Friday, January 3, 2020

Antique Singer Model 66 Red Eye

Shopping for an antique sewing machine for decades but wasn’t sure what kind to get. The Singer brand is synonymous with sewing and I knew something like that would cost a pretty penny.  I liked the idea of an non electric hand crank or treadle machine but space was always challenging. Apartments, trailers and other small affordable housing options do not lend space for much of any hobby space, let alone clothing creation. As utilitarian influence weights heavily on my mind, I didn’t want a nice machine to be unused or damaged due to lack of space.

Additionally for years, I felt an working antique machine was financially out of my reach. When I set up housekeeping over decade and a half ago,  my mom gave me her sewing table. There wasn’t a machine to go with it that fit. I was gifted my grandmothers machine, a Kenmore although the engine was broken. So I had a modern Brother machine for over 10 years, sitting on top of the table. It is no longer used as it is on last legs, hoping to find a rest-home for dying sewing machines.

Well the past year, I decided it was time to find my Singer sewing machine. Since red is my favorite color, I wanted a Model 66 Red Eye Antique Singer. Locally I found other off brand machines that worked but I didn’t want the cabinet to go with it or it was an electric modified machine. Sadly there was one that was all rusted solid, a sign saying,”it makes a great door stop”. My eyes welled up, seeing a workhorse Singer so abused, what a crime.

On a better note, dreams can come true.  Today is the day for found my cast iron baby. Sitting on the floor in a different local antique shop, I found my Singer Model 66 Red Eye Sewing Machine, in great condition it moves smoothly, condition on the paint is very good,  not much wear little to no rust. I am just over the moon it only cost me $38.00. For a similar machine online would have cost me 7 times as much. Although one would have had a case or something besides just the machine.

So it’s home and fits in the table like it was made for it. Just waiting for a hand crank accessory to complete this. Then will test and oil the machine, currently reading up on the options and any non electric accessory for this machine. I will be looking for a cover for my antique sewing machine. Since this doesn’t fold into the table without trying to slip from the clips, I gently tested this. No sewing machine were harmed in the testing of the sewing table. Cleaning of the machine and some superficial oiling will be down this weekend. I did some research based on the serial number this is a machine made in 1923. So it’s 97 years old, she looks very good for her age.

Very pleased,
THL Marrin O’Cadhla
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Replica 1560's Venetian Italian Fashion Doll

Replica 1560's Venetian Italian Fashion Doll

Replica 1560 French Fashion Doll

Replica 1560 French Fashion Doll

Tudor Q and A

What is a Tudorosity?

A mashed combination of the words Tudor and Curiosity to create the word Tudorosity. Tudorosities is the plural form and the deffinition is as follows.

Tudorosity- an desire to learn or know anything about the Tudor dynasty associated with years 1405 through 1603.

Most people ask my why I make the Tudor garb ?

I find the clothing of this era not only beautiful but also challenging to sew. There is much more care and purpose put into making garments and wearing garments in the Tudor Era. I love the look of Tudor so much I wanted to explore the way clothes were made back then and the subtle changes in fashion and styles of time.

How did you get started in this interesting hobby?

I started with art first, I love to draw, paint, and sculpt all the traditional fine arts. So being able to draw helps me visualize the looks I want to create in my garb. History has always been a huge interest of mine and I've had a knack for sewing since I was 7 years old. It all started with doll clothes and I learned cross stitch embroidery from my grandmother when I was little. I am self taught sewer, crochet, knitting, embroidery and tatting. My methods are learned from books mainly and there is still so much more to learn.

What is my favorite outfit and why?

It would be like picking a favorite out of one of my future children, its impossible. I love all my gown creations and really like the distinct differences in all the styles clothing I make for the Tudor Era.

Do you make the whole outfit including hat, shoes, and undergarments?

I do have a goal of making a complete Tudor from the skin out. As of right now I make 90% of my gowns and accessories. The shoes and stockings, are bought online and the petticoats are a close reproduction but not made by me. .

How long does it take to make a gown?

It all depends on the type of gown. The making relies on the time period and class of the design. Generally if I work on it 8 hours a day on a sewing machine it will take 3 days to get the basics and another 5 days to do finish hand-sewing details and beading. So a week to a week and a half if working on it steady for that amount of time. I work a full-time job so it does take longer than a week to complete. I put over 40-100 hours per outfit depending on its complexity, its like its own full time job of sorts.

Do you make renaissance clothing for sale or custom orders?

No, due to new employment and changes in my lifestyle. Unfortunately, I have no time to support sewing for others. Though I recommend sewing lessons for those adventurous few. There are many fine folks who make and sell historical clothing. I suggest guidance with sew from many fine historical enthusiastic costumers out on the internet.

How long have you been making these elaborate costumes?

I have been in the Society of Creative Anachronism coming up on my 18th year. Active since 2004 working at demonstrations and volunteering when I could between working and other life's distractions. I really concentrated on Tudor sewing in 2007 and worked with patterns to learn proper fabrics, techniques, fit, and silhouette. I really enjoy the eras transition from a medieval form fitting layered cotterdie to the boned Tudor kirtle and then to structured Elizabethan clothing.

Replica 1490 Milan Italian Fashion Doll

Replica 1490 Milan Italian Fashion Doll
Based on art by Giovanni Ambrogio

O’Kealy Heraldry

O’Kealy Heraldry