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Some people take in stray cats and dogs.  

I can hardly pass up a nice machine needing a good home.

More photos will be added each week as new machines are found and the pictures are processed.

These are very special machines in as much as they have very unique features, 

and most of all, they sew very well.

Here are some interesting machines for you to enjoy.  

These are some of the 

" oldies but goodies"

I don't know everything about these machines, if you have more information please send an email with information. 

The Singer 301 

 is gear driven slant needle light weight machine. It has a flip up extension in front of the needle plate. It also came in beige and two tone cream and tan. They come long bed or short bed (that refers to the flip up plate in front).. This one is a short bed. 

Elna #1 "Grasshopper"

Dr. Ramon Casas escaped the ravages of the Spanish Civil War in the late 30's to find sanctuary in Switzerland.  

He brought his plans for a sewing machine to a Swiss manufacturer and supplier of fine timing mechanisms,   Tavaro S.A. Dr Casa's plans were used to develop the Elna  # 1 free arm sewing machine.  It is the quietest machine I've ever sewn on. It comes with a unique carry case that wraps around the machine to become a sewing table.

The Elna Lotus SP

weighs about 12 pounds 

and has several built in stitches. The top wraps around the machine , hence the name "Lotus" It's like the petals of a flower.

If you have the Elna Supermatic, continue on down.  You will find some interesting promotional materials from the 1950s

This is a Wilcox and Gibbs treadle made out of cast iron 

 wise words from Sally Stitch

Necchi Supernova BU needle plate

The Necchi Supernova BU is a very strong machine, super quiet. 

 It has a high shank, 

which means you can sew very thick fabric. One of the more unique features about this machine  was the introduction of the innovative needle plate. 

 If you need a smaller needle hole for more support around the needle and fabric, just rotate it. 

  accessory box     

Some models feature the ability to operate the machine as a non electric treadle machine Notice the back of the machine has a small oval disk by the side of the fly wheel.  That can be removed to allow for a treadle belt

This is a Necchi Mirella

   an Italian straight stitch machine designed by 

    Marcello Nizzoli. It's a very  unusual in that is also features a hand crank in case you're in an area without  power. You can flip up the flat bed, or change it for a slip on free arm cover.

an add for a Pfaff Sewing machine

promotional material for 

Elna sewing machines.

add for Singer sewing machines

Kenmore model 1040 

also sometimes known as158-10400

Although this is not one of the glamorous machines, it is an under appreciated machine. It's very small, has little flip up front and the accessory case folds down. The machine weighs about 14 lbs. It has some very important stitches for general sewing, such as three step zigzag, blind hem and a zigzag stitch.  All the stitches are infinitely variable.  I almost forgot, it also has a built in 4 step buttonhole setting.

More coming soon on this machine!

All photos on this page are by Carla Lopez

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 No part may be reproduced in any form without written permission.