purplefiend

Most of my machines are older than I am. I only own 1 new computerized machine. All of the others are mechanicals. I frequently use treadle machines. I don't really like the plastic wonder wiz kid, however the 10" throat space is lovely.
Sharon

OKLAHOMA PEACH

I have one old 60's Universal that I use alllllllll the time,i've had it for 45 years , it straight stitches, button holes and ziggages all with a click of the dial, stitch length adjusted, foot drop, little maintanence, oil and a new belt everyonce in a while, love it. Have my babies 1942 221 & & 1941 228 also and a 60's singer that was Moms, if my universal ever goes down, i'll use it.

collady

I have an older Bernina that I love. She lives at my church and we use her for our charity quilts. I wouldn't give up that machine for anything. Her throat is large enough for quilting children's and lap quilts. Everyone wants to sew with her every week.

Marysewfun

I just got a Morse Fotomastic (1967 near as I can tell) and besides being sooo heavy, I am amazed at what this thing has/does - and the original receipt is still in it showing bought for total of $314 - at $12.16/mo for 24 months after a down payment of $11+. I also have some neat computer sewing/emb machines - but besides being astounded at all of the features called "embroidery" at that time, I would not be surprised if this older baby outlasts most of the others I have!

Marysewfun

jeanharville

I have two new computerized machines and 2 old Singers and I love all 4 of them. But I currently use the new machines almost exclusively. Maybe I just love sewing machines

cricket_iscute

Singer's quality went down, according to many people, in the 1970s and has never returned. It was also about that time that manufacturers began using plastic parts inside the machine, and those wear out long before metal will.

I think I read that Singer now makes Pfaffs. Does anyone know for sure? I have two Pfaffs but, if that's true, won't be buying another.

quilterpurpledog

Ladies, it's called "planned obsolesence". It is obvious in all of our appliances. I had a Kenmore dryer that lasted 32 years before a simple heating element was no longer available. I purchased a new one and the installer said it was good for 5-7 years. Seven years later I had to buy another one. The same is true for the new sewing machines with plastic, nylon and other non metal parts. Those parts wear out or warp and cause lots of problems. I have 3 1960's era Singers and a 40 year old Bernina and no problems. I like my vintage stuff!

Betty Ruth

My across the street sewing buday has a 40 year old Kenmore that she wouldn't trade for a new one with all the doodads. I have 2 older Singers that I alternate using. The one I'm using now is fairly new at age 10. I would not trade it for a computerized machine. The machine that I wish i still had is my 1960 New Home. I loved that machine, but it was broken during a government move.

asimplelife

This is such an interesting thread... I agree that quality isn't always what it used to be. On the other hand, the dramatic uptick of new features over the last decade has changed the sewing industry in my mind.

It seems like the current marketing strategy is to hook buyers on your brand and then keep adding features to make us want to upgrade. And I have to say it is working judging by how passionate some of us are about our machines!

BarbaraSue

I agree. I do think it is more about the lasting ability of the older than 60's models that really make them desirable. I loved my Kenmore I bought in 1972 as it was my first machine for ME. While this particular machine is still going strong now that someone else took the time with it, if accessories are lost or broken, you are sunk. The cams and buttonholers were plastic that over time become brittle.
So I believe that that era 60's 70's early 80's that depended on the plastics to do heavy work, is a slump in the workmanship of the domestic sewing machine. Just saying.