Thin Man Sewing: Model NLB

Tuesday, June 25, 2013

Look Who Followed Me Home.

I go to the local thrift store at least once a week. When I went in a few days ago I saw a vintage sewing machine on the floor. It was even marked half-off. The clerk told me it had been there a month and that is why it was priced so low. I don't think I could have missed it on other trips. Maybe it was hiding somewhere, waiting for the right person to follow home. Someone who would marvel at its mechanics, simplicity, and beauty. Someone who would oil it and take care of it.

I plugged it in to make sure it worked. It worked! Of course it would. It was made in Rockford Illinois in the 40s.

I guess my new friend somehow knew I was the one to take good care of her. Yes, I changed to calling my new machine, her. She is so special. I don't know why this machine is not held to more acclaim by people. I guess I can appreciate her so much because I appreciate Model A Fords, Wringer Washers, Vintage Sewing Machines, and most vintage mechanics. This machine is for a tinker like me. Because there aren't needles and bobbins readily available, so you have to make what is available fit.

I am going to call her Alice.

Alice has some eccentricities that attract me to her:

An interesting name-brand.
Friction drive.(I was afraid it would slip. Not a chance! I kept doubling denim and sewing. She Purred.)
Straight-Stitch with reverse.
Feed-dog adjustment. (really just a disconnect, but manual calls it an adjustment)
A hand-wheel that goes clockwise instead of counterclockwise like modern machines.
A shorter needle than modern machines. (Grind the shank down on a 15x1 needle to the correct length.)
Uses the same bobbin as a Singer Featherweight. (A little filing on the bobbin lock-lever to fit bobbin winder)
A front mounted light switch.
A very well-lit sewing area.
A smooth and quiet purr.
A super-straight stitch.
A single plug-in in the back to keep wires out of the way.
Only weighs 20 pounds.
Wow! I didn't know I could get so worked up about a $4.25 sewing machine.

She is a Free-Westinghouse model ALB, Type E. She was made by The Free sewing machine company. But called Free-Westinghouse because all these machines exclusively used westinghouse motors.