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An Early, Early Birthday Present

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First of all, Don’s been playing with Picnik. Yesterday, I checked my email to find this:

Could he be any more adorable? Gosh darn it, what a cutie he is.

In that same vein (Don = cutie) we needed to get out of the house yesterday, so we traveled up the road to a favorite antique shop. I found some fabulous vintage fabric, a little dollhouse chair – I’ll share them with you another day – and something else. I hit the brakes when I spied this something in a booth on the floor. Shall I give you some clues?

  • I’ve written about my love of this ‘invention’ many times on this blog.
  • I’ve been honest about my jealousy of others who own one of these.
  • I’m even more jealous when these bloggers own more than one.
  • I used one for a period of 6 months a few years back. (A friend let me borrow hers while I was working in San Diego.)
  • That experience made me an even bigger fan than I already was.

If you’re a long-time reader, you might have guessed. I’m going to delay the reveal just a moment longer.

Interestingly, I had actually planned to write a post for today with 3 potential presents I would like to receive for my big birthday (in November.) The 3 things were: a cordless drill, this item or a new DSLR, all of which I want and, yes, need. I was going to say that I would be happy with any one of these items and that, given our finances, I would probably get the cordless drill. Totally fine with me.

But when I saw this, and went on and on about it, Don and I decided it would be the perfect birthday present. I’m just getting it early. Okay, no more delays, here it is:

Eek! A Singer Featherweight! Be still my heart. Isn’t she gorgeous? She’s in great shape.

I mean, look at her….

All of the gold decals are intact. The paint looks pretty pristine. There are the usual faint scratches from pins, etc.

She was made in New Jersey in May of 1953. We’re awfully close in age. Now you have an even bigger hint as to what particular birthday is coming up.

She has that Art Deco looking face plate. And she came with a lot of the original attachments.

That motor lubricant has no cap and looks a bit nasty. I’ll keep it, anyway; it should be on display.

And she came with a case.

Of course, she smells musty, as does her case. Every Featherweight I’ve ever encountered smells musty. I guess when all those new-fangled sewing machines came out, the trusty Featherweights were stored in attics. Any tips for getting rid of that smell?

Gee whiz, I love her.

She needs a name. And I need your suggestions. Would you leave a comment with a suggestion or two?

Happy Monday.

Comments

  2. Congratulations!! I knew instantly what it was when you started talking about it. It looks in such good shape. I am so happy you found her. Who knew that we’d ever get so excited over a sewing machine? ha I have my grandmother’s old Singer treadle machine in the cabinet.

    I’ll think on a name.

    Judy

  4. I am thrilled you got the Featherweight. I am too drunken to name her but she is a beauty. I can picture you now sewing tiny dollhouse curtains on her. xoxo, olive

    P.S. on second thought how about naming her HARPER?

  5. Congratulations on your Featherweight !! I love mine. The smell comes from the felt pad that absorbs oil. You can make a new one from craft felt. Here is a great site (no connection to me) that has lots of great info. Enjoy your new found lady.

  6. What a find! I am so jealous. I was thinking you could crumple up newspaper and put in the case when she is out. That might help the musty odor. Or put some of those little packets of desiccate that are in new shoe boxes and some other things. May want to tape them on the inside of the lid so they don’t sit on the machine. I don’t think she would EVER be put away if she was mine. I would clear off a shelf and there she would sit there in all her glory. Let us know how she stitches and what you are making. And I can’t keep calling her “she”. She needs a name.

  7. I also have a featherweight! I haven’t used it much yet as I want to have it looked over. Enjoy it!
    Here is a site with a monthly tip. I have split the site between the dot and com Pam
    http://www.novamontgomery. com/singer-featherweight-221-tip-of-the-month.htm

  8. Oh, Claudia, as soon as you said you borrowed one from a friend for 6 months while out in San Diego I guessed. I SHOULD have guessed sooner! I swear my memory is going.. Which reminds me – are we possibly heading for the s-a-m-e birthday? ’53 is awfully close to mine, too, and today is actually (gulp) my 60th b-day! Eeeks- first time I’ve said it – I’m sixty! haha Okay, now that wasn’t nearly as bad as I thought it would be!

    HAPPY upcoming birthday, Claudia, and I loved Don’s PicMonkey creation!!!

    Donna

  13. I am over the moon happy for you! What an amazing gift for a big birthday celebration! I’m here to tell you I passed the big 6-0 a couple of years ago and it’s quite painless! I looked up the most popular names in 1953 and #1 Mary, #2 Linda (of course) and #3 Deborah. Not sure any of those grab you but I will tell you this….she looks like a Maggie to me! Hugs, Linda

  16. You can sprinkle activated charcoal in it and just leave it there several weeks to absorb the musty odors. I know you will love her! I don’t sew much, but I admire mine for her beauty and age. I often sit and wonder who sat there before me and what was she like? Where did she live, and what tales could my featherweight tell? I’d love to see what kind of fashions she’s turned out.

  17. Congrats on getting something you have wanted for so long! It will look so great in your little sewing nook.
    Her name should be something vintage like she is. Maybe something like Emma.

  19. Oh Claudia she is so lovely. I use to like to sit around when my great grandmother sewed and listen to the thump, thump, thump of the old Singer.

    Try leaving a couple of oranges cut in half in a bowl near the machine that sometimes works by absorbing the smell. You could also wipe it down with lemon juice but be careful it can be abbresive but it does kill odour.

    Good luck and she’s a beaut!

    Sue

  21. Oh….I’ve wanted one for a very long time. Maybe I’ll get one when I turn 60…….nine years to go. I think you should name her Lucy!

  24. My guess was an old typewriter, but that wouldn’t have been as pretty as your new girl. I think her curves are to be envied and vote for Velma as her name, Va-Voom! Perfect, early, early birthday present, Claudia. Ann

  26. What a great Birthday present..She looks like she’s in great shape..Suzie Singer???
    I received “Darkness All Around” today..Thanks so much..I’m sure I’ll enjoy it this winter after I’ve moved and unpacked :)

  27. “Fannie Featherweight” looks just like mine ,( named Matilda!)
    Congratulations, I am so happy for you, and Happy Birthday to you!

  28. Congratulations — what a special gift! How about “Maybelle” since she was made in May. Not pronounced Mabel, but May-Bell. Have fun with your new treasure. That treasure you married is a great find too. :)

  29. Oh my GOSH!!! She should be Ophelia, after all that girl has a dark side. [Referencing to Natalie Merchants album, not the other Opheila, lol.]

    Oh what a wonderful present to get for your B day.

    Can I say, I am almost envious, but still thrilled for you.

    Jen @ Muddy Boot Dreams

  31. I named mine Annie Ruth after my G’ma.
    Family names are always good. ;)
    Use a box of fish tank charcoal..shut it up in the case and it will absorb the odor. You may have to do this more than once.
    Congrats on a fabulous find nd Happy early Birthday!!

  32. Oh, Claudia, I guessed early on in your post! I have two dearly loved Featherweights and can’t let loose of either. Over the years I’ve learned a bit about them–enough to keep them running in top form. I’m sorry to tell you this, but I feel you have the gender wrong. I think this is a male and his name is Mr. Wonderful, after Don.

  34. Beautiful! I have my grandmother, Thelma Gertrude’s old National Rotary treadle machine. She let me make quilt squares on it when I stayed with her. My other grandmother, Lillie Leona, also loved to sew, and loved the fact that I loved sewing when none of her 3 girls liked it. If either of their names don’t suit you, then you might consider one of my great, great, great grandmother’s name – Araminda (Mindy) Clementine. Her name just ‘sings’ to me!

  35. A featherweight is a joy forever and since it’s a singer, how about calling her Jenny Lind or Norah,

  37. She’s a beauty! Used to be every rummage sale had a vintage sewing machine sitting quietly in a corner but they have become quite scarce in my part of the world…glad you found her :)
    How about Betty or Stella?

  38. Oh Claudia…you lucky girl! What a wonderful early birthday gift! She is only a few months older than me! I have an old singer from 1921 but it is not a featherweight. It still has an odor to it even after all these years I have had it. Kind of smells like old oil/metal smell. As for a name…not sure but I did like one suggestion a few comments back..”Fanny the Featherweight”. I thought it was cute! Have fun with it Claudia!~Hugs, Patti

  40. Happy early birthday, Claudia! wow, does this bring back memories. I grew up learning to sew on one of these same Featherweights, it’s gorgeous!!! (you and I are having “the big one” just a few months apart!) xoxo

  42. Oh, Claudia, what a lovely early present! She’s absolutely beautiful and I can just picture her in your lovely cottage. I hope she brings you hours and hours of pleasure. I’m sure you’ll find the perfect name for her!

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