FINALLY!!! See My Sewing Machine and Fabric Stash

[@darlene.michaud]

Hello peanut gallery! You have been asking me for a very long time to show you my sewing machine and tell you all about it. That happens in this video! You have also been asking to see my fabric stash and I'm showing you that too. Nothing very exciting but I hope you enjoy it just the same! xoxo

[@nancycogar3864]

Darlene Michaud I have a sewing machine just like that one! I have the cams and everything that goes with it and it Sew's like a dream! I truly believe that the older machines Sew's way better than a new one. I totally understand how you feel about your fabric, I'm like that with sewing machines. I have 14 of them and only one is new. My oldest is a 1939 Singer and the newest is my Berninia, but I would rather sew on my old ones. I'm tellin yeah I would love 😤 to get into your stash!! I don't have that much, but I'm trying! Thank you for sharing something that was very hard for you to do. Have a good and blessed day! Lol!!! If you ever want to get rid of some of that just let me know!!!! 🌷

[@barbararitche5364]

nancy cogar ME TOO

[@daniellecanning7142]

nancy cogar

[@FrancineJohnsonMcGee]

I know why your needle still goes up and down when you disengage the wheel. It's because it's dirty under the hand wheel. If you remove the stop-screw, you will be able to unscrew that knurled knob from the hand wheel, making note, or taking pictures so you can put it back, take it apart and put it back together You just have to get any accumulated oil, grunge or dust out of there with a qtip and I use WD40, before reassembling it and putting a couple drops of oil. I guess it's a common problem

[@mymelody1963]

Darlene Michaud love your show and channels they are so cool

[@kathysnowberger2384]

Thanks for the tour. My grandmother taught me to sew on an old treadle machine. Wish I had that machine.

[@ilovelucy7073]

Thank you , so special knowing it came from your grandmother. My grandmother sewed a lot when i was a young girl. She lived at a good old age of 106. I called her ma. I miss those days sometimes going over to ma’s house and seeing that old sewing machine . I picture that house many times in my mine. It has been torn down now. 😢 so sad when i ever go back home to Virginia and its not there.

[@catherinegreen7003]

🤗Its okay Ms Darlene 🤗 If you only knew what a lot of us watching you & enjoying your videos rooms looked like. 😂🙃😊 I could CRY😢😢😢 when I think about All the Fabric Sewing Machines Quilting Tools 15 years of buying and collecting. I left a 3000 square foot home on 6 acres left my Home* my Vehicle* EVERYTHING. I took what was IMPORTANT my 2 BOYS when I left & Divorced my Ex husband . He sold gave away or put it in the Burn Pile Including my Bernina Embroidery machine Singer Futura Embroidery Machine Antique sewing Machines Serger* Thousands & Thousands of Dollars. What Hurt most even more than losing Quilts* Clothing * Things I put my Love Time & Effort was losing Pictures * Baby Items* Fabric from my Grandmother Great Grandmother * I can't or won't even Allow myself to think about all I lost. Nearly 18 years of Memories. When I left & took my last 2 babies I had 1 suitcase didn't even have a {Bra} 😆😜😲 I said that all to say that You are Not alone * Having Chronic Pain comes with Depression * But I've decided I'm just going to live my life & do the best I can* Kids are grown & Sometimes Gone 😁😁😁 So I'm going to focus more on what makes me happy. If my room is a mess I'll do it 2Morrow. I don't know your story but I can feel whatever pain it is you have. So I'm reaching out & giving you a Great Big Internet Hug...🤗🤗🤗🤗 FRIENDS DON'T JUDGE 😊 JUST BE HAPPY 🤗🤗🤗

[@marywise2014]

big hugs to everyone. I feel everyone's pain in the disorganization, I have Attention Deficit Disorder. So organization is hard for me also. Then on top of that anxiety for not having things in order. Just get to it when we mentally can :-)

[@marthathurston2632]

darlene- what a treasure you have in that classic singer. that is what attracted me to your channel- i keep telling my sewing gals about u and that old machine that u sew all this neat stuff on. in today's world everyone thinks they have to buy all this new computerized machines- they abaolutely drive me crazy. the old style metal machine have such a nice stitch and are so much easier to use. i have to chenk and see what year my singer in the case is- the front of the instruction book has a picture much similiar to the cover of the one you have. this one has cams and i was never sure what to do with then- so consequently never sewed on it. this had belonged to my best friend sandra's -mother- not sure when she got it, but it is from the same era. sometimes things that were made back then are much better quality and last for years. thx- m

[@sheryllynnjones6292]

This was one of the best videos I have seen! You are so real and genuine. I appreciate that you share your life with others and let us know we are not alone in our scrape saving, fabric collocting and sewing obsessions! Thank you for the the great videos and for carrying on your wonderful Grandmother's skills that she passed to you!

[@Jana-TheCraftyGambler]

I knew there was a reason I was drawn to you! We are so much alike! I have so much scrap fabric that it is unbelievable! I don't throw anything away, ever! And I have even been know to buy other people's scraps. Crazy, right? I picked up a couple of totes full of scraps from a yard sale and after it had sat in my garage for a week or so, I decided to go thru it. Low and behold, it was all vintage fabrics from the 70's! I was so excited. My husband thought I was nuts!

[@marthathurston2632]

darlene - this is so exciting- when i found u i was telling my sewing friends about this awesome lady- who has this ole beater sewing machine and sews like a house a fire- making the most marvelous sewing creations. i was soooo impressed to find someone i could relate to and learn sewing projects on my basic level of understanding. thank you-- thank you for just being you-mm

[@Hb02765]

Your Grandmother would be so proud of you! be proud of yourself and the fact that you share your knowledge with so many other people. You are spreading the sewing bug far and wide and i for one love your videos and feel inspired by them xx

[@celinafox8396]

Hi Darlene, I just found your channel this morning and having watched this video I am going to go back and watch all your others. I am currently laid up for a few months having broken my leg pretty badly and was getting my fabric fix vicariously by looking at other people's stash videos. I also hoard to some extent and understand the guilt that goes along with this, so I appreciate how very brave you were to show this in public. I hope you can let go of some of your guilt over the fabrics in time and I bet that sewing with your lovely granddaughter will help use up some of those scraps for dolls clothes and so reduce your burden. With love from England xxx

[@sandiesamuels3157]

Hey crazy woman, I love watching you videos. you are such a fun person to watch. I know life is not always the way we want it to be but, you take it like a trupper ? I HAVE AN OBSESSION WITH FABRIC! I love my stash and people don't understand that (my daughter). I kind of know how you feel. I love the sewing machine, the old ones are the best. My Mom had a Singer slant o matic, it went to my sister(who doesn't sew) but I got the best one (her old treddle) its the one she taught me how to sew on. I am a quilter so she gave it to me. I love it. quilting is my theropy. Keep doing what you are good at, I admire that.

[@patriciapierce7365]

I really enjoyed this video. It's not often anymore to hear ladies speak of the old ways and share about family. I miss my grandmother who was a seamstress I hope I spelled that right.. I wished I could have learned more from here. She's the one I said you remind me of. 😀 thank you again for sharing such a personal part of your life with all of us.

[@bridgethvezda2462]

Thank you Thank you Darlene for finally showing us your sewing machine. I was so curious to know what you make your great creations on. I have a thing about sewing machines. I recently found a pic of my Grandmother who used to make quilts and sell them to raise $$ for the local senior citizens center. I found it as i was cleaning out my Mother's house as she passed last summer. It is a treasured picture for me, knowing we had the same love of sewing and fabric.

[@Deb1Gilmore]

Hi Darlene! I have a Singer 301 A. Made in 1956. It does just straight stitch but I have every attachment possible for it!! But here's the kicker.... I bought it for $35.00!! AND it was never used!! The needles are priced at 15 cents!! The case and everything looks like it was just made. I named her "Ol Gal". First thing I did was get her serviced. The man wanted to buy her lol. She sews like a champ!!! We have been real busy making things for babies and toddlers to send to Texas and Florida. Can I just tell ya I drooled over all your fabric :) BTW...LOVE all your videos; don't stop, Deborah

[@donnarichey144]

That is a well made machine for back then. I have a royal my parents got me when I was 12, I wanted for my my home economics class for sewing. I had problems with the tension and had repaired several times, the man said can get the part anymore. Its a nice machine. Maybe now I could find the part. I don't know. That will be nice teaching Sklyer to sew. She is sweet. I am the one that asked you about stay stitching on your tops, but I didn't proof read before sending it. Thanks for sharing your material and sewing machine. I love to watch your videos.

[@craftyragdoll9538]

oh my gosh I have the same sewing machine. It was my mothers. My mom died when she was 42 and didn't teach me how to sew. But I learned in school and still sew. My mom died in 1978 my dad bought her the sewing machine when they got married. I also have a room of fabric. LOL Thank you for the tour and for letting us see the sewing machine.

[@pattysherwood7091]

I love your sewing area.And your collections are very nice and extensive..You are rich in fabric. I think my son gave me the same machine a year ago. It was a slant type ,which says it is the best machine ever. I haven't used it yet because I have a new cheaper Janome. Thank you for showing your collections.

[@PatnLeo]

Darlene, how I love your videos! I also had a grandmother that taught me to sew, & gave me her old Singer. I have boxes, bags, laundry baskets & totes full of fabric & scraps too! And, just like you, I cannot part with any of it. I had a number of old machines, and each time as I'd buy myself a new one, the old ones were still here. I finally did force myself to part with a few and had to live with the regret to this day. My basement is my sewing area because it's the only place where I have enough room to spread out.(Like a big oil spill)

[@JulietDeltaOscar]

I don't see any problem. Your fabric collection and the area where you work look perfectly normal to me. If I had a large house instead of a small apartment, that's exactly what my stash would look like. :o) I can look at stuff other people would throw out and envision something fun and wonderful to do with it. I paid for all of it, and I want to use all of it. Some busybodies have taken it upon themselves to tell me that I should get rid of my overflowing scraps and much of my other fabric, which is quite offensive to me. Who are they to tell us what to do with our own stuff? They can have it when they pry it out of my cold, head hands. Hah! Actually, they can't, because I have it in my will that a few of my sewing and quilting friends will inherit all the fabric, machines, and other sewing stuff, and THEY can do what they want to with it - but the busybodies be damned - Hands off my stash! Keep up the good work.

[@SamLloydPresents]

Loved seeing the sewing machine and all your lovely old fabrics Darlene. I'm sure your Grandmother would be so happy you've had so much use from it.

[@lindavanallen1307]

I love fabric. A friend gave me 12 bins of fabric, she was down sizing. I was thrilled with all the fabric. I want more.

[@FrancineJohnsonMcGee]

I am so glad I am not alone!! I am the same way with fabric scraps, and I can't get rid of them, and I will never have enough fabric, but I haven't gotten a work space yet, because Donna's granddaughter, boyfriend and two childrein have moved in. I'll get there,, I'll have my spot. I understand how you feel about your cellar and your fabric. We could almost be twins in the way we think and the things that cause us stress. Being partly disabled, I can't move the way I used to, and getting organized is hard. I realize I have more fabric than I will ever use, and I don't care. It's mine, I don't buy drugs, cigarettes or expensive coffees, and I spend very little on fabric. I love my fabric, and upcycling, and creativity in general. You are much braver than I am. I don't think I could do what you just did. Actually, I know I couldn't. Thank you for doing it, because for all the bitchy people out there, I am one who was helped by this video. Thanks!

[@jmarylastone]

love love love your machine - and I would use it any day over a new fangled one - in fact right now I am doing my sewing on a 1940's and a 1960's Belvedere Adler that I just can't give up - the oldies are the goodies

[@marshamellow2023]

My mother had the very same machine. My sister has it now and even has the disks. Mom made a ton of stuff on that machine. My first machine was a used 301 which was the model before yours. Those pre-1970 models were really made well. My 301 still works great even after the 45 years I've owned that used machine.

[@matthewblalock4916]

Awwe...i have my grandmother's 1961 singer 500A in the same desk as yours and I love the style and features that the early 60s machines had back then. Great video!!!

[@ayla8343]

Hey Darlene...I have the exact vintage machine...gifted to me by my Father after my step mother passed. I’m sadly ignorant about sewing...but have made a scrap quilt and upcycled some clothing. It is my dream to continue upcycling clothes ect...YOU are an inspiration. I would love to understand my machine and have tried to find classes but all classes are using new machines. I will stick with my vintage singer and one day figure it out. I just know it is quality and must be able to do so much more than just straight stitch. Maybe I can get educated on the vintage FB page mentioned in the comments.

[@soniatonks]

Thank you Darlene for sharing your home and your Aladdin's Cave of gorgeous stashalicious fabric lol. You sound like a wonderful fun nanny to Skyla (not sure if I've spelt her name right, my apologies ) I'm so looking forward to the videos you will be doing when she comes to stay, ...its beautiful to see you laughing and having so much fun, GrandChildren are a blessing, sadly I haven't any ....yet. .

[@gailmckone9454]

Hi Darlene! I learned to sew on the 401A. What a machine! My Mom bought it new in the late 50 s. I have a fabric too....I have moved several times and its now mostly in totes. Im still buying! Thanks for this video.

[@laurafifer4453]

Love it!! Thanks for sharing your grandmothers lifestyle a little with us. 🌺🌈😉

[@pattispencer8503]

I totally understand what you are feeling about giving stuff away. To compound my "stuff" my parents passed away and we have all their furniture and their "stuff" too. Why do I "save" everything ? I think it's because I've been thru some lean times so I want to keep things just in case? You have to be in the right mood to toss things. My husband and I did one plastic tote a day-so we weren't bogged down. Over two weeks we got rid of 17 totes. Next project-boxing up my kids stuff and giving it to them-no more "saving" it for them. It does weigh you down! Just remember you are not alone !❤️

[@pattispencer8503]

One last thing-I saved 35 years of cooking magazines. The traveled across the country many many times. Finally a few years ago I went thru them-pulled the recipes I wanted and now two giant totes!!! I say I'm going to put a cookbook together-ha ha! My moms machine did the same thing so I took it to be repaired and an overhaul. Great machines!!!

[@ThereseLEP]

Love it... you remind me of myself with all your projects and all your fabrics.... Thanks for sharing Darlene.

[@cherievalleerustywagon5402]

Holy fabric Batman. I'm jealous I wish I had a stash. You're grandmother definitely gave her machine to the right person. Keep the sewing juices flowing.

[@cwfan2]

A Friend gave me a 1951 SingerFeatherweight. I used it for awhile. Wonderful machine but the motor died a horrible death. It was sad. I think it is cool that you have your grandma's sewing machine. My mom wore out her sewing machines. I have memories of the machines she had over the years, but I have no idea what happened to them. I'm glad you're teaching Skyler to sew. I tried to teach my daughter to sew when she was a kid (she's 45 now), but she sewed her finger one day and when we got home from the ER she refused to try again. There is a website where you can look up the serial number of your Singer machine and it will tell you when and where it was built.

[@Sharon-pb7so]

Sue Nuckles There's a Featherweight group on FB sometimes the motors can be saved. I know you can buy replacement motors too.

[@cwfan2]

I know, but money is tight right now so a replacement motor has to wait.

[@cheryl8280]

OMG!!! My mother had that machine. She was a dressmaker in her day and I remember the dining room was her "shop". Every time a client came to the house, we kids had to go to the basement. And all that fabric!!! Darlene, if you would just have a yard sale, you would be a wealthy lady. Then you wouldn't stress out about it being all around the house. And I know there are hundreds of women around who would love to poke around your excessive stash and would offer you plenty for that fabric. Oh wait!! That would be me. hahaha Take care, Darlene. Really, it gets better!! I know from experience.

[@Sharon-pb7so]

You can buy a finger guard on ebay. There's a vintage slant sewing machine group on FB that would probably be glad to help you with the bobbin area issue. One of the many reasons those old Singers are so great is you can fix them yourself. You said you have a cheapie machine, you could use that to wind bobbins. I really like the 401A, it's on my short list of machines I want to add to my herd. I have a 201 and a black 301, so a 401 makes sense. I also have the cutest machine Singer ever made, a Featherweight. You can buy the cams on ebay or through the vintage group on FB.

[@FrancineJohnsonMcGee]

You are sooo correct! I am hoping I have a donor machine with the part, or can figure out from my service manual and my own 401 if its broken or just fiddly going back together. Three is a spring that controls the swing of the needle on a 401 and 500, and they come loose and seem broken, when they aren't, but it takes an amazing amount of fiddle to get them back in. I am thinking it may just be something like that. I used to work on old machines all the time, but haven't been doing it awhile. Helping Darlene may help me get back into doing something I dearly enjoyed.

[@lisalu910]

Sharon I have all those same machines - they're all fantastic. I think Darlene should pick up another vintage Singer (they're fairly inexpensive) to use while this one is being fixed. Don't you? :)

[@ianhunt9397]

My mothers first 1950's Singer swing needle machine had a knee control. It pushed into a hole in the case at the front of the machine and faced down to the floor but did not touch the floor nor the foot control which then became redundant. She pressed her knee against the lever to sew. The foot control often slid around the floor (as they do) depending on the floor convering but of course the knee control didnt. I remember her collection of discs too, they were black. You got so many with the machine and bought extras singly in the Singer shop in Birkenhead, UK! Time to treat yourself to a new one Darlene you've earned one. Chris North Wales. UK

[@lavonnekindred3066]

I bought a 401A last year, and I just love it! I hope you can find a great repair technician who can restore your baby to full function. I have now taken my machine out of it's cabinet, and I take it to sewing events, using a Rigid tool tote set I got at Home Depot. My suggestion for the fabric stash would be to decide what your minimum useful amount would be (at least a fat quarter, for example}, and donate or toss any amount smaller than that. For the larger pieces, maybe you could list some of them on ebay, and turn them into money. Good luck, and thanks for sharing!

[@denisemcintosh4938]

I love your fabric collection! Collections are awsome! I also can't throw away scraps. I am saving to stuff dolls with if I ever get them finished.... It's so cool your passing on what you know to your grandbaby. I wish I had my grams machine I'm sure it was sold. Thank you for sharing with us.

[@sherylthrasher9570]

HI Darlene thank you for sharing your sewing machine,all your fabric very nice...I also have a sewing room that is a mess but it is my happy place so don't think anything about your fabric not being tidy..Thanks again for taking the time to share with us..

[@ellen-so4xv]

If I had the room you have my fabric would look just like yours...so jealous of having that much fabric to play with...and those of us that watch you see nothing wrong with your fabric stash or your house. And if someone doesn't like it screw them they don't have to watch...love your videos just discovered you recently...love to watch...

[@remainingembers]

I think having a collection of fabrics is great. You have lots on hand to use and be creative with. It would be cool to organize all of it and stack it by type and styles.

[@debbiejantzi4661]

Oh Darlene, I have the Singer 403A! It is so very similar to yours. I do have all the feet and discs (haven't tried them) that came with the machine. I had the same problem with my bobbin. I ended up raising the foot plate to place it back in. Thank you for sharing, I understand it was difficult.

[@stew9stew]

as I was enjoying your funny "ugly polyester" tutorial , I was liking the sound of your sewing machine & then I came upon this video -- just my luck! Also enjoyed your fabric tour & thought you could sell them to us or use as winning prizes if you need to clear your attic. Loved your grandmother story at the very very end!

[@dianeelaine]

That was awesome! I know that was hard for you to do but I enjoyed it so much!! It's a goldmine of fabric!

[@joypeters9204]

I love your videos and I just think with a stash like that means you are in it for life! Thank you for sharing your inner sanctum with us.

[@rebeccanecor-nang9277]

Oh boy, that looks like a fabric store... Thank you for the tour Darlene., That is my plan to collect fabrics once my babies move out. Hopefully soon while I'm still strong and can walk to the fabric store. lol

[@nuvoclassic]

I love your stash - makes me want to come over and organize it for you! Thanks for sharing.

[@barbararitche5364]

Darlene my mom bought a 401 Slant-A-Matic in Germany when we were over there ( 1958 thru 1961 ) . While over there her and did square dancing. She would have her Featherweight machine set up to do the straight stitching and the slant-a- matic to do the ruffling. She had the foot. I don't have the featherweight but I do still have the slant-a-matic. Still runs like a charm. I have four sewing machines and 1 server.

[@barbararitche5364]

that's supposed to be dad

[@amyreich2524]

Love your machine. Mine is a 500A. It looks identical to your except I'm missing the top plate where you have the spool holders & discs. & I too am missing the discs. I have the same cabinet which I refinished. They're great machines & real work horses! Love your sewing vids. They've helped lots!

[@izabeau1953]

Oh gosh I have also lots of fabric in cases , projects I never go to do. And I stoped sowing for a long time, and I feel to get active again . But this time with other things like what you showed tone bags, and so on. I use to make my own cloths from patterns, but don’t need to do that anymore, because I emigrated to Portugal and the close are fabulous here , and to make my own cloths costs more than to go buy. So I don’t do cloths anymore. Only curtains , table cloths, and fix every ones cloths if needed. But want to start doing different things. I was unable to do anything for 2 1/2 years , was looking after my baby grandson. No time for sowing to tired. Tks for showing your grand mother’s machine. If she only knew how much you do on it she will be proud of you. I love your work. What did you make in your business....I am curious.

[@angelarai1]

oh my goodness i bought the one after yours when i was 16 ir 17 , it had the disks too, and the table lasted me till 2 years ago , then i traded it , it was second hand when i bought it i was born in 1959 , i gotta say modern machines are light and very good but you cant beat a good old singer xxx

[@kathytincler2446]

I was 10 in '58 & my Mom was sewing on a machine like that. I had forgotten all about that 'knee' sewing option until you mentioned it...I don't think she used it much. I've turned 70, bought a machine just recently (a Brother) and think I want to learn to sew. Wow just wow I've always hated it but ppl change & I can't find t's that fit me how they used to & can't find plain ole simple long cotton jammies with simple elastic band jammies. I'm hoping to check out your tuts for some easy peasy stuff. Thanx for sharing

[@kathytincler2446]

Just as I clicked 'comment' I noticed over at the side a tut by you for DIY fleece pj pants (I could make for winter yay)...make your own pattern. Great...must check out thanx :)

[@delmawatters4309]

Beautiful fabric stash and I LOVE your machine.

[@quilterstitch]

I love that you are so sentimental about your grandma; me too. I have your same Singer 401A, although it wasn't my grandma's. I know you would just love using an electronic foot pedal with your machine. It is like butter smooth. Look for "Brian Remlinger" video or others, referring to using an electronic foot pedal with a vintage machine.

[@saleenahaffenden8292]

It was great watching this video again Darlene, thankyou for linking it for me on my comment on your latest video. I obviously forgot that it was your grandmothers machine,, thinking it was your aunts, but now I do remember the story :) What did you do with your mums sewing machine when you left the home? It was good to see the old house again and I was amazed at the stuff you had,, and I remember all the work you did clearing it all out. DId youever tell us why you had so much tulle and lace? U mentioned one day you would tell us what it was all for?

[@Sprocket215]

I have a 401A that I picked up at an auction over a decade ago. It is in a Queen Anne style cabinet. Doesn't look like it got much use before I .bought it (still hasn't....I did use it to piece a Dresden plate quilt, etc Nice stash!

[@sarahgraettinger2333]

Mardens rules!!! I just found your channel and I love it. Im learning so much. Thanks for showing your machine.

[@doreencrespo6295]

That is the same sewing machine I learned how to sew on! My mom had it and the same cabinet too! Those discs are called cams. I watched many pieces of clothing and Barbie clothes made on her machine. I think my sister in law got it when Mom passed away because my sisters and I already had machines. Such good memories. I think I might be tied with you on the fabric. Basement is full and now living room is over flowing. My OC is horrible when it comes to fabric.

[@mymelody1963]

I love you channels the are nice to see I love the old cloths you have and sewing machines older things are the best to work at and it tells a story about our history just love it really 😎

[@KathyLent]

Loved this story and the history behind your sewing machine! xo

[@sheilawhidby7626]

Thanks for sharing a small piece your grandmother with us.

[@mishatinktitch]

Brilliant video xx thank you for sharing :-) a fabric stash to be proud of ... I have only been sewing for 3yrs but have quite a fabric stash so far i'm am able to contain it in one cupboard but it won't be long before it breaks out

[@barbaracoulsonstamm4653]

I am so proud of you. I am a very embarrassed person .I organize stuff a lot. I would love to be as brave as you. Thank you for being so courage . I am sending a big hug . You are so cool .

[@angelalewellen6237]

I would have a field day with all your fabric. Wish I had one fourth or less of what you have. I'm just getting into quilt making. Doing my first quilt it's a rag quilt. I love your videos.

[@Aubyyandthefamm]

awesome video my mother also was born in Quebec in 1908 wonder if they new each other I bought a building for all my sewing stacked with tubs and 6 machines and a long arm quilter. sewing is the life endless amount of things you can make have a great day

[@lisagpaa]

I feel blown away 😲 amazing video thank you for sharing this with everyone

[@sandraborger9774]

I have the very same machine and still use it. I’m also missing the cams. I am using one of the built in stitches to make the lines across blocks for a raggie quilt. I bought the machine at a yard sale for $5.00. It was a mess but my husband cleaned it up and oiled it so it runs like a top.

[@melissamanandise1394]

I love vintage machines! I got super lucky at a flea market for $30 a singer finesse that was made in Poland! model 834. it works so awesome compared to my other 2 machines. I just don't have any other feet for it. and I don't judge on your fabric stash/stashes I and right there with ya lol....I don't have as much but I can't get into my walk in closet!

[@HandmadebyDiana]

I love it all. I smiled at all your fabric, i currently own 3 floral FQ's and 6 christmas print FQ's and about 6 plain cotton FQ's thats it!! LOL. I have a singer 301K straight stitch, mine broken too! my bobbin doesnt wind thread on it nice and tight, i need to get it fixed so i can actually use it, at the moment its sitting in my hall cupboard :-( while i use my new plastic hasqvarna (probably spelt that wrong). Anyway, thanks for facing your demons for us Darlene, i appreciate it. xox

[@patriciamesa8150]

I love sewing I'm a pattern collector. Love sew doll clothes all those scraps would be perfect for that if you sew by hand it's relaxing to me to do that. When ever your ready to get rid of those scraps....i would love them😄😄😄😄 Happy sewing

[@patriciaschafstall9541]

My Mother has a Elgin treadle. There were only 3 of this design made under that name.Then it changed to Singer.I love sewing on it.Still works like new..

[@jcsbaby]

Awesome video, thanks for sharing. Love the machine and fabrics!

[@lowec315]

Oh well...my stash isn’t far behind yours!! In the 60s my White had the pedal on the side of the cabinet. I liked that.

[@brendagoulette759]

I love your sewig machine. And your stories. My grandma and dad passed down the family carpet loom to me. I have yet to have room to set it up. My grandfather built it.

[@TheJudeJane]

Awsome! I love vintage sewing machines.

[@credenza1]

Fascinating. Wonderful detail. You could write a book about women and their sewing machines.

[@s.cabral2263]

present and thanks for taking us to see your fabric and showing us your machine.

[@jacquiwilmot9602]

Really interesting and makes me feel better about myself and my stash! Totally subscribed now and binge-watching you! x

[@catd6235]

I have an clean garbage can next to my sewing and when I cut up material the little pieces go in the can. So when can get full, I make a dogger pillows and I use the straps to fill in the pillows. Or anything that need a stuffy.

[@EvaVilla-pm5mv]

I remember back in the late sixties Woolworth would just toss out their old patterns, we lived behind them and my mom would have me and my sister jump in and get them. Now would I wouldn't do for those patterns. LOL 😂 My mom's mo was French Canadian she passed away when my mom was two. She was a beautiful woman I wish I had got the chance to know her.

[@staciebarndweller774]

No judgement from me.... I love your fabric stash! Hugs from the Great Lakes... ♥

[@annetrenary2875]

I had 2 of the Singer 401's ... gave one to our Senior Citizen sewing group and I kept one for myself. I don't use it much anymore, then I have a Singer FW 221 that I bought at a garage sale in 1967 for $10.00. I keep in my bedroom closet. The case is pretty worn and keep telling myself I need to purchase a new one (case).

[@patriciapierce7365]

Thank you for sharing this with all of us we all love you Darlene 😁

[@Oceleryandonion]

Thank you I loved seeing you sewing stash nice!

[@jimmietwardy3809]

Thank you. I'm sure your grandma is very proud.

[@debjh]

Truly loved this Darlene, TFS!

[@MadebyaBEAutifulqueenBea]

I would love to organize your sewing area/fabrics! that is soooooooo awesome 💙🐝💙

[@marthathurston2632]

darlen- i found munufacure's book and i have a singer 401 model slant o matic copyright 1957- i haven't used it in some time so plan to have it serviced b/4 i fire it up again. i was never sure about that to do w/ the cams. it sews like a dream w/ a great stitch- cheers-m

[@robertcarey8294]

Darlene only discovered you tonight ! , i find it very difficult to throw fabric away !! , only last week i found a small hide of pink pigskin from an outfit that i made for a girl friend of mine pre 82 , i decided to make zip jockstraps and thongs to sell on eBay , so far they haven't sold , think they have 5 days left at auction , i hoard material , always thinking it will come in handy one day ! , i tidied , well sort of , my stash only weeks ago and threw away all the old denim jeans that i'd saved , bags of them , i'm still not sure that i did the right thing ! , and then i went on eBay and bid for somebodys scraps which i'd have binned without hesitation !.

[@chandraisley8389]

Darlene I'm sure you've been asked before but would you consider doing like a grab bag of fabric and stuff without cutting it and just stuff it in a bag or biz and shipping it out like if i paid for the stuff and shipping? Thank you for fighting your anxiety and showing us. I know it took a lot. ❤❤

[@luciennerodriguez117]

Hi Darlene. We are all just like you. My husband said fabric is like air... it's everywhere. Lol

[@CDW-bx2qr]

My husband repairs and restores these vintage machines. They were actually made in the town we live in, Anderson, SC., hence the "a" in 401a. Any way, getting back to my husband. He watched this vid with me and was diagnosing your machine as we watched. Hilarious. He says none of the issues your machine suffers from are serious so if you were able to find someone close by that repairs these old machines, it would not take but a short time to fix it. They are wonderful and are, in my opinion, better than the new machines. They just run and run and run with hardly any maintenance.

[@darlene.michaud]

We have a place here in my town that will fix it. Problem is... procrastinator! Plus, I never really trust anyone.

[@FrancineJohnsonMcGee]

Darlene Michaud I'm stripping my beyond repair 401A down to part out on eBay. If I can easily take the part out, and then reinstall it, I could film it and send it to you.

[@miller4hats]

This was so interesting Darlene. My Aunts name was Tallahassee Florida.. Another was Georgia.

[@FrancineJohnsonMcGee]

I have some discs, do you want them? I will look into that problem, it's part of the bobbin race. I will drag up my 401, and see if I can figure out from looking at the pictures, and my service manual, etc, and see what I can do. I may have a donor machine that I can send you. I will figure something out to help you. I think the bobbin race being loose is affecting the stitch selection jp above, because it probably effects the tension. I don't know how long it will take me to be able to handle going to the basement to find the 401.. I do have a 500 up here, which may have the same bobbin race. I will have to give her a test drive and see if she goes well enough, and find and check out my old service manual. I wish we lived closer, because I would love to be able to come over and fix your machine myself. I was born in 1964, and I say I can usually fix any machine older than I am. Oddly, I have been sewing on a newer say 80s kenmore lately, even though my old Singers are much better. Can't give you a time line, but worst case, The extra 500A I have, which is almost the same, just shaped differently, maybe a couple extra bells and whistle, is missing it's top door cover, which does not change the way the machine works, but I need to test it. Maybe, if I get that one up and running, so you could use it, you could bring your baby in the shop. You would have no problem switching, because they work exactly the same. It's the last really good machine I believe they made, from 1960. I'll let you know what I figure out. I don't know if you have an upper end budget for fixing that machine, or maybe it would save money if I found the parts, but that's something we can look at when I get to digging some machines out. You may just get Fran's Sewing Machine Shelter and Repair center open again. I used to fix quite a few of them for myself, my mother, my friends and family. Never have done it for money, and won't start now. Lol will fix your machine for fabric!! I am glad to see this! Thanks! If I got the 500 working, and gave it to you, and we also got your 401 working, then there would be a machine for Skylar too!!

[@celinafox8396]

Wow Francine, you are such a generous and lovely person. It restores my faith in people to see wonderful comments like this.

[@isabowpiewhackit]

Darlene I have that exact machine it too was my grandmothers and I took custody of it in my 20's it survived my house fire and still sews better then any new machine I have gotten over the years those crazy discs you can buy off ebay if you want to try them out. I know new that machine was a lot of money and for being 58 years old and still running like a dream I understand why it cost so much. FYI my stash is as big as yours just not as organized I sew toss then think about it later bad habit but for some reason I sew better surround by a mess lol!

[@julieomartinez6218]

I love to organize. I would have a blast organizing all that fabric lol

[@create557]

What an awesome story about your grandmother tfs

[@jennifersmith6284]

They do make needle guards because we had them when I worked in garment factories.

[@sparklekitties]

Older Singers are the best, and you have a gem. I have a model 66 (Red Eye) and an Imperial. Both need repair, also! The newer machines are so finicky, and wimpy. I do use the newer portables too. (Love my Husqvarna Viking though.)

[@kimbyram5611]

omg, I'd be in my glory! I'm OCD bead maker! I make beads out of fabric. I'd never leave the house! lol! I also have an old black singer, two sergers, and three straight stitch machines.