I have no idea how to sew.

Here’s how I’m going to learn:  It’s an early 60’s(?) Japanese ‘Clone’ zig-zag machine called “The White House’.  Aparently, these were styled and branded like crazy; I think mine is named for the department store in San Fransisco.    I picked it up cheaply off Craigslist. The 1950’s styling and the fact that it worked sold me.

Teal hammertone paint with a gold and silver ‘dashboard’?  Gobs of non-pitted chrome? Mechanically solid? Sign me up!

 

I’ve cleaned it up and put in a heavy-duty needle and thread so I can sew thicker, upholstery-type materials.  I’m not going to pretend that this is some industrial walking-foot machine that I *really* want, but more something to just get a feel with.

If anyone is doing a web search for this machine, here are some details of the markings:

“The White House”

 

140 DeLuxe (with an e!) Zig Zag Made in Japan

 

J-A13

 

KZ 1

Z21 stamped in

J 27 stamped in

Dynamic Sewing motor MEW  115V  0.8A

 

 

 

 

Here’s a link I found to a quilting forum when I was trying to find info on the machine: CLICK!

Tons of info there- it’s really cool to see all the retro designs.

If I ever get the guts to try and make something rather than just practicing making stitches on jean scraps, I’ll post up!