weezie

I neglected to mention that I, too, have a "thing" about sewing machines, which is why I always spend time looking, usually just on-line ... I don't get out much. If I were filthy rich, I would have a HUGE studio and more machines, one of which would be a long-arm. I'd also have a professional embroidery machine.

Candace

I have 10 machines now, probably 12 by the end of the week. Each one is useful to me for a variety of reasons. Some I use just for the cuteness factor! I can't tell you how many people comment about my cute, pink vintage Morse, or my adorable Singer 185K.... Really, it's all about having fun while sewing and if using unique or sweet "tools" makes you happy, like it does me...the more machines the merrier. I do think I'm about done with 12 machines though!

harsal78

I have a Ppaff 7570 with embroidery unit, not many cards. I have a Toyota Serger and just purchased a Janome 360E. I would never part with the Ppaff (it was made in Germany in 1997). Had a Bernina that I traded in on the Ppaff. Hooked on the embroidery stuff. Just finished a top with Christmas designs and 9 squares have embroidery designs in them. I think this is enough machines for me as I have limited room. I am a man that really likes machines and have lots of woodworking tool, too. I also make glass beads and fuse small glass items.

debby wicke

Machines...too many to count. I can not turn my back from an orphan sewing machine. I usually try to invite friends to come sew along with me thus they use one of my many machines. I am blessed with many garage sale sewing machines that purr beautiful and sew outstanding stitching.

thepolyparrot

Absolutely! I used to wonder what in the world I needed a serger for, but I bought a little Brother 1034D from walmart.com for about $200 and now, I can't imagine not having a serger! It's the easiest thing to thread and switching from normal edge-finishing to narrow rolled hems takes 10-15 seconds.

I keep running into the same problem. ;) I love all my machines except the 301 - I'm not crazy about that one. It's completely refurbished and I have bought her a whole slew of original vintage attachments and modern gizmos, but I just never got attached to it like I have with most of my others.

There are a few more that will be easier to lose than others, but after those, it becomes a challenge to figure out what to get rid of. They're all great for different reasons. :)

IAmCatOwned

I don't suppose collecting sewing machines is much different than the machines guys collect. My late Dad had tons of motors - wouldn't give up any of them, but only used a fraction of them.

My sister has 3 machines now - one is a serger. However, she has a business selling high quality doll clothing. Each machine is set up differently so that she doesn't have to keep resetting stuff. So, instead of sewing year round, she now gets all her stock done in about 3-4 months so that she can focus on other stuff like fishing and gardening. :)

QuilterGary

I have about 20 machines use several collect the rest.

LyndaK

I thought, when I traded up and bought my Janome 11000, I'd never need another machine. Then I bought a Featherweight 221. Learned about the free arm Featherweight, and now have two of those. Also a black longbed 301, a White VSII treadle in a Twiggy cabinet and a Singer 115 in a parlour cabinet, and another 115 head that I want to turn into a handcrank. There's a Janome 1600 on my Grace Pinnacle frame, a Janome 3160QDC that I bought for classes that require more than a straight stitch and I thought I was finished. Oh, and a serger and a Janome MB4 for embroidery. However, I now have a Singer 401 in a cabinet that I'm enjoying very much. I doubt if I'll ever buy another modern computerized machine again. I sew quite well with the mechanical all-metal Singers and I can maintain them myself. And they're easy to find if you need a parts machine,etc.

I can forsee parting with some of my machines, and it'll be the plastic ones that go first. However, my collection is a source of joy to me and I don't have any other collections. I don't like a lot of clothing,shoes, jewellery, etc. It's my "thing" and I'm proud of it. I see no need to explain my owning several machines. They all work. I use them. I enjoy them.

Carie

what is that "grasshopper" machine - is it the one that has a metal piece across where you put the material? Never have seen one of those!

sewgray

I'm just a beginner collector, I only have four machines and one serger.