At our small luxury accommodation in South Belfast, we pride ourselves on creating a warm and inviting atmosphere, with every detail thought out to make your stay truly special. One of the unique aspects of Ravenhill House is the hand-made soft furnishings in each room. From cushions to  curtains, we have made plenty sewing projects over the years. 

Recently, we swapped out our modern plastic sewing machine for a vintage treasure: the Singer 201K, made in 1937 at the Singer factory in Kilbowie, Scotland. The Singer 201K is a beautiful piece of history, often described as the Rolls Royce of sewing machines. 

Renowned for its smooth, gear-driven operation and flawless straight stitch, this machine was used by professional tailors and home sewers alike. Crafted with a cast iron body, it’s a machine that was built to last, and nearly a century later, it’s still going strong.

We bought the machine second-hand and well-loved, with the gold design on its surface worn away by years of fabric being carefully guided through. We had it serviced by Christine from Colour and Cloth, a local sewing teacher in Belfast who did an excellent job ensuring it runs as smoothly as it did when it was first made.

We’ve also given the machine’s table a makeover to match its timeless elegance. We sanded down the surface, applied a fresh coat of wax to the top, and painted the legs in a rich, dark pink shade called Raddichio by Farrow and Ball.  We are so pleased to have a sewing machine that is not just functional, but also incredibly beautiful in our home. 

We are looking forward to starting some new projects using the machine during the Autumn months.

This sewing machine is not only functional but also a testament to the quality and craftsmanship of its makers. We believe that just like our vintage Singer, some things only get better with time.