by Tammy, who collects beautiful old machines and sews up a storm -- her blog is here, and on this page you can read even more about this gorgeous antique (and see loads of amazing photographs!)
Love it, hate it, or something in between? I absolutely love this machine. It is fabulous piece of furniture to just look at as well as being a great, fully functioning tool. The gold lion sunburst decals are simply stunning and the cabinet is lovely.
When did you buy this sewing machine? About three years ago.
When was it manufactured? 1910 in Germany
Where did you buy it? Locally, in Brandon, Manitoba, Canada. A lady posted it for sale on ebrandon, which is an electronic garage sale site similar to Craiglist or Kijiji.
How much did you pay for it? The seller wanted $100 Canadian, but I negotiated the price down to $80. I had to replace the treadle belt ($13.99) and the bobbin tire ($2.75), since both were rotten.
How many projects have you done on this machine? About 50.
Describe the kind of work you've done with it. Most treadles sew only a forward straight stitch, but Bernice has a reverse! I hem unbleached cotton tea-towels with mitered corners, piece patchwork quilts, hem denim jeans, sew leather dog boots, and upholster cushions with welting string on Bernice. I also use her to teach others how to sew, because treadling gives the operator complete control of the needle motion. Some even say that treadling is good for varicose veins and blood circulation in your legs! Plus, it's environmentally friendly.
What do you like and what do you hate about it? There is nothing I hate about Bernice. In fact, she sews perfect seams no matter what kind of fabric, needles, or thread I use. Bernice is a vibrating shuttle machine. I love everything about her, especially the way she looks. I think she is a real piece of art. Unfortunately, she does not have a manual or accessories. However, the thread pattern for the Singer 127 VS machine is identical and my Stoewer uses standard short shank feet.
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