My very favourite machine..!
The first machines that came out were transverse shuttles, they had long bobbins and bobbin cases that looked rather like bullets. The bobbin moved back and forth in a straight line, unlike the round oscillating shuttles we get today. Next came the vibrating shuttles, these looked very similar but moved on a curved axes and were produced up to about the 1930's (in the UK anyway).
I absolutely adore my beloved old Vickers vibrating shuttle sewing machine. It's British made, dates back to the 1930's and is still going strong today. I picked it up at a charity sale a few years ago...the best £5.00 I've ever spent! I don't mind that a screw is missing from part of the handle, a safety pin holds it together. It only does straight stitch but that's good enough and I make all my wrap dresses and aprons on it. No matter what fabric I put through, it never lets me down, a proper solid machine!
Hello, No I didn't know about that site but will definitely check it out, thank you!
Posted by:Malphi | Friday, 21 December 2007 at 09:02
Hi Malphi,
What a fine site and such great aprons, but the thing I like best is the photos of your lovely machines. I've heard of a Vickers, and Jones but assuridly have never seen one in such nice shape. Have you ever heard of treadleon.net? it is a site and a group devoted to using people powered machines. thanks for showing your machines. Kitty
Posted by:Kitty | Thursday, 20 December 2007 at 23:34