Tiny sewing machine

No idea why, but DH and I are fascinated by chain stitch sewing machines.  Perhaps it's the idea of sewing without a bobbin (which always runs out of thread just before the end of the project). 

When DH spotted a Gateway Junior sewing machine going for a reasonable price on eBay we made a bid.  And won.  Of course nothing goes smoothly when we order something via eBay.

The vendor shipped promptly, but the package was returned due to insufficient postage.  He quickly contacted us to let us know that he would be re mailing and we would not be charged the difference in cost. 

Then the sewing machine was in one vehicle that went on a road trip.  Finally the vehicle made it back to the vendor.  But then his wife took the family vehicle so he had no way to get to the post office.  Eventually the moons lined up and the package was mailed with the correct postage.

Now to get Canada Customs to do their bit.  Then Canada Post.  The package was delivered to my son's office.  It made it there, but he was working from his home for a few days.  Finally, after a long wait the little red sewing machine arrived home.

Needing a cleaning and oiling along with a bit of straightening bits and pieces out.  The feet were falling apart.  Do we replace or come up with something different.

We decided not to replace the feet.  The machine is so light it's moving around the table when we try to get a sample stitch.  So after being spruced up, the machine was screwed down to a piece of wood.  Not only is this more stable, but we can now clamp the board to a desk, counter or table.  It's very secure when we use it now. 

And the stitch...perfect.  No matter what thread we use.  The only issue is finding spools that fit under the spring tension.  The spools should be 1" high.  Here's what the Gateway Junior looks like after a cleaning: