Making a 1950's Dress // With a 1950's Sewing Machine!

I was recently in the market for a "new" sewing machine, and while I did pick up a modern machine as well, a quick jaunt onto craigslist lead to discovering a Singer 99K from 1955 for sale. Later that day, it was mine, and I was taking apart the tensioner to clean it with the help of several great sewing machine restoration KZbin channels!
Of course the first project on this vintage sewing machine just had to be a mid 1950's dress to match the era of the machine!
Andy Tube 99K restoration playlist: • This is "Cute" a Singe...
Archive TV commercial: archive.org/details/1954Comme...
99K manual: needlebar.org/main/sident/99.pdf
1950's Pattern 1: / 155303887232449226
1950's Pattern 2: vintagepatterns.fandom.com/wi...
Singer ad from thumbnail: www.pinterest.co.uk/pin/30715...
Where I get my pattern drafting paper: atlaslevy.com/Paper_c_13.html (not sponsored)
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But wait there's more! A PO BOX finally wahoo!
First, a disclaimer: So many of you have kindly offered to send me things, including vintage items you may have inherited, and I am so honored you would think of me and of course I do adore vintage treasures, however, unfortunately I only have so much storage space currently! So there is a chance that if something just wont work for me, or doesn't fit me etc, that I may not be able to keep all of your lovely things. Please only send things if you are okay with the possibility that I may donate items I just cannot keep. If you would prefer I put things that I can't keep into the TCH Etsy shop to help raise funds for me and the channel, please specify this in a note or letter in your parcel. Thank you so much!
Bianca Esposito
PO Box 632177
Highlands Ranch, CO 80163
Thank you for watching!

[@tikimama1139]

Tell people you sew and you'll get everyone's grandma's sewing machine. It's worth the risk of people asking if you can hem pants for them (get the sewing machine up front :D) Someone gave me their grandma's Singer 66 from 1948 with every attachment ever made including the original matching stool. Freeeeeeeee

[@AdirondackRuby]

Definitely agree that it's worth the risk of being wrangled. My mom has told a few people that I sew and it has landed me with vintage patterns, zippers & threads & buttons, even full bolts of fabric. My biggest win was a Jaguar Epochlock 234D that's older than I am. It's all-metal, hefty, and sews even the thinnest & slipperiest fabrics like a dream!

[@armedvsokord]

That would be amazing. I have my grandmothers Kenmore from 1950, it has all the feet as well, it's so awesome. I love it.

[@cathouse100]

Be careful, before you know it you will have 17 of them and love them all.

[@bonniebelair8470]

Someone gave me their mothers featherweight 💕

[@geministargazer9830]

@@bonniebelair8470 Ooh, score! Those are very popular

[@davidhutchison3343]

The fact that people are still using 50-100 year old Singer machines shows how well built Singers were. In the UK, if a housewife came to Singer to upgrade her sewing machine, Singer us to offer a great trade in deal to buy back her old Singer machine. The old machine was sent back to the factory, and SCRAPPED. This was to remove these old machines from the second hand market, as they were so well built, it affected the new sewing machine market. It all changed in the 1980's when the life span of the new machines was dramatically reduced.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Everything was well and good until companies discovered planned obsolescence!! Rude indeed

[@joannecarroll5504]

Singer had some seriously dodgy business practices back in the day (e.g. major bullying of their production staff) - which just seems so bizarre when you think that Mr Singer's rise began when he thought about making things better.

[@monaanz6754]

Have you tried the Griest zig-zagger on your 99K? This enabled one to use the machine for even MORE tasks such as attaching elastic on lingerie, finishing raw edges and blind-hemming.

[@AnnLeiSoCal]

I have a 1928 Singer. I love it but don't use much anymore. My children are grown. I bought it from one of those garage rags popular then in 1994 to sew all the costumes my kids needed for plays, musicals and Halloween. Today I just use my modern one for projects at home. I still have my beautiful 1928 singer and glad I bought it bc it's still amazing.

[@amierichan7231]

My 15-91 from 1953 is still in great shape.

[@joannecarroll5504]

I was given my 1st sewing machine for Christmas in the 80s when everything was new, bright & colourful. I was 14yo & she was at least 25yo at the time, as was the desk she came with. I was so disappointed, she was a dull brown brown colour & she had a flat bed - didn't even have a free arm like the nice white ones at school. Eventually I realised I was an idiot, my father was an engineer who would never have chosen a machine based on looks, I almost never needed a free arm & there were work-arounds anyway; she was a beautiful demon goddess of a workhorse. Was? No, she IS a goddess, I still have her 38yrs later. Sure, I've been gifted a new modern machine, a couple of mini machines & a single owner boxed Featherweight, even had a treadley for a while, but imho you never love another more than your love your first.

[@sc0ttishlass]

Sooo true ... So okay I got a 'new' one as my first machine back in the 1980s. But while all the others had nice beautiful white machines, I got a Pfaff tipmatic which was beige and brown *sigh at the time*. Fast forward almost 40 years and my brown Pfaff is still going strong. I have a Singer treadle and a 'modern' Singer too. However I always go back to my old baby.

[@geministargazer9830]

You can get the Singer 320 that does have a free arm AND inbuilt zigzag AND a bunch of decorative stitches. Seriously you'd never need another machine with that one

[@IkOngkarSatNam]

What brand? I have a old brown and white one, brand "White". I am guessing its the 1970s.

[@amysullivan2414]

Im so pleased to see someone sewing with an old machine. I find them great to use too! When I find them at thrift shops or garage sales I feel sad for them. I’ve solved my melancholy by buying them, cleaning, oiling and print (or buy) the manual. Now that I’m teaching Family Studies I take them in to the lab. Students often recognize them from Grandma’s closet. I encourage them to practice on it so they can make use of Grandma’s 😊

[@TheClosetHistorian]

I fear if/when I ever get my own place it could easily become a sewing machine refuge as well!

[@lorenholmes1978]

Honestly hearing you talk about this sewing machine is making me want one!

[@geministargazer9830]

They’re nice machines. After I inherited my grandmother’s machine I stopped using my modern one. I don’t even touch it anymore because the 201k is just too nice to use. I even went and bought a 319 so that I had one with an inbuilt zigzag. And it has cams too for decorative stitches. I love them both so much

[@adamreynolds9816]

Loren Holmes I want one too! They should sponsor the video!

[@albinocavewoman]

@@geministargazer9830 I have a zig-zagger attachment for my 201-2 and it works a treat.

[@geministargazer9830]

@@albinocavewoman yeah I kept my eyes open for one of those too but I saw a 319 first and I *neeeeeeeded* those decorative stitches, they are beautiful

[@constanceheim8960]

I just got one the 99k is amazing 😍

[@dottiemathews6853]

That's right Bie! You do You! i like the way you put your pins in the fabric! All sewers has their own way of doing things in sewing!

[@joannaaugustine2310]

“You do you, I do me, don’t make me ornery” 😆 The last time I did a lapped zipper it ended up a mess, but your method makes so much more sense than whatever I was doing. My family sewing machine (& the one I learned on) is from the 50’s, and I absolutely love it. Your new-old machine is gorgeous!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Joanna!

[@fawntheresa5338]

Every one does their zippers differently, and I just did a lapped zipper on a skirt yesterday and I thank you for it friend, because I've always been intimidated by it, so thank you for making it look possible.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Hooray! Lapped are the easiest for me so I put them in everything!

[@edquimby1]

My absolute favorite machine is my Great-Grandmother's 1913 Kenmore (first Kenmore sewing machine ever made). It started life as a treadle style but when she gave it to my Grandmother in 1936 she had it converted to electric (by Sears & Roebuck) and put in a new cabinet with a knee-kick pedal. Cabinet was damaged in 1963 in a house fire and she had it put into another cabinet. I inherited it in 1996 when my grandmother passed away. Still sews like a dream at 107 years old!

[@vernakg]

My dad bought this in the US for my mom, in 1956, for their first wedding anniversary, one month before I was born.

[@hannahphillips-ryan398]

I have my grandmother's Singer featherweight from the late 1940s, and I have to agree that old sewing machines are the Best to sew on! Mine is a freaking tank, its fast, and it's quiet! So glad you got a hold of a 99K, they really are lovely to work with!

[@docsloki]

I have a featherwewight as well and adore it. My mom got it for me when I was 16. That was fifty years ago. She bought it from a dressmaker in town. Mine is from the 1930's and has the things this video says are new, the Singer video I mean. It also has the button hole attachment. I will not only never give it up, it never leaves my sight. LOL.

[@luckydacatto1912]

I inherited my grandmother in law's treadle sewing machine years ago, complete with attachments. You're making me want to dust her off and take her for a dress or two.

[@scorpioninblue]

Consider yourself very lucky! There are a lot of people who are dying to get their hands on a working treadle in good condition!

[@albinocavewoman]

Treadles are fun. I use my 1889 fiddlebase quite a bit and she sews great.

[@luckydacatto1912]

@@scorpioninblue That is true. We've always kept it well maintained because my husband adored is grandmother, but I hadn't tried sewing with it other than making sure it was in working order every few years when giving it a cleaning and stuff. Tinkering with it has been fun these last few days. I had been sewing on my first sewing machine, a Singer 6235, for 35 years... I love it because it winds the bobbins in place and threading it is like muscle memory so I don't even have to look at the needle. I just aged myself... lol. It's amazing how these machines just keep going with a little TLC and maintenance.

[@luckydacatto1912]

@@albinocavewoman I'm learning that!

[@louiselill1528]

Can I ask you what attachment's came with your machine as I own one too

[@glenmckenzie3243]

My mother bought a brand new Singer sewing machine from a travelling salesman in the 1950s, she made all 4 children's clothing, now my sister has used that machine for 50 years. I have a vintage Toyota 2440, love it, my other sister likes it so much I bought her the same model for her 80th birthday. Your dress is lovely, growing up in the 1950s I appreciate so much the elegance which no other decade has surpassed. Great video!

[@nancydunkel7223]

I learned to sew from my Grandmother on a Singer cabinet model that included a knee treadle as well as the floor version. Watching this brings back many happy memories of working with her on my dresses for school and 4-H projects.

[@beverleychong11820]

I have a Singer 201k and my top tip is masking tape! I just stick a bit on the plate to whatever seam allowance I want and if I want a different seam allowance, it peels right off. Sorted!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

I have indeed gone for a bit of blue tape for now!

[@AM-os4ty]

I have given up on tape and just mark the seam line. So much easier.

[@india1422]

I sometimes do that with my Bernina

[@Catsface99]

Love your dress, reminds me of the dresses the secretaries wore, where my dad worked in the early 1960s. You make sewing look so easy.

[@monkey93xf]

You looked SO giddy talking about the machine at the end. I'm glad you found yourself a little piece of awesome :]

[@TheClosetHistorian]

I am kinda hooked on it now ha!

[@maryannraley]

I have my mom's 1954 Singer. It was the first give my dad gave her after they married. It's what I learned to sew on, back in the mid-70's. I love it.

[@Charliefarley170287]

The comparison between cats and dogs in this is spot on! Cats are so much more chilled.

[@infamoussphere7228]

ahh I'm a person who likes an independent pet rather than one that is extremely needy, but I can't have cats because I have a horrible cat allergy! So I have chickens, who are great (and give you eggs) but they will only suffer being cuddled for the briefest of intervals, and they can't be toilet trained and have to live in your yard. Oh well.

[@stephaniefairey8633]

You reminded me of a little poem that the server at the local petrol station told me. "You do you, I'll do me. We won't do each other - probably." You're welcome.

[@s.l.bright3675]

I have my grandma's machine and I remember her sewing with it while I colored. She taught me better than any home economic teacher ever did. By the way I sew over the pins cause I'm old and I forget to take them out. I also sewed on Berninas in junior high and high school. In 1974 we were the last class that were required to take home ec.

[@54leedaley]

I first learned on a Singer Treadle machine. So when I bought one 55 years later, it was like coming home. And YES there is nothing like the sound of one.

[@user-ml9zg7re4h]

This is what my mom had (portable one) and when she passed in '91 I grabbed it and have kept it safely in my room at the old house. I never saw her use it because I was born last and she was too busy being a mom to so many kids. I never thought I could use it, but maybe I can find a place to inspect it and if I get brave, I'll try it. The foot pedals are fab. My dad had old sewing machine pedals put on all of our Beaten Biscuit machines to make it easier-yes all us girls had our own machine to make them. I love them so much I've submitted info to our state archives. LOL. Thank you for this wonderful video and the memories of sewing machine not being used and food memories-she made everything!!! Happy memories!

[@tempesttormented]

This tutorial led me to purchasing a Singer 99-13k. Bianca is an enabler and I'm not complaining!

[@tempesttormented]

I double checked the ISMACS website and the model I have is actually a Singer 201! I won't know for sure the exact make and model until I can check the serial number against the database, but it's exciting. The knee lever threw me, both the 99k-13 and 201 series comes in a knee lever option. :)

[@ZolaZsun]

I started sewing on a Singer Featherweight back in the late fifties when i was about 6 or 7; first barbee clothes then my own ... Even tho she finally died a few decades ago, i can still smell it and recognize every little machinery bits.. i was really good friends with that machine. :) Now i have to sew by hand. :) (which is kind of soothing for old ladies like me)

[@joellewatkins5528]

I'm one of those silent viewers. Just a few things one I love the lap zipper . The other zipper that is all out and in your face is tacky. I love that you have your own tricks to get your makes done. I also have an older sewing machine I love it! I tell everyone that the vintage sewing machines are way better than those plastic throw away ones they make today.

[@christinamo7]

the 99k is a wonderful machine! for about 15 years it was all I had - when my children were little I made everything - from slipcovers, curtains to delicate baby clothes on it. I have the zig zag attachment and buttonholer. I gave it to my oldest daughter when she grew up, but it is visiting my house now as she is back in school, and I still use it. that buttonholer makes the BEST buttonholes. anyway. Thank you for showcasing her - and for sharing with us.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

I am indeed super excited about the pretty buttonholes!

[@barbiedesoto7054]

I bought the Singer buttonholer after seeing how gorgeous your button holes came out and I love it. I have a 1927 Singer (with bentwood case 😍) and a newish Singer talent and it works with both!

[@gypsysmiles]

I’ve inherited my Nana’s 99k - she was gifted it right before my mother was born in December 1952 - the serial number shows it was made in fall of 1952 😍 Need to have the cord redone and it will work again!

[@saradavila7637]

You are correct! You sew what works better for you and what you like. Me Being dyslexic , I learns different than Everyone else. We all sew what works better for us. That doesn’t mean that it’s the wrong way, it’s just different.

[@ZacharyDBrooks]

The vintage Singer zigzag attachment works really well, and watching it click away on a vintage machine is fun. It cost over $160 at the time, adjusted for inflation. It can also do a blind hem when it's needful.

[@michellecornum5856]

Ok, you did it. I was given my mother-in-laws machine, but I have been too afraid to bring it home. I am now working on cleaning a spot to put it in.

[@Voirreydirector]

Gotta love those Scott’s! The engineering of this model is indeed mind blowing. I am so glad one came your way. Singer understood the Scottish engineering mindset and put lots of people to work in little pockets there and many other places, usually leaving children in his creative wake as well. Anyone as ancient as I am might remember Osh Kosh children’s clothing, well many of them were made in Farmingdale Maine by ladies using the industrial big brother of this model, I love that sound! In Gardiner nearby they sold the “seconds” and errors to us poor kids, and a lady was always on hand at a model much like this one to fix anything one wanted. It was my first experience of trying something on in a dressing room and i felt quite glamorous getting overalls fitted for me. Corduroy no less!

[@robertahubert9155]

My grand mother had this machine and when she passed away my Dad and Uncles took all her stuff to the dump. It still hurts that they didn't think to give it to one of us. LikeMe!! 😢😢😢

[@KlingonPrincess]

I have a singer 401a from the late 50's. I use a magnetic seam guide for added control even though the throat plate does have indicator lines. My experience is similar, it sees like a dream. I even made leather box pillows with a self piped edge. It handled the four layers of leather just fine. Happy sewing to you 🌻🍄 Just finished reading the comments, I'm not the only one who uses a seam guide. I do have the adjustable one as we that screws in as a vintage alternative.

[@lacyminoux9177]

I have a 1950 Elna that was my first sewing machine, bought at a flea market when I was 12. I swear that thing would sew through a brick. I use an 80s era Kenmore for the bulk of my sewing now because someone guilted me about how I shouldn’t put so many miles on the old lady, but I think it will outlast us all.

[@Catsface99]

I love the old Singers better than the new ones. I own two Singer 15-91 and a Singer 239 touch and sew from 1965 also a Domestic from 1947 All of those old sewing machines work like a dream. I have all the attachments for the Singer 15-91's and also for the Domestic so they can do just about everything any new sewing machine can do.

[@Catsface99]

I have a vintage Singer 15-91, actually I have 2 of them. I love them, they sew better than any new machine. I also have a 1965 Singer that does zigzag Touch and Sew, and a 1947 Domestic sewing machine. New sewing machines always have tension difficulties and they have plastic parts which wear out unlike most of the vintage machines.

[@snooksmcdermott]

I learned to sew on my mom's Singer 401a. Best machine I ever used. My dad gave it away. :-/

[@bronteatkinson4001]

I have my grandmother’s 1927 treadle singer, in working order. My children have learnt to use it as there is less Fisk of sewn fingers!

[@chelebelle2223]

That is one BEAUTIFUL dress, on one BEAUTIFUL model!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@sigmacinnamon4506]

There is a simple common attachment called a seam guide. It will give u a short ledge on the machine bed to the right of your needle at any common seam distance from the needle. I love vintage machines too. Thank you for this nice video.

[@respond2julie]

Wow, what a beautiful result! You inspired me to get out my 1950's machine out today to work on my latest project, up cycling a pair of jeans into a skirt.

[@megwolff58]

Learned to sew on a 50's Singer. They are a treat to use. Really enjoyed the video, many thanks for inspiring me to get back into sewing.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@rd6203]

Good glory, that's lovely! You're right about that neckline working for you!!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@lynnejones257]

Love the old Singer! Beautiful to look at and beautiful to use. Keep safe and well love Lynne

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Lynne!

[@AdirondackRuby]

It's the little things, I guess, but that little button by the bobbin to help pop it out is super cool!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

It's so useful!

[@giaalvarado2063]

Haha. Loved the philosophy lesson today. You do your sewing to your hearts desire. Especially for your hearts desire of overlapping zippers. Haha.

[@vintagecameragirl]

If you could take the metal off you could take it to an engraver and hwve it professionally etched maybe with the same font as singer to make it seem as it was always there.

[@Kathy-zx5bu]

My Mom had a machine like that. I sewed on it but that peddling was murder! Whoops I commented to soon. You have power. Mine did too, ME!!

[@lindacarey7578]

I sew with a 1946 featherweight. I love it . I had a 99 k in the 80"s.

[@julianapegas2043]

I have my grandma's Singer machine, I think it's from the 70s. It doesn't have this cute, classic, black body. Aside from that, it doesn't seem very different from yours! I love how strong it is. I'm about to send it to the technician for oil and a checkup. Lucky I saw this video, because I loved the idea of changing the old hot lamp for an LED!

[@sewesme4866]

Gorgeous!!! Just STUNNING DRESS!! I love the way your dress turns out!!! I love sewing on my vintage sewing machine because of the way they sew and, Yes it makes way more pleasurable to sew!!!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@ashleyr6174]

i have my grandmother's late 50's singer that desperately needs a tune up. but i don't know where to bring it. it sat in storage for 25+ years. so it sits on my desk looking pretty until i find someone who can/i trust to work on it. i love love love old machines!

[@albinocavewoman]

Get yourself some Tri-Flow superior lubricant and do a quick KZbin search for how to service your machine model. I recommend Stevie from Sew Save Me. AndyTube is also a great resource. I really love FiddlyBits' channel, too. There's a ton of info out there for those who wish to get these old girls up and running. It's actually pretty easy and will save you some money.

[@LornaKelso]

Old mechanical machines are by far my preference. I have I have a 1980s machine that does a zig zig too. Like you say they are so hardy. I can't imagine that one of the modern plastic machines will last as long.

[@Sunshine-un5ww]

I just wanted to say i have a singer 15-91 from 1934 and a 221 and a singer 201 and a necchi bu mira. I actually prefer most modern cut fashions , vintage fabrics ( i do love to wear 70s and 60s vintage clothing) but i love the high quality sewing techniques and quality fabrics of couture and vintage style clothing i am a new sewer but your videos have been so educational! I probably wouldn’t make this lovely dress but you’re videos teach me so many basic skills lost to 80s born kids like me! Ty again. You inspire me to take things slow and always go for high quality fabrics

[@lenorebjork2763]

I bought my 1906 Singer for 5 dollars at a thrift store. I don't think they knew what they had. Lucky for me! It was fixed up in the 50-60s to work with electricity. Its in crazy good shape and I'm super satisfied with it. The only thing is that I doesn't back sew. Love the dress!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Lenore! Sounds like you snapped up a great bargain indeed!

[@craigdolvey6224]

It’s so great to see a very competent seamstress using a vintage Singer 99k I have two vintage Singer machines both hand crank 128k and the lotus pattern 66k. These mechanical Singer machines only require oiling if it’s working don’t mess with it. I oil mine with one drop in every hole once a week. I sew most days. They do need to be used regularly that keeps them working correctly. Love your channel it’s great. Thank you 🙏

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Craig!

[@lynnbigner570]

I learned to sew on that machine. The 60's version is the only machine I have ever owned. It works just fine. For those of us who HAD to sew clothing, curtains, ect., sewing rapidly lost its charm. I am no hobby quilter. That being said, I LOVE your sewing vlogs. This one was like time travel for me. Thanks.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Lynn!

[@dottiemathews6853]

FABULOUS AS ALWAYS BIE! LOVE ITT!!!!!

[@caoimhenimhuireadhaigh1303]

Yes to an all the things I always skip filming video!!

[@GerlindeGronow]

Yes I'd like to see all the "boring" little steps too! ^^

[@nataliexbrutality]

You talking about your zipper preference is my favorite mood 🙃

[@TheClosetHistorian]

People are always coming for my zippers mate 😅

[@CCTippers]

I have the same model, just no reverse, also a Hand Singer from about 1915, Vintage Singer machines are just amazing in my eyes, I have sewn many things that my more modern machine just can’t handle, they look beautiful to.

[@sharonrussell7933]

Your project on the 99K was so fun for me to watch. Mother had a Singer when I was a child and that's what I got started on. It was a beautiful machine. Wish I still had it. When she had a small problem with it about 25 years into the using of it she called a repair man from Sears. He could not believe she had used it for all those years without the least bit of problem. Just hearing it stitch along was a thrill too. Thanks so much B.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thanks Sharon! They made them almost too well ha!

[@judithdesveaux1699]

I learned to sew on a Singer like the one you are using, back in the 50's. we were taught to insert pins with the pin point facing the edge of the seam, and to insert the pins very straight so they wouldn't break the needle. Removing pins as you sew would lose you sewing points. I still don't remove pins. Have never broken a needle by hitting a pin.

[@annguglielmino8989]

I FINALLY understood those adjustments to your pattern! I knew if I just kept watching eventually the bell would ring. Don't know if I could actually DO it, but baby steps. I inherited a 301 that looks like it has not been used in many years. I am having an expert give it a cleaning and adjustment and the cords need replacing; all that patching with electrical tape made me nervous. I am excited to use it.

[@teresamorgan4529]

Looks great! The only thing you're missing is stockings with seams up the back. Zowie, were those babies difficult to keep straight. I like lapped zippers in dresses, too.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Teresa! I love back-seams, but the nice ones are expensive these days so I only get them out for special occasions ha!

[@india1422]

I curve my darts too. I’ve heard some people put the stitch length down to an incredibly size and just sew the off the edge without tying off. Now that’s wild

[@PolyvoreThea]

Oh I love the movie/tv clips!!

[@Susanfuzz]

I have my grandmas singer from the 1920s. She refused to get engaged to gramps until he got it for her! She didn’t want a ring :) It’s in a cabinet and has the motor conversion. It needs to be rewired, however and it’s been hard to find someone in Albuquerque who can do it... ETA: I have a Featherweight I fight with. My MIL found it at the thrift shop in the retirement castle she lives in (we call it Fort Geezer) it’s from 1950 and was never used as far as we can tell. I think it was a wedding present. It was INSANELY cheap :) It only works when I’m with my friend Kathy who moved to Arizona, so that’s a bummer. I think it’s like a horse and it can tell when you’re nervous and starts acting up... my main machine is a Bernina 140 and it’s great. Persevere with your tension and you will come to love your bobbin case!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

I bet I would like that thrift shop!

[@lynn858]

The slant-o-matic aka the rocketeer (500 series) which was 1961, 3 years after the 99k was discontinued; solves the issue with finding your stitch length after back tacking, by having a screw to tighten at the correct stitch length, so when you flip it back down, it just stops where you need it. That is, as long as you remembered to tighten it after you loosened it for basting. I never had much luck learning to sew on contemporary machines. The slant-o-matic, even when it’s being disobedient, was the first machine that I enjoyed enough to get any good with. It -sounds- right.

[@alaineblaylock557]

Wonderful!Love your new vintage Singer.❤️ P.s....treat yourself to a clapper.Also like your fringe you cut yourself. Xx

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Alaine!

[@juliebrooke6099]

My mother had an old Singer. It had originally been a treadle model but my father converted it to an electric. Apparently you could buy the motor and foot pedal to do this. This was in the 1950s.

[@johanneturner5933]

Fantastic tutorial! The camera over the cutting table makes everything so clear.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Johanne!

[@paganodesignworks]

Love love love vintage machines. Your 66 looks like it is in great shape. I have a 201, and a 99 that i bought for the cabinet. Plus another one...maybe a 15 to recreate a treadle for fun. And uhhhhh an Elna #1 which is the perfect vintage green in a very army looking case. You can get replacement plates with seam lines.

[@sewingqueen9924]

I absolutely loooove your videos Also the STORY TELLING. So much fun! Thank you for your TIME❤👏

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@navahx9406]

YES PLEASE A VIDEO ON UNFILMED FINISHING STEPS! That stuff never really occurs to me, but I want to rush less :)

[@teresajones1821]

Singer has an attachment that screws on the main plate in the holes provided that mark the adjustable seam allowance. I like it very much and use it often.

[@nannapanna6610]

That paisley dress and singer machine 😻

[@melodysimonson1510]

I also love a lapped zipper, over a center zip. I love the paisley fabric you chose.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Melody!

[@charlenasutherland]

One of the holes to the right of the needle near the decal is for an adjustable seam gauge that screws in and can be moved to set the seam allowance you want.

[@aimeevanlandingham3844]

I picked up a 1918 28k Singer at an estate sale for $25. It needed some work (as in, it was totally seized) but it's in near new working order now. I just need to finish up polishing the metal bits and put the head back together. :)

[@organiccher64]

Wow..your dress turned out fabulous...now you need to make a sweater to go with it..nice sewing machine 😀😀😀😀

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you! Unfortunately my knitting skills are severely lacking for the sweater department...

[@AM-os4ty]

That's close to my grandmother's machine. Same but no drop in bobbin, made in the UK because it was bought in Canada. I still have it.

[@nmd1211]

I have a wonderful Singer 99 - handcrank version. And a few other machines by varying manufacturers. The old, all metal machines are really fun and reliable, and when the electricity goes out, you can continue your projects with your handcrank and treadle. Watching your sewing style made me laugh - I am in complete agreement with you about style - we all have our own. Like you, I prefer lap zippers. For me, they always work out more tidily than a centered one. But, as far as buttonholes go, I dig out the computerized Janome as it makes the best and most pain-free buttonholes of all.

[@czeidman8908]

Lovely new piece.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@thisbasicstitch]

I've ordered a used Pattern making for Fashion book (4th edition) based on your (and a few other videos I saw in KZbin ) recommendation ... And have been scouring local Craigslist and on eBay for a vintage (in working condition ) Singer sewing machine ... There is something about an all metal part sewing machine I can't resist.

[@frankieb43]

Fascinating stuff. The price though back then 😱😱😱. The dress looks beautiful ❤️ xxx

[@vintagecameragirl]

My friend found a sewing machine in her mums things from the 90s. It had the price of £119 on it. She was floored when I said she could put that on ebay for that and it would be a bargain...she did it went for 120 lol

[@ailsadixon281]

So glad you're enjoying your singer! I have a 1952 pinnock which is currently being held hostage at a repair shop due to lockdown 😥 hoping to get her back soon though. We also have a 1906 singer treadle that I find practically impossible! My Mum made her wedding dress on it and my Aunt made all of the dresses for Mums bridesmaids when she was only 13! I wish I'd inherited all the skills xx

[@TheClosetHistorian]

I tried a treadle once and could not get a rhythm with it, I think I'll be sticking with my electric foot pedals eek!

[@jori7398]

So pretty!

[@faylowery8693]

I would like to see what you do for your finishing touches on your sewing projects please.

[@cherriberri7161]

Love the dress! Beautiful print! Perfection!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@odettemichel3563]

Love the print

[@elizabethholden9351]

Learned to sew on an old Singer circa 1930's. The wiring and pedal had been replaced, but that sucker ran forever. Mom bought a new machine by Kenmore(Sears) in the late 60's; I still use it today. Has the fancy stiches, zig zag, etc. Not sure where the old Singer ended up.

[@lindacarey7578]

Love the print of the fabric

[@tangorhumba3777]

Also there is a hole on the right of your metal plate where it curves. You can put a small round metal guage from your modern machine which will sit and you can line it up with your seams like patchwork.

[@Historical_Seamstress]

This turned out beautiful...love it❣️

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@Timetravel1111]

Ha! What amazing intro !! Your so fun! I love it...

[@brandoncarter6618]

I have the same machine and love it !!