Saturday, September 3, 2011

I have a Hand Crank! and another new sewing machine, too!

Singer Spartan 192K Hand Crank
 Back in July, I posted about this little Singer Spartan.  Caryl Ann gifted this lovely machine to me so that I could convert it to a hand crank.  Well, I finally converted it.  I had problems with the spoked wheel (I still haven't worked on it again), so, I borrowed a spoked wheel off my Singer 66.  That is why the chrome is so pitted.  The Singer 66 was in rough shape when I got it last fall.  I cleaned her up at the TOGA in July.  I've been sewing up a storm with this little beauty. 
Singer Spartan 192K Hand Crank

Singer Spartan 192K Hand Crank
Princess sewing machine with a tail
She makes a great stitch.  Right now, I'm using her to make 1 1/2" nine patches.  She doesn't really like sewing across seams.  I discovered that while making blocks for the Disappearing 4 patch exchange.  I'm hoping that she'll like these blocks better.  Sew far, I've only gotten strips sewn, and I'm cutting them to piece the nine patches. 

I need some help with info for this little beauty I found yesterday at the thrift store.  Yes, she has a tail (electric), but, I just couldn't resist.  I've never heard of a 'Princess' machine.  She came with attachments, and the original fabric covered wiring.  She even has a cool case.  I'll post more pictures of her in the next few weeks.  I haven't plugged her in yet.  The wiring looks good, but, it's age worries me.  Sorry about the picture, I took it at the thrift store.  The owner lifted her up on the counter for me.  When he saw that I was putting her back on the floor, he came back to chat.  I told him that I needed another sewing machine like I needed a hole in my head.  He promptly reduced the price.  I figured that for the wooden base and the carrying case alone, it would be worth it.  If she sews, then JACKPOT!  If you know anything about this machine, please let me know.  She has the motor mount in the correct place, maybe, if I get another spoked wheel, I can convert her to a hand crank.  We'll see. 

10 comments:

  1. I would say she is a class 15 japanese machine. Is there a number on her on the underside, like JA-12, or anything like that? She, like a lot of them were made by one or two different manufacturers, and 'badged' by the sellers.

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  2. Yes, your Spartan is beautiful. I picked one up at Goodwill earlier this summer, but haven't gotten anything done with her yet.

    The blue one is so pretty!

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  3. the Spartan is very cute and I LOVE the Princess. I like the vintage Japanese machines, especially the ones in pretty colors. Is it also a 3/4 size?

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  4. The amount of things you collect takes my breath away. I have never heard of a Princess machine. I do like your hand crank machine. It looks fabulous.

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  5. Ahhhh, a true princess, Cheryl! There's a yahoo group for vintage Japanese machines.
    http://groups.yahoo.com/group/vintagejapansewingmachines/

    Some of the clones are just as well made as the originals. I don't know anything about this one; however, I do know that Damascus Annie treadles a 15 clone, among other machines.

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  6. You will probably roll your eyes and shake your head at this question, but since I am a newer reader, I had to ask....why do you convert to a hand crank?

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    1. I use to say the same thing. Two years ago, I had a stress fracture in my leg, and I could not bear ANY weight on it for 7 weeks. I found that I COULD sit at a table (where I had room to keep my leg straight), and I could sew on my hand crank. I pieced two simple jelly roll strip quilts. I also have let my young Granddaughters sew with the hand crank. They feel like they have more control, and are not afraid of the motor. I am doing a workshop, this Fall, and plan to have my Spartan ready, as a hand crank, bc there will be no electricity!!!

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    2. Jane Ann, you are a no-reply blogger. I'd love to hear more about your workshop this fall.

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  7. Jean, it's so you're not attached to the wall. sew in a camper, sew on a camp table, sew when the power is out, sew on the porch. get a work out and sew at the same time, plus when you use a hand crank or treadle, you have more precise control of your stitching. and my favorite for the hand crank, you're power is only limited to your arm power. you can power a handcrank through Air Force patches when you need to sew them onto a uniform. I won't say it's easy, but easier than hand stitching, and doable, which isn't always the case with electric machines. plus electric machines can sometimes be harder to control due to the high speed needed to power through the plastic backing on the patches. Fwiw, Kitty

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