Salutations! We have had an awesome and very busy weekend. We've spent most of it playing outside: running around, chasing after balls, playing soccer, throwing a frisbee, making sure the kitten doesn't escape from the house, and practicing going up and down the back steps ;)
Yesterday morning I casually mentioned to my husband that yard saling sounded like fun (hehe :) There were some good-sounding advertisements in the paper, so we jumped in the car and took off in search of second hand treasures. I have been looking for a sturdy sewing machine ever since my inexpensive one from a mass-retailer-who-shall-not-be-named wore out in less than two years. I should have known better than to buy one there (not to mention that particular model), but it was a bit of a late-night, pre-baby impulse buy ;) Anyway, I've had my heart set on getting a vintage sewing machine, but every single one I've seen has either been out of my price range or there were essential bits missing. Well, yesterday I was finally able to satisfy my heart's desire :)
I found this White sewing machine (model 940) at the garage sale of an elderly lady who bought it brand new in 1973 from a sewing shop here in town. It is in immaculate condition and came with several attachments and other sewing accessories, as well as the rolls of fabric in the picture. It runs like a dream and I can't wait to get a project going (summer break, please hurry up!). I'm not a very experienced seamstress, but I realized that part of the problem was not having much confidence in my machine. That shouldn't be a problem now :)
The rolls of fabric I got are thick and mainly vintage-y plaids, with one tweedish piece and a wool-like grey. I'm trying to decide what to make out of them. If you have any ideas, let me know below. I'm curious to hear them!
This is a view I can definitely get used to :)
I have a serious addiction to vintage fabric. I buy way too much of it. These look great! Congrats on finding a good vintage sewing machine!
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful machine! Great find!! And I'm sure she felt good letting it go to someone who was going to appreciate it. :)
ReplyDeleteThat looks so cool! My grandmother had a sewing machine built into a desk like that, but it was a little older. They really are neat. :) So glad I stumbled upon your blog. It looks like a cool read!
ReplyDeleteI share your love for yard sales. So many fantastic finds to be discovered!
ReplyDeleteNow you know you won't have much excuses left to put off the sewing projects, right?! :)
Oh, thanks Mary Beth, for the 1973 date of your gorgeous White 940! I just got one too. Someone else bought the table and left the machine, so I was thrilled to get it for my sewing room. It's really special IMO.
ReplyDeleteThat's awesome and I'm so glad it helped! They really are beautiful machines and incredibly sturdy. I can't believe someone would want the table and not want the machine, but I'm happy it worked out for you. Please feel free to share your projects with us. We'd love to see them!!
ReplyDeleteI have this very machine and hope you are enjoying it. I purchased mine new in 1974 and it has been a real work horse. It was the last of the all metal machines and my original invoice at the time was $299 way back then. It was a heavy duty machine that was meant for lots of sewing! I just wish I knew how many hours I have on mine, it would be unimaginable, I am sure. Mine has only been in the shop one time for servicing. I hope you are enjoying your machine! If you ever want to get rid of it, please let me know!!!! lindaw76107@sbcglobal.net
ReplyDeleteLinda Walker
just today got a 940 in a cabinet for $30 out of the papers I am learning about it it's a little stiff and need some oil but I think it should work for me. good to hear people have kind words about this model. I'm not exactly sure about its specific use saying stretch stitch though.
ReplyDeleteStretch stitch is a stitch formed by the machine stepping back as well as forward, and can be either a zz or straight stitch. The White 940 does not do the stretch straight stitch, afaik. The blind hem stitch does not need to step back, but the overcast stitch does, if that helps - different machines have different stretch stitches and those may or may not be "stretchable" as is an ordinary zz stitch.
ReplyDelete