[SustainableTompkins] Help restoring old sewing machines

[Charlotte Williams]

Hi Wendy and others,

I would also like to chime in as being very interested in the
sustainable sewing collective. It's great to see the response and
interest in the idea on this list.

I noticed last week that there were a few sewing machines at the
salvation army family store in town, though I didn't look closely
enough to discern the quality or price.

thanks,
Charlotte

> Message: 3
> Date: Tue, 14 Aug 2007 09:54:49 -0400
> From: "Wendy Skinner" <ws at twcny.rr.com>
> Subject: [SustainableTompkins] Help restoring old sewing machines
> To: "Sustainable Tompkins County listserv"
>         <sustainabletompkins at lists.mutualaid.org>
> Message-ID: <007301c7de7a$aedbdf50$6501a8c0 at wendyvaio>
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>         reply-type=original
>
> As you may know, a group of Ithaca-area sewing enthusiasts is on a quest to
> establish "sustainable sewing" classes and refashioning workshops in the
> community. As part of this activity, I have put out a call for free or cheap
> serviceable sewing machines. Rashly, I accepted three vintage Singers,
> dating from 1910-1925, rescued from a yard sale and not at all serviceable.
> Once I got the dirt off them, though, they revealed their beauty. For the
> most part, the mechanical workings are remarkably solid and smooth, but the
> wiring on the motors looks treacherous. I'm looking for books or instruction
> sheets on how to repair these babies, or better yet, someone who might want
> to tutor me. I don't know how practical these machines are for teaching
> sewing, but I have heard that many 100-year-old machines are still used and
> loved. I am certainly in love with these graceful goddesses, now posing in
> various states of dismantlement on my dining table. I'd love to get them
> working again. What a great example of reuse of durable goods!
>
> Meahwhile, if you have a "serviceable" sewing machine, of any age, that you
> would like to donate to the project, let me know. Also, our group (which is
> discussing the formation of a sustainable sewing collective) is planning a
> fabric and needle arts rummage sale in the fall to help support the sewing
> classes. Maybe you could be thinking about something you could donate to the
> sale.
>
> If you'd like more info on the nascent sewing collective, efforts to
> organize classes, or another fashion reuse contest I'm cooking up, please
> drop me a note. And, as always, sustainability collaborators, supporters,
> and fellow travelers are welcome!
>
> Wendy
> ws at twcny.rr.com
> 277-7611
>
>