Back in the late 70's, 80's, and early 90's I did all my sewing on a 1960's tan Singer. I noticed it had a slight scent as I used it. Nothing bad --just a faint smell. I never gave it much thought.
After I married, my machine's motor died. Stuck without a machine, I bought a cheap model at Walmart to use (yeah, I did). It didn't have sewing machine smell. Later my mother gave me her Elna when she bought a new machine. It didn't have the smell either. (I sold the cheapo model at a yard sale --cheap though it was it did sew pretty good). I used a few machines here and there. They didn't have the smell.
Frankly, I forgot about sewing machine smell --it's not something one normally thinks of! Then a few years ago when I wanted a simple well built sewing machine and one I could take care of myself I bought my Singer 15-91. The first time I really sat down at it and began sewing it happened...the scent --faint and subtle. It's too difficult to describe a smell, but there it was and I recognized it. It is said that smells can trigger memory responses more than some of the other senses. As I used the 15 I remembered that old tan machine and all the sewing I did on it --and all my old Vogue and vintage patterns as well as the stack of fabric I had at my disposal because my grandmother decided to quit sewing (and had bought excellent quality fabric). I remembered many of the outfits I made --there were a lot of them --and how much fun and frustration I had sewing them. But most of all I found the scent comforting. A state of sewing blissfulness.
I'm not quite sure what the smell is but I'm going to guess that it's the thirty something oiling points all warmed up and in action. I don't even know if other vintage sewing machines have it since I'm only acquainted with Singers. (I might have to find a different brand and try it out.)
Perhaps you think I've gone a bit nuts here, but surely there is someone out there who knows what I'm talking about! If not, that's ok.
12 comments:
I know exactly what you're talking about. I think my treadle has it too so it's not just an electrical thing. But I like it! Funny post. :)
My Necchi has a stronger smell than the Singers. Necchi's have much closer tolerances in all the metal on metal areas and need more frequent oiling, so I agree, it's the oil all warmed up.
Smells good :-)
Chris
Me too! Almost all my machines have it. All my machines are older. My 15 year old Pfaff has it the least and my 65 year old Featherweight has it the most. Haven't noticed it in the Singer 127-128 models and thought it was an old electric motor smell. But, it's not at all unpleasant, although I don't have the great memories you do around it. Try some cat litter in that featherweight case. I made a cloth bag and filled it with litter and keep it in there all the time. Lane
I know it too. Oil with a hint of lint, perhaps?
Glad to hear others know what I'm talking about!
Quiltfool, thanks --I hadn't thought of trying cat litter in the case. I had tried wadded up newspaper and baking soda, but neither worked.
love the blog post title :)
What a fascinating observation you've made. I also am wondering if it's the oiling points.
Yes! YES!! Someone else finally said what I have noticed for awhile. In my sewing room, I have a Singer 201, and a 500 something (Rocketeer). When I just walk into the room I smell these machines. I think it is the oil but much more becomes associated with it. That smell is like a cuddly familiar blanket and when I run those machines I think that smell is heaven because it means I am doing what I like best!! My other machines do not get as much oiling and I love them too, but that smell is pure comfort!!
I've got a singer featherweight 221 with the usual smelly problems. I agree that the smell can be nice...until it stinks up the whole room! Does anyone know how to safely clean metal attachments for a featherweight? (feet, ruffler etc). They need cleaning but I don't want to hurt them! Any tips on de-smelling an original manual are also appreciated!
Claire, some people use chrome cleaner for the attachments or 409. I've used the 409 myself once or twice. Sometimes a good little scrubbing is all they need. If they have small rust spots use #0000 steel wool.
As for the smelly manual...I made a photocopy of mine because it smells.
Thanks Susan for your quick response! Maybe I'll copy the old manual and seal it up for memorabilia :)
That's exactly what I did with mine!
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