Falling in Reverse

Naki Nik Naks 0005 – Falling in Reverse –  December 2025

Aesthetically  antique Singer sewing machines are interesting pieces of art in themselves, but if not used as a sewing machine serve no purpose and tend to sit around gathering dust. . Traceys design for Phoenix as a compact simple bedside table inspired the concept for Falling in Reverse (named after one of Gavins favourite bands). We decided to use a slightly gothic theme in the art work and design for this one – just because thats different.

We purchased this along with another industrial Singer machine from a farmer in Taranaki. It had sat untouched in a barn on the farm for decades. Originally the model 66K sewing machine, serial Y7948111, was 1 of 100,000 made at the Singer Kilbowie Clydebank Scotland factory (1884 -1980) in 1923.

This Singer model is a heavy-duty antique cast-iron domestic sewing machine produced from 1902 through the mid-1950s and often referred to as the Model 66 "Red Eye", with peak production occurring in the 1910s and 1920s. It is known for its distinctive decals, which feature gold, red, and orange "eyes" in a pattern that resembles Lotus petals.

Firstly we reimagined the cabinet into Phoenix. Then the actual machine faced a total strip down of everything to the smallest possible components. The hardest part was removing the cam (shaft running the length of the body internally) – thankfully Dr Google provided all the answers there.

The cast work we attacked with scrapers, metal brushes and soapy water before applying coats of CRC rust converter and primer, the existing decals and art work really were not salvageable sadly. Once back to metal it was a coat or three of black matt spray enamel covered with a few coats of clear acrylic once the decals and art work were applied. And the chrome parts restored to shiny by rubbing with scrunched up tin foil and white vinegar.

The lamp shade started life as an end of life wrecked shade rescued from an op shop. We hand sewed the velvet to the frame with lace and a metal trim to give it the finish we wanted.

For a final touch we added one of the machines internal gears to the top after giving it a tidy up, paint and clear coat.

The fixings to attach the shade to the machine were repurposed spring metal parts of one of the machines sewing feet / buttonhole attachments.

Wiring is soldered into place with heat shrink coverings, an earth strap attached to the body of the machine and electrically tested before use.

The end result. A lamp that exceeded our expectations of design in meeting our slightly gothic goals, and a functional piece of art.

Name: Falling in Reverse

Catalogue Number: 0005

Date of completion: December 2025