A Singer 15 Comeback: Mr. & Mrs. Monnette’s Pheasant-Decal Beauty (Finished October 2024)

Some restorations are satisfying because they’re straightforward. This one was satisfying because it was the full transformation—the kind where you watch a machine go from “I’m not sure this is worth saving” to “how is this the same sewing machine?”

In October of 2024, I wrapped up a Singer 15 restoration for Mr. and Mrs. Monnette, and it ended up being one of those projects that reminded me why I do this in the first place: these old workhorses still have so much life left in them, and with the right care they can look just as stunning as they sew.

The fun part: starting with a “rescued” machine

When this Singer 15 first came in, it wore every one of its years. The finish had the kind of dullness you only get from time, storage, and handling. There was that gritty, “been sitting a while” feeling that makes you want to roll up your sleeves immediately—not because it’s hopeless, but because you can practically see the potential underneath.

That’s the moment I love most: when a machine still has good bones, but it’s been neglected long enough that it needs someone to take it seriously again.

Why the Singer 15 is always worth it

The Singer 15 has a reputation for a reason. It’s a practical, no-nonsense machine with a design that lends itself beautifully to being brought back—mechanically and cosmetically. When you restore one properly, you’re not just making it “run.” You’re resetting it for another long stretch of real sewing life.

And let’s be honest: Singer knew what they were doing with aesthetics back then. These machines weren’t only built to work—they were built to be admired.

Enter: the Pheasant decals

This restoration had an extra layer of excitement because we weren’t just cleaning up black paint—we were bringing back a look. Mr. and Mrs. Monnette’s Singer 15 was getting the iconic Pheasant-style decal set, and that’s where the project really starts feeling like art as much as repair.

The Pheasant set is one of those designs that feels “alive” when it’s done right—gold scrollwork, lush floral elements, and that unmistakable vintage Singer personality. It doesn’t just decorate the machine; it frames it.

For anyone curious about the decal set used: I ordered it from SingerDecals.com (Keeler Sales), specifically their Singer 15 Pheasant Style Decals set (product #41134):

The best restorations feel like a reveal

There’s a moment in every cosmetic restoration where things shift. You stop seeing “damage” and start seeing “direction.” That’s when the project becomes really fun—because every step forward is visible. The machine starts to look cared for. The lines look sharper. The presence comes back.

And then, when the decals are on and everything is coming together, it’s honestly hard not to just stand there and stare at it for a minute.

Finished October 2024—and ready for its next chapter

By the time this Singer 15 was finished in October 2024, it didn’t feel like a cleaned-up antique. It felt like what it always should have been: a proud, classic machine that looks special and is ready to be used—not hidden away.

Mr. and Mrs. Monnette didn’t just get a sewing machine back. They got back a piece of history, refreshed and respected, ready to sew and to be seen.

If you’re local to Richmond, Rosenberg, Katy, or the Greater Houston area and you’ve got a vintage (or modern domestic) sewing machine that needs a true professional tune-up, repair, or full restoration, you can learn more about my services here:
https://www.rinsrestorations.com