The Sewing Place

My 1956 Singer 99k treadle sewing machine

WildAtlanticWay

My 1956 Singer 99k treadle sewing machine
« on: May 05, 2022, 09:51:23 AM »
I recently bought this from a local charity shop for €80. It’s in pretty decent condition, and seems to be working ok and it came with a few bits.

It needs a clean so I’m thinking I’ll take it apart to get all the old grease and gunk out and and DH is going to refurb the treadle base for me.

It had a manual inside one of the drawers for a 201, so I wonder what happened to that one?

I’ve taken off the rubber mat on the treadle foot and removed the leather belt so that’s why it looks loose in the photos.
« Last Edit: May 05, 2022, 09:56:37 AM by WildAtlanticWay »

WildAtlanticWay

Re: My 1956 Singer 99k treadle sewing machine
« Reply #1 on: May 05, 2022, 09:55:28 AM »
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Lowena

Re: My 1956 Singer 99k treadle sewing machine
« Reply #2 on: May 05, 2022, 10:05:26 AM »
My Nana had one that looked just like that. Why would you have one now? ( genuine question, not a criticism )
Triumph of hope over experience :D

Silver Rose

Re: My 1956 Singer 99k treadle sewing machine
« Reply #3 on: May 05, 2022, 10:08:22 AM »
That's  a beauty @WildAtlanticWay
Still learning

BrendaP

Re: My 1956 Singer 99k treadle sewing machine
« Reply #4 on: May 05, 2022, 10:17:16 AM »
My Nana had one that looked just like that. Why would you have one now? ( genuine question, not a criticism )

@Lowena  Lots of us have vintage machine like this because they sew a straight stitch superbly well, they are really sturdy workhorses - I've sewn through 12 layers of denim on my 201 - and being mechanical they don't have any fancy electronic gizmos to go wrong and they aren't fussy about which thread you choose to use.

Of course these machines were designed and made for sewing traditional woven fabrics, and nowadays something more is required for all the stretchy fabrics around.  You definitely need a zig-zag and the other stretch stitches, not to mention the overlocker, for those fabrics.  But if you only do P@Q you use a straight stitch for joining the pieces and maybe free motion for the quilting then a vintage machine is all you need.
Brenda.  My machines are: Corona, a 1953 Singer 201K-3, Caroline, a 1940 Singer 201K-3, Thirza, 1949 Singer 221K, Azilia, 1957 Singer 201K-MK2 and Vera, a Husqvarna 350 SewEasy about 20 years old. Also Bernina 1150 overlocker and Elna 444 Coverstitcher.
http://paternoster.orpheusweb.co.

Lowena

Re: My 1956 Singer 99k treadle sewing machine
« Reply #5 on: May 05, 2022, 10:38:18 AM »
Thank you @BrendaP for the very clear explanation. I understand now :)
Triumph of hope over experience :D

toileandtrouble

Re: My 1956 Singer 99k treadle sewing machine
« Reply #6 on: May 05, 2022, 10:41:47 AM »
@Lowena  Also, it is very soothing treadling away on a long seam.
Yarn down:  1000g
Fabric down:  29m

Lowena

Re: My 1956 Singer 99k treadle sewing machine
« Reply #7 on: May 05, 2022, 10:54:22 AM »
I can imagine that @toileandtrouble  although as Brenda said, I only do p and q so apart from binding I actually do very few "long runs"  :D
Triumph of hope over experience :D

Bumblebuncher

Re: My 1956 Singer 99k treadle sewing machine
« Reply #8 on: May 05, 2022, 11:36:40 AM »
@Lowena And don't forget, come the end of the world, those of us with manual machines like this will make a killing as the only people left capable of making new clothes for people  :thumb:
As it neared the top of the grade, it went more slowly. However, it still kept saying, "I—think—I—can, I—think—I—can." It reached the top by drawing on bravery and then went on down the grade, congratulating itself by saying, "I thought I could,  I thought I could."

Lowena

Re: My 1956 Singer 99k treadle sewing machine
« Reply #9 on: May 05, 2022, 12:18:09 PM »
 :laughing: :dance: :laughing:
Triumph of hope over experience :D

Ohsewsimple

Re: My 1956 Singer 99k treadle sewing machine
« Reply #10 on: May 05, 2022, 13:08:05 PM »
Great in a power cut!   And in these times of huge electric bills it’s a bit of a bonus even if it doesn’t save too much.   Every little helps as Tesco says.   :laughing:

WildAtlanticWay

Re: My 1956 Singer 99k treadle sewing machine
« Reply #11 on: May 05, 2022, 14:04:25 PM »
Yes, the rhythmic motion when ‘treadling’ is really quite hypnotic and soothing.

mudcat

Re: My 1956 Singer 99k treadle sewing machine
« Reply #12 on: May 05, 2022, 14:15:49 PM »
That looks to be in pretty good shape @WildAtlanticWay

When my parents bought an older house back in the late 60s there was one of those machines w/cabinet in the foyer.  Unfortunately, they got rid of it for some reason. I always regretted that I didn’t ask them to let me keep it.  I remember it as being in good shape though I could be wrong.

SewCanDad

Re: My 1956 Singer 99k treadle sewing machine
« Reply #13 on: May 05, 2022, 16:28:47 PM »
@WildAtlanticWay always nice to see another oldie  :vintage: All I use (excluding overlocker) is the older machines  :thumb:

Bodgeitandscarper

Re: My 1956 Singer 99k treadle sewing machine
« Reply #14 on: May 05, 2022, 16:42:43 PM »
Looks lovely.  We have t'OH's mum's old Mundlos treadle - I wish I had room to have it where I could use it.