It was totally all alone, filthy, and feeling unloved. I couldn’t leave it rejected anymore……I had to know it’s story….and, it was cheap. Where else can I have 4 hours of fun for less than $10? I didn’t take any pictures before the cleanup, so here it is, all cleaned up. It was probably donated, because when I started cleaning it, I found the spring from the bobbin case laying in the bottom cover underneath the bobbin mechanism, along with a whole lot of lint. It was so tiny. I know without that spring, it was probably sewing LOOPS, because until I got it adjusted right, that’s all I was sewing. Now, it sews like a dream. (Notice the stitches on the paper towel in the photo below, and the one further down the page.)
This machine is a model 6235. From what I can figure from Google searches, it is a mid 1980’s machine, and it is a slant shaft machine. It does have some nylon gears, which kind of scares me. Slants are known to be very strong machines, and the slant is supposed to be made for better visibility while sewing I also found a FREE pdf manual for her, which was good, because it has the type of bobbin that you wind while the bobbin is still inside the machine. I wouldn’t have had a clue. The motor is a bit louder than most of my machines, but sounds very strong. Not a silent machine at all. And it is a free arm machine.
I didn’t even know it had any accessories until we got up to the checkout, and it looked like the top was loose. Nope, a hinged door, with all the accessories in the top!
Another odd, and ‘new to me’ feature, is the ‘air electronic’' foot control. See the funny end? I don’t have a clue what it means, but it’s got one!
I couldn’t leave this little Black and Decker Gizmo travel iron behind either.
Still less than $10.
Happy Sunday and July 4th everyone!
Michelle
Another for your collection...you are correct...inexpensive fun!
ReplyDeleteI'm loving your sewing machine rescues! Hoping one day to come across a 301 in a thrift store or yard sale but the hunt is part of the fun, isn't it?
ReplyDeleteI think I have that same machine...or one really close to it. I would have to dig it out and look. In one of my many moves, the plastic "arm" that comes off disappeared so I haven't used the machine in YEARS! I did like the way it sewed and used it from the early 80s until about 2002. I think that is when I bought my first used machine. Wish I knew where that arm was!!
ReplyDeleteI use mine without the thing that comes off the base because that's the way I found it but I am looking for the replacement part or making one with wood.
DeleteAnother great find for you Michelle! I'm still sewing on this little borrowed Brother and though it would never be my choice, if I had a choice, it does sew a nice seam. blessings, marlene
ReplyDeleteAren't you so clever to rescue that girl and clean her all up. I hope that she will get all adjusted and perform like a jewel for you.
ReplyDeleteHave a very happy 4th.
Hugs, Lura
Michelle, you are good...I am looking for a small portable Bernina Artista. But it has to be cheap too...
ReplyDeleteKeep encouraging me with your finds!!
KATHY
Where are you putting all these machines!! Love it!
ReplyDeleteIt's just darling. You are amazing, tho - putting springs back on. :) Hope you had a wonderful 4th.
ReplyDeleteIt's such a nice looking machine, too. I picture the machines in the thrift stores reaching out to pull on your clothes saying pick me, pick me.
ReplyDeleteI know this is an old post, but I was just googling Singer 6235 and found your site. I have one of these in mint condition that I am giving to a friend today. You are right that it was sold mid-80's. That's when I was sewing for my ever-growing belly and little ones. I am now sewing on Viking machines and this little lady needed a good home. She will be loved!
ReplyDeleteThank you for this inspiring post - This 6235 is my FAVORITE machine! I bought it in 1985 when I was pregnant with my first baby, drawn to the "easy to thread" feature (I'm a Singer SNOB). It was an expensive purchase for me back then... but it served me well. After 25 years of dance and theater costumes, it started acting strange. I assumed I wore it out - that it was OLD and DONE. So I bought a stupid Husqvarna which I HATE! Well... to be fair, it might not be the MACHINE I hate, as much as I MISS MANUAL stitch changes and the self-winding bobbin feature! I'm getting out my old 6235 and am going to lovingly revive it! Maybe it's missing that little bobbin spring like the one you found!
ReplyDeleteThank you for this inspiring post - This 6235 is my FAVORITE machine! I bought it in 1985 when I was pregnant with my first baby, drawn to the "easy to thread" feature (I'm a Singer SNOB). It was an expensive purchase for me back then... but it served me well. After 25 years of dance and theater costumes, it started acting strange. I assumed I wore it out - that it was OLD and DONE. So I bought a stupid Husqvarna which I HATE! Well... to be fair, it might not be the MACHINE I hate, as much as I MISS MANUAL stitch changes and the self-winding bobbin feature! I'm getting out my old 6235 and am going to lovingly revive it! Maybe it's missing that little bobbin spring like the one you found!
ReplyDeleteIt's a wonderful machine! I have a bit of a story to mine as well. Yes it's a mid 1980s model. I got a fantastic employee discount on mine, as I worked at House of Fabrics corp office in Sherman Oaks, CA at that time. I got their cost plus 10 percent. It's a great machine. Made of steel! Sadly,I left my 6235 in our rumpus room, where the elements got to it (door was always open), and I took it in for overhauling several years ago, and the man spent hours cleaning it, and was disappointed that he really couldn't fully revive it. I'm going to attempt another cleaning and oiling this weekend. I'm kicking myself for letting this machine rot away for around 20 yrs. It got put in the rumpus room because our house is small, and space was an issue. If anyone has one, hold on to it! Everything now is plastic. I might even try getting it cleaned again, despite the cost. Great machine and thanks for your stories!
ReplyDeletehola, tengo una maquina similar, pero los dientes ya no se movieron, me podria decir como repararla. gracias mi correo sjluciah@hotmail.com
ReplyDeleteHola, no se si alguien te ha contestado. ¿Ya arreglaste tu máquina?
DeleteI've just bought a 6235, in really good condition considering it's 37 years old now. I had no idea about the secret door until I found your review, it was heartbreaking to find it completely empty
ReplyDelete