School started for us today. I knew I was going to be lonely with my little daughter gone all day, so I thought I would do housework to take my mind off the empty house. Well, by 10:30 a.m., I had already cleaned the refrigerator, taken out the trash, run the dishwasher, fed the dogs, and washed two loads of laundry. I can only be good for so long…and then I have to find a sewing machine!
I have a real weakness for old sewing machines. This is a Brother Window-Matic that we bought recently, but I haven’t had a chance to check it out thoroughly until today. Cosmetically, it looked pretty, and the electric cord and foot pedal are in good condition. This morning, I sewed a couple of rows of test stitching, and the machine was very loud and clattery. I also noticed there was lint and fuzz caught up in the stitched threads. I’ve never seen that before. Hmmm…
Vintage sewing machine experts always say that old machines should be serviced, or at least cleaned and oiled before doing any real sewing on them, so I read through the instruction manual, and then I started taking the machine apart.
It was much easier than I thought it would be. The instructions are very clear, and I removed the faceplate, the needle clamp and presser foot, the slide plate and the throat plate without any trouble at all.
Underneath the throat plate, I found the source of the fuzzy stitching. There was so much lint packed into that small space that it had almost turned into felt!
My little sewing machine brush wasn’t strong enough to clean that, so I ended up using some wooden cocktail sticks (toothpicks) to coax out all the fluffballs.
After I had cleaned and oiled all the places recommended in the instruction manual, I gave the machine a really good test drive. It’s wonderfully quiet and smooth-running now, and after a few minor adjustments, the tension is perfect.
The seller told us that she thought this machine was about 50 years old. I think it must have been quite a fancy machine when new. Here are some of the advertised feaures:
- Window-Matic stitch length regulator has a large window dial stitch-length indicator.
- Built-in sewing light with a non-glare light.
- Instant reverse sewing with the flick of a lever.
- Drop-feed for embroidery and darning.
- Numbered thread tension dial, self-adjusting automatic bobbin winder, hinged presser-foot to ride over pins and seams, automatic tension release, notched shuttle hook that prevents thread from tangling, and a snap-out race for convenience in cleaning.
I found some information about this type of machine on the Internet, and it says these machines were manufactured in Japan. However, my machine clearly states on the front, “Made in the Republic of Ireland.” Maybe it’s a special machine? It’s certainly special to me! 
Happy Sewing!
Isn’t it fun to take an old machine and clean it and make it sew like it was new?? Maybe the parts were made in Japan, but assembled in Ireland?? Its funny how much packed lint they can have and still sew!
I’ve been studying my instruction manuals very carefully, but I wish I could go to sewing machine repair school. Do you think it’s too late for me to change careers?
What a treasure you have there.
Thank you! I put a new drive belt on her today, and now she’s better than perfect!
I miss my old machines… I haven’t unpacked my favorite treadle head since we moved last year. But those vintage 15 class machines just sew beautiful stitches.
I use to work for an Old Sewing Machine Guy cleaning and tuning up any of the vintage machines he took in… amazing the amount of fluff and felt you can get out of those old machines.
hi just wondered if you could help me. my mum sadly passed away last year when i was clearing out her house i came across this sewing machine. she has had it over 35 years still in workin order foot pedal and other bit’s a in a case inside the case could anybody give me any idea how much this is worth please thank you.
Wow, I can’t believe I found someone else with this machine!
I recently bought this from Brighton for a small fee, when I got home to test it i found it hard to thread it and also I saw the motor flashing. Could this be it needs a new motor or it simply needs throwing away? I would love to keep it as I am a fool for beautiful machines like this.
Hi, glad to hear from another vintage Brother owner! The motor might need some cleaning or repairs. If you can, I would recommend taking it to a sewing machine repair person to get an estimate on repairs. It’s definitely worth a look. This model machine is wonderful and very sturdy. I sew on mine all the time and love it.
Hi, Unfortunately the machine did not come with an instructions booklet, so I am baffled on how it is threaded. Fortunately I have taken the machine to a sewing machine shop and they’ve come to a conclusion that it is the peddle that needs replacing, not the motor
I would love for you to assist me on how to thread the machine and also how to wind the bobbin. What a beautiful object this machine is! Thank you for you reply!
I’m lusting after one of these right now…..Glad to have found you. I’m adding you to my list of reads!
Thank you for visiting, Michelle! I’m happy to find your blog, too. What a cool motorcycle!