspired me with "Sweet Flo").
Up close:
If you look at the slide plate, there is a miniature (made for a dollhouse, I guess) that I found at Michael's one day when I went in for something else. It looks just like her!
She was an absolute mess when I picked her up! She'd been stored for decades in a garage. This was the result of many a night up late with tons of elbow grease, rust remover,wood cream, and boxes of q-tips! What do ya think? I am not done with fixing up the last little gem I picked up. It's super old, from the 1860's, much smaller but cool looking, also stored in a damp basement/garage. Don't think I will be able to get it sewing again, but it looks cute sitting where I have it. I may turn it into a lamp like featured in MJF's July 16 issue.
Cristy, you'll find the awesome book I mention, written by one of our very own Farmgirls, Connie McCaffery, on Amazon here: https://www.amazon.com/Select-Service-Maintain-Vintage-Machine/dp/1535380330/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1469898878&sr=8-2&keywords=connie+mccaffery
She is awesome! She just helped me via email fix a problem with a 1958 machine. :)
Marilyn, I LOVE your memory you shared. Wonderful! I wish I had my mom's old machine, too, that I learned on. It was electric, but it was a White, too.
I'm tellin' ya girls... I am hooked!
Farmgirl Hugs,
Nicole
Farmgirl Sister #1155
KNITTER, JAM-MAKER AND MOM EXTRAORDINAIRE
Chapter Leader, Connecticut Simpler Life Sisters
Farmgirl of the Month, January 2013
Suburban Farmgirl Blogger
http://sfgblog.maryjanesfarm.org/
www.facebook.com/suburbanfarmgirlblogger |
| Quiltwright |
Posted - Jul 29 2016 : 7:17:40 PM
Nicole, do you know where I can find the book you are referring to about the restoration? I recently obtained a treadle and need guidance.
Enjoying the day!
Cristy |
| ceejay48 |
Posted - Jul 28 2016 : 08:03:29 AM
Nicole,
Are you going to bless us with a photo of your treadle? That would be awesome!
CJ
..from the barefoot farmgirl in SW Colorado...sister chick #665.
2010 Farmgirl Sister of the Year
Mother Hen: FARMGIRLS SOUTHWEST HENHOUSE
my aprons - http://www.facebook.com/FarmFreshAprons
living life - www.snippetscja.blogspot.com
from my heart - www.fromacelticheart.blogspot.com
from my hubby - www.aspenforge.blogspot.com |
| Marilyn Hartman Sullivan |
Posted - Jul 28 2016 : 07:10:24 AM
When I was wee, my mother did all our sewing on a treadle machine. I used to sit at her feet and "help" her rock the treadle while she sewed. I did my very first "big girl" machine sewing on it -- it was a White. When she got pregnant with my SURPRISE baby brother when I was nearly 9, my father bought her an electric machine to make things easier on her and we thought we were living pretty high on the old hog!!! I don't remember what she did with the old treadle -- probably gave it away when we moved one time -- but oh the lovely memories I have of the underside of that machine. I can just about trace the carving on the side drawers and the funky little door that opened to show where the extra bobbins sat. What I wouldn't give to have that gem today.
Farmgirl #6318
"Where there's a will -- there's probably a family fight." |
| Red Tractor Girl |
Posted - Jul 28 2016 : 06:45:01 AM
Nicole, I too have been curious and wanting to get a treadle machine. My Grandmother had one at the farm where they lived and I have memories of her working on it when we visited in the summer months as young child. Although I have never tried to use one, I think I would enjoy learning and having one to enjoy. Can you post some photos so we can all see what you have?
Winnie #3109
Red Tractor Girl
Farm Sister of the Year 2014-2015 |
| quiltee |
Posted - Jul 27 2016 : 09:55:44 AM
I love treadles, too, Nicole. I have 3 of them and they are all very different. I need to clean them up a little bit. What do you use? I have a large bottle of machine oil, which one online source said to use.
One of mine is a very old Wilcox and Gibbs machine - it is a chain-stitch machine and looks like one Mary Jane has in her Stitching book. Another is a singer that was given to me. The 3rd is a Franklin in a Parlor cabinet - it looks more like a piece of furniture and not like a treadle.
I also have 4 hand-crank machines, and love them, too.
How often do you sew on your machines?
Farmgirl hugs,
Farmgirl #1919
Farm Girl of the Month August 2015
Linda O
Lone Oak, TX
"Women are Angels, and when someone breaks our wings, we simply continue to fly . . . on a broomstick - we're flexible, like that."
|
| texdane |
Posted - Jul 27 2016 : 09:43:17 AM
I love the lamp in the current MJF magazine! What a cute idea. I especially love the one with the table attached, I love that it doesn't take the table and just use that, but that the machine is still incorporated. Inspiration again!
Farmgirl Hugs,
Nicole
Farmgirl Sister #1155
KNITTER, JAM-MAKER AND MOM EXTRAORDINAIRE
Chapter Leader, Connecticut Simpler Life Sisters
Farmgirl of the Month, January 2013
Suburban Farmgirl Blogger
http://sfgblog.maryjanesfarm.org/
www.facebook.com/suburbanfarmgirlblogger |
| texdane |
Posted - Jun 28 2016 : 08:08:12 AM
Jan, I love how you named your treadle! I want to do that. You girls will have to help me name my machines, something old fashioned and girly! Winnie, how lucky you are to have stayed at MaryJane's! What a great memory you have of your grandmother. Denise, I thought both of mine that turn down I'd use as closed tables. I ended up leaving them open and using the fabric part as a table because I like the beautiful machine. The one I got Sunday has the coffin, but I have so far left it off too. The turn down is nice. At Christmas I closed the one in the living room because I need the room with our tree. I put a Frosty the snowman display on top, with an old book and a real corn cob pipe!
I will post pics!
Farmgirl Sister #1155
KNITTER, JAM-MAKER AND MOM EXTRAORDINAIRE
Chapter Leader, Connecticut Simpler Life Sisters
Farmgirl of the Month, January 2013
Suburban Farmgirl Blogger
http://sfgblog.maryjanesfarm.org/
www.facebook.com/suburbanfarmgirlblogger |
| levisgrammy |
Posted - Jun 28 2016 : 06:23:37 AM
I too was out looking for one after MaryJane's first book. Found one for a great price. After having it for these years I find I would prefer to have one that folds down into the table. This one has a wooden cover. It is an 1897 Singe rsewing machine wit a bullet bobbin. I have decided that I am going to look for either one without that type of bobbin or a different cabinet that I can put this one into.
~Denise~
Farmgirl Sister #43
"Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path." Psalm 119:105
http://www.ladybugsandlilacs.blogspot.com/
http://www.torisgram.etsy.com |
|
|
