Vintage Sewing Machines

This past year I was obsessed with buying vintage Singer sewing machines. I did my research and made a list of the one's I'd like to own and spent the year looking. It took me about 10 months to complete my list and now I have a vintage sewing machine area in my sewing studio.

Someone once told me that when I sew on a Singer 301 that I'd prefer it over my Featherweight 221...I was like "Uh...NO Way...no other machine can replace the "sewing love" I have for my 221". Ding Ding Ding...newsflash...that person was so right!  I love love love my 301!  I love it so much I found and bought 4 more! I know that's over the top but I couldn't resist when I saw one that was priced right. I have a black one, two taupe, and two taupe and oyster shell. They are magnificent sewing machines and will sew through the thickest of fabrics never missing a stitch with top speeds of 1300 - 1500 stitches per minute!

I love the sleek lines and enjoy hearing the purr of the motor as it makes a perfect stitch through any fabric. These two are short beds and were in nice cabinets and wish I had room in my sewing studio for the cabinets. My favorite is a long bed (not shown) and it's my travel machine for classes, retreats or vacation. It stays packed in it's roller bag always ready to go. 

 For more information on the 301(a) click here. 

Singer Model 301

 Here is my Singer 403 and 401. I plan to have them threaded and ready to work. These were the first cam machines and machines that had built in stitches. I lucked out because both machines have all the cams and extra accessories.

On the 401, the built-in stitches are selected by a combination of moving two dials on the front of the machine. I've had fun playing with those combinations. 

Singer Model 401a

 Another awesome machine is the Model 500a and it has an interesting beginning as it was
manufactured during the space race in the late 50s early 60s....hence it's name Rocketeer. The 500a and
503a model are the last of the all-metal machines produced by Singer.  It has a "modern" shape with
lines that remind me of the old 1950s automobiles. This machine uses "fashion" cams, has built-in
stitches and is my go-to zig zag stitch machine. The deco stitches are fun to play with too.

Singer Model 500a Rocketeer 

My Model 503a is currently in my sewing machine medical center needing a good oiling and cleaning before being set up with its other vintage cousins. 

All are workhorses and sew fantastic stitches. I spend all day playing with the cams and stitches and presser feet that I get no sewing done! They're great Singer models and if you see any of these machines I'd snatch them up if I were you!

Oh and speaking of vintage...Click here to view and read about this embroidered vintage sewing machine that I made.

Today's Recipe - Sweet Potato Bourbon Cake

Since the focus of this post has been on sewing machine models from the 50s and 60s I thought I'd share a bundt cake recipe. Bundt cakes were very popular desserts at that time with the favorites filled with fudge, nuts or creams.  Serve this Sweet Potato Bourbon cake drizzled with Bourbon Syrup, recipe included.  

Happy Quilting
Happy Sewing

Life is full of many journeys. 

Check out my Journeys:

Gardening Journey

Cooking Journey

Machine Embroidery Journey

Journey with My Pets and Other Creatures