1936 Singer 201-2

This is one of my five Singer 201-2s.  I am only keeping one.  It is a challenge for me to let these machines go.  I played with this one some more today.  I made a draw string bag for the foot controller and adjusted the bottom tension.  I am happy with its stitch.  The machine definitely likes heavier fabric, for sure.  The more layers, the nicer the stitch.

 I love the motor cover.  Not all of the 201s have that decal on the motor cover.  It adds a classy dimension to the machine.  Yes?

 Nice clean bobbin case.

There is some wear on the decal in front exactly where the fabric passed over the bed.  The front of the bed has some chips in the paint.  Truthfully they all do.  It must come from being put back down in the cabinet.  I can't figure out any other reason why.  There also is damage to the paint where the seam guide was fastened to the machine bed.  But the bed is shiny.  Look how the needle bar is reflected in the paint.

More reflection! (That would be Wrigley all curled up on the couch) I love the chrome hand wheel. 

The feed dog drop does work on this machine.  Even though it is manual and you have to lift the machine up to turn the feed dog drop screw. 

The bobbin winder works nicely.  Smooth, yes?  (That clicking noise is the spool rotating on the spindle. The motor sound variation is my fault.  I can't walk and chew gum at the same time, either.  Fleetwood Mac in the background courtesy of Pandora radio).  For a demo of how the machine sews, go back one post to http://sewingmachinemagic.blogspot.com/2013/02/sews-through-leather-like.html

SEWS THROUGH LEATHER LIKE !!!

 Betsy and I notice that machines on eBay that are proclaimed to "SEW THROUGH LEATHER!!"  sell and sell for a higher price than the exact same machine that is not touted as such. 

It isn't fraudulent to claim a machine can sew through leather.  Most machines can.  It is just that likely the machine will wear out quickly if it is put to that task regularly. 

Because the Singer 201-2 is often advertised as such, I decided to try out one of mine. Actually, come to think of it, the machine I tested tonight came with some leather needles.  HMMMMMM.

I have some leather, somewhere.  I also have some leather like, which is a vinyl product and feels like vinyl.  But it was the closest thing I had available tonight.  I got these at a yard sale for a buck.  She was selling them because she never got around to creating anything with them.  I probably won't either but it was fun to test the machine with them

I started with two layers, no problem.  I added another. Likewise, just fine.  I decided that I would not try any more than five layers. The machine did not protest, not one little bit.

We all know I am not a professional film maker.....

Next I will get actual leather.  I have some red leather  that I bought in NC last December.  I want to make a nice little red leather purse.  Now I think that I can.

Sold!

It's going to Florida.  I spent two hours packing it tonight.  Ebay is funny.  I was pretty convinced that the machine was going to stay home.  Five minutes to go on the auction and I was trying hard not to be too disappointed.  I mean, it is a Centennial 201 and it is a lovely machine.  Quiet and powerful and it makes a nicer stitch, really, than my own.  But still, I don't need two (or three).

I was working on the Drawstring tutorial for Wednesday night's class.  The email bing sounded and to my surprise eBay informed me that the machine had sold.  Must have been an auction stealer according to the bidding times.

So it is off for the South.  Better it than me. I lived in Florida in 1973.  I was a kid (20) and it was ok but I don't do well with the heat. Still, I had a great little sports car there; a TR-4A.  It never ran when it rained.  How can a British car never run in the rain? 

http://world-viewer.com/photos/triumph-tr4-a/11/

OOOHHH now that I look at it again, I  want one......

Singer 201-2

More eye candy

The Singer 201 is supposedly the best sewing machine Singer ever made.  I can't say.  I do love mine.  It is quiet and it stitches just beautifully.  It is a straight stitch only, class 66 bobbin machine.   the motor is gear driven.  I have three of these machines.  I am only keeping one.  This one.

I have a Centennial model that is ready to go.  I have another one that needs motor work.  I am distracted right now with sewing projects and sewing machine base construction. http://mysewingmachineobsession.blogspot.com/2012/06/it-all-happened-so-fast.html


And rose bush admiring

This rose bush has never, ever, ever, bloomed.  I thought it had died years ago.  But then it started growing again and I just left it alone.  Totally alone.  This year I did feed it some Osmokote.  But that was AFTER I saw all the buds.