Sunday, October 9, 2011

How to bring a vintage toy sewing machine back to life!

To this…

Little Betty front side after photo

… from this:

Little Betty before colour

I’m still obsessing about vintage toy sewing machines!  I picked up this Little Betty off eBay, and it wasn’t in the best condition… but I was determined to preserve it!  It took a few attempts but my determination prevailed!!

I started off my journey with an internet search on “removing rust from metal” and came across a home remedy.  The DIY Professional on the video suggested mixing Bi-Carb Soda  with either vinegar or lemon juice until it developed a paste… and then applying that paste to the rusted area for several minutes before wiping off.

Little Betty baking soda ingredients

So I gathered the ingredients and materials – including rubber gloves… and gave it a go.

Little Betty baking soda 1

After the clock had ticked by a few times I wiped the paste mixture off the machine with kitchen wipes, and then attempted scrubbing at the rusted surface with an old toothbrush.  There wasn’t much rust-loss so I increased the abrasion by using fine-grade sandpaper.  It shifted some of the rust, but not to any great degree as you can see in the photo below.

Little Betty baking soda result

Next up was WD40… I saturated the rusted surface and left it for a few minutes, then scrubbed with the toothbrush…

Little Betty with WD40 2

That method didn’t prove to be effective either!  But then… just as I was giving up hope that my Little Betty would shine again… Mr SUDs came to the rescue with his ‘over the counter’ rust removal product!

Little Betty with rust cleaner

Lots of sandpaper…. and lots of elbow-grease… and the result was awesome!

Little Betty after

I cleaned the plastic casing with some ‘sticky stuff remover’, shined up the base with the same product, and then oiled the plate with some 3-in-one oil to prevent any further rusting. 

The machine works – and it’s clean!

If you’d like to see a gorgeous collection of Casige vintage toy machines, go visit Debra and read this post… I am in love!!!!!

I’m off to write up a pattern!  Till next time – Hugs!  Vikki xx

Note to self:  Did I really just write a post about the trials and tribulations of rust removal?  Oh boy!  I think the ole’ grey matter needs oiling too!  Next you’ll be looking for hairs growing on the palms of your hands, Vik… once you’ve finished talking to yourself of course – DOH!!!!!!

9 comments:

Quilt Kitty said...

Great job Vikki. I think that CLR can remove anything. What a little cutie your machine is now. Tracee xx

Allie said...

Brilliant - you did a great job on this, it sure needed rescue!!!

Joy said...

Good for Mr Suds and his fabulous CLR ;o) .... and of course - good for you and all your elbow grease lol. Vikki it's come up a treat, it will look so pretty on display :o).
Love n hugs,
Joy :o)

Sue Niven said...

Well done Vikki! A Great tip i had given to me to clean stuff is eucalyptus oil, sticky residue and labels etc. Your little machine looks a treat.

Kerryanne @ Shabby Art Boutique said...

Wow... she's a beauty!!
Now we have you on the reno trail I wonder what you'll be tackling next Vik?
I wonder what your new pattern is??? Can't wait.
Hugs ~ Kerryanne

Wanda said...

Wow, it looks great. Just a thought, but there is a product for sealing metal. It helps with keeping the rust from coming back.

I looked on-line and there are several brands and they are less than $10 for a can.

Wanda
http://wandas-quilts-crafts.blogspot.com/

Deb said...

Its a real cutie Vikki. Looks like the cotton reel is almost bigger than your machine. Good on Mr SUDS using his knowledge to help you out. So does this mean that all your sewing is going to become smaller now???? lol

Chris H said...

It's so cute! You did a really good job on cleaning it up.

Marilyn said...

Just loved seeing this post about the Little Betty. I was given a Little Betty for Christmas when I was a child. It must be 50 years old. I still have it, and it has quite a bit of rust also. Now I am inspired to get to and clean it up. Maybe I should do that and then show it on my blog.

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