Do you know how many times I've come across these wonderful old boxes? Old empty boxes?
Well yesterday, I slowed my breathing, tried not to get my hopes up yet again, and raised the lid. The angels sang, the clouds parted, and I stood and smiled at this beautiful sight ...
The box was full ... full of this wonderful antique sewing machine. And it's in colour!!
Look!
It's like the fanciful scroll work you see on carousels!
And fancy engraved metals bits ...
And there's a date ... don't you love antiques with dates?
August 1, 1911 ... One Hundred and Two Years Young :)
(Okay, so maybe that's the age of the patent and not the machine, I really couldn't say)
But she's a darling. Everyone these days are naming their vintage sewing machines. This old girl isn't vintage, she's antique. But I think she does deserve a name.
I had to leave the store empty-handed as I couldn't carry home two very heavy antique sewing machines now, could I.
Oh.
Yes.
Two ;)
Call me a fool. No fool like an old fool. An old fool and two old sewing machines. Ha!
Now I have a collection of exactly four old sewing machines. I just need to get a sewing room again to display them. If my husband reads this post, I've got some explaining to do.
Thanks for stopping by!
Wendy
Good luck with your 'splainin Violet!! Lovely finds though. Do you ever sew with them, or do you just like to look at them?
ReplyDeleteThe electrical cords look a bit dicey ... these are just for show because I like old shiny things :)
DeleteSorry, just realised I called you Violet, not Wendy!! I am a bit dotty today, please forgive me! Hope that you have fun with your shiny things. Amy xx
DeleteMy Mum's sewing machine looked like that!
ReplyDeleteJane x
How lovely! My mom's was considerably newer.
DeleteYou have the best luck at thrift stores! How did you decide to collect antique sewing machines? I think they are very pretty - guess it is time to make plans to have them all on display. I am sure your husband can help you with that! :-)
ReplyDeleteI started off by looking for one "just like Mom's" because I don't know what happened to hers. I think my dad tried to fix it for her and left it in pieces. She didn't know what happened to it either. It was really cute! Then I bought one for a few bucks, then I found another one at my parents' house (not Mom's), then I found these two. I'm finished the collection now ... unless someone gives me one. I sort of despise collections.
DeleteOOh how exciting what beautiful finds Wendy!
ReplyDeleteAli x
Thanks Ali :)
DeleteThey really are beautiful aren't they! :) x
ReplyDeleteThey sure are Ada :)
DeleteWOW!! you are one lucky girl!
ReplyDeleteI am so jealous.......wonderful find!!!!!
Yep, lucky me ... for once!
DeleteWonderful find, Wendy! Lucky you! Your collection is growing, how great :)
ReplyDeleteI have an old Singer sewing machine that looks very much like those in your photos. However it is a non-electic one. It used to belong to my grandmother, and it was the only sewing machine she ever owned.
How wonderful to have your grandmother's sewing machine. They certainly made them to withstand time!
DeleteWOW! I'm so jealous. That is a real beauty. What an amazing thrift store find! Why do thrift stores in every part of the world except mine have such amazing stuff? Here, I find nothing but junk. Enjoy!
ReplyDeleteBelieve me, there's a lot of junk in there too, but I think you just have to be lucky enough to get to these things first. You should've seen the old-fashioned organ I saw in there recently ... maybe someone is clearing out their antique store and just dropping things off at the thrift store.
DeleteCongrats on your new, old sewing machines. The one with the colorful artwork is beautiful. There's one just like it (or close) at a local shop. I'll have to look at the plate next time and see if it has a date. I didn't know to look there.
ReplyDeleteThank you! They make great display pieces, don't they? I looked for a date on the newer machine, but couldn't find one.
DeleteWow Wendy!!!!! That is the prettiest machine I have ever seen!!! I had no idea that they made machines with such pretty details!!!! You scored!!!! I think it was your lucky day!!! Happy day to you!!!!
ReplyDeleteThe only ugly part about it is the electric cord. It was a happy event!
DeleteGreat finds, well done! I'm sure once your hubby sees your intense happiness & delight, he will come around to your way of thinking too ;-)
ReplyDeleteXx
I doubt that, but he can't complain because he has a huge assortment of model cars taking up space in the basement.
DeleteWow Wendy, brilliant find! I have her younger sister, born in 1916 ...
ReplyDeleteLove these old Singers!
Love Claire xxx
Yes, I remember you posting about your Singer Claire, and at the time I was so miffed that I have never found one for sale here! I just had to have patience ... hey, maybe that'd be a good name "Patience" ;)
DeleteOoh I may have her distant cousin too....hehe! I have the very same 'soft spot' for these beauties.....Ever so pleased she came to live with you...And names, what are you thinking of, i wonder? Mines called Maud! Hugs Maria x
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you have one too Maria. I haven't decided on a name, but it would have to be something very old-fashioned ... maybe I'll look back in my family tree for something.
DeleteSo beautiful ... what great finds ... worth a bit of explaining, I reckon ;) ... Bee xx
ReplyDeleteThanks Bee ... but really, what's to explain, my husband already knows I have a fondness for these sewing machines :)
DeleteFabulous! I'm am so happy I don't collect them because there are very many of them needing homes in my area. :o) They do get snatched up but then there are always more in need of adoption. You scored some beauties. What a purposeful walk!
ReplyDeleteI'm glad I don't live in your area then, because it would be hard for me to leave them! Unless I find a cheap treadle sewing machine, I don't think I want anymore.
DeleteOh what a delightful find! Well, 2 finds actually! Oh Joy. Oh Joy. Oh Joy.
ReplyDeleteI remember the electrified old Singer, which my mother had. Yes, I remember it. No, I don't have it. -sigh-
I'm so happy for you, and your finds.
Tessa~
I wish I had my mother's old Singer too, but it's gone who know where now.
DeleteWow! Incredibly gorgeous machines. I would have carried them home too! :)
ReplyDeleteYou must be stronger than me! I couldn't manage even carrying one and had to go back that night with my vehicle. It was funny picking them up, with these young 'hip' guys chatting away about these cool machines ;)
DeleteOH, MY! The detail on the machine is incredible. Can you imagine a piece today with scrollwork?
ReplyDeleteWhen we lived in Jamaica in the 70s, I had a beautirul treadle sewing machine that I LOVED. The electricity was cut frequently, but I could sew away on my machine. I would have paid to bring it home, but a friend begged me to sell her the machine because she only had an electric sewing machine. I sold it to her for $35. She lives in England now and I must ask her what she did with it. My guess is that one of her daughter-in-laws inherited it.
Thanks for sharing and bring back a wonderful memory.
An old cousin of mine passed a treadle sewing machine on to my sister. I think my sister uses hers occasionally too. I just admire these old machines ... so solid and a delight to look at!
DeleteI love thrift stores as well, and you found two beautiful vintage treasures here.
ReplyDeleteAnd now with these two purchases, I've sworn off going to the thrift store for quite some time. Thanks for stopping by Linda :)
DeleteI love thrift stores as well, and you found two beautiful vintage treasures here.
ReplyDeleteWonderful finds, they really are works of art. My sister uses one of these to do all of her sewing. x
ReplyDeleteIt would be great to sew with these, but the electric cords make me nervous of fire.
DeleteThey are wonderful Wendy, I used to have one but alas it was lost along life's way, perhaps I will be lucky too and find another one day
DeleteHappy Weekend
Thea x
Holy cats, you are a thrifting deity!!!! Can we go thrifting together? Wait, that wouldn't work out at all. Unless...unless you are firm about your thrifting moratorium (the spending part that is), and generously show me your fabulous finds and I get to purchase them. ;-)
ReplyDeleteThese machines are incredible beyond belief. I am so excited for you!
It was a lucky day ... I may never have such a lucky day again, but thrifting with a friend sounds like fun ;) They cleaned up really nicely and I rubbed some natural oils into the lids which took away that dried out look ... I'm very happy to have them find their way into my home.
DeleteWhat a beauty! I wish we still made beautiful, quality items like this.
ReplyDeleteI do too ... seems a shame to let such artistry go by the wayside.
DeleteOh my... Wendy I have to say I am a little bit jealous of your finds.. Do you really need them both? Can't you send one to me ;) I am also jealous of what good nick they are in... Such a lucky duck! :) Hazel x
ReplyDeleteIf only we lived down the street from each other Hazel!! I'd definitely share one with you ;)
DeleteThey are both lovely. I have five old machines now!
ReplyDeleteThanks Gina ... I don't plan on getting anymore, but never say 'never'!
DeleteOh I am in tears now! I can't even begin to recall how long I've been looking for one of those babies. My sister-in-law has one, doesn't sew and I haven't been able to pry her little fingers off it! Then I found out she gave it to one of her girlfriends... c'est la vie. Maybe one day I will get lucky like you and find one... I know you are enjoying those old-ish girls! :D
ReplyDeleteCongrats on your amazing finds!
Hugs,
Beth P
Oh no! So sad that your sister-in-law didn't think to pass the machine on to you! I never actively searched for old machines, but I just couldn't leave these two on the shelf when I saw them. I'm struggling a bit with finding a place for them ... they're SO heavy, I'm afraid their weight may be too much for some of my furniture!
Delete