Treadle Built and Consultation on Paint Colors

Dear Readers,

I finally turned the Singer 201K which I bought off Ebay and had a English Voltage belted motor into a treadle.  And, it actually works once I replaced the belt on the treadle and took out the old head.  I've tried to fix the veneer all year, but without good results.

I know many of my readers suggesting staining the piece, and that was my preference as well.  But I used so much wood filler to fill in serious cracks and missing and damaged veneer, my thought now is that I am planning on painting it.   That said, I wouldn't mind a few opinions with the paint colors.   I'm leaning toward the blue due to the contrast although it is very muted and doesn't come through perfectly in the pictures.  I was thinking perhaps a darker vintage-er green (such as a dark artichoke) might work as well.  Any thoughts?

XOXO, P.

New Project - Treadle anyone?

Yes, Dear Readers,

A new project.  Like I'm not busy enough, right
(ok, enough of the Southern California colloquialism).

What do you think?

J. won't allow it in the house.  It needs some, let's say, refinishing.
The treadle and existing machine do, seemingly stitch.

I'm thinking of sanding and either staying with a light stain, natural or maple, if I can.  The veneer is rather thin - but on top about 1/4".  Or, perhaps a lighter paint.  I'm not sure yet.  My father thinks a cabinetmaker might be in order, obviously he knows my woodworking skills (and my dad is a general contractor).

I also plan to convert this 1957 Singer 201K below  - which has a fabulous stitch - into the treadle machine.  My only concern is that it is a wonderful electric machine - and I have never previously treadled, as it were.

Any thoughts? Stain or Paint?  What about switching the machine?

P.S.  I'm getting on a knit shirt kick I believe (although I may quickly sew some summer skirts). . . my work schedule is full BUT I am taking a sew-cation in August and September!