Improved Seamstress
by Malanda Warner
Title
Improved Seamstress
Artist
Malanda Warner
Medium
Photograph - Photography
Description
I found this antique treadle sewing machine at a garage sale many years ago (it was not for sale but buried underneath a work bench), all that could be seen was the metal base. I recall offering about 10 - 15 dollars, and was planning to make a table from the base. Once it was pulled out, I discovered the machine was intact and in an oak cabinet. The entire piece was coated in thick black grease so I really had no idea what I was buying other than an interesting metal base. I was surprised when I began cleaning the sewing machine and cabinet to discover the intricate gold scroll work on the machine and cabinet. The Improved Seamstress was manufactured by National Sewing Machine Company in Belvidere, Illinois formed sometime before 1886. They also manufactured washing machines, bicycles, home workshop machinery and cast iron toys. Before sewing machines were invented women devoted several days a month to hand sewing clothing for their family. Most people had only two sets of clothing: one for everyday and one Sunday best outfit.
Note: the fineartamerica watermark will NOT appear on the final product
FEATURED on the homepage of the following FAA groups:
09/16 2017-All Things Vintage
05/25/2018-ABC Group
Uploaded
September 5th, 2017
Statistics
Viewed 921 Times - Last Visitor from Ottawa, ON - Canada on 04/19/2024 at 4:23 AM
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Comments (23)
Debby Pueschel
Ohhh how I love this.....I learned to sew on a similar kind of machine! FLTw
Malanda Warner replied:
Thanks Debby, amazing how well it still works, I sometimes use it for heavy leather or layers of denim!
Luther Fine Art
Congratulations! Your marvelous art has been featured on the Home Page of the ABC Group. This art has been selected from the ABC Group's themed week O IS FOR OLD!! You are invited to add this to the features archive discussion and in another discussion in ABC Group!
Heather McFarlane-Watson
I love this photograph, Malanda - and the story of how you brought this antique treadle machine back to life. It reminds me of my grandmother who used her treadle machine right to the end of her life about 1960.
Hazel Holland
What a wonderful antiqueto find and so artistically presented, Malanda! Reminds me of how Iearned to sew on my grandmother's old treadle sewing machine! L/F
Nancy Lee Moran
The colors and details are appealing! It brings to mind my grandmother . . . vote in "Days Gone By" contest :-)
Charlotte Nunn
Isn't this a JOY, Malanda!! Your wonderful photo AND the machine, itself!! I have a vintage Treadle, too, which I used for quilting for years, but it now relaxes in the living room - looking so charming and gorgeous!! - holding a flatscreen tv. LF
Dawn Kori Snyder
Fantastic!! I love the added touch of the flowers. The colors are just perfect too. Wonderful work!
Malanda Warner replied:
Dawn, I sincerely appreciate your comment and the feature on the homepage of the group, All Things Vintage!
Heather McFarlane-Watson
Your photography is superb, Malanda, I love this photo for its own special beauty and also because my grandmother had a treadle sewing machine and I am now reminded of her!
Malanda Warner replied:
Heather, I'm glad this brought back some warm memories for you and thank you so very much for your generous compliment! After purchasing a new camera a few months ago, I have enjoyed exploring and learning more about the photographic process.
Wes Iversen
Wow, what a great garage sale find, and you've presented it beautifully here, Malanda! An excellent setup with the colorful flowers! Wonderful work! L/F
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