I thought so too...until I bumped into one at a local thrift store. It did not look like a sewing machine to start with. but a closer look confirmed that it sure was one...:)...I am going to take a camera with me from now on..but for now .pl make do with a picture I found online...(found this one after extensive search (phew!!) (this post was in the draft mode forever as I had no clue what I was looking for and the thrift store sold the piece before my next visit...arrhh!)
A lot of digging later, I found that it was a pre world war machine..used to sew shoes...
some more amazing info on this piece; source:civilwartalk.com
Lyman had worked for Isaac Singer in his Singer Sewing Machine Co. Lyman set up sewing machines in the numerous shoe factories in the northeast of the United States during the 19th century. By 1856, Lyman as a co-owner of a shoe factory and developed improved ways to construct the shoes.
By July 1858, Lyman had developed a sewing machine for helping attach the soles of shoes to the upper part of the shoe. No longer would hand sewing be the method, but with machines to switch, making the manufacturing cost of shoes much less. His later sold the invention of the shoe sewing machine to Gordon McKay.
A few other antique / vintage models...
source: ebay
After I came home, I set out researching on vintage shapes and sizes of these lovely antique models. Let me share a few of them
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a very pretty piece! I couldnt image the journey our humble sewing machine must have had to look like what it does today...
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a very pretty piece! I couldnt image the journey our humble sewing machine must have had to look like what it does today...
great post Sudha. Sewing & me don't go together but antique sewing machines for decor...likey like :)
ReplyDeleteAmazing photos! I'd never seen sewing machines that old. They're really gorgeous. Thanks for the interesting and informative post, Sudha.
ReplyDeleteSudha---lovely post. The oldest machine I have seen was my mom's usha sewing machine! (she still has it. it still works. I think she still has the huge iron scissors that came with it too!!!)
ReplyDelete:)
true gagan...my grandmother and mom had the really old version of Singer and i thgt those were the oldest ones until i saw actual antique one in a thrift store :)..and yes how could i not remember my grannyz kainchi!
ReplyDeletelovely post sudha. You guys are all rocking out there.
ReplyDeleteThis is such a treasure trove of information and pictorial tour about sewing machines.
ReplyDeleteI am looking for a Sewing Machines company profile. I have had a quick look on the net but everything that’s coming up seems to be quite old fashioned, surely someone must make modern sewing patterns.
ReplyDeleteM & K Sewing Machines company profile