Some great names have been suggested. I’m particularly fond of Edna, Ethel and Maude. But you know what? I may just end up calling her Pinky – I uttered that name spontaneously as I was working on her tonight. Has the right sort of feel and fits my personality too. I took her apart again tonight and fixed two issues, one with the needle position selector and one with the decorative stitch selection knob. And I did a little research and joined a Yahoo group devoted to vintage Japanese machines. You see, when you turn the sewing machine over, all of its parts that bear markings are stamped with the named “Brother” for the Brother Sewing Machine Company (f/k/a Yasui Sewing Machine Company). Turns out, it was fairly common in the late 50s and early 60s for Japanese sewing machine manufacturers to make machines and export them into the US where they were “badged” with other names, presumably to appeal to the tastes and prejudices of the American consumer. Atlas was just one of the badged names used on Brother machines. So this machine is really a Brother JC1 “Select-O-Matic” machine – try Googling that name for a brief trip back to the 50s. Turns out a lot of people liked to name their equipment “Select-O-Matic.” Anyway, I oiled the old girl in all her squeaky joints and she is sewing as well as she ever has. Now I will turn to some fine detail cleaning when I get the chance. I need to pick up a bottle of rubbing alcohol and some Q-tips to clean out some of the dirt, and I am going to replace two of the belts and all of those things should make a real difference.
Be careful with the alcohol- it sometimes does yucky things to paint! I used TR3 Resin Glaze from Pep Boys Auto on a 60s turquoise and cream Singer 15 clone and she sparkles. For the metal, I removed the plates first, then polished with Mother’s Mag & Aluminum Cleaner. In both cases, I tested the product first in inconspicuous places to make sure they didn’t damage the finishes. Your Pinky is a pretty girl, almost as pretty as your Juliette :).
It’s nice the way the older machines are so user serviceable.
Hi,
Ran across you web site while looking for Lenni stuff. I brought home a used 2008. I told my husband that we needed to give the Lenni a proper name. I know the name will come to me sooner or later.
I was curious about your new machine, and had to laugh when I saw it. I collect vintage machines. I have 3 pink Atlas, just love them. They remind me of pink flamingos! I have a few of those too! Anyway, I thought I would suggest Zola for your new machine. There is a quilting book called Spike and Zola, by Donna French
Collins. Has some really cute stuff. Saw one on Ebay tonight.
Back to the vintage sewing machines. I collect Singer 221’s, 301’s 401’s. I really like the Singer Clones. They all sew wonderfully, and I like the different colors and names. I have a greenish blue one called the Magic Needle, made by brother. I would like to find a Wizard machine to round out my collection. I really have too many, and am running out of space.
Well, gotta go to bed. It’s almost time to get up.
Kaki
OH , I forgot
Try a Mr. Clean Eraser. I use them to clean up all my old machines. You can shine up the machines with sewing machine oil. Drop it on the bed and polish with a soft rag. I use batting pieces.
Kaki
I think you should honor that machine and call it “Prunella” You know why. I still have Granny Pitts sewing machine and it is my most prized possesion. Love ya Cuz!!!!