Old hand operated sewing machine - i'm utterly clueless

[Bigmallly]

If I remember correctly Hayley, when I went to college many moons ago if you find the tension of the thread is not right (either too tight or too loose).......the thread on top of the fabric is from the spool & the thread underneath is from the bobbin.........try it with 2 different coloured threads and you will see what I mean..........is that right guys?

[roitelet]

A Long bobbin can be difficult. Hold the full bobbin with the thread coming off the top and the loose end pulling to the left. Drop the bobbin into the shuttle case and pull the thread down through the slot and it will catch at the bottom. Insert the shuttle into the bottom of the machine. Thread the top thread over the hook at the top and down through the tension rings from right to left and over the hook at the side of the tension rings. Take the thread up through the bit the moves up and down and then down through all the little rings on the lefthand end of the machine. Round the hook just above the needle and through the eye of the needle. Wind the handle once so that it pulls up the therad from the bobbin. Take both threads to the back of the machine and away you go.

Hope that helps

[Bigmallly]

Continuing on from roitelets post, if you take the thread in the spool case and hold it up, the case should "slowly" fall down. If it stays put or falls quickly the tension of the spool needs adjusting. There should be a small screw on the spring if memory serves me right.

[Jeanied]

I'm impressed with your knowledge of the old fashioned domestic arts, BM!

[Bigmallly]

Thanks Jeanied. I'm an ape of many talents........... I worked in tailoring for 10 years & went to college which taught me a lot from pattern drafting & grading to making my own suits. We didn't use this type of spool but my mam had an old singer treadle machine with a similar setup.

[Nicos]

Found it!!!!

It's either a Fabrik Marke 'Original Victoria' sewing machine



or...

Original Victoria: Serial No. 366463.
Made by Mundlos & Co., Magdeburg. The firm was formed by Heinrich Mundlos and Hermann Schulz in 1863 and it closed in 1962.
From its style we would think this machine dates to the 1920's

hope that helps????

[Bigmallly]

Wow!...........Brilliant find.

[alldigging]

There's a shop in Manchester Arndale (Near the tesco on Market Street) that has a display of old sewing machines. I always stop and have a look at them.

[Nicos]

...really got it this time!!!



tis the 3rd one down ..
http://www.sewmuse.co.uk/Mundlos.htm

Original Victoria: Serial No. 473470.

Despite being in very good condition sadly this machine came with a none original base and for the photographs we've used the base of the machine above.

It has its original manual which is captioned "The New High Arm-Sewing Machine" and is stamped by the retailer J. T. Sansom, The Corner Shop, 32 Leeming St., Mansfield.

There is no mention of the manufacturer either in the manual or on the machine. On the arm there is just the faint impression of "Original Victoria". In this case the additional number is 77088.

[Hayley]

Thank you for everyone's help, it really is appreciated.

[Hayley]

It has its original manual which is captioned "The New High Arm-Sewing Machine" and is stamped by the retailer J. T. Sansom, The Corner Shop, 32 Leeming St., Mansfield.

How strange is that ^ I live just outside Mansfield.

[Bigmallly]

got it!!!



tis the 3rd one down ..
Mundlos Sewing Machine

Original Victoria: Serial No. 473470.

Despite being in very good condition sadly this machine came with a none original base and for the photographs we've used the base of the machine above.

It has its original manual which is captioned "The New High Arm-Sewing Machine" and is stamped by the retailer J. T. Sansom, The Corner Shop, 32 Leeming St., Mansfield.

There is no mention of the manufacturer either in the manual or on the machine. On the arm there is just the faint impression of "Original Victoria". In this case the additional number is 77088.

I was gonna say it only had a single bobbin spike near the handle but knew given a little time you would find it........

[Two_Sheds]

£100 is a lot to shell out when you don't know what you're doing.

OK, bad example. You don't have to spend that much, it was just an example for a very decent brand new machine.

There are lots on eBay to be had for £6 or so, like this one: Sewing Machine | eBay

100s of them

the older traditional sewing machines... thought it would be easier to learn with.

No, not really.
The modern machines are just thread-up and go, they're pretty foolproof, plus you will still be able to buy spares for them or get them serviced/repaired.

[taff]

Ones with a long bobbin strike fear into my heart...
I have a few now [ I don't know why either..the more the merrier ] and the easiest one to use has to be the single stitch electric BSM. It's heavy [ all metal gears] but it will never break or go wrong and because it's only one stitch, practically impossible to mess up.
It was found on skip, but they go for around a tenner on ebay, cheap if you can pick up..
I would recommend getting your machine serviced too, it does make a difference, and might save any potential problems.
Mine goes to a man who's obviously been doing it for years and years, and he's always really helpful when I ask questions or need showing how to do something.

[Two_Sheds]

I'd like to have a go at a few crafty things

You're in luck, because crafting is v.fashionable right now, and there are dozens of magazines with projects for you to try, plus discount style books, eg. The Works always have sewing project books for about £3-£8


Any idea what you want to make?
Personally I stay away from cushion covers & aprons: I prefer to make bags and phone wallets etc. A simple top or skirt isn't beyond the beginner either: they're all just straight seams, nothing complicated.

You won't find fabric to be that cheap, but you can always buy old sheets etc in charity shops, or bedding linen in the cheapo shops. New polycotton is about £3 a metre in a fabric store ~ you'll pay more for better quality of course.

I'd recommend stretch jersey for a beginner, because it doesn't fray so doesn't need any fancy hemming: just sew a double-row of stitches and cut off the excess fabric. Because it's stretchy, you don't have to worry about sewing complicated shaping either.


I've been making clothes for 20+ years, but I'm still only an advanced beginner: I still manage to sew collars on upside down, and sleeves inside out