MsEithne

Years ago, I thought the vintage straight stitch only machines were a fad. But then a friend who had one showed me two lines of stitching about a quarter inch apart on the same piece of fabric.

One was from her top-of-the-line Pfaff and the other was from her pre-1900 Singer. One line of stitching was noticeably straighter than the other. She explained that no machine that has a needle made to move side to side can stitch as straight as the old straight stitch machines.

Ever since then, I have toyed with the idea of getting a vintage machine. Haven't done it yet because I do the vast majority of my sewing (and all my quilting) by hand. But every now and then I cast an eye to the machine age side... <G>

muddlingabout

I can do my own tune-ups on the mechanical machines, and virtually any other repair, other than the time the shank was bent. The computerized machine is more tempermental, think re-booting your computer. The computerized has greater design capability and that's about it - for MUCH more money.

Quilt Mom

Thanks for the 'book.' You stated the case well.

teacherbailey

I sew exclusively with a 1940 cast iron Singer while 3 (much) newer machines sit on a shelf gathering dust. The old machine does nothing stupid that I have to work on, even if I sew for days on end, and the other machines do. I hate fixing stuff....especially figuring out what needs fixing. I'd just rather sew.....

writerwomen

My husband and I restore those old beauties. There is much to like. Stitch quality, depenability, durability, great speed control, and on and on. What's to like about them- when they are properly restored they are wonderful tools as well as toys. They are worth the investment.

ConnieF

Lori S I do not agree.... 5 of my machines have sapce age plastic and one is 30 yrs old and will purr many more years... and the othere 3never need oiled and none have ever been to the shop and I sew more than a half dozen other people put tog and all is fine.
I do love my Featherweight and the old Singer treddle that work just great too. Oh and the Old Singer in the wood doam case....

Joyce R

I thought I had to have one, so I bought one. The trouble is the manual I downloaded online does not have the best quality pics. I'm having trouble putting it back together after taking it apart to clean it. Maybe someday I will figure it out.

mpeters1200

Have you looked at the Vintage Sewing Machine Shop here on the board? There are a lot of members and I'm sure someone would be able to get you the information you need for yours.

Marvel

You know for me its learning to sew on a treadle singer, Now I do not want a sewing machine that is so smart I can't make it work.

romanojg

It's rather simple; I like having things in my house older than I am; anyhow that's my story and I'm sticking to it.