Wednesday, July 21, 2010

Latest addition..... The Rocketeer

I've been reading a bit about vintage machines these days and how they produce fabulous stitches and well i've been swept up with the possibilities.  So After a few ebay purchases, and a craig's list find, I present the latest addition to my machine collection.

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This is what it looks like open... yes it's a Rocketeer!!!

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It was $25.00, for everything.  Now, the cabinet has a few scuffs on it, and the bench has to be tightened, two of the legs move a little.  I'll be either stripping or repainting the cabinet, someone suggested a glaze, and I've always wanted to try that.  The machine actually works but needs cleaning, and it does produce a lovely straight stitch.  There were a few feet included but no cams.  Hopefully by the end of the week, this puppy will be clean, and I'll post some more pics then.

6 comments:

Karin said...

I like the distressed look of the cabinet and stool as they are! I don't know much about sewing machines, much less vintage ones. What are rocketeers known for?

ELMO said...

I've been reading that they are good for button holes. I have an attachment for my industrial machine but it's very complicated, and I wanted to have one dedicated to buttonholes. As soon as I received the buttonholer, I'll post some pics.

Celkalee said...

Ahhhhh, the Rocketeer! I learned to sew on a treadle machine, graduated to a straight stitch electric at age 13. Zoom ahead 5 years to nurses training (1966) and I met the Rocketeer. Our dorm actually had a sewing room. There were some new "fancy" Singers and a few older Rocketeer's. There were probably only a handful of us who sewed so we pretty much had our choice. Loved the solid Rocketter. I have been researching them lately on Ebay, you have quite a deal there! Please keep us updated on your new Friend!

ELMO said...

How great to have a sewing room in college! I have only worked on a treadle once, during a shoe making course, it is a test of coordination but pretty easy to use. You should check Craig's List as well (if you're in the US), they pop up pretty often.

The Slapdash Sewist said...

Beautiful cabinet, and you have got to be kidding me on the price!

ELMO said...

I kid you not, I found it on Craig's List on offer at an animal shelter/thrift store. It was rattling a bit and have cleaned the gears and oiled it. It's humming now. Just waiting to get the button hole attachment.