My vintage sewing machines

Pfaff 11 hand shank (1938)

I own eleven vintage sewing machines. I just want to have them all, but I guess that is not possible. So I stay firm and refuse most machines that cross my way.

Here are mine:

My first was a Pfaff 11 made in 1938. I bought it in 2005 at ebay.com. At that time I wanted to have Pfaff vintage machine because I own a modern Pfaff, my mother owns a Pfaff, my mother in law owns one and so on.

Anyway It's in great condition and sews like it's never done something else ( I guess it hasn't LOL). My father (80) in law remembers his mother making her quilts on a likewise machine. She worked not the floor, while the housekeeper had to turn the wheel..

Pfaff 11 threadle (1925)

My second machine was another Pfaff 11, made in 1925. I bought it also in 2005 and used it mostly to display quilt on it. It was in good condition and was used once in a while. Last year it went to its new owner.

Singer 222k featherweight free arm (1953)

Singer 221k featherweight (1949)

Long before the Singer Featherweight hype in the Netherlands started I bought my first two. Also in 2005. I searched internet for months and found two at a retired Singer sewing machine dealer. A 222K built in 1953 and a 221 built in 1948 with a 110V motor. A few years later I sold the 221 because I saw no use for having two Featherweights.

My interest for vintage machines decreased. I was busy having kids, studying and building the quilt studio. I regained interest in 2013 when I was looking for a new sewing machine. My modern Pfaff is already from 2002, is sewing like ever but sometimes you just want something new right? I tried several new machines, they are great, neat stitches, embroidery etc etc. But being a quilter I only need a fine straight stitch. So what if I searched for a 1950's machine to restore....?

Well they are not hard to find, after a short search on internet I bought the Singer 412G. A story of it's own: I bought it via www.marktplaats.nl, a Dutch version of Ebay.
It looked nice on the photo and the seller agreed for only €15,-(!). A few days later it arrived by post: A box that was a bit smutty, a filthy case (there had been mice in it for sure!), dirty machine with plastic top. O my! I bought scrap metal. But I gave it a chance. When I turned the flywheel lose, the motor started running nicely. I cleaned out all the mess inside and out and at the end of the evening I plugged it in again. After a slow start it revived! It is a sturdy machine and stitches are beautiful.

During my search I came across a Singer Featherweight 221K. I just couldn't let it go! Wow, what I nice little fellow! It has been built in 1949 and purrs like a kitten. It only got a bit dry during age and needed a new electricity cable (it had a white one attached to it). Good to go for another 64 years of sewing!

After that I've bought another five Featherweights: A centennial, one with Dutch patent numbers, a white one and two more who are still waiting to get some restoration. Right now (febr. 2015) I'm busy restoring a prewar Singer 206. And in the attic a Singer 99 is patiently waiting for his restoration. O my, it sounds like I'm trying to rescue them all after all!!

Singer 412G zig zag slantomatic (1954)