More sewing machines than I know what to do with

Lately I seem to have been the beneficiary of a couple of old machines in need of an appreciative home.  Last week I picked up a Dressmaster, table model, from a Freecycler.

I tightened up the table legs, replaced the bobbin case and bobbins, as well as the rubber ring that drives the bobbin winder and the drive belt itself.  The hardest piece to locate was the needle clamp.  I pulled one off my antique treadle machine that fit, so I can order a new one like that for the Dressmaster at Audrey's Sewing Center.  They had the other parts I needed as well.  The hardest part was figuring out threading, and adjusting bobbin and thread tensions.  Now, after $20 in parts, lots of cleaning, some de-gunking, and several very frustrating hours trying to figure out why it wouldn't sew properly when it appeared that it should, it is working!  I'm still looking for manufacturer information on this.  Here's a close-up, just in case anyone should recognize this machine.  It has no manufacturer information on it that I can find.

A couple of days ago I was browsing the local Craigslists, looking for information on the above machine (or someone who had something similar for sale that might have a manual with it!) and I came across an ad for a Domestic Rotary Electric machine.  This was a very early brand of sewing machine, and they were only asking $20!  We went to look at it yesterday and it followed me home:

So far I've found out that they were manufactured until 1924, and then were bought out by another company (I believe it was White).  It appears to be complete and seems to need very little in the way of replacement parts, although I've not yet plugged it in - the cord is a little frayed, and that scares me a bit.  I may try to get the cord replaced.  It also came with the manual and lots of accessories, including an early model buttonholer - all for $20!  It's also in a table.

One of the most interesting things about this one is the drive mechanism.  Instead of a belt from the main wheel to the motor, the motor has a hinge and a direct-drive mechanism.  It rests against the drive wheel in the back. 

I don't yet know the final fate of these two machines.  I already have my treadle machine upstairs, as well as a Singer 99K (with knee pusher, which both of the above machines also have!) in a broken box, a low-end serger, and a relatively modern (although a few years old) Elna 3005 (or is it 3007?  I always get that wrong.)  One would think I really need to sew more...

Comments

[Pamela Mulla]

I have a few machines myself including a baby singer for kids. And they all work although my New Home Computer needs some work. Any chance you will return to podcasting?

[dan]

Would like to know if you could send me simple instructions on how to thread the Dressmaker Rotary sewing machine. I have one just like it!

[debra nutter]

i have the same machine also and i am looking for the manual can any one help me?

[Mandy]

I too have the green/creme dressmaster, that I inherited from my grandmother. A beautiful piece of machinery, however I am also looking for the manual. If you find one would you be willing to share?

Mandy

[John]

I Just got the older model DressMaster, mine is green, it too came with a manual, which i believe is missing the front cover, but it does start at page 1 to the end. I paid $10 for mine! my cord is dry rotted but I had to try it and it works fine! All I have to do is replace the power cord, all the other wiring looks to be fine. I feel blessed!

[susan chapman]

Hi
i own an older Dressmaster machine that i got at an estate sale. Its in great shape and i am looking forward to using it. its different than any machine i have seen so far in my searches, as it doesnt use a belt to drive it and it doesnt have a foot pedal but is controled by a lever that flips down under the cabinet and is controlled by your knee. Its dark green cast iron. unfortunately mine didnt come with a manual and for the life of me i cant figure out how to thread the darn thing, If anyone can help I would be very appreciative.
thanks susan [email protected]

[Pat Coppeta]

Hi,
I just inherited my mom's old dressmaster cast iron black sewing machine. I finally figured how to thread it & wind the bobbin but for the life of me I can't figure out how to bring the bobbin thread up to allow me to sew a seam. It's particularily important that I figure this out as my 6 y.o. grandson juat had a leg legthening procedure done at Children's Hospital on Oct. 2nd. As a result of this surgery he needs the left leg on all his clothing altered to allow room for the spatial external fixator that was applied ( it's 24 inches in diameter). If anyone could help me in obtaining the manual for this machine I would very much appreciate it.
Thanks so much.
Pat Coppeta

[Craig R]

Ahh, like so many others I have been Googling like a madman researching the green, cast-iron Dressmaster E-6354 I found at a second-hand shop today...

A manual would be greatly appreciated if one exists... Advice on threading would be even better. :)

Cheers,
Craig

[Jim Morris]

Hi People,
I like many others have come into possession of a Wilson machine (Automatic) Dressmaster. Made by White Corp, sez on the back, driven by a motor hinged on the back. It looks very much like the last two pictures
on this page. I also need a Manuel and would gladly pay for it.
They just don't make machines like this anymore and I want to use it right. I am at [email protected]. Thanks, Jim

[Margrethe]

Please if anyone knows how to thread and spool these old mashine or have a manual, let me know. I have one of the old black Dressmaster Rotary 813 or 873 (this number I found on the bottum of the machine) I can not figur out how to work this dawn sewing machine. I was so excited to get it, but I would like to be able to use it. I got it from an old friend who passed away and I know it works.