Look what I did today!

I bought a featherweight last November and the machine itself seems to be a nice little machine. It sews well, and has all it's parts and is in really good condition. The case though - smelled so musty that it had to be stored outside. I tried everything I could think of. I joined a Featherweight Yahoo group recently and one suggestion is to put a 150 watt lightbulb in the case for about 8 hours. Apparently the glue that was used on the American made Singer cases will degrade and mold if the case is stored in a damp area. The other suggestion was to strip the case of all fabric and refinish it, sanding and staining the outside. I saw a couple of examples. So -- in a flurry of activity this morning I pulled all the fabric off my case!!


This is the beginning of the removal of the outer fabric. Most of it came off very easily and left very little glue on the wood. The top and bottom had quite a bit of black glue left though.




I pulled all the fabric off the inside as well, which is where most of the musty smell comes from. I plan to paint the inside with a nice black lacquer or Varathane. I removed the little black tray. I will order a new one. I am thinking if I can I will order some nice shiny new latches.




This is where I am at so far. It really sanded up nicely. It needs a bit more sanding and I need to find out about new latches. If I can get new ones then I can take these off and sand under them. Jim has lots of stain and Varathane left from the window molding -- and he tells me they are going up this weekend!!