Vintage and industrial sewing machines. A tinkerer's blog. I buy, collect, refurbish and sell vintage sewing machines. Pre 1970s all metal machines are my favorite. I've developed a love for these mechanical creations of industrial art. I also love meeting the people who use them. Creative designers, artisans and craftspersons who are able to make things with these marvels. Don't forget to view the videos of the machines in action.
A cobbler's machine. Anyone remember what a cobbler is? Have you ever had your shoes repaired? Don't people just buy new shoes when their old ones die?
This beautiful machine was built in the mid thirties in Germany. Adler is the German word for eagle; and this machine is as beautiful as the bird of prey.
Having the long cylinder arm allows the user access into the deepest part of a riding boot. The foot also rotates to allow repairs where most sewing machine dare not go - actually places they cannot go.
Also check out my post on the Adler 30-70 for sale on eBay, I might add:
Necchi is a renowned Italian sewing machine manufacturer. These are prized by many, and considered by owners the best sewing machines ever made - sorry, I wouldn't go that far.
These Italian masterpieces are very tough though, and I love modifying BU Mira's with double pulleys and selling them to Sailors. This is my third modification, I'm working on two more that should be up for sale soon.
This particular one is on its way to Mexico on a sailboat. The new owner had his sailing friend buy it from me and sail it down to Mexico for him to have on his sailboat.
I guess you never know when you might need to repair your sails. If you're in the middle of the Pacific Ocean and your sail rips wouldn't you want to have your own Necchi Bu Mira hidden away below decks.
This is one of my favorite vintage Singer industrials. I enjoy setting these up with roller foot, needle plate and feed dog kit. This is my second 31K modification.
The roller foot allows you to twist and turn in crazy ways. If you know what your doing you can make beautiful designs with rolling stitches.
This one is unusually shiny and beautiful. I'm sure she was taken care of by her previous owners.
This Stradivaro sewing machine marks the beginning of Japanese domination of post WWII manufacturing.
Built-in fancy stitches, forward and reverse. Singer couldn't keep up with cheap Japanese mass-production.
I haven't been able to find much information on this beauty, in fact, I've only seen one other Strad selling on eBay since I purchased this one over a year ago.
I've ben told they were made by Toyota, although this one has no markings to indicate this is true. Toyota did manufacture sewing machines that sold well in the US.
Remember the old 1960s Toyota Corollas? Didn't they look like big sewing machines? They were as cheap as a sewing machine though, and small as a sewing machine.
Actually this two-tone machine reminds me of the American cars of days gone by. The "futuristic" control knobs and the pearl and metallic paint, all reminiscent of the opulence of big gas-guzzling American automobiles of the 50s.
Japanese brand and model names of the time were supposed to sound non-Japanese. Stradivaro - what is it? Italian? Definitely not Japanese.
You are looking at a rare, powerful, reliable Adler 87. It will easily sew through any type of fabric, straight stitch, zig-zag, and reverse. With the appropriate needle and thread combination your fabric choices are infinite.
Needles for this machine have been obsolete for years and are no longer made (System 1932) After extensive research I have found replacement needles that come in most sizes. (16x257, 1738, DBxF2) These needles have brought renewed life to this sturdy vintage machine.
This machine has been refurbished. I have sewn very sturdy material with it. Small, but heavy. This Adler 87 is very similar in size and function to a Pfaff 130, but rarer.
German engineering at it's best. This machine doesn't quit. This is another wonderful vintage machine for which there isn't much info on the internet. It took me a long time searching and asking other collectors to finally find a replacement needle system for this one. I hope someone reading this will benefit from this info.
What a wonderful machine, it zig-zags and has reverse. Smooth and reliable - if you can find one in good shape don't hesitate to get it. Prices can range between $300-$700 for just the head.
It is not as tough as a walking foot machine, but it will perform better than a household model like the classic Pfaff 130. Less suited for upholstery, but great for sewing clothing. These are also prized by sailmakers.
This was stored for years in a warehouse gathering dust, rust and guming-up from old dried-up oil residue. It took some love and elbow grease to bring it back from disrepair.
She now works flawlessly and serves a young student who has already demonstrated great talent and creativity.
I love it when my machines go to artists that appreciate them.
