This is Judy! Judy is a funky green Singer 185J, and I would consider her a Baby Boomer just like many of us because she was born in 1954!
Why is her name Judy? Simple! She belonged to the lady who was working at the antique mall where I discovered her. Since her owner's name was Judy, I decided the machine's name is Judy too. She'd had the machine for a while, never used it, didn't know much of it's history, but she wanted a zig zag, and Judy just doesn't DO zig zag. I didn't WANT a zig-zag, so Judy came home with me.
I'm trying to decide if this vintage machine passion is getting a bit out of control or not! I love them...each and every one of them! I feel like they are orphans that deserve and need to be loved and cared for in a home that appreciates them. Okay, yes...this is a bit extreme, I know they can't love me back, but some how it doesn't matter. I like taking turns with them! Besides, I rationalize that I am preserving history for future generations and with any luck, they'll at least HOLD their value, unlike a new pair of expensive shoes.
Judy is going to be in very good company right next to Lloyd!
What? You mean I didn't tell you about Lloyd before? His full & proper name is Lloyd Bell! And he was also a Baby Boomer from the 50s. Much like Studebakers of the same era, Bell machines didn't last long. I wonder why? But the history on them is interesting,and you can read about it on Needlebar.Org! And here is a link on sewnuts with one just like Lloyd, but in a different case, as well as a bigger model. According to the ad, he retailed at about $79.95 in his day. Of course, Lloyd got his name from the gentleman I adopted him from. The REAL Lloyd laughed when I told him I was naming the machine after him :c)
Lloyd comes in a briefcase style carrying case. It comes apart to give him an extended work area, complete with accessory compartment. He even has his original needle packet that says "Bell portable needles" And just to compare, I put HIS bobbins next to Judy's bobbin. Lloyd has VERY SMALL BOBBINS! But don't tease him too badly about it, you know how size matters to guys when it comes to their "parts" :cD
Judy's bobbin is the big silver one. Which reminds me of a cross stitched phrase I almost brought home...it said
"I thought I worked my butt off, but it followed me home!"*LOL* :cÞ I bet Judy, being a SHE, wishes her parts were as small as Lloyd's!
I'm spending this evening working on part 4 of Old Tobacco Road. I know there are some road weary quilters out there who would really like to move beyond 4 patches and half square triangles. Hang in there gals, it's worth it!
Sweet Judy and Lloyd!
ReplyDeleteForgot to mention that most 185's are missing that nice light lens. Good to see Judy has ALL her parts, no matter what the size!
OK....how many orphan machines do you own now? Here I thought I was getting out of hand with the handful I have!
ReplyDeleteOh, I love green machines. If you have the space to store them properly, than I think your passion for collecting is not out of line. If you are keeping them on the back porch under a tarp, well then, maybe slow down. I stopped at about five, because I ran out of room. But when one of the kids moves out....
ReplyDeleteYes, do tell, Bonnie. How many do you have now, not that anyone is keeping score?! I love the way you name them. I got a new Garmin GPS and named her Gloria, so I can relate!
ReplyDeleteDarn it! For a minute, I thought you'd named her after me! :) You can't have too many vintage machines. They all need love and care and you never know what someone else might do with them, so you definitely should bring them all home with you. Tell Dave I said so! :)
ReplyDeleteLOL You crack me up! I don't name my sewing machines, just my cars. :D Currently we have "Ta - Mater" (red car named after Mater from the Disney "Cars" movie)
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to see your finished OTR! Love the fabrics you have chosen.
Thank you for sharing the two green machines. I have the larger model but she needs to go in for service before using. Like yourself my collection is growing with three treadles and several black vintage machines. I love them all and so far have named a few. Some one has to care for these beauties for future generations.
ReplyDeleteI have a machine like Lloyd too! A friend has one and I saw it and just had to have one too.
ReplyDeleteI, too, am wondering how many machines you have and what types. I own 3 Pfaff 1222s from the 70's, the Bell and I think 7 Singers (one featherweight, 3 99s, 2 301s and another one (but I can't remember what number) so don't worry, I won't be judgemental. :-)
Woohoo! The light on Judy is perfect! Looks really cool :-)
ReplyDeleteJudy reminds me of the machine we had to sew on during craftsclasses at school when I was a kid. Hated that Singer LOL I was used to my mothers Pfaff. Now it is nice to see that machine again.
ReplyDeleteNow you can help me. There is a very similar machine to that in the local brocante, but she has a wooden base and a wooden pull out at the side. She needs a complete overall. The electrical components have been pulled off and I don't think there's a foot pedal. If I offered stupid money for her, it is worth it?
ReplyDeleteTee hee, this post wins the 'made me do a belly laugh' award. Poor Lloyd. Just tell him it doesn't matter how big it is, it is what you can do with it that counts - and I bet he sews just as well as his bigger friend Judy. Maybe they shouldn't get tooooo close to each other if you know what I mean :-)
ReplyDeleteHey Bonnie, I'm really enjoying your recent vintage machine finds! It makes me proud--I can enjoy hearing about your purchases without catching the bug again myself.... so far :) Love those vintage machines, and the surprises that come with them, like grocery lists, WWII ration books, and all the cool sewing notions.Oh,oh...I'm feeling that urge again......:)
ReplyDeleteMary
I have that same Judy. I got the sweet little green machine as a 7th B-day gift. I remember that it was a selling point that she went forward AND back. My B-day is coming up again soon and after 30 some years of sewing,it is stil my most memorable and useful gift.
ReplyDeleteBonnie - you just have to get yourself a Singer 201-2 (the very best machine Singer ever made) - You need to start hunting on your local craigslist for sewing machines. If they come in a cabinet you can pull the machine from the cabinet and freecycle or donate the cabinet.
ReplyDeleteYou're cracking me up - my dad's name is Lloyd Bell!
ReplyDeleteOh Bonnie, I LOVE Judy! It's the same machine my mom had, I learned to sew on it. In fact, I imagine it was my grandmother's machine first, (I'd have to name her Marjorie or Doris). I wonder what happened to my mother's machine? I would have been in charge of it after her stroke about 25 years ago, but there was so much to be dealt with, I just don't remember. Thanks for the little jaunt down memory lane.
ReplyDeleteYou would go crazy over here...there are machines at every boot sale and auction I go to! Tomorrow there is a a manual in a mahogany case that closes up to look like a very fancy cabinet...Dh would kill me! It weighs a ton! I think I'll hold out for the basket of handmade lace...
ReplyDeleteI purchased one of the Bell's in a briefcase size case a good while back. I like vintage machines but I don't have room for a bunch of them. But I do have a few.
ReplyDelete