I have Brought a Treadle Sewing Machine Back to Life Again

I didn’t change anything on the cast-iron frame of the machine because, for one thing, it doesn’t have any pronounced rust spots, it’s standing dry and, above all, I don’t have the possibility to disassemble the frame properly, sandblast it and apply new varnish. I have merely limited myself to cleaning it with a fine brush to get rid of the coarsest dirt, but to damage as little paint as possible.The sewing machine itself was in good condition, considering its age. Some signs of use are present, but many of the paintings, for example, are still there and only worn away in places of frequent contact. The mechanism itself also worked well, although a little ponderously. I used tweezers to remove dust and dirt, and used Ballistol* and sewing machine oil to clean and lubricate the various threads. The difference in the flow of the machine is remarkable. Now it runs smoothly and also quietly compared to the first sewing attempts.I had to tighten a small screw so that the upper thread doesn’t always break at the hook of the bobbin, and I replaced the belt because it broke after so many years of standstill. Now the machine is ready for use again, and I have made my first sewing attempts.It is a very special feeling to learn to feel and guide the movement of the treadle and the movement of the needle linked to it. While at the beginning I often faltered, the pedal suddenly tilted in the opposite direction and the thread broke, after some practice I am now able to control the speed and maintain a fluid rhythm.  I am curious to see how my ability to handle the machine will develop over time.