Thursday, February 6, 2014

My Newest Vintage Sewing Machine. . .The Slant-O-Matic 500


Hi Everyone! . . .How's the weather in your neck of the woods? . . .Here in the 'Sunny South' (hmmm) it's dreary and cold and------well, let's put it this way, I'd planned to change the header and do away with winter but it's way too appropriate for our weather today (the header has now been changed). . . .Our home looks exactly like the header, if you add in a half inch of ice covering everything. . . .We've faired well. . . .only lost power off and on. . . .The longest time off was six hours. . . .I can't say the same about our internet connection, though. . . .It's been more off than on. . . .(sigh)


The four walls were beginning to close in on me yesterday. . . .felt 'cabin fever' all the way down to my toes. . . .The sure-fire medicine to cure me was a day spent in the sewing room. . . .My very soul needed it. . . .an opportunity to try out the newest sewing machine.


I have a love affair with vintage sewing machines. . . .Honest I do. . . .Try as I might, I can't resist a good machine when the price is right. . . .The price was sure right on this one. . . .$20. . . .including the machine, sewing cabinet, attachments, cams, instruction book, and drawers full of pincushions and sewing goodies. . . .


I purchased the Singer Slant-O-Matic at an estate sale last fall. . . .The lady had taken excellent care of it, so John only did a little cleaning and oiling. . . .I didn't know a lot about it, except I remember my Grandmother bought one just like it--new--in the early 1960s. . . .She was so proud of it. . . .I was amazed how the cams moved. . . .loved watching them.


By varying the two controls on the top-center of the machine, a wide variety of stitch patterns could be made. . . .It was considered the best on the market at the time.



I was curious to find more about it. . . .On Ebay, they are selling for as little as $200 and as high as $400. . . .hmmmmm. . . .I looked a little further. . . The Singer 500 Slant-O-Matic is sometimes referred to as the "Rocketeer" due to its space-age styling. . . . After the Singer Featherweight, this machine seems to have a tremendous following. . . .Guess I did good, huh? . . .It's all metal parts and runs with gears. . . .no belts. . . .something vintage collectors look for.

Well, it really doesn't matter to me. . . .I'm glad others appreciate it, but when you get right down to it, the thing that matters is whether I like it. . . .after all, I don't just buy machines. . . .I USE them!



Source

This one sews like a dream. . . .powerful. . . .beautiful stitches. . . .easy to use. . . .Yep, I'll keep it. . . . I stitched away most of the day in log cabin bliss. . . .Working on a quilt I began what? two years ago?


It's a log cabin quilt pattern. . . .I thought it appropriate since I had 'cabin fever'. . . .(grin)

I've played with the log cabin design for years. . . .incorporating it into several Delta inspired quilts. . . .One day I'll have to show you some of the quilt tops I've designed with wool, denim, kakki, and old work shirts. . . .I use no pattern. . . .let blocks and strips fall where they may. . . .Takes the stress out of perfect quilt piecing. . . .One of my favorite ways to relax.


As it ended up, I actually wasn't all that upset that the weather was bad and it was too cold and icy to get out. . . .It gave me an excuse to spend time in the sewing room. . . .with my buddy. . . .


catching up on some much needed 'me time'. . . A 'Keep Out' sign on the door and that Slant-O-Matic hummed all afternoon long. . . .when the electricity was on. . . .(grin)
 
Later that evening John asked me what I thought about the newest sewing machine? . . . I think sometimes he hopes I'll sell a few of the growing collection. . . .No such luck. . . .My reply?
 
'Sorry. . . .It's a keeper'. . . .to which I heard. . . .
a long sigh.
 
Keep Safe! Keep Warm!
Winter will be over soon. . . I hope. . . .

 

20 comments:

Unknown said...

What a lovely lady. What a find. . . I love the accessories that came with it.

I've been sewing too. I brought my sewing machine to the kitchen table tho, it's too cold in my *make room* and I'm sewing slip covers for my wing chairs, there's 2 sets of stairs up to the make room. . . more work than I wanted to do.

I have a log cabin quilt I started ummmm. . . 16 years ago. I' hand quilting it. I'm so close to being done, I should just do it. . .

Please stop by my blog when you have time. . . real simple style @ 7grands.blogspot.com

Stay warm and safe.
~ debi

Pamela Gordon said...

That is a beauty of a sewing machine! You got it for a good price too. Your log cabin quilt is looking pretty nice and will be cozy in the winter months. I hope you don't lose power anymore and have a great day for sewing.

Robin Johnson said...

Your new to you sewing machine is oh so pretty! What a steal you found it for too!

I have been having a case of cabin fever lately too, didn't know the cure was sewing. Guess what I'll be doing this afternoon. LOL.

Heide at ApronHistory said...

Yey for sewing! It certainly is good for soul. Now that I am in my house and have stopped worrying about it, I can feel all this creativeness flowing out of me! Faster then I can keep up! Lol!
Your newest addition is quite lovely. My Mom had an old cam machine. It was green, so I am thinking it was from the 70s. I loved watching those gears go round, loved to play with them too. This was the same age I "caught" the sewing bug!

Maureen Wyatt said...

Fabulous buy on the swanky sewing machine! The pin cushions and buttons alone were worth $20.I think I should get sewing and see if it cures my cabin fever.

Carolyn said...

What a beauty! Yes, you did good! I like to sew, but I'm not good at it at all. I envy those that are.
I am enjoying your blog. :o)

cynthia lee designs said...

What a cool looking sewing machine. I collect sewing machines too...some work and some don't. My favorite one that works is an old treadle Singer.
Happy Sewing,
Cindy

Pam said...

What a fantastic buy on your sewing machine and all the goodies that came with it! I have two machines (neither one vintage)and I just love to sew and create. Please post your beautiful quilt when you finish it.
Pam
scrap-n-sewgranny.blogspot.com

Jan Hebert said...

That IS a beautiful sewing machine, just love it. I was given a vintage Necchi sewing machine not too long ago, just love it. Haven't used it, it needs restoration, I just like the looks of it, haha. I do use my pretty old Bernina though. I'm hoping my husband will restore the Necchi so I can see which one I like better. I, too, would love to see your log cabin quilts - isn't it amazing how much fun that pattern can be? Love your blog and your rag rugs!
Jan

Dawn said...

The new machine is a beauty, and in working order....even better. We are buried in snow here to and it doesn't look like spring will be arriving any time soon. Hang in there!!

Thoughtfully Blended Hearts said...

My Mom and Aunt both had this same machine. They made clothes for three teen aged daughters. My daughter now has it. I'm pretty sure it would sew like a dream right now.
Thanks for the memories...

kathy said...

What a beautiful machine, and all the stuff worth it!

Junkchiccottage said...

Wow Dru,
That was a true treasure you found. They just do not make them like that anymore. Everything with it and in such great shape for that great price. Great score.
Kris

Instagram.com/melissasnotes said...

Yes, please share a picture of the finished quilts. I think the log cabin block is the easiest to make into a quilt. I'm working on 2 quilts for my grandsons now...I need to finish them by the time I visit them in March in Florida: we live in PA. We are also snowed.

From the Old InkWell said...

You really lucked up on a treasure. The old accessories were so cool too.

Sam I Am...... said...

Love that machine! I'm so happy for you! $20.00...how wonderful! Don't you just love a great bargain? I'm also loving your quilt as I love wool too.

Debbie Woods said...

I just bought one of these beauties at an action in a cabinet for 5.00 with a lot of attachments and button holler, bobbins, tools, book and 4 cams. Don't know anything about it except I know it was a Rocketeer.

Unknown said...

I found this very machine in a recently purchased home. It was one of the few items left behind that didn't belong in a garbage bin. I have yet to bring it into be cleaned and oiled by a professional but it looks like most of the accessories, parts, and manual are in the drawer of the cabinet. I love the shape of this machine! Can't wait to test it out making warm clothing for my Retired Racing Greyhound from Florida that has trouble with the Canadian winters. Great post :)

MKB said...

Your little green machine is a Singer 185K. I'm not sure what you mean when you say "Tiny Tailor," which wasn't exactly a real sewing machine like this. It was a small, inexpensive, plastic machine used for mending or crafts. Anyway, this machine is charming and your photographs are amazing!

Unknown said...

Hi! I own a 500 A and still use it as Well!A sponsor bought it a Goodwill when I was in Fashion School in 2012!

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