A New Addition

Meet Mr. Morse, the newest addition to my sewing studio!


Isn't he the prettiest shade of turquoise?



This was a Christmas gift from my sis-in-law who has EXCELLENT taste! The theme for our gift exchange this season was recycled/reused gifts, and can you believe she found Mr. Morse on sale in the local antique mall? It was meant to be!


I collect Singer vintage and antique machines, and have never heard of Morse before. I did a little research at the ISMACS sites, and discovered that this is a Japanese made machine, probably manufactured c.1950. I couldn't find any definitive dating information, but the style and color sure fit with a model from 1950. Word on the street is Morse are well made and long lasting machines that sew very well.


Look at this, Mr. Morse threads on the SIDE instead of the front. How funky is that? Don't ask me how to thread it, I'm waiting for the manual I special ordered to arrive before giving it a try. I also want to make sure I use the correct sized needles as well. Other than a little cleaning and oiling, he's in great shape, and I can't wait to give him a try!



Here's wishing all lots of happy sewing in the New Year!

Comments

Ohhhhh, I love it. Love the color especially! Be sure and keep us posted when you get the manual. It should be fun!
2miracles/Tove said…
That is so cool! I'm so jealous! Thanks for checking out my blog. Hope you have a great new year.

Tove
www.relaxlovesew.blogspot.com
once I had an old Husqvarna, I was 21 and it was my first sewing-machine, I bought it with my own money, and was so proud of it. later on, when I married and came living in Brussels, my sewin-machine came with me!
one day I bought me an electric one, a Toyota, and I gave my Husqvarna away to a Marrocain women with 5 children, who was left alone by her husband! she came to my place with only the handle and wheels of a baby-carriage, together we putted the sewing-machine on it, and so she went home. I still remember the thankful smile on her face, this happend in the late sixties, I'm still wondering whow she'doing now, and what about her 5 children! she was greatful with something I was happy to be rid of it!
Rebecca said…
What a handsome gift! Love the retro color/look of it.
Val said…
Wow. Now that is a beautiful machine! I am having to stop myself from buying sewing machines. I need to use one of them! So I am glad you gave me that site to go to. Also thank you for visiting me. I love your blog and can't wait to read more.
Erika Mulvenna said…
nicolehelewaut, what a great story! Just think of all the great sewing she did for her family on your old machine!
Erika Mulvenna said…
Valerie, I know what you mean - I have too many wonderful machines and not enough time to sew on them all! Thanks for your comments!
What a beautiful machine! I love the teal color, the silvery side, and the lovely painted table. And, your vintage machine was born the same year I was! Hopefully, it has years of life left in it! LOL!
raebethriv said…
hey Erika,
This is Rachel from CMQG. Was looking at your flickr pics & saw your Morse. I have a "Visetti" Precision Deluxe JA-9. From what I've found, they are called by some Singer 15 clones made in Japan after WW11 when Singers patent ran out. Here's some info here.
http://blog.sew-classic.com/2008/12/31/it-looks-just-like-an-old-singer-sort-of-review-of-the-ha1-class-15-clone.aspx
See you at January meeting?
Erika Mulvenna said…
Hi there Rachel! Thanks so much for the link, that is awesome information. And yes, I'll see you at the January CMQG meeting!
Brent said…
I have the same machine! It was my grandmother's, and after wanting to kick my newer lower-end Singer down the stairs for several months, I dug her out of the attic and am cleaning her up. She's identical to yours, but she says "American Home" instead of "Morse" on the front.

Her motor works great, she just needs a new rubber belt. Can I ask where you ordered your manual from? I'd love to know, I can't wait to get it cleaned and oiled and really start using it! :)
Anonymous said…
Hi ya! Did you get the manual for this machine? Please email me with where you got it, I have a clone of this machine and it would help, thanks ann
annrppprt@aol.com
La La Lauren!!! said…
Ever find a manual to this machine? I too have a similar machine and I am trying to find a manual for it!
Thanks!
Lauren
shawbellydance@yahoo.com
Erika Mulvenna said…
Hi Lauren, congrats on your "new" old machine! This Morse is a Japanese Class 15 clone, also known as the model HA-1. You can find a free downloadable manual through ISMACS site here: http://ismacs.net/singer_sewing_machine_company/manuals/ha-1-ib-wgh-instruction-manual.pdf Best of luck!

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