Monday, July 17, 2017
Meet Rebecca Jane
Rebecca Jane is a Singer model 27 with the "Pheasant" gold decals and a serial number that points to a 1904 manufacturing date. She is named for her first owner, the grandmother of a friend who sold her to me as part of his mother's estate. I am so happy to have her in my home and am looking forward to the adventure of restoring her and using her to sew many wonderful things.
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5 comments:
That is a lovely machine. With a little cleanup and oiling it should be a beauty.
I had to chuckle on the second reading of your blog post title, my mom names the machines she uses even mine if she uses them.
Anyway you were worried about cleaning and lubricating the machine. I have successfully used 409 to clean a machine then put a couple coats of car wax on it afterwards, I used a turtle wax brand but I don't think it matters. Sometimes the 409 will haze the clear lacquer a little so use it sparingly and a soft cloth. Then the wax and it will be pretty as can be.
As to the movement I use Kroil oil to un-stick the moving parts. A homemade version can be made by mixing equal parts of acetone and automatic transmission fluid (any type) put it in a little oil can and go to town. I put rags or paper towels down under the machine and on any area I don't want to lube up. Let it sit for at least overnight and try to move it, keep putting it on and letting it sit for a while and it should eventually come free. The old oil has basically turned to a sort of lacquer and needs to be dissolved. Once you have it moving freely then I try to pat dry all the solvent oil mix and liberally apply sewing machine oil. Only use sewing machine oil not 3 in one or anything else. Sewing machine oil is much more pure and will not dry up as bad.
Please do not use 409 on your machine. It runs the risk of ruining the shellac finish and the lovely decals you still have on this machine. The pheasant decal set is not commonly found and so should be guarded. I use GoJo waterless hand cleaner (NO PUMICE) on my machines to clean the exterior. Also please join the treadleon yahoogroup at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/TreadleOn/ list, there is wonderful information there where your questions will all be answered. And do visit the http://www.treadleon.net site. Lots of great help to be had there. Avoid water and ammonia (as in windex) and never use the 3-in-1 oil on your sewing machines... it will gum up over time and you will be sorry. I have "been in the fancy" since 1999 and could post much more, but this will get you started in the right direction. Congratulations on obtaining a real treasure! Carol in Mid-Mich :)
Thank you for the kind words and advice--I appreciate the encouragement so much! And I will be sure to be extra careful with the decals. More pictures to come as we make progress with cleaning her up and loosening her stiff joints! :-)
What a sweet machine and cabinet! Enjoy sewing with her!
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