barny

Well, I think, I know I'm addicted. My men just laugh at me[2sons, 1 grandson, 1 husband] when I bring another home to fix. Golly NO, they[ sons, grandson don't live with us! I don't even use them, I just want to get them going again. Well, I use them sometimes. But the fun is cleaning and seeing that I can get them healed. I do quilt, but not like I should.

irishrose

There is a Singer 15 in a cabinet with the little bench and accessories for $15 calling my name right now. I think I will call tomorrow to see if it's unsold. I almost hope she'll say no.

Love almost all of them, but can't have them all. I gave away the smoothest treadling machine I've ever seen because it needed quite a bit of work. I think it's gone beyond a collection to an obsession.

Silver Needle

We've decided we will collect in the summer, Repair during the winter and evaluate in the spring which to keep and which to sell. Good thing it's nearly corn picking time. We have 10 waiting for repair now.

HillCountryGal

Y'all make me laugh!

I used to think one sewing machine was enough. Then, I got to thinking.. well, I "need" a backup for just in case. Then, someone gave me a machine. So, I thought ok.. I can save this one for my grandaughter. Then, I found one on craigslist in a nice cabinet for cheap. Now, I'm thinking what would it hurt if I find a good deal?!

Most of us know someone that likes to save old cars. So this sewing machine addicition (?) must be similar. That's my story and I'm sticking to it...

Lori S

I have a "vintage" machine .. love it ! I love that all I need to do is oil and clean it .. no yearly( or more) trips to the dealer for annual service . I can get at ever part of the machine myself. Its a work horse and I am always on the look out for its sister just in case mine needs a part. But I just know I could never just use one for parts.. it would get used and loved ...

jcrow

I found a vintage (?) Elna, green, at an antique store a while back. She buys good used sewing machines and then hauls them 7 hours to a person who gets them working perfectly. I want it so badly. She wants $149 for it. It comes with the manual, different feet, bobbins, lots of extras. It was a one person owner and you can tell just by looking at it. I get paid tomorrow and I'm fighting hard not to buy it. I don't need it. I am trying to give away my Singer 99K because I don't need it. I already have a good sewing machine and a good backup machine. I just want this beautiful green Elna. It is so gorgeous. It wouldn't break me, but I think I would put in on my piano bench with my Singer and there it would sit.

Val in IN

I have 3 vintage Singers and 2 new machines (plus a serger). Still looking for a Singer 301, then maybe I'll be finished collecting machines....OR NOT!!

Monroe

Be careful or they will start following you home! Many folks on the Vintage and Antique thread have 10. some have 20 and more. I have about 15 treadles, 1 Howe, 1 white and 2 black 221's, a black longbed 301, and several more. Most are waiting for "someday" to be cleaned up, stashed upstairs. Sometimes I have to put my hands over my ears because I can hear them sighing. The first few I bought for the cabinets- here's something about beautiful old wood and craftsmanship that appeals to me. Then I started being a bit more discriminating in the machines' decals and condition. Some I bought as parts for others. Might be moving to a smaller place in the next year or two, so plan on starting to clean up some and thin the herd (so to speak) over the winter. Some folks collect 1 of everything they fancy, others must have all turquoise, others have many versions of the same machine (301's in different colors and bed sizes).
As for Antique vs Vintage- most collectors consider over 100 years to be antique. Since I'm from the latter end of the Featherweight era- I consider them Vintage.

KarenR

I want a vintage 221. I'll keep dreaming.

GrannieAnnie

tomorrow I'm picking up an older Necchi or whatever the name is for $35. A friend has one over 50 years old that still sews like a dream. I think it will be the church hall machine.