Hunka hunka. Meet my new boyfriend: A Brother Charger 651 — Made in Japan, 35 pounds of serious vintage steel, in the most lovely shade of robin’s egg blue. Actually, I have had this puppy for a while now. I bought it from Denise, who has a *thing* for saving vintage sewing machines, and had it tucked in the corner while I continued to work on setting up my work space in my big fat crazy crafty epic office remodel. The idea behind the remodel was to make my home office space more comfortable for working now that the blog is fulltime enterprise… but also to design it to accommodate my collage work. Did you know that you can sew on paper? That’s what I bought the vintage Brother for, although I might also try it to zig zag felted wool squares together into a blanked, like Crispina ffrench does. In my spare time.
Wanna see the new work triangle? Clicky through:
The sewing machine sits on a triangular Herman Miller office table that I bought at my Eco Building Bargains in Springfield, Mass. The table is on three legs with rollers. When I need to power up the vintage Brother to use it, it’s super easy to pull the table out so I can use its entire work space.
Back to the sewing machine: I need to find a manual.
You can see lots of photos from the rest of my office/art space here. The entire room is just 10′ x 14′ — cozy — and easy to get my hands on everything. I am loving it! I still have more to do before the space is declared “done” — and mind you, I DO declare spaces “complete.” It’s getting close!
Annie B. says
O, Brother, that’s a seriously muscular sewing maching. Would love to see you create a sewn collage.
I’m so envious of your office, Pam. I don’t think I’d ever leave the place if it were mine. I’d install a little beer ‘fridge in there and would not come out until spring.
pam kueber says
Yes, I really really love my office!!!!
pam kueber says
P.S. Come back in an hour and you just *might* see some sewn collages from another friend o’ the blog 😉
Annie B. says
Hot Zig! Can’t wait!!!
Lynne says
I have a collection of 5 machines. Each has their purpose. One does the nasty, tough horse stuff repair, one is for clothing, one for home decor, etc.
The thing with these old machines, you HAVE to keep them clean and oiled. Do try to get a manual Pam. It will show you all of the oil points.
Christine says
Lovely machine! I was lucky enough to score a free 1959 Necchi Supernova Ultra, with all the bells & whistles in her original cabinet. She is cream and rosy-beige, just like my 1956 living room originally was!
You can buy a copy of your manual here:
http://www.sewusa.com/Sewing_Machine_Manuals/Brother_Manuals/651_Instruction_Manual.htm
Gina Black says
You might be able to find a manual on eBay. Or it’s possible that Brother themselves have something they can send you. Viking did for my old White machine. (They merged some eons ago.)
Looks like you have a push-button backpacking. I seem to recall working on a Brother machine like that one a very long time ago and making Indian bedspread dresses on it. That was the job I had in High School.
Pat says
I love old sewing machines too, I have to pinch myself everytime I want to buy one. Have had to sell 2 of them because I just don’t have room for everything I love. I sure do love that Brother of yours! Methinks I would not resist such a buy if I ran across it.
lynda says
Nice looking machine. I don’t know if you already saw this:
http://www.sewusa.com/Threading_Diagrams/Threading_Pages/Brother_Sewing_Machine_Threading/brother_651_threading_diagram.htm
Also, I have found that sometimes manuals for other models are about the same. I have two old Elna’s and have found that to be the case. Good luck and have fun sewing!
Jay says
The office is looking good! That machine appears to be packing a lot of horesepower what with all that chrome. Maybe you can rustle up some cafe curtains or a valance for the window in your office re-do.
pam kueber says
There ARE cafe curtains on the window. They are vintage lace. The camera doesn’t register them in this particular photo because the sun was shining in. One of the things yet on the to-do list is to make a roller shade that I can pull down when I need to filter the sunshine more.
Jay says
OOps! I guess I missed that segment of the remodel project. Sorry!
linda h says
Is that your gold sparkled countertop by the triangle table? I am looking for a kitchen cart with clear Lucite wheels with gold sparkles in them on e-bay.
georgiapeachez says
Gorgeous hunk of steel. I have a ‘thang’ for old sewing machines too. That Denise has a knack for saving lots of things doesn’t she!
laura says
Google for a manual or a Yahoo group focused on Brother machines. Their are lots of collectors of vintage sewing machines.