i have been searching high and low (craigs list) for the last couple years hoping to come across the same model. my research showed that the machine i have, Model 15-91 was a top-of-the-line model with a low production run....
well, the other day i got bored and decided to surf craigs list to see if any were on the market. they are getting hard to find as today's quilters are realizing what a good machine the 15-91 is and getting one for themselves. (plastic machines just can't hold a candle to a good vintage singer.)
it has the fancy scroll etching on the face plate that the feather weights have!
it was like digging thru a sewing time capsule.
i have dreams of making something 4th of July-ish with that tiny red and blue rick rack.
the big one will be something special!
i found the paper work from her purchase!!
she paid $229.50 for it on January 16th, 1950!
a vintage band-aid tin that is full of pins, and a wooden needle case that still has the three needles in it (for 20cents!) i paid almost $4 for five the other day :)
now i have a 'new' machine to join the supporting cast in my studio.
Posts
Looks like my 15-91 I got from my great aunt (she bought it new in the early 40's). I haven't used it in years, but I used to use it a lot. I use my Pfaff on top of it's cabinet. I wish I had room to set them both up - I need the Pfaff for the decorative stitches for my 'work' sewing, but would love to piece on the Singer.
ReplyDeleteThe machine is cool... the loot is cooler. $229 as a lot of money in 1950.
ReplyDeleteOh you lucky gal. I piece on a 15-91 1953 model. Absolutely love it. It was just like new when my daughter in law offered it to me as they used it as a night stand. it runs so beautiful.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed seeing all those goodies that came with you machine. Talk about vintage
What a cool machine! But the gizmos and accessories that came with it are even more priceless. Such interesting stuff. I'd say you have a real find. I hope it was at a bargain too!
ReplyDeleteScore...big time! Have fun.
ReplyDeleteDrool.... drool..... drool.... drool...........
ReplyDeleteI will have to get back to you with some information. I met a fellow recently who imports all of the parts for your Singer from China. They are VERY affordable and he is VERY helpful. Unfortunately I am not at home and his info is there.
ReplyDeleteIf you don't hear from me soon, please contact me and I will give you his information so you can restore your lovely old machine.
Kind regards
I love (and am somewhat perplexed by) the Delinquency Charge on the vacuum repair receipt?!
ReplyDeleteWow, what a find. I love it when a machine comes with it's original 'birth certificate'. My featherweight has a birth certificate that shows it was originally purchased in 1956 (the year I was born too0 for £67ish ($107).
ReplyDeleteBest Wishes
Kay in Scotland
That is so awesome to find something like that. I assume it sews as well? lol
ReplyDeletebeautiful... some day I would love to have an antique Singer but for now am happy with what I am using.... having fun making my shopping list for Paducah. cant wait... leaving Sunday early early am with 3 friends and stopping by the Nashville airport to pick up my daughter and another friend from Maryland and then on to Paducah and fun fun. Maybe see you there? I will have my cell phone with me.
ReplyDeleteYou will love your 15-91! That is what I do all my free motion quilting on. I've had it for 21 years and have just replaced the foot petal, they are awesome machines! I have a online store I have bought parts for it from if you need the link.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful find, and all those treasures in the stool!
ReplyDeleteI'm wondering what parts weren't available. I know people in both the US and Canada who provide parts to vintage and antique machines (and my brain is telling me there is someone in GB, although I can't recall the name right now.)
ReplyDeleteI quilt on treadles but do have a 15-91 that a friend donated to me, and I've pieced and quilted with it. The ones with foot controls just aren't as much fun to use as the treadles (although I appreciate that not everyone agrees with me.)