Restoration Eye Candy: An Abandoned Singer 28K Sewing Machine Comes Back to Life

Someone left antique sewing machine on my doorstep. No note, no name, just a grimy but sweet Singer 28K (a hand-cranked model made in 1910) in its case.
What was I to do, but take it in and care for it as my own?
Please note that THIS IS NOT A HOW-TO VIDEO.
It's a bit of eye candy for those who, like me, enjoy watching beautiful old tools and machines brought back to life. DO NOT, under any circumstances, undertake to fix up and old sewing machine with only this video as your guide.
For thorough instructions on antique sewing machine repair, I highly recommend the KZbin channel Vintage Sewing Machine Garage, from which I have learned a great deal:
/ vintagesewingmachinega...
And there are many others, as well.
Listed below are things I used to clean up the Singer 28K (affiliate links). Before you use any of them on your own machine, do your research on how they are to do be used in this context. If you accidentally strip off your decals by using the wrong thing, don't come running to me.
Evaporust Gel (for rusty bits that could not be submerged)
amzn.to/3d47WMo
Evaporust (for rusty bits that could be submerged)
amzn.to/3lTk4Un
Zymol Pre-Wax Cleaner and Zymol Wax (used on the black metal parts of the machine)
amzn.to/31jy7Jn
Mother's Mag and Aluminum Polish (used to shine up non-black metal parts)
amzn.to/3fc6U3z
Magnasonic Jewelry Cleaner (used for nickel- and chrome-plated bits and pieces)
amzn.to/3lSBlgf
Johnson Paste Wax (for waxing the wood case and wood base)
amzn.to/3lQKAxD
Boiled Linseed Oil (for cleaning the beat-up wood finish before waxing)
amzn.to/2OYCo2t
Super Fine (0000) Steel Wool (used to apply the Boiled Linseed Oil)
amzn.to/2QwWj8U
And I bought my sewing machine oil from etsy shop "The Treadle Lady."
If you enjoy what I do, please consider supporting my Patreon campaign at
/ franklinhabit
My patrons at all levels are dear to me, and we have a marvelous time. As always, they are the reason I am able to do what I do.
My Society 6 Shop (my illustrations on goods and apparel):
www.society6.com/franklinhabit
You can also find me here:
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[@terryhickman7929]

...to know once again, at long last, what it is to be loved.

[@lexieandcece]

I have pictures of my great grandmother and her daughter, my grandmother, in 1912 sitting at and next to their pride possession, a Singer sewing machine. This was on the smallest island of the Azores where only 2 families owned one. So you can imagine how proud they were. To this day, in my opinion, I believe that no modern sewing machine or any craft tools have the beauty of those early 1900 creations. I love that you shared this with us, thank you. You brought back many memories.

[@catepolacek]

I can’t decide what I love most about this - the anonymous benefactor, the machine that’s lasted all these years, all the details on it, the restoration process, the first run of it after all the clean up. Just lovely.

[@leeannelange6551]

The beginning of this video almost made me cry, seeing how this machine had been uncared for. It quickly became a love letter to these beautiful machines. Such a lovely thing, to watch this beauty emerge from the dust and grime, like a butterfly from a cocoon. ❤

[@kellyfazekas7831]

Old Singer machines are such beautiful works of art.

[@kellynickles2178]

Your Anonymous Benefactor KNEW where this lovely lady needed to be. She was placed in the most absolutely perfect home! Thank you, Franklin for sharing with us the loving care that she so deserves. ❤️👵🏻❤️

[@barbarasmith2693]

Oh, she's stunning! And this video...oh my god. Sorry to gush. I just don't know how it could be more perfect. The lighting, the music, the angles, the details? Oh my heart. Is it normal that this made me cry? It was like watching you lovingly and meticulously wash her face while being so very careful not to remove the laugh lines that come from age and were earned by a well lived life. Perfection. Seeing your hands turn the latch on the case made me think of the hands that must have done the exact same thing before you and to wonder about all the items this exquisite machine helped to create. Oh, thank you for sharing her restoration. Whoever your anonymous benefactor is, I can't imagine they could have asked for a better token of gratitude than this video. It was like a love letter. Certainly, this machine has been placed in exactly the right hands.

[@sandycordero8973]

Beautifully said....

[@mistyblue5312]

I worked at Singer - my first job in Marketing back in the day. This brought back so many memories... Singer Manufacturing would be so proud. Thank you for this epic restoration. No words!💐👏👏👏

[@cloggyd9784]

I think it is lovely that a stranger recognised the value of something old and battered and made sure it would be treated with love and care by giving it to you. I have a 128k called Sally and I just love the way they sound. It makes sewing a pleasure , it’s very soothing. I loved this, it made me cry and smile.

[@944gemma]

Me too.

[@greatexp59]

How marvelous it is that you allowed us to not only see the restoration in progress, but you allowed us to hear her sing to us!

[@Katheverett]

I was mesmerized - I had to stop everything to watch this beautiful transformation. Very well done in all respects!

[@jerriecook6908]

The music fit so incredibly well with the Singer.

[@kathleenkaar6557]

Anybody else drop a little tear? This was precious, thank you Franklin.❤️

[@sarawhitley-kinzett221]

In 1975 my ex husband decided that I needed a new sewing machine, he took my Singer 100th anniversary special edition portable machine and returned with an awful plastic thing. It was a present from my Mother who had lived in Leicester where they were made. It is still a stone in my heart to think about it, enjoy your beautiful gift.

[@firedragonll6289]

I am so sorry for your loss. ❤️

[@manumanumanu975]

my mother decided that she needed a new sewing machine, she tooks my grandmother 's antique Singer machine and returned with an awful plastic thing.................sad but true!

[@thecraftyannapolitan5453]

Ex indeed!!! So sorry that you had that experience.😠😣😧

[@mamiesews123]

My father did the same thing to my mother.she quit sewing 😢

[@clementihammock7572]

Isn't it lovely. An old century machine that's provided many household comfort. Thanks, you made my day.

[@alexandrawoods4312]

With skill, time, love and patience you made a small miracle happen to a beloved little Singer. A joy to watch and to listen as the magic unfolded. Thank you so much.

[@terrihall3247]

Amazing! As I watched you lovingly restore this wonderful machine, I couldn’t help but think of the seamstress(s) or tailor(s) and their creations. I nearly wept. Thank you!

[@mysticmaven6261]

I did weep ❤️

[@robinsidwell6241]

I love that after cleaning and polishing this grand old lady, you threaded her up and made her useful again. Just beautiful.

[@jeaniemaher1681]

I may have shed a tear. This is amazing! Amazing that it was left outside your door-they knew who they were gifting it to. Amazing the care given to this beautiful machine so it can sew again. I loved this so much!

[@jenniferjohnson9335]

Oh, Franklin. The transformation from just an old sewing machine to a stately classic was amazing! The TLC with which you accomplished this brought tears to my eyes. Heck, Singer should give you a shout-out--you made their workmanship really shine. The music was wonderful also. Thank you for sharing!

[@colleenuchiyama4916]

One of my biggest disappointments in life was not getting my grandmother’s treadle Singer. It was pristine. Lucky you!

[@elizabethdelong6431]

Just beautiful Franklin! Whoever left it knew you would bring it back to it’s original glory.

[@sunrhyze]

Several minutes into this I was imagining the person who left this machine at your door, watching this video and smiling, or crying, or both.

[@marywinklea52]

Oh how beautiful! When I was 10 years old my father gave me a miniature replica of the first Singer sewing machine. He also built a little table for it to be attached to.I made many outfits for my dolls with my little hand powered sewing machine. I loved my little sewing machine and kept it for years. Sadly it was stolen along with my Great Grandfather's violin when my home was broken into. Thank you Franklin for restoring this beautiful machine and invoking so many bitter sweet memories.

[@lornas-w4661]

How hard....but they could not steal your memories nor one bit of all the love therein. Thank you for sharing your wonderful true 'valuables'.

[@marywinklea52]

@@lornas-w4661 Thank you Lorna

[@joannadyson3620]

There’s an awful lot of love in this film. Just beautiful to see. Thank you so much.

[@jennywhite867]

Oh goodness I'm crying with the sheer beauty of this video! Thank you for sharing.

[@lizadams7662]

How lovely to revisit a machine like the one I used as a child. Ours was a treadle,but the head was like this one. The muscle memory of filling the bobbin, sliding it into the shuttle, bringing the thread through that slit! Of threading the top thread through and around all the guides. That tiny spring! I totally relived a long ago memory. Thank you. This is really museum quality documenting.

[@Frandorman]

An absolute joy to watch. Seeing a great machine back to life.

[@DebiSmithPouliot]

Beautiful. I hope your benefactor views this to see how much love is being put into the restoration. I can hear the machine give a sigh of relief.

[@kathydent2116]

A marvelous piece of machinery never gets old. I have inherited a Singer 201K (1960s) from my mother and I also learned to sew on a Singer when I was at school. I could sit down and use that one you have with ease, as Singer never strayed far from the basics of this wonderful design for most of the twentieth century. Thanks for a perfect film with a perfect choice of music. America, be proud: Singer sewing machines were the best in the world.

[@lisbethfarmarbowers6476]

I learned to sew on an old Singer just like this one. It was my mother’s and it had mother of pearl flowers on it as well. I often wish I had it now. ❤️🪡🧵

[@Isilsartari76]

I have just got a 1910 coffin case singer 28K myself after many years without a hand crank machine. I am for some reason terrified of the more modern machines but have felt comfy on hand cranks in the past. My new baby is sweet! She trundles away happily and loved the small care I have given her so far. A week clean for the metal exposed bits and the top case a good polish. A ton of grime came off. I think she will like living with me as I will oil her, polish her case and keep her sweet. Can't let the old girls give up.

[@debrarodriguezestrada2748]

You are gifted, in every sense of the word. Thank you for so brilliantly sharing your gift.

[@donnajohnson9834]

One of the loveliest documentaries that I have seen- I echo earlier comments that it brought tears and a flood of memories. To be restored with such tender care… such a gift. I recently brought my grandmothers 1920 era treadle back from Pennsylvania, and it sits in my garage awaiting care. I only hope that I can do it justice, but am inspired to try. Thank you for sharing.

[@lesliehamilton6151]

The bobbin winding mechanics were so amazingly simple and effective. Thanks for sharing.

[@ohsewsue2067]

Thanks for sharing this Franklin. It reminds me of the time I bought a slightly younger version of this machine from a car boot sale for £5. I took it home and enjoyed cleaning it up and it became one of my prized possessions - I just love the sound of it as it sews and the smell of it (I know, weird). When we moved house recently, my husband suggested getting rid of it - I suggested getting divorced!! It's so lovely that someone knew you were the right person to receive this - enjoy.

[@M15Guys]

Beautiful film and music. My most therapeutic and relaxed 17.31 minutes today. Inspirational (I have both a Singer Sewing Machine and a Victorian Knitting Machine and I am inspired to complete a clean up of both tomorrow ). Thank you xx

[@michellecornum5856]

Oh, My, Goodness! She's beautiful!!!

[@wilmer4258]

Beautiful lady!!! I refurbished a 27 treadle dated 1894. She is the gingerbread decals and just as lovely as yours. I also have Free No 5 treadle made in 1925. It is very similar tonthe 27 and 28s nd I've used 27 part to refurbish it. The FREE is just as lovely and stitches just as beautifully. There is nothing more loverly then these old ones. And they sew beautiful stitches.

[@jjacobs6522]

What a lovely aural and visual poem to sewing and the vintage machine!

[@bbgeneva7203]

running to thebasement right now to get my grandmother’s vintage Singer and begin the restoration. This has inspired me! Beautiful photography and music and a tribute to the machine and all of the lives it has touched. Thanks for posting and sharing. Now off to the basement………..

[@vanlifecrone4618]

Such a beauty! I have her younger sister a 1918 with hand crank and “La Vincedora” decals. Her case is nearly identical but with an inset lock and latch. Her name is Beulah and I use her to sew while camping. I just used her to make curtains for all my van dwelling friends. They are a joy to own.

[@jeremynv89523]

These VS machines sound noisy, but they produce a much superior stitch than today's machines--perfectly straight, as opposed to slanted. A VS machine is on my bucket list.

[@scorpioninblue]

Woderful video! You've proven that a finely crafted machine can last for more than a lifetime. Nowadays people are beginning to realize what treasures vitntage machines are.

[@joanneginever1890]

I've been trying to think of a name for my gorgeous Singer 99K circa 1949 hand crank. Nothing has done it justice. Now I know what I will name it. Franklin!! Perfect 😊

[@franklinhabit]

I am honored!

[@kathymackay1623]

This was so heartwarming to watch. The dear old machine sounded purely joyful as it clicked along with its first stitches in who knows how long. I wonder... Truly lovely work, Franklin. ❤️

[@chrisb1682]

How wonderful.... Brought back so many memories of my childhood. I have my grandmother’s treble machine which is just beautiful in itself. Thank you for sharing 🌿💕

[@kitfinn4266]

She is in the right hands.

[@Woeschhuesli]

This was a beautiful homage to your new machine. What a fantastic and appropriate gift! It was also a good tutorial on how to clean up an old machine. My grandmother's machine has finally made it from the UK to central Europe with a pause in France, and although it works (and she sewed on it until she was 95, i.e. 2011 and I made clothes on it in the early 1980s as a teen) it definitely needs some tlc and a good and loving clean. I haven't been able to identify it, since the only lettering on it is "British Made" and a serial number (and the plate is plain, unlike your beautiful Singer decorative plate!), so I don't know how old it is, but it is also hand cranked and uses those same Singer bobbins and shuttles, so I have some detective work to do... I estimate it being post WWI but who knows?! I'm not even sure how Granny got it because my mom says she had a Singer in the 40s/50s but which she seems to have passed on and this one could or could not be from a great-aunt and may or may not have been converted from a treadle...!

[@mercedesweidner7870]

I was besotted watching this video. You made it just perfect. Thank you

[@bettygraham818]

A perfect video for late night viewing.

[@deborahmorrison6]

It’s a “My Fair Lady” story. Beautiful music.

[@pbar8439]

What a beautiful Lady! Look at the stitch quality!! I dare say better than today. I just love the vintage machines. I have a few in my collection, I have a Singer Red Eye treadle, two Featherweights, 301a, Singer Fashionmate, Rocketeer and a Necchi Julia. I also have newer machines. I just take turns sewing on them so they all get loved. Loved the photography and music. Very relaxing. Thank you for sharing.

[@tanyaseaman67]

What a meticulous restoration! Such a peaceful video to watch.

[@andreamedici7220]

I have almost the exact same machine, built in 1912! The decals are all the same, including the one on the outside of the cover. Thank you for documenting your restoration.

[@lisabrightly]

Lovely! Those hand cranks are interesting because only one hand is free to work the fabric.

[@kathleenallan321]

this video is a work of art...as is the sewing machine. The people who took such care with its making live on with it. I am so touched about every bit of this story! Thank you.

[@souffle53]

Just a beautiful job. I actually almost cried from watching you restore this lovely machine. Thank you!

[@susanharris-rohde1127]

She is beautiful!💚💚💚

[@dianathorpe2280]

Beautiful restoration of such a beautiful old machine. I have three antique sewing machines and love them so much. Two of them I restored including a treadle. I know you are thrilled to own this gorgeous little baby. Lucky you and such a wonderful thoughtful benefactor who gave this to you. Thank you so much for sharing. Lovely music and beautiful video.

[@mariadaidone1645]

Beautiful my mom used to operate a singer sewing machine but with a pedal

[@blktauna]

I have one of probably the generation after this, with the modern bobbin. It only goes forward but it will do so though anything :) Its a great machine. I'm so happy to see this one come back to life.

[@cynrich1]

I have one of these, almost in the same condition, and just watching the intro part of this video got me all teary-eyed! lol

[@judithmatus3]

Franklin! That was just gorgeous and amazing. And to see it sew again! 💕

[@blackbean4509]

This will be my second time watching you restore your historic treasure....It’s incredible & yes I’m just a bundle of love and sentimentality.

[@getully]

Awesome Sauce! She looks so great and runs so well now. You have given me the kick-in-the-seat-of-the-pants to work on the treadle machines at the village and stop putting it off in favor of using the spinning wheels and looms in the loom house!

[@merrieburnett2571]

She is beautiful.

[@sharonemery6835]

Ohhh the sweet clickity clickity sound of a person-powered machine! So beautiful. And thank you for the supplies list. Oxoxo

[@ntsindisombolekwa9077]

So adorable 🥰 thank you 👏

[@deniseschichner6876]

The workmanship on those old machines is incredible! Thank you for sharing this with us!

[@francessnider7437]

Wow, lovely video. So wonderful to see something so useful but neglected over time, brought back to life! Thank-you for all of that❤️.

[@fitdadexperiment-3eight797]

I’m looking into channels about these old machines. I’m glad I found this. It speaks volumes regarding your honesty about not using this video as a how to and then linking a source for folks to go to. Thank you for the links to what you used as well. I truly enjoyed this video. The piano was just amazing.

[@manumanumanu975]

watching this video was fantastic for me...tomorrow I will write you year of singer machine and model type...I Love those antique sewing machines!

[@deb1120]

A wonderful restoration! So glad she ended up on your doorstep :)

[@emiishino5422]

What a treasure. I love old sewing machines. The pre-war machines had such beautifully engraved faceplates. I always wonder what the last thing the owner sewed on it before it was put away. Well done.

[@elaineh6280]

I'm so glad you brought her back to life as she is, and she is beautiful. Will all of her age. Just imagine the baby clothes, the school clothes, the wedding garments, the burial shrouds she may have seen. She has literally been part of the fabric of someone's life. You do her so much justice and so much love and honor.

[@blackbean4509]

Very beautiful video and sewing machine you did it with such love and patience. I’m so happy that you shared that process with us.

[@dee4174]

Lovely. I was just gifted one of these today. ❤

[@barbarakornacki8599]

You did a very nice job restoring this. When my husband's grandmother passed we took her old treadle machine and used it as a decorative table. Back then I hadn't sewn in years and I never looked at the machine. When I finally did it was so rusty I wanted to cry. At one point out of frustration trying to find a new spot for it in the house I blurted out "I don't know what to do with this anymore!" Big mistake. One Christmas without saying anything to me or my daughters he gave it to my sister who had always coveted it. It still bothers me, especially after I began sewing again; maybe it could be salvaged, I don't know. I know she would return it if we asked but it seems petty to do so.

[@joanneginever1890]

Just wow! That was absolutely amazing. The machine is lovely, but ... Your cinematography is just mindblowing. I was absolutely mesmerised, exquisite with the glorious piano accompanyment blending beautifully with the video content. Bravo. Truly a masterpiece. Love the recon Singer too.👏👏👏👏👏💖😊

[@MINERVARIOSmin_crafts]

The most beautiful video I have ever Seen! ❤ wonderful restoration process. Lovely machine 😍 ❤ ♥ 💖 💙 💕

[@betseyfowler2625]

I love the video, music and the sound of the machine working again. I bet the previous owner was in tears when it ran! Love the heart shaped gear that wound the bobbin. And you stitched a heart!

[@carolineberk7525]

The sewing machine I used in the 50s was surprisingly like that one but it was powered by electricity.

[@margotpriest1677]

Ten months later, Franklin. I don't know whether you check comments from old blogs, but I just bought a 28K hand crank. You started me on this---it hasn't been delivered yet and I don't know what will happen. I love the Paris blogs--enjoy the iconic April.

[@rozemievandekerckhove2276]

what an amazing job you did ! and how wonderful machines were made back in the days - to last a life time.

[@kathymccann8412]

That was delightful. Thank you for sharing

[@michaelhattori3121]

It went to exactly the right person. And they sure don't make things like they used to. This was simply marvelous!

[@heidisteward6419]

Huzzah! Lucky foundling machine to have found your home.

[@jennifercrandall5011]

That is glorious. I just opened up a case with a sewing machine someone donated to my class ( I teach a high school Fabrics and Clothing Construction class ). I opened it up and there was a reconditioned 1950 Singer in working order. Not as amazing as yours, but pretty darn cool.

[@margotpriest1677]

Your filming is superb. So beautiful for a totally utilitarian object. I so regret giving away my mother's Featherweight 1930's machine. It was balky and I had no idea it could be repaired. Reminds me of the 1960's VW's (the Karmann Ghia was my love) that an ordinary person could tune and do basic repairs (thanks to the VW Repair for Idiots book). Now I can't afford a Featherweight on eBay or at a local antique store. Nor can I afford a vintage Karmann Ghia for that matter. Life is ironic.

[@louisagrubb1131]

I really enjoyed watching the loving care with which you cleaned and restored this beautiful piece of history. The music was a perfect accompaniment

[@carolineberk7525]

It was wonderful to watch it come back to life!

[@danagiles3672]

Such a beautiful video!!! Thank you so much!!!

[@tamaracompton1960]

Lovely film. Beautiful.

[@AnEnchantedLife]

What a wonderful restoration you've done, and I loved the accompanying music, too!

[@gailvandenberg546]

Thank you. Beautiful.

[@curlew-3592]

I can feel that machine breathing a sigh of relief and saying Thankyou 😁 What amazing quality machines they were. I recently cleaned up my grandmas one and it worked immediately after having been in an attic for 50 years.👍

[@mickyroop8218]

Beautiful. And it sounds lovely.

[@elderberrybear5718]

Lovely production. 😊

[@bruceglendening4745]

Oh wow, just magnificent! Beautifully done. Bravo! The music is perfect.