Vintage Sewing Machine Museum — Attraction in Tulsa

Imagine my husband spending 3+ hours at The Vintage Sewing Machine Center and Museum. NOW, imagine him enjoying it. TO MY KIDS: You will see from the photos that I’ve got to acquire a lot more treadle bases. Dad has his work cut out for him. This unbelievable place is located in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and my husband and I both feel that we met a truly fascinating man yesterday. The M was started by W. K. Binger around 2017, quite by accident. In 2016, after a 30 year career in stump grinding/tree trimming, all Binger wanted to do was reupholster his boat and go fishing. No, he had never done any sewing before, but he figured “How hard could it be? So, he went to Joanne’s and bought a “heavy-duty” sewing machine for $99, which he broke within a couple hours. He figured he’d go back and buy a new part or possibly fabricate his own. Oh yes, he’s also an inventor who holds many patents. But, the ladies at Joanne’s (to shorten a long story), gave him a contact to someone who could help him with a machine more suitable for upholstering. This man, who it turns out he knew because he had trimmed his trees over the years, gave him a machine on the condition he would take two other machines and find good homes for them. W.K. now has thousands of machines, many very valuable. But, in his museum, you can touch and even try out everything. He also teaches kids to sew—in a very clever way. He says, “If you’re not willing to live on the edge of failure, you’re not using all your creativity.” W. K. Binger considers the “failures” of his students to be his gifts. They show the willingness to create, learn, and recreate. He does not throw them away. If the kids have an idea, he doesn’t say, “Why don’t you do it this way.” He has autistic students and a blind student. He lets them work through it. Enjoy the photos, google W. K. Binger, and if you’re ever in Tulsa, plan a long...

This place alone is worth a trip to Tulsa from anywhere. Wayne's huge and meticulously organized collection on display is surpassed only by his enthusiasm, generosity, and comprehensive knowledge of the subject. No particular interest in sewing is needed to appreciate the general historical and industrial significance of the technology Wayne will explain and demonstrate. Sewing machines aren't just for clothing; they're used for tents, sails, book-binding, etc. An unfathomable number of sewing machines have been made since their invention, more than any other machine in world history, with an unmatched investment of research and development into their engineering and manufacture. We each got a chance to operate a leather sewing machine the size of a...

Wow!! We didn’t know what to expect pulling up to the museum but we were quickly blown away by WK and the fantastic collection of vintage sewing machines and history here. One in our group of three is an avid seamstress, the others not so much. But I can confidently say we equally enjoyed our tour, there’s so much to see and learn and the unexpected bonus was the chance to sit at and use several machines. Mr. Binger is an incredible person and really makes this place. As he said, you tell yourself ‘this will take about an hour’ walking in and 3 hours later find yourself still captivated by your surroundings. So budget some time, bring a friend and get yourself over to this one of a kind (only one in the world we hear) Tulsa experience, you...