The Singer 201-2

This is my "new" 1947 Singer 201-2. Let me be the first to say that since my last sewing machine post I have totally lost track of how many machines are in my collection! So, ummm...maybe this makes 18 or 20...but maybe it's better if I just stop counting.

I purchased this machine from a thrift store a couple of months ago. When I bought it I could tell that the machine itself probably worked, but the wiring was a complete mess of shredded wire, rubber, and tape. And although it came in what was probably the original cabinet, it was also a mess and looked like it had been dropped out of a truck. But, I can't stand to see an old girl suffer, so I took her home with me.

 

I took the 201-2 out of that old wrecked cabinet and set it aside for rewiring. I finally (finally!) got my husband to help me re-wire the 201-2 over this weekend, and as luck would have it she fits EXACTLY in my extra cabinet. This cabinet originally housed an old Pfaff 130, but the machine never quite worked right and I got rid of it last year. I then fit tmy Singer 319W in this cabinet and sewed with it for almost a year. But, I decided to part with the 391W a few months ago which left this cabinet looking for a new partner. If you are still trying to keep count with me that would be minus 2 machines and plus one!
 

So let me tell you about this machine! It is so smooth, so quiet (compared to some of the other vintage machines), and sews so awesome - I am in love! There is lots of information already out there about the 201 which is considered by many collectors to be the best vintage machine made. This model was manufactured as a higher end machine for seamstresses, sold at the same time as its little sister the Singer 15-91 (and I had one of those to, but sold it last year - are you still keeping count?). It has a larger harp than other household models manufactured at the same time, and is powered directly by a gear drive instead of a belt. Read a nice write-up of the 201 at the Sew-Classic Blog, read a great article about the 201 that includes some fun vintage ads from Sewalot.com, and download a PDF of the 201-2 manual from ISMACS.

My 201 came with lots of accessories including a 1947 buttonhole attachment, plenty of extra bobbins, a box of little accessory feet. I immediately ordered a walking foot and 1/4" piecing foot to go along with this machine, and I cannot wait to start quilting with this baby!

I started moving stuff around once I got the 201 in the cabinet, and it really does make this little corner of my sewing room complete. I love the way this cabinet closes up when not in use - especially the chair that pushes all the way in to look like the front of the cabinet. Good luck getting me out of the sewing room, I'm going back to playing with my new toy!