Monday, March 31, 2008

Woodpecker

So, here's what I bought this weekend:

Tikka means woodpecker in Finnish - what a great name for a sewing machine! Thanks to my favorite neighbor's internet research (in Finnish), I know these were the first domestic Finnish sewing machines and were produced between 1946 and 1964. (And yes, Tikkakoski is better known for making weapons!) The treadle still works using a leather belt, but several parts are missing, including the bobbin case, so I won't be sewing on this anytime soon. Maybe it will be a summer project to hunt down one in worse shape with all the parts! Sunday afternoon, the same friend's keen eyes found this Tikka manual (på svenska) at an antique fair. What luck!! I'd like to find one in Finnish, too. Lots of new vocabulary to learn that I'll need in my hunt for parts!

Here are some of my other thrifted textile finds from the weekend and a simple bag I made using one of the pillow cases last night. Much more fun than what I should have been doing...

19 comments:

Libby said...

Taivaalinen *s*

Meg said...

Even though I've never seen one before, I love your machine! The design is so Scandinavian. And it looks to be in such good shape!!! I'm sure you'll be able to find parts---if not on your own, then for sure from a sewing machine repair place. Does it weigh a ton? Are you planning to take it back to the States?

Ila K. said...

Could you be lucky enough for it to take a standard Class 15 bobbin case? It sure looks like it might...

Congratulations on your score!

dot said...

WOW!!! How lucky your are. You might just become more Finnish than you expected. Great finds at the flea market also.

Deborah Levy said...

Love it! I have a 'Free" made in chicago in 1910. I used it after Hurricane Charlie when we had no hope you'll be able parts.

Anonymous said...

Wow, it sure is cute! I hope you find the parts you need to make it run. Your thrifting finds are fabulous, and I love that bag.

Clare said...

It's beautiful. Hope you find the spare parts.

I love the flower fabric. I think pillow cases are brilliant. I'm cutting a blue and white olive leaf pattern one at the moment and have got 2 red and white buble fabric ones to cut up.

Lily Mulholland said...

Hope you find that bobbin case for your wonderful antique!

And the cushion from your aunt is just gorgeous!

Lappeklipp said...

Hi Hedgehog! Lovely sewing machine!!! I have something for you on my blogg.
Kram från L.

jacquie said...

You are a professional thrifter. Love that machine. What a treasure!

hortenzita said...

What a treasure you have!
Anyway, thank you for your lovely comment left on my blog.

Unknown said...

The bag is beautiful. Lucky you to find that machine.

Luísa Silva said...

I love that sewing machine. So beautiful its buttery color.

Tazzie said...

What a dear sweet little machine, I hope you can find her parts so she can purr back to life.
*hugs*
Tazzie
:-0

elvisimo said...

is anybody knows how much it worth in good condition and with a documents?

Anonymous said...

wow. how much is a machine like this. there is one here at local thrift for 50.00 is that too much.

Unknown said...

I have a tikka that i want to sell, anyone interested?

Unknown said...

Hello! I have a 1953 Tikka in Finland that needs parts. Does anyone have ideas on where to find them?

Moozoongi said...

Hello dear, I have this sewing machine. I would love an explanation for threading the sewing thread, I just forgot how to do it. Thanks in advance