Sunday, June 13, 2010

Antique Singer Sewing machine


Visiting family in East Texas this weekend we got to bring home the sewing machine that belonged to my husband's grandmother .  He doesn't know how long she had it or who may have owned it before her, but it is neat to have this piece of history that our children's great grandmother sewed on.  He remembers using it as a computer table when he stayed at the farm in the summer when he was a kid. 

(The pictures above are after it got dusted off, but before it got the deep cleaning)

From the serial number I am pretty sure this was made in 1908.
We could probably get the machine in working order if we wanted to (it needs a new belt).
It had been sitting in a barn and it needed a lot of cleaning up.
We removed the machine from the table base for cleaning
I used WD 40 to clean up the iron treadle part and furniture oil on the wood top and drawers.  Some of the wood veneer is cracked and I used wood glue to repair that as best as I could.  I also used a stain pen on a few areas that needed little touch ups.

Here is how it looks now:




it looks good with my newly painted light fixture in the next room



look at these details on the sides of the drawers


still has a lot of antique character, but a lot cleaner now

and it was too nice to put away again out of sight, so here it is on display

I'm sharing on Thrifty Treasures Monday at Southern Hospitality


14 comments:

Mel said...

I've seen a lot of those sewing cabinets, but none as ornate as yours is. It's stunning.

All That Glitters said...

Looks beautiful!!!! I love your style of decor! I'm your newset follower!
~Jennifer from All That Glitters~

Kim, USA said...

Your singer machine is beautiful! Happy Monday!


Just cutie

Linda (Nina's Nest) said...

That is an especially pretty machine cabinet. I have my own grandmother's Singer sewing machine prominently displayed and love the memories of her sewing EVERYTHING -even my grandfather's shirts! Glad yours is staying in the family, too. Linda

Sue said...

What a GORGEOUS piece of furniture! So ornate and detailed. I like how you displayed the actual sewing machine and the typewriter out on the ladder shelf unit. Fantastic look. I would have loved to have had my grandmother's cabinet and sewing machine. Unfortunately, a greedy relative "stole" it from under my dad's nose. I would love to find a similar one to Gramma's.
:-) Sue

Vanessa said...

Your antique singer makes a beautiful art piece/table top. I love how you paired it with a piece of art, it's so balance in your lovely home. I love this creative little blog and I'm now a new follower. Continue to inspire!

Anne said...

Absolutely gorgeous!!! I now wish I had the forethought to save my mom's old typewriter and sewing machine...they'd make wonderful displays now!

raggygirlvintage said...

That is a beautiful specimen and you cleaned it up so well!
Tracey

Kim said...

I see alot of these on Craig's List, but yours is particularly beautiful with all of the lovely detail. I love how you've displayed it with your pretties!
xoxo,
Kim

Amanda @ Serenity Now said...

I really like how you decided to display the actual machine! My mom has a very similar piece from her grandmother too. :) They look great!

Steph said...

What a treasure and I love how you displayed the stand and the machine. Gorgeous.

Allison Shops said...

What a gorgeous sewing machine table and machine! How lucky are you!? I had one, but not nearly as pretty. Ended up taking off the wooden top and getting a cultured marble piece made. We used it for a night table for years. I ended up selling it in a yard sale later on.

Thanks for stopping by Atticmag and leaving a comment on my 18ft Island Kitchen post earlier this week.

Allison
Atticmag

Crystal said...

that is gorgeous Anna! Great family heirloom!

cristina said...

I've always wanted one of these old sewing machine tables - and this is one is one of the nicest I've seen. The fact that it is a family heirloom is the cherry on the cake. And nice typewriter!