Q I want to tell you about my Grandma’s sewing machine that I inherited. It’s a Singer in a cabinet that closes to look like a table. I have a more modern machine now, and I was thinking about taking the old machine out of the cabinet and using the cabinet for storage. But I don’t want to do this if I will ruin the value of this antique. I’ve had the machine worked on, so it runs well. What would it be worth if I tried to sell it? A In 1860, a New York Times article lauded the sewing machine as “the only invention that can be claimed to benefit women … to speed her labor and ease her toil.” In the 18th and early 19th centuries, inventors all over the world developed tools to help with what historically had been women’s most time consuming tasks in the home. Commercial sewing machines began to replace workers by the 1830s, but it was not until 1843 that Elias Howe, a Boston resident, patented a lock stitch sewing machine suitable for home use. Building on Howe’s patent and infringing on improvements by other inventors, Isaac Merritt Singer developed an easy-to-use home sewing machine, and he offered financing plans and installment payments to maximize sales.

His production capability, coupled with his business savvy, placed his company in the forefront of the domestic sewing machine industry for the next hundred-plus years. The basic mechanics of a lock stitch machine, using two thread sources, remain much the same today. Early domestic sewing machines were typically treadle- or crank-operated. The first sewing machines with electric motors were sold in 1890, but it was not until after World War I that electric machines became common. Most households had a sewing machine, and nearly all women and girls used them. The simple motors were easy to keep in good repair, and it is very common for machines to still work just fine after 100 years or longer. The ubiquity of these machines makes their monetary value today relatively low. A lovely treadle-based Singer in an oak cabinet might sell for less than $100; tabletop portable models would bring less. A very few models of antique sewing machines are highly sought after in the contemporary craft and quilting world.

But in general, an old or antique machine’s value is its continued role as a labor-saving home device.modern dining chairs toronto Q The chair shown in my photo has been in storage, and I want to know if it is worth getting the seat repaired. bean bag chairs stuffed animalsHow much would the chair bring after restoration?buy toddler lounge chair A Woven-seat styles include cane, web or rush. hanging nest chair priceYour chair is a typical ladder-back with a rush seat that’s in need of a full-seat replacement. buy egg swing chair

I contacted The Caning Shop in Berkeley for some insights and advice.where can i buy a hanging bubble chair Natural rush is formed from harvested reeds that are processed and wound into cords; chair and a half apartment therapyfiber rush is a less expensive alternative made from twisted paper. exercise ball chair standEach seat must be wrapped by hand, since there is no easy way to reproduce this look with machinery. queen anne chair dateAlthough not difficult to do, the process requires special materials, time and lots of patience. In deciding whether to have the seat repaired, you must weigh the value of preserving the integrity of the piece against the cost.

If you love the chair and plan to use it, the cost of reweaving is worth it: A rush seat will last generations if cared for. But if you plan to restore the chair to sell, you may not be able to recoup the cost of the work in the sale. Another option might be to look in furniture shops and online for a similar chair and swap it for yours. The Caning Shop frequently has fully restored chairs, which can be swapped for a damaged one. In general, I’ve found that paying for a complex restoration or repair in order to sell an item doesn’t merit the expense, while that same restoration for an object you love is worth it. Jane Alexiadis is a personal-property appraiser. Antique Hardwood Rocking Chair - Primitive Ladder Back Woven Seat Rocking Chair - Vintage Nursing Chair - 1800s Sewing Or Knitting Chair This is an antique rocking chair made from solid hardwood with a ladder back and woven seat. It is petite in size and would have been a ladies rocking chair for nursing the wee ones, sitting while knitting or sewing by hand.

This would also be a good size chair for the children. The wood finish color has aged to a nice dark patina and the original seat is still intact. There is an area of imperfection in the woven seat (see photo #4) but it will still bear weight. I suspect if there were excessive weight on the seat it could possibly cause harm. This is the original seat and therefore caution should be used. Dimensions are approximate as follow 16" in width across the seat seat depth is 13" I offer free local pickup if you are near the Peoria, IL area! Please feel free to message me with any further questions. I thank you for your interest and invite you to view my other items. Learn more about the shop and processPlease try the following: If you typed the page address in the Address bar, make sure that it is spelled correctly. home page, and then look for links to the information you want. Click the Back button to try another link. HTTP 404 - File not found