I bought a (Working!) Victorian Sewing Machine 😯 | 1892 Singer Treadle

[@bernadettebanner]

For those of you who missed the move posts/video mentions, yes--after some minor (read: 11-month) pandemic-related delays, I've finally been granted a visa to come and work in the UK. Yes, Lord Cesario has come with me. Yes, there will be a new workroom setup vlog, but probably not for a few months as it will take some time to acquire things around the lockdown restrictions here, and I'm trying to find as much as I can secondhand or through independent craftsfolk. :)

[@1incutheta]

Exciting!

[@GrowwithBryony]

Welcome :)

[@foamer443]

Being utterly nosy, I don't suppose you could tell us what you will be working on?

[@lornas-w4661]

so very very happy to see this dream has come true and hoping the lockdown here doesn't hamper you too much.

[@beckag7983]

Congrats on your move! I'm so jealous, please do some vlogging of the outside shops and lovely areas when you can...I so miss London!

[@marinalopez4978]

My great great grandmother worked for Singer, she taught women how to use the new sewing machine. My great great grandfather met her while she was working. He came to visit her and asked “so when are you getting married.” She answered “whenever you ask me” 💕

[@SailorIda3]

thats really adorable and a lovely story

[@lucky4leafedclover442]

Awwwwe 😍

[@Kogobean]

aaawww that's such a cute story!!

[@isatthere]

She knew her destiny had walked in the door.

[@azizabrown]

Your great great grandma was smooth man. That is a great response!

[@GlasApplen1]

I got a mint condition, almost never used 1896 Singer, everything included, original manual, spools, threads, needles, everything you need, for free!! Just because I helped a old lady with her groceries one winters day. She complemented my coat, I sad I've made it my self and she sad she had her grandmother's sewing machine in the attic and she gave it to me! I've used it several times, it works perfectly and I'm so happy I helped that old lady. I kept helping her with small things when I had the time but she passed away a few years ago.

[@lisalisa20907]

Wow! I would love to see photos or a video

[@thewonderlander1372]

Damn that’s a good find. And that lady sounds so nice from your little anecdote.

[@elainebradleyceramicartist3213]

She gave it to a good home. Treasure it.

[@respectthefish4992]

that is a sweet story also rest in peace nice lady

[@bananachip92]

It's incredible that this machine works. I mean, she's survived WARS.

[@clarapilier]

These are very common in my country. I learned to sew in one of them.

[@har-binger7645]

I think she’d get along well with sergeant stabby, they’ed probably agree with alot of points

[@mariaflorenciaalvarez1926]

@@clarapilier they're really pretty. Can i ask you where are you from? :3

[@clarapilier]

@@mariaflorenciaalvarez1926 Dominican Republic.

[@mariaflorenciaalvarez1926]

@@clarapilier Holaaa! Aquí una de Argentina! ( /^ω^)/♪♪ Aprendiendo con una máquina antigua, no tanto como esa pero de unos 60 años :3

[@fiannaconnolly4269]

I am here entirely to brag about finding a king size linen sheet for $4 and I know the people here will understand why I am happy.

[@sexxyperv]

I've been looking for linen sheets/comforters for months now and haven't found anything under $250. It'll be cheaper to just buy the raw material and make them myself.

[@alexmsevans]

wow that's a really cool find!

[@KelseyDrummer]

Score!!

[@SoulTwisterFreak]

@@starduststudios5671 thanks for the heads up

[@alexmsevans]

@@starduststudios5671 wrong channel for that babe

[@Jennybird1997]

Bernadette now has two beautiful Victorian sewing machines, so logically she will probably still hand sew practically everything 😂

[@inedipoify]

🤪

[@super_siri]

It's one reason we all watch her though... so it's kinda her brand.

[@stepbro4028]

@@starduststudios5671 ok

[@patiid7265]

@@starduststudios5671 shhh

[@Raphsody17]

@@starduststudios5671 smh dude why u here?

[@destineedelaney1894]

This video is honestly on par with documentary level quality.

[@medicwebber3037]

I was going to comment on the quality of this video as well. Bernadette really does remarkable work in editing.

[@rachela.9104]

I recently bought a house and when we moved in, we delightfully discovered that the woman who sold the house left an early 1900's Damascus Grand Treadle machine complete with the original instruction manual and different types of feet and other add-ons 😲😲 it needs to be oiled and a new needle but it works!

[@tarasnow-burch7203]

Wow are you one lucky soul. I wonder if she knows more about the machine and if she would share that with you. My grandparents didn't have anything of the such and I finally got my hands on a Pfaff from 1961 and she has an attitude. With original manual as well, although she may have gone through a house fire. I wish you the best of luck and joy with yours.

[@DanTheManIOM]

@@tarasnow-burch7203 a friend of mine found a Pfaff from 1959 -- I knew nothing, still don't, but the labels were all intact and complete... I had a shop "bring it back to working order" for my friend....she has 4 sewing machines and is single, I find that funny.

[@powerpetfreak23]

Oh man would I love one of my own

[@Nari_Trovi]

could u share it somewhere? (the manual and how to use it extra) i think there are many people who would incredibly benefit from that!

[@paulettepease3470]

a few years back, I was browsing in my favorite store, St Vincent. I had just paid off my credit card and swore I would charge no more. But, there before my eyes was a most beautiful Grand Damascus treadle sewing machine in a most beautiful cabinet. Love at first sight! so, guess what? you know it, I used my charge card and bought that beautiful baby. She dates to 1875. Even have the instruction book that came with it but, of course, the pages are very thin. I've sewn quilt tops with it and just last year made curtains for my daughter. I tell everyone that she and I have a special relationship going. She sews like a dream.

[@hannawhitehead3800]

" we are confined to the span of a human lifetime " is such a profound statement that hit me far harder than it should have. I absolutely adore you and your content! ❤️❤️❤️ Thank you for being you

[@tagorharahap274]

y I like, sorry

[@youtubewatcher7957]

"I think this will do, at least for now" is perhaps the *most* historically accurate solution possible.

[@lforsey1899]

Right? It's the repair equivalent of piecework, which as Bernadette reminds us, is extremely historically accurate!

[@blazertundra]

I imagine the only difference between 2020s Bernadette and a 1930s lady would be using a cloth rag instead of paper towel as a temporary fix.

[@samevans1289]

Exactly what I was thinking! People have made do since the dawn of time - nothing more historically accurate than that! 😁

[@lyreparadox]

I strongly suspect that _'shove something in the hole until we can get around to fixing it'_ is completely Historically Accurate™.

[@jenniferpingleton8389]

Exactly what I was thinking!! Especially in rural America, a quick fix until a part could be ordered in was a way of life...heck, in some places, it still IS a way of life!!

[@annana6098]

It probably would have been a scrap of cloth, and it might have stayed there for years. I'm sure that's exactly how great grandma would have handled it on the farm.

[@kiragarvie]

I think your solution to the treadle slamming against the spoke is historically accurate enough - someone 100 years ago probably would have used a rag, so a napkin is the modern equivalent i feel...

[@xdarkblade9336]

I was going to say! I agree that they would have probably used a rag, or a piece of wood to stabilize the legs.

[@Crouteceleste]

I think she should use a thick rag because tissue paper is going to get crunched very soon…

[@sayuriando3379]

Better than have the leather break at least. That happened to my grandma's Treadle machine. If I remember correctly it has the ability to hide the machine in the desk. I know my mom got rid/sold the treadle machine because she could find no use for it

[@philiparny3178]

My inner wood butcher wants to cut and shape a bit of wood to fill that gap...

[@beefan2528]

@@philiparny3178 precisely - the machine deserves no less than nice oak, and a seamless wood to wood joint

[@fulloflife97]

Bernadette your cinematography is simply supurb. Every video is truly a joy to watch. The way you craft a storyline with video, narration and music leaves me feeling like I could watch this all day. Thank you for the time and effort you put into sharing your art.

[@jlwilliams]

I'm not THAT old, and I remember as a child “helping” my mother (or more accurately, being tolerated by my mother) as she would use her New Home treadle machine (handed down from an elderly aunt, I think.) She'd sit at the machine and I'd sit on the floor and work the treadle per her verbal directions. A voice-controlled sewing machine, imagine that! I still remember the exact feeling of my fingers gripping the cast-iron filigree on the treadle.

[@andreatobey1002]

It sounds like a wonderful memory. I have the bottom part of a foot treadle machine my dad got my grandma. I am going to repair and repaint it.

[@danielletdg8423]

What a great memory! ❤

[@Fraususemil]

How precious is that memory! Plus, it is similar to mine. I grew up with a treadle driven Singer 31, and I learned how to sew on it. Unfortunately it got lost after my mother bought an electric machine.

[@sharonoconnor7769]

What a wonderful memory!

[@nancymontgomery8897]

The foot treadle will continue to move for a while after you stop pumping. Be very mindful of Cesario's location. More than once, our spaniel got her paw or tail mashed by Mom's treadle-operated machine.

[@mrelia]

YES! This is a very important consideration and it is all too easy to forget that a critter will regard the area under the treadle as a nifty hiding place.

[@alibabafurball]

VERY good suggestion!!!

[@psychicmillennial3581]

I’ve also been referring to my machine as “she” and had the same glee when bringing it home. I just got it, for a heck of a deal too! She’s a 1927 electric singer, and it’s amazing to think about the garments this machine made and the work it did to keep people clothed during the great depression and during wartime. Im going to attempt to thread her today and see what she can do!

[@orlab3861]

The belt is supposed to be stapled like that. I repaired my grandma's treadle machine and the belt was just the same. Also if you want to you could clean the outside of the machine with a bit of singer oil on a rag and a bit of light pressure. You'll really be able to see the gold of the decoration!

[@TonyaC]

I rubbed off the wax coating on mine so very light pressure when cleaning

[@PekaPi]

My great-grandmother's machine is the same way! My family always assumed my crafty great uncle had "fixed" it at some point for my grandmother.

[@virginier8197]

I cleaned an old singer sewing machine as well, and read that oil residues should be cleaned with oil: you put new sewing machine oil on the dirty places, let it sit a while (very important) and then wipe it delicately. It worked quite well for me.

[@tegansutherland7299]

From what I've read of manuals and repair blogs, it's because the leather stretches with use and you can restable it easily yourself and retighten the belt. I'm glad someone mentioned this, I was checking comments to find out!

[@orlyriley]

I'm so glad someone commented about this! I hope she sees this, I want so bad to tell her the belt is fine!

[@Michael-if6my]

You know that scene in Toy Story 2 with the old guy repairing Woody? This reminds me of that sorta, so satisfying to watch.

[@karenflessas4699]

the leather belt comes with the metal staple. when the leather stretches out, trim the end, pierce the leather, and you have a new belt.

[@aelynspaeth8237]

Yes. My great grandmother's treddle Singer also had the leather belt with the metal staple. Thanks for the explanation of why it's that way.

[@rorirm]

The belt on her machine doesn't look like the original. The original staples are much sturdier than what we see here. I had to buy a new belt to my 1897 machine, the staple that came with it was very flimsy looking, same as here with her machine, so I just took the original staple and put it on the new belt.

[@johnbadolian463]

I am legally blind, so voiceover sometimes puts the wrong words in sorry

[@madisonginn8884]

Can you imagine a movie produced by Miss Banner? Not to mention an historical film, it would be breathtaking.

[@ptaylor4923]

Find a furniture restorer. Take him the wood piece that has rot. Ask him to use same type wood and match stain to original. He will remove the strap, cut a piece of new wood and, using the old piece as a pattern, will draw the shape on the new wood, at the same time marking where to keep in the area were the rot us. He'll use a router to reshape the new bottom piece. He'll then join the original main stem with the new part. This will save the majority of the original piece. Then he'll sand and match the stain. Make sure he knows where the pressure is in that rod so he knows the best place and strongest way to join. Then he put on lacquer or other finish and reattach the leather. Hey... you're in London. You will definitely find someone who specializes in that Era of restoration.

[@leod161]

*or she

[@DavidCruickshank]

@@leod161 *or they

[@timmotz2827]

Having spent my adult life in museums, I would suggest replicating the entire crankshaft and saving the original. It’s like antique dealers tell you never to clean off the original patina. If you keep the original part you can always put it back on if a buyer is interested in it as an antique.

[@pgmpxk]

I think the part is called a pitman arm, there is a listing on ebay for one, it does not look like the leather strap is original, from what I've found the wood was later replaced with a metal rod, hope this helps

[@ptaylor4923]

@@pgmpxk So cool. Thank you. I'm a junky for knowledge

[@edcrfv098765]

So in my house there's always been an old table that I didn't even realize was a sewing machine until I watched this video. I looked and it's also a Singer and I looked up the serial number and it's from 1912!? I can't believe this I'm still in shock

[@warriormaiden9829]

Treasure what you've found. Will you be learning to use it? :)

[@edcrfv098765]

@@warriormaiden9829 Well it's in definite need for some cleaning and maybe some repairs but yes I definitely want to learn to use it. I'm told it was my great grandmother's and I still can't believe it's been here all this time!

[@olgahein4384]

Yes, Singer produced those sewing machines that function the same way as Bernadettes, but where the sewing machine can either be moved down or flipped down, so that you have a little table. My friend has also one of those, from 1907, bought from a flee market for 30 bucks cause that belt was broken. We repaired it, took the machine apart for cleaning and oiling, and then we moved on to sew a viking linen tent (Oseberg style) with it. We took turns in sewing and the other holding/pulling the fabric (we are talking about several kilograms of linnen, afterall). Just at the very end, when turning the last seam allowances (that were about half a centimeter thick) we had to switch for my grandmas 1960s sewing machine (Miele, i think). But yeah, all the outfits of the viking group were sewn mostly on that same Singer machine, except the outer visible seems, which were done by hand.

[@user-mv9tt4st9k]

Oh my goodness, how awesome. Use it, treadle machines are wonderful to sew with.

[@emilylewis5373]

my childhood desk was a table from one of these (the sewing machine had long since been removed).

[@nafael583]

I never realized how happy I am when you greet us with "ladies and gentlefolks" I am a gentlefolk ! (And this whole video made me weirdly emotional)

[@tootpaste427]

Legitmately, as a nonbinary person as she was saying "ladies and gent" my heart sank, thinking she was gunna not welcome me into the youtube video, and then she said "gentlefolks" instead of "gentlemen" and I was so happy!

[@foamer443]

That's just the bubble Bernadette creates. Some sort of wrinkle in time and space. I have no interest in sewing, but love history and when I watch her videos it feels like this glimpse into the past that I find very soothing and relaxing. I envy her ability to do this.

[@Frogodo]

@@foamer443 - I concur. I love watching Bernadette's videos. I use them to help me fall asleep some mornings (yay night shift).

[@Ourgrenni6164]

@@tootpaste427 I believe her sibling is non-binary

[@morenilloxxl]

@@Ourgrenni6164 yes... yes they are

[@beauingannon9766]

This is probably a weird thing to say, but I teared up a little bit watching this. I just got my newly serviced singer 301 sewing machine yesterday and am about to take on the monumental task of teaching myself to sew, and you have perfectly captured the feelings of excitement and anticipation and joy of finally having in your hands a piece of history that you have been researching and preparing for for who knows how long, something that is going to help you create beautiful and functional and spectacular things. I'm happy for you, and I am so excited for the journey that I am about to embark on myself!

[@ibsoarin]

My favorite sewing machine is a Singer 301. My wife is all about her Singer 221 (Featherweight). Her primary reason is the Featherweight is "cuter".

[@beatniksvintage]

I am blown away by the editing of this video. You took us back in time, sparked our imagination, and created a romantic drama around this beautiful piece of historic machinery.

[@kimletendre6869]

Oh she's simply gorgeous ❤️ I love how these old singers not only built to last and survived their way to us, but how they decorated with flower details and how elegant they were

[@bernadettebanner]

Why we ever stopped decorating everyday objects purely for the sake of it, I will never understand. 😭

[@ragnkja]

@@bernadettebanner Cost, probably. It’s usually cheaper to make undecorated things.

[@junecampbell2152]

@@ragnkja That is the most irritating part of modern construction.

[@edmundpelhamgrey5562]

@@ragnkja Also philosophical principles from designers from the early 20th century such as Adolf Loos - author of "Ornament and Crime" - that considered decoration not only useless and/or tacky, but * morally wrong *

[@ragnkja]

@@edmundpelhamgrey5562 “Morally wrong”? Because it’s “wasteful” or “frivolous”, perhaps?

[@reneepasich]

My grandmother taught sewing for the Singer Company in Olympia, Washington in the ‘30s and ‘40s. I have some of her working samples where she made lace, openwork and even sewing with wool yarn. She passed away before I was born, but my mom taught me to sew. She made her first garment (a skirt) when she was five and sewed until she lost her sight. Whenever I sew, I feel such a connection to them.

[@angelar6748]

My great grandmother taught me to use her Singer treadle machine one summer when I was young (it looked just like yours and was regularly used by her and my grandmother; also, I'm old). It was wonderful to use, and listening to the sound of the treadle moving via your video has brought back some amazing memories-- thank you!

[@rosiebrigham4701]

I am sitting in a house watching this video on the site of where that machine was probably made! There are so many references to Singer and little logos dotted around this town :)

[@m.maclellan7147]

DO tell us where you live ! I have no idea where Singers were made !

[@lilmsmetal]

Bernadette S machine said NY on it, but there was a huge factory in Glasgow which even had its very own train station!

[@simorasimora6460]

@@m.maclellan7147 singer was made in different places, Even in russia!

[@gennygrim9140]

What a beautiful machine you've found! Two tips for working the treadle that may help with preventing back and joint pain. First, scoot in a little closer to the table so you can get your whole foot on the treadle. You'll find that you can press down with both the ball and heel of your foot and get better control of the motion. Second, consider treadling with both feet on the treadle. If you prefer to use just one foot, be careful that you are still sitting square to the table surface. Otherwise you'll end up twisting your upper body towards the machine and it can be quite painful on the lower back!

[@amysullivan2414]

Two feet seem to work best for control

[@roxannetoufexis4487]

You are so right, Genny! Two footed treadle work is best practice! I love spending time on my treadle machine in front of my window with no electronic distractions. The daylight is wonderful, view of trees, birds and squirrels entertaining. So soothing and peaceful!

[@hinachansansensei]

Just clicked in but have already heard that your machines are a year apart and maybe it's strange of me to think that that's kind of nice? They're like siblings in the same house now! 🏠

[@KeonaChick]

And it's a newer model! It's like an upgrade! :)

[@juliemartin7234]

I have two made in 1895, a treadle 27k and a hand crank 28k

[@deannanewsham862]

I collect antique and vintage sewing machines…mostly Singers. I love seeing other people enjoying and sewing on them. They were/are beautiful pieces of art. Thank you for saving and respecting another piece of history and giving the beautiful old girl a new lease on life.

[@WinningDeadlyEncounters]

I have one of these machines u am looking to sell in fair condition. How much should i ask

[@lucianarodriguez2241]

Ok but Bernadette's speech at the end about how there's still so much we don't know actually made me tear up

[@Kasiarzynka]

The whole ending gave me very "a trailer for a very moving, artisting movie" kinda feel and I live for it. Like wth Bernadette, how did you manage that, it's almost as impressive as the machine itself.

[@ResaChiic]

by the ending, i lowkey wondered if i was still watching a video about an antique sewing machine

[@kristoohy8868]

My grandmother's sister sewed on their mother's treadle machine until she died in 2010. She was completely in sync with it and could sew as fast as an electric machine.

[@violap9278]

I'm certain you're done reading the comments. But, you've I inspired me to start making my own clothing. Wish me luck as I make a skirt for the first time using the back stitch video you posted as reference. Thank you for being so inspiring.

[@AA-vr8ve]

How'd it go?

[@violap9278]

Oh, wow! I didn't even see these! It went great! My wrist hurt like the Dinkins! But it came out lovely! Thank you for asking!

[@danibee]

Can we talk about the fact that the cinematography in this video is just perfection? 😘👌 I was so thrilled to see how giddy you were when you took the cover off of the top. What a marvelous connection to history! That's so awesome, and I know you'll take great care of it!

[@foamer443]

Bernadette. Putting a whole new spin on unboxing.

[@camib2864]

You do not tie the thread to the bobbin, you put it on the left side catching the thread with the bobbin in the winder. This way when the bobbin runs out it won't jerk out of the bobbin holder inside the machine while you are sewing. I grew up using a treadle and it is probably part of the reason I am an engineer now. Use the flat of your hand to pull the wheel forward and to stop use the flat of your hand on the wheel as a brake. Thank you for this. My grandmother taught me to sew and I love her and that machine.

[@nrstooge]

I have my grandmother's treadle, also built in 1892 - she taught me to sew on it. Edit.. I also have the puzzle box of accessories that came with it.

[@agnes1478]

What really gets me about this, apart from how stunning the video itself is, is how much you can hear her smile in the voiceover, and see how excited she gets while unwrapping the machine. Truly a history nerd, it makes me SO happy

[@franziskafreiermuth1030]

Uhhhhh a cinematic treadle machine film by you was exactly what I needed today! 💚

[@LauraKoller69]

I use my treadles for free motion quilting. I love the sound, the rhythm, and the control I have over my speed. The antique singers are just the best. Nothing is made today with the same level of quality!

[@eeyore_chick6059]

As someone who uses a spinning wheel, I recommend practicing treadling without thread to get used to the machine. It makes a big difference

[@aeronwy123]

When my gran taught me to spin she made me sit there and treadle for more than an hour until I got the rythm right before she would show me how to actually spin the yarn.

[@warriormaiden9829]

Lol!! My mother has a treadle machine that I used to sit at for a good half hour at a time working the treadle. I used it to help stretch my calf muscles for when I could finally start riding. Good to know that all my practice had a second use! 🤣🤣

[@oldskills]

The leather belt on my mother's old treadle singer was joined with a staple.

[@hardamber]

Mine is too. This is accurate.

[@margaretsporleder1284]

Mine is also. As is the replacement I recently bought.

[@evarodriguezalequin5705]

My mom's too. My mom will turn 81 this month and so is her Singer Sewing machine. 😊😊😊😊

[@nathanisip]

Yep, same with ours. The leather failed sooner than the staple!

[@jennifergris6275]

My gorgeous 201 treadle also has a staple in the leather belt.

[@dawnmcintyre1804]

My grandmother had a treadle sewing machine that she used regularly. I learned to sew as a young girl, on both my mother's 1950s electric and this antique model. I didn't grow up learning to love sewing as much as you do, but I've always been glad that I learned utilitarian sewing and I really, really got a kick out of watching this video. My favorite of yours, by far. Hope you and your mechanical friend are still enjoying each other's company.

[@MusicFreakthe4th]

Bernadette: "rather than the electric machines that are made to adapt to us" Me, who fails to even get an even rhythm with the peddle of the electric machine: 👁👄👁

[@jermainerace4156]

I find the electric pedal is way too sensitive and the machine "runs away" from me and that for a big portion of my sewing i'm turning the wheel by hand.

[@MusicFreakthe4th]

@@jermainerace4156 I would too if I had the option, honestly! Anything faster than the slowest speed makes me mess up the seam so it's really a game of "when do you start and can I keep my foot at the exact same position" 😂

[@katicarozgonyi4570]

@@jermainerace4156 you can adjust the default speed in the pedal usually, if you pop it open you can use a screw for that, it helped me a ton!

[@jermainerace4156]

@@katicarozgonyi4570 OOooo Thanks! I'll look into that.

[@PatrickPoet]

@@jermainerace4156 you should try a commercial machine! They take of like a greyhound and sound like a machine gun! I eventually got fine with them in fashion school, but since I'm not doing commercial work I don't prefer it.

[@lenaeospeixinhos]

You moved to London! Respect, doing that in the middle of a pandemic must be even harder than usual. Hope everything goes well ❤

[@no-cs3fx]

Something fun about where I live is practically every house on my street has a singer machine from around early to mid 20th century

[@jayda2364]

Wow! Do you know the reason for that?

[@artdecotimes2942]

@@jayda2364good taste my dear chap.

[@stifton1]

@@jayda2364 they literally last forever, I have one from 1916 that's been adapted to electric. It works better than my modern machines

[@no-cs3fx]

@@jayda2364 my best guess is that a lot of the people around here and including myself have families who immigrated from other countries usually Italy because we had a lot of steal mills and factories (emphasis on the “had”) so while the men would work in the factories you had stay at home mothers who had to take care of pretty large families. *SO* you had a lot of families who needed clothes, pillowcases, quilts, etc. We also have a lot of farms and a decently long way to any city so using any scrap fabric to make things would be easier than going all the way to the city and coming all the way back

[@fishforuranium]

My great grandmother's is a 1906 model, and compared to the almost pristine condition of the lacquer on the base of yours, I am flabbergasted the degree to which hers has been polished off. To think how much use it must have taken to achieve such a feat of erosion... Extraordinary.

[@helouised2277]

Now I completely understand Bernadette's post about overdramatizing the last minute of this video. It felt so much like the intro to an English Heritage video. It feels so exciting

[@lizziedoesthings1450]

And here I am just going crazy about the cinematography. Bernadette could make a whole documentary if she wanted to, and I'd probably end up watching it multiple times.

[@rmdcade1717]

She's so good with her angles and focus! The work that goes into filming these is amazing.

[@LaHayeSaint]

A Victorian Singer treadle sewing machine -- Wow! Once it's sorted out, it should last another 100 years. This is a really useful piece of kit for any seamstress. A treasure!

[@lilith573]

Two fabulous historians, Ruth and Luca, I hope they are doing well during this parallelogram also congratulations on your newest acquisition! The little drawers are so cute

[@chipworrell6025]

As a 61 year old male professional woodworker from NC, I really care very little about period ladies apparel, but your presentation style is so fascinating I keep coming back.

[@kebmccarron]

Yes, it is enchanting, isn't it?

[@seachel24]

Absolutely love your beautifully put together video . So respectful of the machine , history and viewers!!! It brought back some childhood memories at my Grandmother's place , she loved sewing and made our clothes when little (bless her many many kindnesses). 💕

[@elisaf6147]

I'm learning how to sew on my grandmother's machine and it also has that staple, it's not an issue. Hers is like 60 years old and it's my inheritance 😁

[@jermainerace4156]

The staple was a standard thing with belts on many kinds of machines. I've seen some big lathes that had very wide leather belts with literally dozens of staples in them (although some were sewn isntead).

[@saccharinesilk]

i wonder if there are songs for the machine rhythm, like, shirtwaist factory shanties

[@stevemaddern3065]

Yes, Betty Hutton, The sewing machine

[@meronym2112]

YES, this NEEDS to be a Thing! 😂😂

[@morgantownnurse]

1892 great year! That was the year my great grandmother was born. She passed in 1994. I was named after her. She was the sweetest woman and had the best stories😊

[@amandaforeman2626]

My great grandmother was born in 1906 ! She passed in 2000 , I miss her so very much ! I know she would love my machine.

[@wickedpissa25]

I love Saturdays. A long hard day at work. Then I get to come home, late in the evening, to a nice bowl of ice cream and a new video on sewing and time travel. I love Saturdays.

[@aquastarling]

Major Hugo vibes. The cinematography and music really reminded me of that movie. It’s one of my favorites. You’ve really surpassed yourself in your film making. Congratulations!

[@xfallenxlostx3254]

I agree with you. That is such a beautiful movie and Bernadette truly have this video that feel.

[@paulinewatson8240]

I find all of her films so interesting and totally absorbing. Her passion is infectious - but coupled with the excellent filming, editing & music have made this an exceptional film. It’s wonderful to have you over here in England Bernadette - I’m looking forward to seeing more about your move as time goes on.

[@amysullivan2414]

When I start mine, I lay my hand flat on top of the hand wheel. A good firm pull towards me and down gives excellent motion for starting the seam.

[@becca_chavis9619]

Yes. It helps a lot with keeping it going the right direction. I also do this with my spinning wheel.

[@Midhiel]

Gosh, that's a beauty. I'm glad it's being treated so lovingly. I grew up with an old (though probably not this old) Singer treadle machine in my house...but the actual machine was ripped off before I was born, so it was just a table with drawers. It was referred to as "the sewing machine" in conversation anyway.

[@caseynorthrop1139]

I came to say the same thing! It was for the TV. My mother in law still has one that folds into a table. So neat!

[@catlover494]

This video came at the perfect time, I just bought a treadle machine from 1903 earlier this week

[@carolbarber9898]

Lucky you!

[@MainlyHuman]

Welcome to the UK! I totally get what you're saying about how old machines can tell stories, they feel like something more. I'm big into railway history and I find something oddly romantic about the fact that you can take an old lump of metal, breathe life back into it and then watch it continue to perform its task a century later.

[@carodeux]

When I was a girl in the 1960s, there was a general feeling among moms that it was easier to learn to sew on a treadle machine than an electric machine. When grandma died, the machines got handed off to girls who were learning to sew. I was offered one but my mother scoffed- she said it wasn’t that hard to learn on an electric machine.

[@gingerdean1521]

I was a girl in the 60's also My sis has our treadle in California, I will have to tell her to watch this to date our machine.

[@rennemichaels2706]

I was taught on an electrified treadle, but then my dad bought me a regular treadle to use for practice. His feeling being it would be harder to sew thru a finger if I wasn't using an electric machine. And several years later, having seen several girls in my junior high home ec class do just that, using electric machines, I agree with him. I was JUST TODAY telling my husband that I wanted to get a hand crank to put on it so my great niece can use it to learn to sew when she hits seven or so. Once she develops more coordination, she can take it off and use the treadle.

[@jezanne]

You’re first video on the hand crank machine inspired me so much. My first sewing experience was on my grandmother 1910 Singer treadle machine. Hearing the sound of the machine take me back. Then last week the algorithm shown me a vintage parts site. I still have that machine but it is seized and the bobbin winder is broken. Last week, I took the machine out of the cabinet, grease it, wait 24 hours and everything move just fine. I order a bobbin winder and a leather belt. I’m watching your video deep cleaning my machine, can wait to use it!

[@craftideasCD]

My parents have two of these beautiful machines, one from each side of the family. They were both loaded into wagons while making the trek across America during the pioneer era. We recently helped move them to a safer location and all I can say is they must have been treasured, because they are both very heavy. Carrying them across several states, up and down mountain passes, through snow and across rivers must have been a difficult challenge. But definitely worth it when they were able to continue sewing all the necessary items. You've inspired me to take a closer look at them and see if they can be restored.

[@berniepokorski6608]

I myself have often wondered how many antique sewing machines had to be abandoned along the way in order to lighten the load in the covered wagons along teh various pioneer trails heading west...

[@AuroraTigress]

My grandma had a treadle machine in her house and I remember the lone staple holding the belt together, lol.

[@carolinagg233]

My grandma has one of these! She still uses it very often and I learnt to sew on it! It is really cool because the bottom part is not just the pedal but also has storage space with tiny shelves in the door to store the spools. The forest green accents truly make it on of a kind!

[@melissahowe6254]

I just got my first sewing machine!! Im gonna start with a very basic apron. Im excited 🥰

[@samross6088]

I do love your filmography, aesthetic and how you’re able to capture the beauty of such an amazing machine. From what I understand, the treadle leather drive belts are normally connected with a metal link. It’s a bit hard to see in the video but so long as the belt is tensioned enough to stop it from slipping you should be fine using it. Usually the hole for the metal link should be dead centre of the belt - if you do get a replacement usually you’d make your own hole for the tension of your particular machine. There’s special leather belt pliers for making these holes and securing the staple - note there are (at least) two different diameters of belt and the tool should match the belt and machine. The wooden pitman arm (“spoke thing”) shouldn’t actually pivot like it does, it’s missing a wooden wedge (with nut and washer) as well as the bottom of the main piece of wood. The “key” shape is designed to allow you to attach the arm to the flywheel, then the wedge is screwed into place to stop it coming off. You can find replacement wooden pitman arms for the singers (prices vary, be careful about if the replacement will fit your machine). I think, but am not certain, that the leather strap is a repair on your machine. I’ve not got first hand experience with that particular variant but I don’t recall seeing leather straps on them. It’s very possible this is a unique bit of history to your machine! Personally I find that really exciting! If you’ve not already done so (or sew, because pun), it’s well worth going through and cleaning up the internals of the machine and applying fresh sewing machine oil, especially given the state of the shuttle rocker. Oil oil can really gunk up mechanisms and prematurely wear machines, it should be slippy, not sticky. Note: anyone with handy-person people out there keep 3 in 1 away from sewing machines, it's too think and not appropriate oil. One last thing for any other people out there wanting one of these - be aware that cast iron is brittle and careless shipping companies can break the treadles if they drop them in transit. I found this out the hard way. Cast iron is not really repairable. I do suggest where possible using a shipping company with insurance or cover for the item or ideally if possible collecting it yourself and securing for transit (using all my sofa pillows and creating a padded shell in my car usually work for me).

[@bernadettebanner]

This was very useful, thank you! I'll look into the pitman arm a bit more--I'd actually feel a bit better replacing it if it's already been given non-contemporary repair. And yes, the innards are going to get a much better clean-out; my machine oil was still in transit from New York so sadly I didn't get to include that in the video!

[@samross6088]

@@bernadettebanner That's perfectly understandable. Good luck with finding a replacement, hopefully with a name for it you'll be able to hunt one down more easily. The treadle machines are such a fun adventure and I look forwards to seeing more with your new co-star :-)

[@crazywoollady9325]

@@bernadettebanner I repair antique and vintage sewing machines. Mostly as a hobby now because I'm disabled, but I have done it professionally too. Anyway, everything in this comment is correct so I wanted to highlight it. I'd also be happy to help you (for free of course) if you do need/want any more help with your machine. You can tag me here or dm me on instagram (same username there, but it's just my personal instagram, not a professional page or anything). I'm about an hour outside of London if that helps but can obviously help online because covid lol Congrats on your new machine! How exciting! :)

[@samross6088]

@@crazywoollady9325 I wonder if you'd be able to answer a question which I cannot find a good source for information on. The 1910's and 1920's singers (which I have more experience with) use metal pitman arms. Is this a design change across the range due to the durability of the wooden ones (much as Bernadette's, with use they fail more readily)? Or is it by chance the models I've been able to find just happen to use the metal pitman arm? I'm kind-of a novice machine historian; I find it very interesting to see how things were designed, what changes were made over time and understanding why they took place.

[@secretlyaskrull]

@@samross6088 I had the same question! I collect & work on vintage machines, but my only treadle is from 1918 (assuming it's original to the machine head) and has an iron pitman arm. I had never seen a wooden one before!

[@Tina06019]

I think the plastic bag you shoved into that gap IS “authentic,” in that I am sure the owner circa 1900 would have shoved any old thing she or he had in there to do the same job.

[@marlenefunk2137]

You are so lucky to have this. My Grandmother taught me to sew on this exact kind if singer in the late 1940s. I was six. I hated threading the bobbin, but the machine was easy to use, once my feet could reach the peddles I was off and running. But once I had advanced to zippers a more modern machine was necessary. The old Singer was a beauty. Treat her kindly.

[@leonie4696]

This made me instantly run to the old treadle Singer I inherited years ago and never used - well, the drive belt has disintegrated so I couldn't. I looked up the serial number, and it appears to be from 1892 as well. I'll buy a new drive belt and try to make it work ...

[@meronym2112]

Make sure you oil it well, too! These antique beauties don’t like to run dry. 🙂

[@roxannetoufexis4487]

Replacement belts are readily available in many web shops, maybe even your local sewing machine repair shop. Keep your old belt to measure for best length and the clip you will need. An awl will be needed to poke holes for the clip. It's a tough leather belt, will need a little elbow grease to poke through. Definitely an easy fix for years of use.

[@leonie4696]

@@meronym2112 Oh, definitely. I think I may even have it professionally serviced so everything is in good working order.

[@roxannetoufexis4487]

Yes, oil as Amy noted. A small pad of wool pushed into the hole above the shuttle should be saturated with oil and will wick down to the shuttle sweep surface to keep it moving smoothly!

[@leonie4696]

@@roxannetoufexis4487 Thank you! Yes, I looked up the drive belts on ebay and have found several webshops that offer these parts - even with the clip enclosed, and a manual on how to install the drive belt. As for keeping the old one, I suspect it must have been the original from 130 years ago. It was so brittle that it has crumbled into many small pieces. I assume I will have to use the time-honoured "trial and error" method to determine the best length for my machine - the shop offers a 2 meter length.

[@KPT437]

My great grandmother had this. Saw it being used all my childhood. It might actually still be somewhere in the house.

[@shady1212]

I learned how to sew and made my first piece on a Single Treadle machine! My great grandma had one and she taught me how to sew on it. I loved that machine. My favorite part being the movement of the treadle under my foot and the sound the machine and belt made...so calming.

[@Irishsong22]

Wow, London! Cool! My friend got a treadle machine late last year and it's a wonder! Lots of what you said about needing to learn from the machine, learning to speak its language and rhythm are very correct. She named the machine Duchess, inspired by you and the shoes you wear. Sounds classy!

[@foamer443]

It's interesting you reflect what Bernadette said about learning from the machine. This very true of many analog machines. In my rapidly dimming past I operated a great number and variety of machines, and just understanding that where to put a setting, or to adjust a screw or lever to or to put a match stick to increase the tension or a stop, sometimes made the difference between a ok day and a great day.

[@camillethompson7205]

I have seen several of these machines, I think that “staple” in the belt is not a repair but original. Notice that there are not other holes in the belt. I would leave it alone

[@randomclarinet613o_o9]

Your absolutely right! That’s what holds the belt on. When you replace the belt, that is the part that’s transferred over the the new piece. You put holes in the material so it can hook on. So with the belt in that condition, it’s likely not original, but a replacement from the last 10... maybe..? Years or so.

[@anniehosking2408]

Once I had identified my Singer I also found a downloadable copy of the manual for the model. I've had the machine for over forty years and only did this in January!

[@thehornedone6343]

My grandmother has a singer peddle sewing machine thats been in my family for a few generations. She recently restored it to working order and it's awesome. I am getting it when she passes and I hope it'll see use for generations to come.

[@rosieliciousmakes4619]

This is amazing. There's a treadle machine in my aunt's attic that belonged to my great grandmother, and you've given me some hope that I can get it working once I can get a hold of it.

[@annettaholmes5685]

KZbin videos on cleaning treadle machines are online.

[@sparkeletons]

I hope you don't find this odd, but this video had me welling up with a few tears. Your footage is so beautiful and the music choice was so spot on (inspirational AND whimsical!), but the way you talk about the machine and the way you look at it you just seem so unbelievably happy here. As someone thrown completely into a void because of the panini and is struggling to find their place in life watching you finding something that so obviously makes you happy in a gorgeous new place is satisfying- you look like you belong there, and that machine looks like it's always been there. I'm so happy for the joy you found in that old gal. Looking forward to many more videos after you settle in!

[@soneil7745]

I got one of those that had been an end table in my parents' room, and discovered sewing on it. These machines love to sew fast. When you sew fast, they have a wonderful momentum. If you try to sew slowly, they balk, or the treadle wheel goes backwards and makes the thread in the machine snarl up, or something like that- or you have to constantly nudge the handwheel to keep it in the right direction. It's interesting to think about how that might have changed how our clothes looked.

[@moriabergeron7991]

The broken "spoke" bit is known as a footman or pitman depending on who's selling the part (footman is from spinning wheels more than sewing machines). Looks like there's a bunch of deadstock and repro parts out there if you dig! A talented woodworker might also be able to turn you one or two as well.

[@russelljones3221]

Agreed, trying to fix a piece of wood that's broken like that won't be as sturdy as a new wooden bar and will eventually break apart in the same place. One more thing is look at gun cleaning patches, their made of thin cheap cotton and are made for getting grease and grime out of moving parts.

[@russelljones3221]

Agreed, trying to fix a piece of wood that's broken like that won't be as sturdy as a new wooden bar and will eventually break apart in the same place. One more thing is look at gun cleaning patches, their made of thin cheap cotton and are made for getting grease and grime out of moving parts.

[@AlasdairMuckart]

In sewing machines they're universally called pitman rods. I've never seen one called a footman rod.

[@soulcstudios]

I do glass and metal casting and I was wondering how feasible it would be to cast new parts, like the bobbins.

[@moriabergeron7991]

@@AlasdairMuckart As I noted, it was based on who was selling it and where they had their knowledge from. Antique spinning wheel collectors are less common than sewing machine collectors, but we're out there sharing very similar knowledge bases. It's not impossible to have some crossover and name confusion or addition to hit more keywords. "Sewing machine footman" as a search brings up both terms.

[@crystaldyson3169]

The belts are still made that way today. With a “staple” so they can be adjustable 😊 Enjoy it’s beautiful and my dream machine ❤️

[@ValMacher]

Yes, and the leather will stretch, you can snip off the end and readjust the staple. The staple will outlive the leather

[@bethtodd9921]

This brings back memories. I learned to sew on my grandmothers when I was about 10. I 'm 65 now.

[@SLJ50]

She is such a beauty and she gets to live a whole new more meaningful life. This whole video is a sewist's eye candy.

[@brossjackson]

When you find someone who looks at you the way Bernadette looks at her intake treadle sewing machine. (This is really a beautiful and elegantly constructed bit of machinery)

[@lancerd4934]

This reminds me of when I got my machine. It's just a 99k hand crank, not a full treadle machine because I wanted it for small repairs, not for making clothing. But all the little fixes and adjustments and figuring out how to get it running smoothly was very much the same process. It was originally a wedding gift for the lady I bought it from (she was going into care and couldn't take it with her). It had all her old spools, bobbins, pins and so on inside, along with her hand-written note showing how to thread it. I love my little old machine. She runs so nicely now, gently clicking away with no electric whirring, no power cords, no frail plastic. She just works quietly and diligently, just as I imagine her original owner did as a new bride sewing for her young family.

[@alisavandertang3165]

the editing on the last minutes? movie trailer, I now have a mighty need.

[@Nico6th]

The belt that is connected with the metal-thingy: looks exactly how my grandma's machine's belt is connected. Maybe it is supposed to be like that or it is a standard repair method?

[@randomclarinet613o_o9]

It’s supposed to be that way. It’s a large staple essentially that keeps it together. When the belt wears out, you actually fully replace it but can take the metal piece of to use on the next one

[@zombiedoggie2732]

The staple is normal. Only time I heard of it deviating from the staple system was with the Wilcox and Gibbs automatic tension.

[@BrokebutCreative]

My grandma had a treadle machine and she taught me how to sew on it when I was 8 and we made little bears. I'm 30 now so I feel blessed to say I've been taught on one and it was my first machine sewing.

[@fangchick93]

I bought a 301k singer featherweight the year before last from a guy who restores antique machines, and omg do I love that thing! After a few learning stumbles it works like a dream. My beauty will beat the pants off any modern, computerized machine and that thing will probably stay with me my entire life. Antique singers are amazing

[@romanikkoralph1553]

Having studied at my country's oldest fashion school. I can say that as a beginner student at dress making we were taught how to work with these ancient machines. And up till now these kind of machines are still being used in my country.

[@leviathxns]

Can I ask what the school is? That's amazing!!

[@asenat79]

They are the best! I have one old black singer machine, it was my mom’s so, not so antique but I remember taking it to the technician for a minor issue (my lack of expertise in fact 😆) and the guy said: “please, never sell it, don’t you dare to sell your machine, or if you do, sell it to me “

[@CaratsRitzy]

Everyone and their grannies with their singers: let us introduce ourselves. ;)

[@amsodoneworkingnow1978]

Proud owner of 2 one treadle one hand crank and about 100 various attachments from button holes to embroidery

[@944gemma]

Love my old Singer machines. All five of them.

[@coyotewilson]

I was bitten by the old sewing machine bug a few years ago. My newest machine is a Pfaff from the early 1990s. I have a Kenmore from 1973 that I call the tank, it makes the best button holes. I also have a singer featherweight I bought for my sister to use at quilting gatherings. I forgot the year on it. I have a Singer 99 from the early 50s that I put a hand crank on to do fine detailed stitching around doll hands, I can go one stitch at a time, so nice. I have a Singer 185 Turquoise colored machine from the 50s; I use this one for my nieces and nephews to learn sewing on, they love the color. I also have two treadles that were gifted me by my Mother-in-law, one is from 1894 a Singer 27 coffin top, the other I have not got into to date or determine the condition of it. I am very excited.

[@melaniehellum1281]

I inherited my grandmother's sewing machine. I learned to sew on it before I went to grade school so I was very young. Before it was a sewing machine I pretended it was my tractor if your three it looks like a tractor, right. Now I have a lot of vintage machines in my studio and am fascinated by them my old girls are great. I use gun oils to clean anything that is safe for firearms is safe for the working great on an old machine. I don't touch the gilding someone else can share on this. Their is a place that you can buy parts. I have the address in the studio . I have ordered stuff for my shoe patcher machine.

[@horseenthusiast1250]

Lol mood, my mom has an heirloom 1901 treadle singer that I use a lot

[@emelinee2066]

My mennonite aunt had and used a singer treadle machine daily. She made all of her clothes on it and all the clothes for her family, as well as many quilts and some mennonite-style clothes and quilts as gifts for me to wear, which were my favorite. I learned how to sew on that machine thanks to her. She also taught me to crochet. Sparked a lifelong love of sewing, knitting, and crocheting for me. It's been a joy to watch that same love be sparked into my 4 year old daughter, who is about to finish her first alphabet sampler she has been stitching.

[@patronusstag]

Such gripping cinematography! The machine has such a majestic, superior aura to it.

[@julieb3407]

In my house, we love Ruth and Victorian Farm and say "It gives me a heart pain!" a lot. It's all very full circle.

[@dalestorms911]

I went to school when dinosaurs roamed the earth, and my grade school still had treadle sewing machines. The trick to smooth sewing is a regular rhythm in operating the treadle. After awhile it is just natural, and you will not even think about it. I made several garments in class including a (matched) pleated skirt. I still love to sew, and am so glad I had the opportunity to learn to sew even if it was on a treadle machine. Love your programs.

[@hierismail]

This made me remember that my grandma had a sewing machine under her flight of stairs. I wonder if she still has it... I gotta ask her about it, I think she'd love to tell me about it

[@ohnenamen2843]

That’s the type of machine I learned to sew with in school. Still my favorite

[@Ollebolle112]

What kinda school did you go to?

[@lorrainea4185]

Me too. Was hard to get the hang of but once you got it, it was easy.

[@vandelieschen3761]

Same. All the other wanted to learn with the "hand-powered", so I had as well more time on "my" machine. :) My mother and my great-grand-mother had treadles as well. I used to sleep to that sound. I do miss this a lot.