Hi Franny! Sorry it has taken me so long to get back to you, life got a bit hectic for a few weeks. My hand crank machine is a Vesta, made by a German manufacturer called Dietrich. I'm not sure when mine was made really. Its badge is from the 1890s, but the 'decals' (the cool lions etc) are from around 1903. Are you sorry you asked? ;-) I'm getting all this information from the needlebar website: http://www.needlebar.org .As for dating your singer, there is a lot of info on there that should help you do that. If you can find a serial number on your machine, you can get the manufacturing date here: http://www.singerco.com/support/serial_numbers.html I warn you, you are in danger of becoming a sewing machine geek like me! Enjoy xx

Thanks for your comments. Your shorts are so cute I love them, also love the knee high socks. I look forward to seeing next creations.