2021 Fashion On The Ration Challenge

Couldsavemore

The shuttle on mine is bullet shaped and rather weird to thread.. required a youtube video 😠

Couldsavemore

I think its a 12k fiddle based circa late 1800's... but don't quote me... No idea where to find the serial number

Laura_Elsewhere

@Couldsavemore I think the number is stamped in front of the stitch-length adjuster, to the front-left of the bobbin-winder, to the front right of the photograph. 

Here's the list of no-letter-prefix numbers and dates... 

I can't make it out clearly, but I think it may be 1306967, which would mean it was made in 1873. 

Laura_Elsewhere

Well, the coupons I spent last autumn on 2m of grey pure-wool fabric are now being worn as a skirt - I'm really pleased with it. I have some lovely pillarbox-red flannelette (brushed cotton) to make into a petticoat with a foot-deep densely-ruffled flounce (one of the attachments on the Singer will gather a flounce and sew it onto the body of the petticoat at the same time!). 

Next, I'm making Mum's birthday presents - face-coverings and handkerchieves made from Liberty of London cotton FQs... 

Then I hope to make a cosy winter blouse from the red flannelette - very simple in pattern, basically the classic pre-19th-century peasant shirt, all made from rectangles or squares and basically no-waste if I cut it right. I think the full sleeves gathered into a narrow wrist-band will look rather nice in soft red brushed cotton! 

Couldsavemore

@Laura_Elsewhere
Thank you... I used the number from there and its also came out as 1873.
I may treat it to a trip to a repairer.. for a spruce up.. later in the year. But it is still working.
Red flanelette petticoat sounds fantastic..
I love the idea of your mum's birthday presents.

Cherryfudge

@Laura_Elsewhere, well done on completing the skirt! Photo? 

thriftwizard

Couldsavemore, if you have spare needles for your beautiful 12k, hang onto them & use with care! They aren't made any more, sadly. They're round-shanked rather than having the flat side that helps one get them oriented right on later machines, and thinner than the round-shanked needles that most modern industrial machines take. (Which, incidentally, do fit the Jones Family CSs, though some people think you can't get needles for those either.) They also have to be "set" correctly, though I'm sure you know that! 

Oooh yes, Laura, please can we see your skirt?

Couldsavemore

@thriftwizard.
Sadly I don't have any needles for it.... So I'll use her carefully, thank you for letting me know about the needles.
TBH I don't change the needles on my electric machine very often. I guess I'm getting that wrong.

skogar

Hello Thriftwizard and Couldsavemmore - I was suprised you couldn't get the needles now as there are so many old singers about and its a standard consumable rather than a part. On a quick google I found this on Etsy so have put in the link in case its of any use.

https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/128706427/12x1-substitute-needles-10-to-fit-most

Laura - would love to see a picture of your skirt. Your planned red flannel petticoat sounds very cosy and you will be wel equipped if you need to stop any trains heading for disaster!

Found which the bobbins are - the machine service manual gives the part number. I knew they were a standard one but wasn't sure which. The alternative was going to be to take the one I do have to the local sewing machine shop (which has been going practically for ever but isn't that convenient as they only open 2 mornings in the week now). I will give them a ring this morning.

Laura_Elsewhere

The skirt was finished just in time as it snowed overnight! Lovely and comfortable on this morning's nearly-two-miles walk! 

Here I am, swirling the skirt around with my hands in the huge pockets!