Thanks so much for sharing!! Just got a model 12 delivered today that I bought on EBAY. Wanted a real old machine that still works but now I realize I got so much more than just an old sewing machine, thank you so much Alex
Hi Laura, Glad you liked it. Many people helped with the invention of the Singer model 12 but it was Isaac SInger who reaped the rewards. After he built his palace in England he left a codicile stating that if his beautiful wife married again after his death she would loose the home. She did remarry and lost Oldway Palace in Paignton.
I own a Model 12 New Family sewing machine.... and I still use it! I love it. So much easier to use than the new fangled electric ones with all the fancy stitches! LOL!!
Such fascinating history! We homeschool and I am doing a "history of sewing" with my two girls, ages 6 & 9. This was perfect--thank you! I do wish you would do a little post about how this Model 12 worked. That would be great!
Yes and no. Many years before him people had patented sewing machines but they did not work! Thimonnier's tambour machine did make a hooked stitch, not a lock stitch. You can still see that type of machine in the Corneley embroidery machine. Isaac Singer invented, patented and brought to the market in 1851 the first good sewing machine in history, one of the reasons he became one of the richest men of his time, built castles and palaces and ran around with countless women.
Alex, thank you so much for all you do for our sewing machine world. I have an 1888 model 12 fiddle base hand crank. I've had it for about 12 years, and have never been able to sew with it. I took it to a treadle on get together, and it somehow it didn't come home with me. Do you have any shuttles for sale or know of where I can buy one. My little grandsons want to sew on it as badly as I do. Thanks!
Might it be a good idea to mention James Bolton, who actually invented the Model 12? Isaac Singer had very little to do with it and, according Bolton's diaries, Singer hated the machine so much he said he wanted to "take a sledgehammer to it" when it was first presented to him. By the time the New Family (model 12) was in full production, Singer had left the company to spend more time with his families.
Yes he was a fascinating character, I mention James in my book on Isaac Singer. Certainly James tells a great story. Isaac's part in the Singer 12 is documented on patent drawings, office letters and even correspondence from England. The only mention of James was that he was barred from the Singer offices! It sounded to me that recollections differed but facts are still facts.
This guy is a global treasure!!! 👏
Alex, your shop looks like mine. Awesome... Mike
Thank you for the history of the sewing machine. Loved it!
Thank you, Alex, I loved your presentation & delivery of part of the history of the sewing machine.
Thanks so much for sharing!! Just got a model 12 delivered today that I bought on EBAY. Wanted a real old machine that still works but now I realize I got so much more than just an old sewing machine, thank you so much Alex
Just fabulous!
Awesome!
Hi Laura, Glad you liked it. Many people helped with the invention of the Singer model 12 but it was Isaac SInger who reaped the rewards. After he built his palace in England he left a codicile stating that if his beautiful wife married again after his death she would loose the home. She did remarry and lost Oldway Palace in Paignton.
Oh WOW - thank you for that video Alex. That’s just amazing. What a superb machine.
Could you do a show about how many different ways that the top thread is wound around the bobbin?I know of two ways are there any more?
I own a Model 12 New Family sewing machine.... and I still use it! I love it. So much easier to use than the new fangled electric ones with all the fancy stitches! LOL!!
Such a wonderful video! I was thrilled to learn so much about Isaac Singer. I hope to see more of your videos soon!! :)
please more vids Alex, I'm a huge fan of your website and love your videos!
Such fascinating history! We homeschool and I am doing a "history of sewing" with my two girls, ages 6 & 9. This was perfect--thank you! I do wish you would do a little post about how this Model 12 worked. That would be great!
Thanks, more videos on the way. Alex
Barthélémy Thimonnier was the first !
Yes and no. Many years before him people had patented sewing machines but they did not work! Thimonnier's tambour machine did make a hooked stitch, not a lock stitch. You can still see that type of machine in the Corneley embroidery machine. Isaac Singer invented, patented and brought to the market in 1851 the first good sewing machine in history, one of the reasons he became one of the richest men of his time, built castles and palaces and ran around with countless women.
Alex, thank you so much for all you do for our sewing machine world. I have an 1888 model 12 fiddle base hand crank. I've had it for about 12 years, and have never been able to sew with it. I took it to a treadle on get together, and it somehow it didn't come home with me. Do you have any shuttles for sale or know of where I can buy one. My little grandsons want to sew on it as badly as I do. Thanks!
Might it be a good idea to mention James Bolton, who actually invented the Model 12? Isaac Singer had very little to do with it and, according Bolton's diaries, Singer hated the machine so much he said he wanted to "take a sledgehammer to it" when it was first presented to him. By the time the New Family (model 12) was in full production, Singer had left the company to spend more time with his families.
Yes he was a fascinating character, I mention James in my book on Isaac Singer. Certainly James tells a great story. Isaac's part in the Singer 12 is documented on patent drawings, office letters and even correspondence from England. The only mention of James was that he was barred from the Singer offices! It sounded to me that recollections differed but facts are still facts.