Wheatberry Bakery
Grain CSA
Fields & Fire BlogWIP
It doesn’t work . . .
yet.
(And in case you’re wondering, why a treadle? Because it can sew through almost anything, it’s quiet enough to sew while I talk with my love, it’s beautiful enough to be in the living room, and if we ever have a life with no electricity, I can still clothe my family. So why not?)
it doesn’t work? aww thats too bad. they are my favorite kinds to sew on/with. quiet, simple, unobstrusive .. rarely in need of repair (uhh .. mostly) and since its all mechanical you do’t need to worry about dumb little plastic or electic bits breaking that can’t e replaced.
I have one! We use it for decoration, sometimes open, sometimes closed. Ours needs a couple parts to work, but it is one piece I love love love.
Nicola
It’s a beauty! It invites you to sew.
Where did you find it? I’m so envious…the one thing I REALLY wanted from Moms and Pops house was Ma G’s old-fashioned Singer that DID work…sadly, it was at Cecil’s house in Longbeach, MS and was one of the things stolen and never recovered after Katrina…I hope you can get it working soon!
My MIL swears by her treadle. She uses it to repair all of their tractor and motorcycle seats in addition to making a few clothes! Good choice, and good luck!
Twyla,
Luckily it just needs a new belt (we think!) so soon it should be humming along! And hooray for things that * can* be fixed.
Thanks Adele!
Oh dear, I didn’t even know Ma G’s was still around (until Katrina anyhow). This one came to us via craigslist – can’t wait to show you in person!
Hooray, yes, I’m really excited to be able to repair our draft horse gear with this baby! Thank you!
Hi Adrie, I love your blog! You inspire me.
I have a singer I fixed up to work, and I love it. If you need any parts, I know a place that sells Everything… from belts to hinges for the lid. I have it in my bookmarks, just email me if you need it.
Happy sewing!
Amy,
Thank you so much! And I will let you know – happy sewing to you as well.
Best,
Adrie
Looks a bit like mine, but mine has a sphinx & art nouveau/deco style. Maybe we should start a treadle group!
We had to put a new belt on it- which is really difficult without tearing the cord- and then let it stretch. Now we have to refit it. Not sure what else it needs. I bought the belt at A Notion to Quilt, and I’m told there’s a guy in Turner’s Falls that has parts & does repairs.
I actually have this idea of a space (maybe the old Mole Hollow Candle shop in Shelburne Falls) where anyone can come and rent a sewing machine- treadle or electric, old or new- and sew. Kind of like the Western MA Food Processing Center, but for textiles. There could be workshops too, and sewing/knitting circles, overlooking the potholes, maybe outside in the summer. Stuff like that.
>Kerrie