Treadle Sewing Machines
Collecting & Refurbishing
We have standardized upon Singer Model 66 machines, to ensure parts availability and consistency. These machines were mass produced by the millions between 1902 and 1956, and were so well designed and manufactured that once refurbished will offer many more decades of productivity. And in Malawi, these "antique" machines far exceed the capability and reliability of the inferior Chinese-made copies available for purchase there.
Many, but not all, 66's carried a
decorative design that resembled "red eyes". Those are the most easily recognizable 66's.
All Singers are marked with a serial number, which identify its model, and place and date of manufacture. That information can be found online, and here by clicking on: International Sewing Machine Collectors Society (ISMACS) website
Singer machines were available in different cabinet styles, and some were later electrified. The important thing is that they have a foot treadle so they can be converted back to manual.
These machines are 70 to 125 years old. We restore them for many more decades of productivity. Because the majority of machines we receive have been idle for 50 or more years, fabric dust, dirt, and hardened oil retard smooth operation. The cabinets are often stained or damaged. We clean and restore the exterior of the machines, and disassemble them for internal cleaning and lubrication.
But we cannot accept machines that are rusty, missing parts, or are damaged.
Most machines must be disassembled and the parts ultrasonically cleaned!
Every year Malawi Visions ships a container to Malawi with sewing machines, books and shelving for our libraries, tables for our classrooms, solar equipment, and much, much more.
But not all 66's are "red eyes". Its best to check their serial number.
or contact us . . .
