Camille

Tonite we donated to a great cause. On one of the 911 Flights that flew into the WTC were a group of employees from TJX (TJ Maxx Corp Office) here in MA. One of the husbands of the deceased and his new wife decided to help the victims of Hurricane Sandy in NY. They are holding a huge garage sale this weekend at the local HS which was advertised heavily. When I read it in the local newspaper, I decided to drop off some items, one of which is a sofa from my living room. We recently converted my LR to my sewing room and had extra furniture in great condition. So we dropped it off tonite and on the way out sat an adorable sewing machine. At first I thought it was a featherweight. It is 3/4 size. So I bought it making a nice donation. It is in excellent condition and looks brand new. I still can't find any dust or dirt even on the attachments. It came with an adorable small cabinet, attachments and a button hole attachment. I checked the serial number and the two digit letters are JD which on the Singer site indicates 1954. It is stamped Simanco-made in Canada. I know it's not a featherweight, by the weight alone. Does anyone have any info on this era machine?

Grandma Bonnie

No help, but it looks great! Glad you got it!

coachmatthewsvhs

There is a vintage machine header in the "home" category on the tool bar above. Post this there... I'm sure someone will know!

quiltjoey

I have one exactly like it but not in nearly a good a shape!! Yours is beautiful. It is also a portable with a mint green case, top and bottom. I also have the bullet-shaped button hole case. I hope you treasure it and enjoy it. Mine does work great!

katier825

It looks like one of the 185's. You might want to post on the Vintage Machine board also (under the Main board).

http://www.quiltingboard.com/vintage...thusiasts-f22/

Here are some pics:

https://www.google.com/search?hl=en&...w=1092&bih=514

Camille

OK, thanks, I posted on the Vintage forum.

farscapegal

My mother has one like that and loves it. She still sews on it.

Sybil

2011wannaquilt

I would say it's the 185. I bought one almost 50 years ago - sewed foam backed curtains on that little work horse. I quess I got rid of it for one with ziz zag and magic stitches.

Carolyn

amh

You have a jem of a machine there. It is indeed a Singer 185. From what you have said, it appears you have a Singer 185J. From what I understand, the J's were made in Canada, or perhaps the J was added if they were going to be sold in Canada.

I learned to sew on a machine just like it. It was my mothers first electric sewing machine, purchased in the 1950s. She sewed everything on it and then when she upgraded continued to sew her quilts on it. When it became too heavy to lift, as a result of her advancing age, she stowed it in the corner. A few years ago I asked her what she was going to do with it and that conversation was one of the best we ever had. She loved that old machine and was in a quandry about what to do with it. I gave her a good solution -- Have you thought about ME. She was happy and I was delighted. I have sewn almost all my quilts on it since I received it.

It is a heavy old girl, but that is because there is not one piece of plastic on it. When I got it I oiled it extensively. Oil and set on a towel just in case there are drips. Wiped it off and reoiled the next day. I did that for about 5 days and then fired her up. She purred like a kitten. The tension, everything was just perfect.

You have a workhorse. This machine can sew canvas, and very fine lace. She just adjusts on her own. She is my favorite sewing machine. I use her all the time, and just taking my newer one to retreats or classes because of the weight.

Enjoy

Aileen

Camille

Oh thank you, these stories make me feel so good. Old memories are good memories. Thanks for your feedback. I will cherish this little baby.