My First Treadle (Thanks, Claudine!)

If you didn't know that I was in the market for a treadle sewing machine, you're in good company. It wasn't until Saturday morning - when I received an email from the ever amazing Claudine saying there was a beautiful one at a charity shop in my neck of the woods for just $50 - that I knew it myself.

Lucky for me, opportunity favors those who have a father-in-law with a station wagon. Two hours later, I was the giddy owner of this beauty...

Queen!!!! How perfect is that?

The Queen's Cabinet

Look at all the attachments! Plus a bobbin of a later era.

I've already looked at Treadle On, ISMACS and some other forums and websites to see if I could learn more about this machine. I'm learning all about treadles! At one point, I called Husqvarna Viking on the suspicion that the machine might have been produced by White for Sears Roebuck. No luck. They had a treadle with the same serial number dating to 1876, but since the throat plate clearly says Patented June 29, 1897 it can't be that machine.

It needs a new belt and, um, bobbins. But the moving parts seem to be working freely and pretty smoothly. Anyone know where to buy bobbins circa 1897? Oy. More on this new machine when I start to figure it out... 

PS - Despite many attempts at procrastination throughout the weekend (including but not limited to baking blondies, going on a run, baking chocolate chip cookies, catching up on the blogosphere, going on another run, making stuffed shells, buying a treadle, and researching it's origins and how to clean it) I did finish my skirt. The ducklings are starting to look more ducky, too. Now let's see how long it takes to photograph everything...