Singer Sewing Machines
#21
Like some of us they are not old, just better. The older models are better made using metal parts where today same parts are plastic. Have less problems with my older machines than with my newer ones. Most of the repairs to my older machines I can do. Not touching my computerised machine! If its not stupit simpleto fix it goes into the shop!
#23
They are close to child-proof. Kids can't hurt them. New sewing students (I teach 4-H) need to know nothing other than a straight stitch and back tack. These vintage machines can do that. When we use the newer machines, the kids fiddle with buttons and knobs, and the rest of the class is spent trouble shooting sewing machine problems. For the newer machines, (Thrift store and donation machines) I made a card for each machine with all the settings necessary for that particular machine. The kids still messed things up. About the only thing the kids can do to the older machines is adjust the feed dog tension. In the first class they learn safety, machine care, including oiling. They see the working parts of the machine, and have a greater respect for the technology. Perhaps they treat the machines nicely because they are old.
Be careful - collecting vintage machines can become addictive. They are scattered all over my house. I have to remember which one has which color thread for quick mending without having to change thread. With the older machines, I sew through heavy layers of jeans (including the seams)and even leather. Also, even my old treadle will drop the feed dogs for free motion sewing.
Be careful - collecting vintage machines can become addictive. They are scattered all over my house. I have to remember which one has which color thread for quick mending without having to change thread. With the older machines, I sew through heavy layers of jeans (including the seams)and even leather. Also, even my old treadle will drop the feed dogs for free motion sewing.
#26
Just picked up a new addition to my small collection and my work is cut out for me as she is covered in grease/oil and Lord knows what else. Cleaned off some of the heavy stuff to see how her decals are and they look close to pristine - now DH said he'll do the heavy cleaning as a Mom's Day gift to me. Yehaw!!! Isn't she just the prettiest thing - waiting to shine???
#27
Originally Posted by Suzi
Isn't she just the prettiest thing - waiting to shine???
#28
I love the old machines. I learned to sew on a Featherweight when I was about 8 or 9 and in 1970 I bought my first sewing machine at a thrift store for 25.00. It was a Featherweight circa 1935. Best buy I ever made. That machine has sewed like a dream all along. Made my wedding dress and 5 bridesmaid dresses in the first year and it is still going strong even now. I love to quilt on it and other than oiling the only thing I have had to do is replace the belt once earlier this year.
#29
Originally Posted by Suzi
Just picked up a new addition to my small collection and my work is cut out for me as she is covered in grease/oil and Lord knows what else. Cleaned off some of the heavy stuff to see how her decals are and they look close to pristine - now DH said he'll do the heavy cleaning as a Mom's Day gift to me. Yehaw!!! Isn't she just the prettiest thing - waiting to shine???
#30
Super Member
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Kansas City, Missouri
Posts: 1,040
Originally Posted by Shelbie
I have just acquired a Singer 201 which has the reputation of being the best machine ever produced by Singer. It just powers through four layers of denim, the lining and the zipper when repairing DH's coveralls. No more bunching of thread, balking at seam junctions, veering off course or breaking needles as my Janome 6500 does. My 201 just sews with no complaints about thread tension or anything else!
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