New (old) Sewing Machine

Yesterday Anne found a little sewing machine shop next to the store she went to to get some paint samples for the kitchen.  They apparantly had several older machines - the first needed a little more work so the owner said she could have the next model up for the same price.

We're now the proud owners of a Singer Stylist 457 sewing machine - almost as old as me!!

The machine, complete with manual and zipper foot.

My last sewing machine (in NZ) was a typical cheap mostly plastic model, that had some, but limited features.  This machine has two parts made of plastic with the rest all solid, well engineered, metal, and almost the same features, but not automatic.  And the smell...  They serviced and refurbished the machine, which I think meant liberally coat every metal part with copious amounts of Singer Sewing Machine Oil - the smell of which certainly brings back memories of growing up in a house where the sewing machine was a central feature.

The 457 was introduced in 1969. I'm not sure how long it lasted, but it was one of the early 'beige' models - quite a change from the standard Singer black that had been the norm for a hundred years or so.  It would have originally come in a console, and it was one of the first models with the motor inside the case. 

I'm now set to complete the cushions once we buy the material and zips in Knoxville this weekend.

My shelf in the weaving room is filling up - which means the work table will have space for the sewing machine - very timely.

The new shelves