On November 26, 2016, WK Binger met the machine that would change his life - a 201-2 he affectionately dubbed "Lucy." Tasked by Lucy's previous caretaker with re-homing two other vintage sewing machines, WK quickly gained local notoriety as the guy who found new owners for old sewing machines. His home soon became filled to bursting with "donations;" he would often come home from work to find machines on his doorstep. As the machines took over his living space, he realized there was only one solution to his problem.
After a year of construction, the Vintage Sewing Center and Museum (affectionately known as the “M”) officially opened in 2018 in Tulsa, Oklahoma, as a hands-on museum, with hundreds of antique and vintage sewing machines and their accessories on display.
The M is an homage to the historical contribution of the sewing machine. It is unique in that not only will a visitor learn about the machine in front of them, but they may also sew with it. Fabric, thread, patterns, accessories are all on hand for visitor use. Even the industrials are available for use under the close supervision of WK who enjoys regaling visitors with the stories behind each donated family machine. Children are welcome to sit and sew in a special space made just for them at custom-designed treadles that are just their size. Learning and creativity abound.
Since their invention, sewing machines have affected and influenced history, especially women’s history. During our current COVID-19 health crisis, much like Rosie the Riveter in WWII, today’s “Rosies” sprang into action when their countries needed them (albeit wielding a needle and thread rather than a power tool), constructing handmade face masks, scrub caps, and anything else deemed necessary and in short supply.
Unfortunately, due to the COVID-19 health crisis, the M has been closed not only due to government restrictions, but also due to the health issues of its owner who contracted COVID over the summer. As it is a small business that does not receive any government funding, having to remain closed has severely damaged its financial well-being. Expenses run minimum $3,000 per month, and WK does not have any savings left to continue carrying the costs. An attempt to secure federal nonprofit status was unsuccessful. WK and the M need your help.
All proceeds for this ongoing fundraiser will be used to pay the M's monthly expenses and will go directly to WK Binger for that purpose. We hope to raise enough money to get the M past the COVID-19 crisis and well into 2021 when we hope the M can open to visitors once again.
WK is profoundly grateful for any help you can give towards saving the M.
For more pictures and stories about the development of the M, please join our Facebook group:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/407787369596207
After a year of construction, the Vintage Sewing Center and Museum (affectionately known as the “M”) officially opened in 2018 in Tulsa, Oklahoma, as a hands-on museum, with hundreds of antique and vintage sewing machines and their accessories on display.
The M is an homage to the historical contribution of the sewing machine. It is unique in that not only will a visitor learn about the machine in front of them, but they may also sew with it. Fabric, thread, patterns, accessories are all on hand for visitor use. Even the industrials are available for use under the close supervision of WK who enjoys regaling visitors with the stories behind each donated family machine. Children are welcome to sit and sew in a special space made just for them at custom-designed treadles that are just their size. Learning and creativity abound.
Since their invention, sewing machines have affected and influenced history, especially women’s history. During our current COVID-19 health crisis, much like Rosie the Riveter in WWII, today’s “Rosies” sprang into action when their countries needed them (albeit wielding a needle and thread rather than a power tool), constructing handmade face masks, scrub caps, and anything else deemed necessary and in short supply.
Unfortunately, due to the COVID-19 health crisis, the M has been closed not only due to government restrictions, but also due to the health issues of its owner who contracted COVID over the summer. As it is a small business that does not receive any government funding, having to remain closed has severely damaged its financial well-being. Expenses run minimum $3,000 per month, and WK does not have any savings left to continue carrying the costs. An attempt to secure federal nonprofit status was unsuccessful. WK and the M need your help.
All proceeds for this ongoing fundraiser will be used to pay the M's monthly expenses and will go directly to WK Binger for that purpose. We hope to raise enough money to get the M past the COVID-19 crisis and well into 2021 when we hope the M can open to visitors once again.
WK is profoundly grateful for any help you can give towards saving the M.
For more pictures and stories about the development of the M, please join our Facebook group:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/407787369596207
Organizer and beneficiary
Wayne Binger
Beneficiary