Elna Special "Ella"

Ella was manufactured in Switzerland between 1970 and 1972.  This Elna Special is ivory coloured with a soft pink top cover.  She comes in an all metal gray case. 

The front half of the carrying case fits over the free arm to make a flat bed sewing surface.

The manual, accessories and accessory case were included. This is a better pdf of the manual.

At 27.5 pounds or  12.5 kilograms Ella is a very heavy machine, too heavy to be considered portable.  The carrying case is very solid and does an excellent job of protecting the Ella.

It has seven built-in practical stitches including blind hem and a four step button hole.  Stitch width, length and needle position are adjustable.  The machine uses drop in Elna metal bobbins, standard needles and low shank feet. The foot controller has a two speed range.

 

The manual is well written, with good pictures and easy to follow instructions.  Threading, bobbin winding and loading are simple. 

I have sewn leather/polar fleece booties with velcro and elastic fasteners for my dog as well as polyester grocery and lunch bags with Ella.  I also tested the free motion quilting on a sample and repaired a pair of jeans. The motor runs smoothly and quietly.

She sews beautiful, precise stitches on everything from fine sheer fabrics to heavy denim and leather.  There is a feed dog cover plate and darning foot for free motion quilting. 

I am downsizing my sewing machine collection.  Ella is for sale at Kijiji Brandon.

For more vintage treasures head over to Colorado Lady's blog.