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Today I found a 1957 Elna Supermatic complete with carry case (not that I'll be carrying it - it weighs about 15kg) and manual for $35. I've never done any research into old machines before as it wasn't something I really thought about - but they seem to have a bit of a following. It is in excellent condition and is purring like a kitten - we're just struggling to get it threaded correctly (I'll get there eventually). It's so cute in green and the knee control (as opposed to a foot pedal) is suprisingly easy to use.
I haven't had an opportunity to take a photo yet but check out these original advertisements from 1954 from Machines à coudre anciennes - they're lovely to look at and you have to giggle in the description of the machine's ' automatic brain'...so Mad Men!
11 comments:
awesome! my first machine was a Singer from 1957 — was given to me by an Aunt, I ruined it by oiling it with cooking oil — I really thought that I was looking after it, I wish that someone told me the entire thing would cease up and I'd kill it =(
Post some photo's!
Aww you were'nt to know. It really does suck when you ruin something by accident (I know I've done it plenty).
I will take some pics - just need to clear the table first. It's running like a dream so yay...now I actually need to sew something!
oh...i just found one as well...a tanned supermatic...
Ooh congrats - how are you finding it?
I am completely new to sewing. ;P
I tested it, it works and makes a glorious sound..the machine was incredibly well-kept but requires some cleaning, which I am a bit scared to do myself...fell in love with it the minute i saw it!!!i wrote up on it, on my blog...teehee
http://eco-chica.blogspot.com/
It didn't come with a manual, so I had to refer to online ones to figure stuff out, which is a good learning experience and u feel very grateful for the internet!!
I cant figure out how it does a reverse feed...would you know??
How are you liking it???
Ooh yes - I read your blog, it's really cool. I was like you - had no idea they had such a following - but now I have one I know why!
They do make a gorgeous sound, they remind me of a steam train or an expensive car - so smooth!
I confess, I still haven't sewn anything proper yet but will let you know when I do.
I did get mine in reverse but can't quite remember what I did - I'll get it out tomorrow and send you a message :-)
thats awesome! i have my moms machine from the 70s - the instruction booklet with hilarious illustrations is one of my favorite things about it:) sewing machines run forever!
fabulous blog - just discovered it tonight!
hei, did you figure the reverse feed?
;)
oh I'm so so sorry! I haven't taken it out of the cupboard again and it completely slipped my mind. It's the up down dial to the right of where you open to change the stitch discs (If you look on that diagram above). If you have that centre switch thingy pulled down it should reverse feed. Let me know if that doesn't work and I'll have another look!
hey...thanks....figured it out...cheers!!
Threading:
http://www.sewusa.com/Threading_Diagrams/Threading_Pages/Elna_Sewing_machine_threading/Elna_Supermatic_threading_diagram.htm
Parts:
http://whitesewingcenter.com/elnaparts.php
If it growls, or goes thump thump,, you have a flat spot on the old friction wheel...
My fix, if your into repairs:
I have a very good suggestion, if i may. I noticed the way the motor pivots away when you push on it. As a modification, I would suggest drilling and tapping a small hole about 1 inch down from the center line of the hand wheel opening, then adding a screw, that when backed off, it will be a normal running machine, but when screwed in, it will effectively push the motor in and away from the hand wheel, thus parking the friction wheel away from the hand wheel. The screw would have to be about 1/4 inch to be broad enough to be a blunt force, rather then a sharp force to not harm the motor casing, as well as a fine machine thread. It should be short enough to have the head bottom out, before bottoming out the motor's suspension, also to not stress the motor housing. A black cylindrical/ knurled hex head Allen screw would be best suited.
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