1950 Elna 1 Grasshopper
This is a pretty unassuming looking case, don't you think? In fact the flat military looking paint job is what attracted my husband to it while he was rummaging through the local antique mall - he though it might hold some kind of cool military stuff.
It wasn't quite what he expected, but lucky me, he brought it home and I found this box wrapped up under the tree Christmas morning. I couldn't believe it when I opened the box and it was...
A vintage 1950 Elna 1 Grasshopper! Oh my God, are you kidding me? I've seen tons of pictures of the Elna 1 online, but oh man, I never, ever thought I'd even see one of these in person - let alone have one in my collection!
It is very clean, but has some wear and tear from use. Sadly, although it was in the original case, the accessory box is missing. Thankfully, I had some spare bobbins in my "extra's" box that fit this model, and since it uses standard 15 X 1 sized needles, I was able to sew with it ASAP.
The metal bar that folds up in front of the machine is actually a knee operated speed control, and the stitch length/reverse knob is located on the right of the machine bed. A little different than the old Singers that I'm used to sewing with, but she sews incredibly smoothly, and this machine is amazingly quiet. And did I mention that this machine is a TRANSFORMER? The carrying case opens up and transforms into...
...a slide on sewing table. Right, that IS freaking awesome!
It is a pretty large sewing area, and the smooth finish makes it easy to sew on. But the best part of all is that if you need it, you also have easy access to the free-arm of the machine.
When you're finished sewing, the knee control folds right up, the cord pops off, and the sewing table transforms back into a case.
The sewing bed flips closed and is held in place by two small clips.
The bottom of the case flips back down, and the machine sits right in the bottom.
Close the case and you're ready to roll.
Hell yeah! I can't wait to take this baby out and sew on the go!
And, if you're looking for more information about the Elna 1 Grasshopper, I did find a few links to share - so check these sites out:
The ISMACS ELNA page.
The Needlebar ELNA page.
SewMuse's ELNA page.
A thorough review of the Elna 1 from SewingInsight.com.
Comments
Elna Grasshoppers are what started my French friend on her love of vintage & antique machines. And because of her love & her generosity (she gave (!) me a Featherweight 221 & 222!) began my love the old machines as well.
Happy stitching!
Yours look like it's brand new, so so pretty. Too bad about the toolbox, maybe you'll be able to find one somewhere?
I bought one to. But I need some parts, and a service manual or user manual. How can I get that?
Tor
Thanks! I got an manual i pdf-format from internet. I also get a paper version, sins I bought one more.
Very nice things!
Now I can sew the most. But I got an Supermatic to! Wery good machine! A little bit more modern, but it is av precision machine, may be more than Elna 1.
To day I repair an Husqvarna Vikin 7510. Not so good quality like Automatic, as I also have.
Have i nice sewing days!
Tor