Use It or Lose It: Singer 99-13
I'm looking at machine #6 in my sewing machine inventory today, and this 1934 Singer 99-13 is near and dear to my heart. This is the first vintage machine I ever bought, found in a Southern Illinois thrift store sometime around 1990.
The 99's are a 3/4 sized machine, basically a mini-version of the 66, and this model was one of the first sewing machines advertised to be totally "portable." Although at about 25 lbs in the case, it's not quite as portable as a modern lightweight machine or even a featherweight.
Since this is a "portable" machine, it has an ingenious way of storing all of the extras. Inside the wooden case is a space for the attachment box and a place for a metal bar shaped like a question mark.
The metal bar is a knee control, attaching to the front of the wooden base and taking the place of a foot control! It is a pretty cool way to sew, no chasing after a foot as it walks away from you on the floor. This machine really does sew wonderfully, I have always enjoyed sewing with it. I set it up last week and have been doing a little bit of piecing on it, enjoying every stitch.
It really is a pretty little machine. I was drawn to it esthetically when I bought it, and then after sewing with it I completely fell in love. This machine is the reason I continued to purchase vintage sewing machines, because I knew they just didn't make them like this any more.
The only thing I'm doing to this baby is adding some small metal handles to the base to make it easier for me to lift and carry. After I added handles to the wooden base of the 15-30, I couldn't believe I ever repeatedly lifted machines without adding them sooner!
I'm planning on sewing on her again tonight before moving on to the next machine in my inventory - which will be whatever machine I grab off the shelf next!
To see some of the other machines in my collection, you can click on the links below. Happy stitching!
#3, #4, and #5: 1922 Singer 66, C.1900 Vibrating Shuttle, and Singer 114K103
#2. 1919 Singer 128
#1. 1901 Singer 15-30 Custom
Comments
To see my 66-13, go here:
http://www.lifewithlou.blogspot.com/2012/02/singer-99-conversion-from-electric-to.html
I just love seeing your sewing machines! Maybe I can twist your arm to bring one to the retreat so I can play with it a little bit!
It will be my first machine! I hope it only need to be cleaned an oiled! How I know which model and year is exactly?
Thanks,
Eileen
Karen
Cheers Annette
http://www.sandman-collectibles.com/id-singer-machines.htm#16
I was able to identify it. I bought it at an antique store for $125 in 2008 and it even has the box with the accessories & feet. Wow.
If you need the manual, singer has them for free download at
http://www.singerco.com/support/instruction-manuals/search?man_model_no=1
but the link keeps hanging up on me. Maybe you will have better luck.
Cheers!
This little darling of a machine has been polished and fixed for like over 6 hours now,Had trouble with the bobbin winder, my good that is one pretty thing! also the singer tin box for xtras is full, nothing more goes in. Here is some numbers# 28915# 35931 # 36583 # 12464 # 25527 # 120842 # 32622 # The ruffler ? number yet # 121094 ¤ 38835 everything is in mint condition.
You can find photos of this tiny machine, nearly all looks fine, mine here is ready for a museum, it looks that good now- paint and decals look awesome.
I like good strong machines i like to sew leather denim and other strong stuff i am a biker, and like to do it myself.
Cant see if i can upload pictures here, but i am pretty sure, when it is done i`ll sell it again, it is not what i am looking for, maybe i`ll trade it, who knows.
It will not go in sewing machines rather antiqes and collectables, i think.
I am mad about old vintage sewing machines, i love fixing and using them,even thoug i am 50 years old. my first licence was for this. laughing...
Regards John J. Fredericia
aI've bought 2 different models already from Ebay and neither fits correctly. Thank you in advance for your help!
I was gifted a Singer 99-13 but it is missing the knee bar. I did find one online with a serial number 191412. Is that the proper knee bar for the 99-13 machine. I wondered if yours has a serial number on the knee bar.
Thanks so much.
Maureen