Heritage Sewing Machine House Tour

Falling in love with heritage sewing machines has been a fun and fascinating journey. It seems the Victor Colvin has and will continue to bring the history and stories to life as he continues to grow his collection and build his sewing machine museum.
Sometimes life can crowd out the things that matter. It has not been easy growing an impact driven venture during a pandemic. One of the tough decisions we had to make was to eliminate the on site fashion heritage museum, but fortunate for us we have some special moments we were able to capture on film.
SEW BROMO fashion director Nicole Samodurov and founder Stacy Stube visited antique sewing machine collector Victor Colvin to learn more about his remarkable collection.
Website: www.sewbromo.com
Contact: [e-mail]

[@bachi3904]

Fantastic and he should be congratulated for keeping our collective memory alive instead of going to short term greed and stupid conflicts!

[@sewbromo8445]

We can enjoy a love for the heritage of sewing machines!

[@ChrisSmith-tw1mo]

Crazy collection. It's rare to find an actual sewing machine HISTORIAN, lol. Saw everything from Wheeler & Wilson to Whites, to JAMES in there.

[@inannashu689]

I started collecting with a 5 dollar Kenmore as well,now I have a few-lol It's incredible that a hundred year old machine still works with a little oil,I find them all day long. I just can't imagine why anyone would buy a modern machine these days when there are so many treasures out there.

[@944gemma]

Wow. Words escape me. What a magnificent collection.

[@4evasoul257]

Thank you kindly, I agree wholeheartedly! 😆

[@0xf0o0]

Outstanding collection and I love to see his eyes glowing and his smile, when he talks about all the wonderful machines. Great video :)

[@dottiemathews6853]

Victor dahling, you are amazing! those machines are precious treasures! congratulations!

[@kendal4452]

Wow!! Can you just imagine sewing with one hand and hand cranking to stitch? This is an impressive collection!

[@Wisepati]

I do it all the time. I have a whole collection of handcrank sewing machines, and they are wonderful for piecing quilt blocks. I love that I have control of every stitch and I am not stressing the motor. It is also very quiet so I can watch TV or listen to an audiobook and not disturb others.

[@ThimbleBook]

This collection is beautiful. My goodness.

[@4evasoul257]

Thank you!

[@CajunRose]

Oh my goodness, what an amazing collection. His knowledge, of all of the machines, is just incredible and very impressive!! I love his corner stone Kenmore.

[@susannow1]

just lovely! the decals are in great condition! ! Seeing the Singer 27 with Queen Elizabeth decal was a real treat!... and the "wrap around" hand crank on the Singer 27...the pearl inlay on the Singer 12...so many great models!

[@4evasoul257]

I'm a decal freak! 😅 I pride myself on keeping a keen eye out for these beauties! 🙂

[@terrigelbaum8066]

Well look who's here. You're getting to be quite a rock star amongst us collectors. Love you darling ,see you in group.

[@willowhilldesigns7]

What an interesting video!! So thankful for Victor’s preservation of these beauties! They will still sewing a hundred years from now, as long as there are people like Victor who appreciate their value! TFS!

[@4evasoul257]

You're absolutely right, I tell people all the time about their longevity!

[@dottiemathews6853]

for sure! he has an amazing collection! i wonder are they all insured? he got priceless sewing machines!

[@4evasoul257]

@@dottiemathews6853 Yes of course, my collection is insured. I'm with a favorable company that was started by collectors.

[@zinarobertson3519]

So nice to see there are others who find these machines and save them. The story of how people get "bite" by the vintage machine bug is always fun and interesting. My story started with Necchi "Lydia"-- this machine opened the path to see so many designs and models. A quilter was sewing on this little machine and indicated it to be a feather weight. She said it sews the best straight stitch of any machine made, every master quilter has one. So when at a thrift store i found one for 7.00, only to be disappointed that it was a Singer model 99K. The fact is that all I knew was the featherweight was small and black. However this machine lead me to the different types of bobbin styles, rotary and vibrating shuttle, which lead deeper into the rabbit hole. My main thing with these machines is the pride and engineering that was put into them, to be functional and also beautiful. Did not see or hear mention of the puzzle box for the treadles. Thank you for the tour and all the knowledge.

[@autouniontypeA]

Wow, would love to have seen these. My grandmothers were a seamstress and a fur coat maker. I have a passion for sewing car interiors and leather goods. I've just restored a Singer 111G156 walking foot industrial and just bought a post bed 168W101 walking foot. These machines are very old now but work perfectly. I share Victors passion for the mechanical marvels that these machines are. Brilliant that Victor is looking after these machines so well.

[@4evasoul257]

Wow, those are two beasts you have there! I would love to have a 168 for my museum! Not shown here on my industrials. I have an Artisan Toro 3000 cylinder arm, a Juki LU-55 (along with a couple of other Juki lockstitches) and a Sailrite Fabricator. I do leather work also.

[@autouniontypeA]

@@4evasoul257 Fantastic! I love the heavy industrials, sounds like you've got a mega collection!

[@autouniontypeA]

@@4evasoul257 Just realised that you are Victor! What a fantastic collection you have! I am only just starting my collection, only just bought 2 more industrials, a 136W100 and a 236G130 to restore. Both in bad shape but I'll get them back to great again! Also just got a 348 baby blue domestic running again, nice all aluminium machines before plastic parts were everywhere.

[@tumorfarmer]

As far as comparing most early metal treadle sewing machine's speed, compared to today's new plastic machines, YES, MANY TREADLES (if properly oiled and adjusted and used by an expert treadler) SEW AS FAST, OR FASTER, than new sewing machines, because machines have actually SLOWED DOWN, as more plastic has been incorporated in them! Industrial machines have gotten faster (2500 to 6000 stitches per minute are common, depending on machine model, and motor setup- some robotic machines are advertised at mind blowing, not safe for human speeds), and some sergers, but especially as "never needs oiled" home sewing machine models have been made, those slow down even more, as the built in lubrication breaks down, making them disposable. (Many new machine ads brag about sewing 800 stitches per minute, but many vintage electric models can sew 1550 (Elna Supermatic with good pulley, proper lubrication- yours sounds loud, because the friction pulley has a flat spot, and needs replaced.), Singery 301 over 1,100 s.p.m., but Singer's 400 series became slower, 500 is slower than 400 series, planned built in obsolescence then further slowed the Singer Touch ' n Sew models, as Singer machines declined. Watching an expert treadler can be an eye opening experience!

[@sewbromo8445]

So fascinating learning these various details about the treadle sewing machine. Thank you for sharing. :)

[@jennifersetser9091]

Wow! It’s so wonderful to see his amazing collection! I have about 120, but none very special..I just love the beauty and functionality of all of them,from treadles to early electrics,to the older nechis and singers…all of the all metal machines. I especially love the wild colored ones,Pink Morrises,green Vigorellis, turquoise Japanese models…the funny little Elnas..it’s a joy to get them functional again!

[@dottiemathews6853]

wow! wow! wow!! A MAZING!!! THIS WAS PHENOMENAL!! GREAT VIDEO LADIES!! it makes me proud to have a Singer! i wonder is Singer the oldest sewing machine company?

[@4evasoul257]

Singer is not the oldest sewing machine company, but they are the first to be awarded with the patent in 1851. Actually, Elias Howe patented his machine in 1846, but he didn't have funding to put it in production. Isaac Singer infringed on his patent, and Howe filed a lawsuit and won. Singer had to pay him royalties on every machine that they sold.

[@sewbromo8445]

Thank you for coming along with us for this video! We are really looking forward to filming and sharing more fashion heritage & needle trades knowledge. Let us know what you would like to see in future videos. Next up I believe we are going to focus on the hand cranks and treadle sewing machines in a bit more detail.

[@Jsppydays]

Beautiful collection. Thank you.

[@joycedollar1198]

Amazing. I hope he does get a signature machine I agree a two spool model would be a hit I would buy one

[@forerealz]

This is a fantastic collection. My wife Danna was in the first Still Stitching documentary from back when we lived in Connecticut. We have downsized a bit over the years due to moving with the military a few times.

[@4evasoul257]

Thank you! That's my boy, James, over at Still Stitching, a dear friend. He's featuring me in his next docu, whenever he gets around to it!

[@alibabafurball]

Really great tour. That one fiddlebase with the rose decals is a VS2 not a VS3. The VS3 is a 3/4 Singer VS and has a square base. Love that Queen Victoria Jubilee model and the Persian decaled machine. Both of those should be in parlor cabinets. Great collection there.

[@kerrynseymour2383]

I own a vs3, 1892 singer model. It's not fiddle base. Correct.

[@alibabafurball]

@@kerrynseymour2383 correct, plus the VS3 has a long back access plate that extends into the arm. The VS3/28,28 and 128 do not.

[@4evasoul257]

Of course I know that was a VS2, but when you're rattling almost 200 machines off the top of your head, it's real easy to get mixed up at times! 😆 Actually, Singer gave customers the option to pair machines with whatever cabinet they wanted. I switch machines around all the time, so you may see one in one cabinet, and might see it later in another. As far as the Persian, I decided it was a perfect fit for the red lacquer cabinet that it's in. There aren't any rules when it comes to pairing them!😉

[@4evasoul257]

@@alibabafurball Not to mention, the VS3 has a raised area where the spool pin is.

[@MetroStitcher]

So interesting and knowledgable! This guy has a museum in his house!

[@sewbromo8445]

Yes! I know. Victor is working opening a museum. I loved seeing this amazing collection and it is only growing.

[@ellythompson4055]

WOW! Love the history lesson! I was self taught on a treadle machine at age 5 , some 60 years ago and lucky me I have a now 11 year old granddaughter who shares my love of sewing! The cabinets and cases you have in your collection are so cool! To date, this You-Tube video is my favorite! Thank you!

[@4evasoul257]

You're quite welcome!

[@sewbromo8445]

It was such an exciting tour! Glad you enjoyed coming along with us.

[@creativitybycarilyn6634]

Beautiful collection! The all metal machines are superior. I am now sewing my quilts on a Singer 201 because it just sews beautifully and I use the modern machines for fancy stitches and embroidery. TFS

[@naturalcurls1513]

OMG!!! Kenmore’s are in my opinion the best. I still have and use mine that I bought my junior year in high school with my summer job money in 1979. I’ve gone through several sewing machines but my baby is still going strong and her stitches are beautiful.

[@TheDevilsquid]

Great video!

[@saneben9917]

What an amazing sewing machine collection. Loved seeing these and hearing some history about them. I own a Singer 66 Treadle (over 100 years old and still works!), Wilcox and Gibs, Vickers Model De Luxe and an Essex Minature Sewing Machine and I just appreciate the beauty of their designs and and engineering. Amazing machines.....built to last! And now with energy prices rising, cheaper to use! With a treadle it is exercise as you sew! Lol.

[@4evasoul257]

Thank you! I'm quite familiar with Vickers, but I don't have one. I do have an Essex MK1 that I found in the UK since we did this video.

[@sheila3205]

Love your Collection of Sewing Machines. To protect them, please change the batteries in your Smoke Detectors!

[@4evasoul257]

Thanks for your concern, but they're hardwired, no batteries. Besides, I've moved out that house since then! 😆

[@walteraddie7925]

Nice collection very similar to mine. I do full restores though. These gems are so addictive. I always love to see more of what is still out there.

[@D9P323]

This is a collector in Baltimore? I'm in the Northwest and just bought a Singer Sphinx at a Thrift store. I'm glad I'm not the only one with the "rescue" bug. Since moving here I've collected several machines. God bless him for his preservation efforts. More videos like this please.

[@bradrock7731]

Pretty incredible. I hope he expands into the industrial & specialty machines.

[@4evasoul257]

I have several vintage industrials that are in storage!

[@bradrock7731]

@@4evasoul257 I want a nice big high quality coffee table book of vintage sewing machines! I'm surprised I can not find one.

[@samsally3581]

The fire alarm … Gold….

[@sauces_official]

fantastic collection!

[@Roseamongthorns1]

Amazing tour! I learned on an old Singer. My mother bought a Kenmore in the early 70s and I hunted down the same model. When I opened the case, the smell took me right back to my early teens years. What an inspiration you are Victor!

[@user-oy6cu7gx9b]

I don't see a red & white Japanese BelAir 620. It took me five years to find one, and it works great!

[@carolpepper2424]

Victor is a treasure!

[@deidrabenson361]

Absolutely blown away! What an amazing collection!❤️❤️❤️

[@127cmore]

I have a Singer Patcher from 1887 which I use in my upholstery workshop here in the Scottish Highlands 😮

[@sewbromo8445]

That is wonderful! Do you have a photo of your workroom? I best it looks great in there.

[@CBromfield]

I sure wish Victor was here in Brooklyn, NY. I have that Rocket Ship Singer and love it, but it sure needs some tuning up. This was a wonderful video and thanks so much. He was quite knowledgeable about the history of sewing machines......Oh my I wish he was just down the block from me, I also have a chain stitch toy Singer.....anyway lovely continued success to all involved.

[@dorothyreynolds2178]

Love all these just wonderful.

[@sewbromo8445]

Thank you for watching! Such a fun collection, we cannot wait to film some more of these beauties to share with you all.

[@sherriharris6142]

I love this! I only have 5, but have an affection for each one!

[@sewbromo8445]

That is amazing! I would love to make a space for everyone to share the photos and stories around their machines. Are you in any of these Facebook groups around the heritage machines?

[@carmencolon3520]

Lovely collection 😍. Thanks Victor .

[@4evasoul257]

You're welcome, glad you enjoyed!

[@sewbromo8445]

@@4evasoul257 So glad that everyone is enjoying the fashion field trip. Looking forward to making more content and seeing this community come together in this wonderful and exciting conversation around these beautiful machines.

[@sandranelson8445]

I just found you. This is a wonderful video. Tks so much for sharing.

[@sewbromo8445]

Thank you for watching!

[@tanyam.7848]

So nice I'm going to view more than twice. Thanks Ladies & Mr. Victor for preserving history.

[@4evasoul257]

You're welcome, it's my civic duty! 😆

[@sewbromo8445]

I hope that with more of these videos people will fall even more in love with these beautiful heritage machines and keep them singing.

[@kogabear1]

I have a collection of sewing machines but I’m not a true collector. I enjoy sewing and part of my hobby is learning about them and maintaining them. Cleaning and oiling is all they need. I laughed when he gets the comment of “ my grandfather or mother had one of those.” I get that too. I also get “ I wonder what happened to it?” Great video.

[@fouroakswisconsin]

Nice video ladies. I really enjoyed seeing this beautiful collection.

[@4evasoul257]

Thank you, glad you enjoyed!

[@sewbromo8445]

We are so glad that we filmed this day! I know we are all so busy, but it was great being able to take the audience into that magical home of heritage sewing machines and learn directly from the collector Victor Colvin who clearly has a passion and love for them.

[@vanessajones3508]

I enjoyed this video. He is so knowledgeable. This is a great video. I liked the machine with the thread spool on the bottom instead of a bobbin. That is a time-saver.

[@naturalcurls1513]

Wow your collection is amazing. I learned to sew on my great aunts singer machine and it was not electric, l can’t remember what happened to it.

[@juliekoone3569]

You girls are so amazing I’m glad I found your channel, I also have a big collection so seeing this video makes me want to keep collecting. I’ve subscribed to your channel and look forward to more content.

[@inthekitchen8842]

Thank you! Sooo interesting 🎉

[@bshelley0]

Enjoyed the tour. The no-bobbin machine! Why is this not in active use on modern machine?

[@mariamartins1907]

Estou apaixonada por todas linda coleção essa da rainha e sopra rainha mesmo obrigada por comparyilhar acho que vou voltar aqui pra rever mais vezes

[@christopherstube9473]

What a wonderful way to spend time. Victor is a fountainhead of useful history. I was remembering the smell of sewing machine oil of my mother's machine which is the first machine i was allowed to operate when i was 10 or so. It had a folding platen on the side opposite the pedestal and was run by a little electric motor that never seemed to need any work on it. I liked the treadle machines on Java as well and was amazed at the way they would use them for embroidery.

[@Wisepati]

Most all of my machines are vintage and I actually find them easier to sew on than some of the modern machines that try to think for you. I love that most of my machines have all metal gear and I can service them myself.

[@Wisepati]

I would love to have an aluminum 99. He is so lucky though to have found it.

[@charlottewilliams6226]

Wow! Beautiful collection.

[@sewbromo8445]

I know! We were worried this video would be too long, but now that I see it would could have gone in and zoomed in on all the beautiful decals and individual machines. Thank you so much for watching.

[@juliatodhunter6454]

Such a nice man!

[@virgochic8415]

Awesome collection. Really cool.

[@sewcute_sewvintage]

😍

[@lizzyhazel4085]

Simply amazing!

[@farriersister]

Bravo! Congratulations all around.

[@sewbromo8445]

Wonderful! Thank you and we are getting together to plan more content to capture and share about these machines so they get some well deserved attention because they are so special.

[@user-zh9vj8wc2v]

Nice machines..i have about 45 electric machines and 15 treadles..I live about 5 minutes where Isaac singer was born in pittstown ny

[@loucilehall9281]

I have a White Rotary machine that was made in 1949

[@sewbromo8445]

Awh it would be nice if friends in the chat could post pictures and videos of their machines. Maybe something we can think about doing by asking the community to share their collections.

[@loucilehall9281]

I also have an old Kenmore with no face plate

[@sewbromo8445]

Wow there seem to be some Kenmore fans in the group chat! We are thinking about doing some brand specific videos. Let us know if that would be interesting for you?

[@loucilehall9281]

Myself I like my White best. It’s a real workhorse

[@mariamartins1907]

❤❤❤❤❤

[@nancy-katharynmcgraw2669]

His smoke detector needs a battery...that's the occasional "tweet/chirp" you hear in the background. That's a disappointment with all of those lbeautiful wooden cabinets, and many are antique cabinets... which really means over 100 years that the wood has "seasoned". Huge fire tisk, in my humble opinion. I remember using the light green Singer with those "typewriter" keys. It was in a Mahogany cabinet. I was allowed to sew on it only after I passed my Home Ec class in 7th grade, in 1962. I now have a Damascus Treadle sewing machine. I only need to place the leather strip around the wheels and it will be ready to use!!!

[@4evasoul257]

The smoke detector is hardwired, there is no batteries, but thanks for your concern! Also, everything is insured!

[@TheWoody1224]

Need to add sewing machine tractors to make museum interesting

[@4evasoul257]

Tractors, and other products that are made from repurposed machines, are an abomination in the VSM community! I'm not here to collect those!

[@Vu.c]

Antique sewing machines collector

[@quiltingforthesoul]

Thank you for sharing. But what is his information is he on KZbin ?

[@4evasoul257]

I am on KZbin, but not for the machines. My clothing line, Victor Hou Designs, is prominently featured on here!

[@quiltingforthesoul]

Sorry I don’t know. I wish I did.

[@vintagesewingcentermuseum6636]

Big smile V

[@vintagesewingcentermuseum6636]

Loved watching this

[@ryndl]

Amazing collection! I have the same addiction. It started with a 1947 singer 66 and a kenmore model 52. Both were curb finds while on the job as a rural letter carrier. We now have 39 Singers and about a dozen others. I think Victor would agree that they just sort of take over your house!

[@sewbromo8445]

@@ryndl Awh sounds like we might have to travel to your place for a fashion field trip :) what state are you based in? It would be so fun to visit people in different states who are collecting for fun and passion and reshape with the group.

[@maryexton7929]

That chirping in the background indicates that a smoke detector needs its battery changed.

[@4evasoul257]

The smoke detector is hardwired, there is no batteries, but thanks for your concern! Also, everything is insured!

[@angelar1500]

Haha...I thought it was in my hotel room for a minute! Glad it wasn't!

[@laurademarrais3248]

Please put your presser feet down. A little piece of fabric in between the foot and the feed dogs. It’s better for the springs

[@jimmyjimenez7311]

💛🩷🧡💙💚💜❤️

[@Catsface99]

I own 12 vintage sewing machines and for me they are much easier to use and service than new machines. I don't like new machines at all.

[@truthteller8459]

A Black Queen and 'his' sewing machines LOL.

[@4evasoul257]

What is that supposed to mean? 🤔