Just goes to show that if you look hard enough or read through the email groups messages long enough you can find most anything -- and in this instance about Featherweight table refinishing. I've linked the blog from MalePatternBoldness (see Sewing Machine blog list way below on right). Peter Lappin shows the one he refinished and one from a guy who sent him pics. Both are nicely done. Theirs have what looks like wood edges and mine has metal.
After reading on Peter's blog and on one of the the Singer groups at Yahoo I see I have to get the proper sandpaper grit. The stuff I bought is too coarse for the final in-between coats sanding that seems to be necessary. Good thing I waited and did not just jump right in. I did buy black spray paint for the metal legs, but since closer inspection shows that it really looks like very dark brown I'm sure I'll go with as close to original as possible. Back to the paint store. Since I bought a clear acrylic spray and not polyurethane, I think I will get the poly -- after I find out which is a harder finish.
Showing posts with label featherweight. Show all posts
Showing posts with label featherweight. Show all posts
08 January 2012
05 January 2012
It's the New Year and I'm Supposed to be Doing...
The New Year is here. I did not get my Christmas cards out, again, and am wondering if it is too late to get and send 'hope we have a wonderful year' cards instead. No resolutions made, but I'm still thinking about one. Got to get a few more calendars, pages for my organizer (had to wait for my check to get here), get to the sew and vac to get a foot for my FW and find a backing for my quilt.
Sheesh, I wimped out. I told DH I was going to finish going through my emails (I get a lot!), moderate as needed, and get to my quilting. I have to finish cutting up some more FQs to make a few more variations of blocks. Then I'm supposed to cut up the strips that frame the blocks.
(Hanging head in shame) Instead I'm putzing with the online Craftsy classes I joined about quilting and checking out the free BOM one (block of the month) and messing with the supply lists.
Then following blogs like the ones about Ryan Gosling -- what a hoot, I spent an hour following a lot of those on tumblr... The people who write those sayings on his pics are talented. I had to look up a couple of words in my dictionary.
Then I bookmarked a couple more sites that had cute needle book tutorials that tipnut.com had listed. The owl one is too cute.
Then I checked to see if there were any more of the awsome wood Singer FW table extensions listed on ebay by twice-a-treasure but nothing yet, only showing in completed right now --he sold them all, three more to the same guy. Seems the guy's wife is in a quilt guild and they like them so he has been doing the buying for them--whatta DH. I want to get one for my tan FW -- either coordinate or contrast color. I'm not keen on oak, but thought maybe if he has black walnut or something with a nice tight grain.
Maybe it is time to get off the computer and go cut up a bit...maybe. Later then.
Sheesh, I wimped out. I told DH I was going to finish going through my emails (I get a lot!), moderate as needed, and get to my quilting. I have to finish cutting up some more FQs to make a few more variations of blocks. Then I'm supposed to cut up the strips that frame the blocks.
(Hanging head in shame) Instead I'm putzing with the online Craftsy classes I joined about quilting and checking out the free BOM one (block of the month) and messing with the supply lists.
Then following blogs like the ones about Ryan Gosling -- what a hoot, I spent an hour following a lot of those on tumblr... The people who write those sayings on his pics are talented. I had to look up a couple of words in my dictionary.
Then I bookmarked a couple more sites that had cute needle book tutorials that tipnut.com had listed. The owl one is too cute.
Then I checked to see if there were any more of the awsome wood Singer FW table extensions listed on ebay by twice-a-treasure but nothing yet, only showing in completed right now --he sold them all, three more to the same guy. Seems the guy's wife is in a quilt guild and they like them so he has been doing the buying for them--whatta DH. I want to get one for my tan FW -- either coordinate or contrast color. I'm not keen on oak, but thought maybe if he has black walnut or something with a nice tight grain.
Maybe it is time to get off the computer and go cut up a bit...maybe. Later then.
12 December 2011
Oh Yes, Sewing Machine Maintenance
I forgot to come back and add more to the tool post. I added needle holders and some brushes to the tool kit. I found some more of the chemical cleaners mentioned on the different sewing machine groups at Yahoo.
The machines that I worked on the past month were
(1.) two Singer 221 Featherweight machines. One is having problems with the power where the plug is in the machine. I took the bottom off and really poked around and saw that the fabric covered wires under there are soaked in thick blackish oil crud. Yuck. I think that is why the machine went for relatively cheap in comparison to the others on Craigslist where I found it.
Then, (2.) a Kenmore 158.1060 and a 158.1030. Both are small portables like the Featherweights. I repaired the inside plug housing on the 1060. There are some 'ears' that stick out and the screws that hold it in place go through them. I guess the last person to tighten the screws did a too tight job and both were broken. I used clear 5-minute plastic epoxy, let it set for 24 hours and then gently put it back together. The weld did hold. Can I pat myself on the back?
(3.) Then I tried to see what was wrong with a Singer 1036 electronic machine that has a horrible growl. The motor makes the noise. I don't do sewing machine motors -- yet. That one was a throw away machine, so I just may take the motor apart. Seems to stitch OK when I tried it. I got covers off, and then made the mistake of not diagramming and taping the screws to the diagram. I did top and bottom and one on the throat area and kind of mixed them up. I finally got them all back in the right places, but I was sweating it for awhile, no kidding. I hate having pieces left over. BTW, I took pictures of the weld. May add them later on, we'll see.
The contact cement I needed was finally found at a small independent hardware store. I will be working on fixing the fabric of one of the Featherweight cases and the contact cement was recommended. I've got tooth picks, cotton swabs, and towel remnants all set to work on this. Later though, no time now. The quilt must go on.
The machines that I worked on the past month were
(1.) two Singer 221 Featherweight machines. One is having problems with the power where the plug is in the machine. I took the bottom off and really poked around and saw that the fabric covered wires under there are soaked in thick blackish oil crud. Yuck. I think that is why the machine went for relatively cheap in comparison to the others on Craigslist where I found it.
Then, (2.) a Kenmore 158.1060 and a 158.1030. Both are small portables like the Featherweights. I repaired the inside plug housing on the 1060. There are some 'ears' that stick out and the screws that hold it in place go through them. I guess the last person to tighten the screws did a too tight job and both were broken. I used clear 5-minute plastic epoxy, let it set for 24 hours and then gently put it back together. The weld did hold. Can I pat myself on the back?
(3.) Then I tried to see what was wrong with a Singer 1036 electronic machine that has a horrible growl. The motor makes the noise. I don't do sewing machine motors -- yet. That one was a throw away machine, so I just may take the motor apart. Seems to stitch OK when I tried it. I got covers off, and then made the mistake of not diagramming and taping the screws to the diagram. I did top and bottom and one on the throat area and kind of mixed them up. I finally got them all back in the right places, but I was sweating it for awhile, no kidding. I hate having pieces left over. BTW, I took pictures of the weld. May add them later on, we'll see.
The contact cement I needed was finally found at a small independent hardware store. I will be working on fixing the fabric of one of the Featherweight cases and the contact cement was recommended. I've got tooth picks, cotton swabs, and towel remnants all set to work on this. Later though, no time now. The quilt must go on.
04 October 2011
Fixing My Featherweight's Case -- Gathering Supplies
If All Goes Well (Murphy may be lurking and we all know about Murphy's Laws, don't we?), I will start fixing the featherweight case this week. First to get pictures to show what needs fixing. I will do that later for show and tell on the next installment. Need to get the camera set up, but first I have to find it, lol.
Right now I'll explain the tools I'm gathering. This case is not terribly damaged, just some of the covering and lining is coming unglued and it needs a scrub.
For cleaning the case's outside covering, a soft rag with some water and Dawn dishwashing detergent. My kidlette's ex-boyfriend used Dawn to clean engine grease off his hands -- worked great. I've got a bag of well used, recycled t-shirts, previously cut up and saved -- now called soft rags.
Dirty scuffs can be gently cleaned with a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser sponge, going over it very gently as it can scratch smooth surfaces. I don't think it will hurt the covering in this case, but I plan to be careful. I've used this sponge successfully on a hard plastic sewing machine case where water and soap was not enough. I had asked my OSMG* what he used to clean sm cases and he said they would not clean and to let it go. I used the Magic Eraser on half the case and took it in to show him. He did not believe I had cleaned it with that.
Next I need contact cement to re-glue the loose flaps and maybe some of the interior lining at the edges. I thought finding this would be easy, but it's not. I've looked and asked at the major garden and paint stores, Wallyworld, the hardware aisles at my local markets, and at two auto parts stores -- nada. My next stop is a little family run hardware store. The owner can order some if it is not on the shelf.
More on this later, as soon as I get that contact cement.
As a side note, I will finish the FW fabric tote I started and had to abandon while my kidlette was visiting for a month. It is a tote that you put your machine in and then use the tote to lower it into the case. Keeps the machine paint from getting scratched and the bonus is that if you turn it over, it becomes a cover while the machine is sitting out to keep out dust. The tote info is here Featherweight Tote by Craftyhipster so scroll down to see that blog and her link to the instructions. She has a white FW and the case does not have a tool tray so I have to adapt her pattern by an inch or less to fit in my cases which do have the little tray.
Historical note: did you know that there are as many as five (5) different case sizes for FWs???
____________
*OSMG - old sewing machine guy/gal (except not necessarily old)
FW - featherweight
SM - sewing machine
Right now I'll explain the tools I'm gathering. This case is not terribly damaged, just some of the covering and lining is coming unglued and it needs a scrub.
For cleaning the case's outside covering, a soft rag with some water and Dawn dishwashing detergent. My kidlette's ex-boyfriend used Dawn to clean engine grease off his hands -- worked great. I've got a bag of well used, recycled t-shirts, previously cut up and saved -- now called soft rags.
Dirty scuffs can be gently cleaned with a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser sponge, going over it very gently as it can scratch smooth surfaces. I don't think it will hurt the covering in this case, but I plan to be careful. I've used this sponge successfully on a hard plastic sewing machine case where water and soap was not enough. I had asked my OSMG* what he used to clean sm cases and he said they would not clean and to let it go. I used the Magic Eraser on half the case and took it in to show him. He did not believe I had cleaned it with that.
Next I need contact cement to re-glue the loose flaps and maybe some of the interior lining at the edges. I thought finding this would be easy, but it's not. I've looked and asked at the major garden and paint stores, Wallyworld, the hardware aisles at my local markets, and at two auto parts stores -- nada. My next stop is a little family run hardware store. The owner can order some if it is not on the shelf.
More on this later, as soon as I get that contact cement.
As a side note, I will finish the FW fabric tote I started and had to abandon while my kidlette was visiting for a month. It is a tote that you put your machine in and then use the tote to lower it into the case. Keeps the machine paint from getting scratched and the bonus is that if you turn it over, it becomes a cover while the machine is sitting out to keep out dust. The tote info is here Featherweight Tote by Craftyhipster so scroll down to see that blog and her link to the instructions. She has a white FW and the case does not have a tool tray so I have to adapt her pattern by an inch or less to fit in my cases which do have the little tray.
Historical note: did you know that there are as many as five (5) different case sizes for FWs???
____________
*OSMG - old sewing machine guy/gal (except not necessarily old)
FW - featherweight
SM - sewing machine
25 July 2011
My New Featherweight
I've had a black Singer 221-1 Featherweight for a couple of years, but left it in storage. I have a couple of other machines that are black and I really don't like sewing on them as I feel I can't see so well when using them. My 'friends' at work call it CreepingOldFartism. So when I had a chance to get a tan featherweight I jumped at the chance. It arrived in the mail, just over a week ago, perfectly packed for the trip, double boxed and all. What a cutie! I'm not sure yet but I think this is a 221-K7 and was made in Canada. Everything is tan or that Singer beige color; machine, motor, cords, foot controller, and inside case lining. The case exterior is two tone, brown and tan and does not have a lock, just latches.
I learned from a couple of ladies in a sewing group to use a nylon strap to secure the case. They made their own out of nylon webbing and a couple of D rings. They even sewed a handle on it so as not to stress the main handle of the case and did 'x' stitching over the joins to reinforce those areas. I can see the worth if you don't lock your case or if latches become bumped open. At least when that happened to me as I set it down too close to the sofa it caught and opened only one latch. I'll be making a couple of the straps. The webbing strap can be easily got from JoAnn's or at our big Sport store. I imagine the straps are good for any case or case handle you are not sure of, especially those old plastic ones that are now getting to the vulnerable dry crackly stage as they age. Just make them long enough.
This past week I have been perusing the internet and checking out local selling boards and subsequently found a sewing table at a great under-market price. This is the Singer kind that is a card table with an insert that pops out and you drop your sewing machine in so it levels with the table top. I thought it might be for a Singer 301, but it turned out to be for a Featherweight!! It needs some attention before I would want to use it for sewing, the top finish is dry and cracking and the sides and legs could use a going over. It had been stored in a garage so it is a bit dusty underneath under the rim. When I set the tan FW into the table and DH (dear husband) saw it, he commented (he was surprised) that it really was small [compared to a normal sewing machine].
I reminded him that a friend of ours sewed all clothing for her daughter, herself, her MIL, costumes for school, local theatre costuming, home deco stuff, curtains, tote bags, doll outfits, and whatever on that FW machine, her only machine, for years and years. She always said she did not need any other machine -- except once, when she was on a deadline for some costumes and borrowed my Kenmore 158.1941 for the blind hem stitch. She normally hemmed by hand.
Just for information sake, I retrieved the black FW from storage, oiled and lubed it and have it out right now too. I pulled out fabric and fiber fill from my stash to make padded bags for the cords and yet large enough for the foot controller. The controller normally stays on the underside of the lid in a metal clip, but the cord and plugs hang down onto the bed of the machine. The bags will prevent any more scratches from happening.
I'm off now to research restoring the wood top of the table. Pictures later.
I learned from a couple of ladies in a sewing group to use a nylon strap to secure the case. They made their own out of nylon webbing and a couple of D rings. They even sewed a handle on it so as not to stress the main handle of the case and did 'x' stitching over the joins to reinforce those areas. I can see the worth if you don't lock your case or if latches become bumped open. At least when that happened to me as I set it down too close to the sofa it caught and opened only one latch. I'll be making a couple of the straps. The webbing strap can be easily got from JoAnn's or at our big Sport store. I imagine the straps are good for any case or case handle you are not sure of, especially those old plastic ones that are now getting to the vulnerable dry crackly stage as they age. Just make them long enough.
This past week I have been perusing the internet and checking out local selling boards and subsequently found a sewing table at a great under-market price. This is the Singer kind that is a card table with an insert that pops out and you drop your sewing machine in so it levels with the table top. I thought it might be for a Singer 301, but it turned out to be for a Featherweight!! It needs some attention before I would want to use it for sewing, the top finish is dry and cracking and the sides and legs could use a going over. It had been stored in a garage so it is a bit dusty underneath under the rim. When I set the tan FW into the table and DH (dear husband) saw it, he commented (he was surprised) that it really was small [compared to a normal sewing machine].
I reminded him that a friend of ours sewed all clothing for her daughter, herself, her MIL, costumes for school, local theatre costuming, home deco stuff, curtains, tote bags, doll outfits, and whatever on that FW machine, her only machine, for years and years. She always said she did not need any other machine -- except once, when she was on a deadline for some costumes and borrowed my Kenmore 158.1941 for the blind hem stitch. She normally hemmed by hand.
Just for information sake, I retrieved the black FW from storage, oiled and lubed it and have it out right now too. I pulled out fabric and fiber fill from my stash to make padded bags for the cords and yet large enough for the foot controller. The controller normally stays on the underside of the lid in a metal clip, but the cord and plugs hang down onto the bed of the machine. The bags will prevent any more scratches from happening.
I'm off now to research restoring the wood top of the table. Pictures later.
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