Considering buying a 2nd vintage machine...

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02-08-2014, 03:52 PM

#11

SteveH

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Quote:

Originally Posted by mamaborne

Hey Ladies... and gents, if there are any...

... nothing beats the machines from the 50s/60s even if yes, they are more expensive to repair sometimes, etc.

So... assuming there are other vintage machine fans here...
...thank you!
Rachel

From a Gent..(note that we seem to be 30-50 % of the replies here)
I'd put my Victorian (1860-1901) machines up against a 50/60's machine anyday! (with a grin and a huzzah)
WAY less expensive to repair. WAY less often needed with good maintenance...
We are ALL vintage (and antique) machine fans here.

You are welcome, and Welcome!
Steve

02-08-2014, 05:17 PM

#12

mamaborne

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Thanks, Vridar. Can I bug you with some more questions:
- what is a blind stitch attachment? what is it used for?
- can you recommend some 15 clones (brand names) so I know what to look for in my searches?

02-08-2014, 05:20 PM

#13

mamaborne

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Thanks, Tessagin. Great tip on taking a tester kit!

02-08-2014, 05:22 PM

#14

mamaborne

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Quote:

Originally Posted by Rodney

Depends on what you want for capabilities and you're likely to get as many answers as there are people on this board. My favorite machine of the 6 we currently own is my Singer model 66 from 1948 though it's straight stitch only. I just love the ease of use and quality of the stitches it makes. It's also quiet and smooth running. It's just a joy to use.
Fortunately there's no reason you need to stop at just 2.

Rodney

Thanks, Rodney. I so agree with you that the quality of the stitch is different on these vintage machines. I was looking at samples in a sewing store yesterday and the stitches just don't look right to me. Yes, they are clean, straight, etc. But something is missing. Kind of like computer vs. hand-drawn illustration.

02-08-2014, 05:23 PM

#15

mamaborne

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Quote:

Originally Posted by Monroe

The older Kenmores of the 60's and 70's are very solid workhorses. Some use cams for fancy stitching and parts are very readily available.

Thanks, Monroe. I saw a Kenmore on CL today that looked like it was from that era. Didn't seem to have many bells and whistles, but maybe it comes with attachments. Will check that out further.

02-08-2014, 05:24 PM

#16

deedum

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I use my Singer 15 all the time! All the time! Also, my 403 Singer is quite awesome that I love. Got the 301 and they are great too!

02-08-2014, 05:24 PM

#17

mamaborne

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Quote:

Originally Posted by Cecilia S.

Silly Mamaborne. A "2nd" vintage machine? Which"one", you ask? Ba ha ha ha haaaaaaaaaaa.
Buy five or six.... Elna Green Girls! A Pink Atlas! A Solid Kenmore! A Singer 201!
Than, come on back and tell us all about how much you love them ALL!!!!!
Hee heee.

THAT, my friend, is the danger... LOL! Elna Green Girls?! Oh my... I better not go get on Ebay now.

02-08-2014, 05:26 PM

#18

mamaborne

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[QUOTE=Monroe;6563087]I have to admit I nearly spilled my hot chocolate about "a second machine". I'm sure many of us here are well into our double digits in machines. Wonder how many are into triples (Not triplets- you evil minds)?

Quote:

Originally Posted by mamaborne

Hey Ladies... and gents, if there are any...

My Elna Super had to go in the shop this week. Praying that it will be a simple repair.

In the meantime, I am seriously considering a second machine.

Funny. I guess the greenhorn revealed herself...?

In my defense, I have a small office/sewing room so there will be a limit. For now anyway. When we buy a house, I will have a LARGE room for my sewing and crafts.

02-08-2014, 05:30 PM

#19

mamaborne

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[QUOTE=SteveH;6563217]From a Gent..(note that we seem to be 30-50 % of the replies here)
I'd put my Victorian (1860-1901) machines up against a 50/60's machine anyday! (with a grin and a huzzah)
WAY less expensive to repair. WAY less often needed with good maintenance...
We are ALL vintage (and antique) machine fans here.

Thanks, Steve. Someone on Freecycle offered me one of these today. It was a pedal machine that had converted to motorized. Singer. I turned it down because I'd never heard of such a thing. Thoughts?

I love it that there men here, btw!

Tell me more about your Victorian machine. They are so beautiful, but I was not sure what they were like to actually sew on. I'm assuming yours is not pedal-powered?

02-08-2014, 05:31 PM

#20

mamaborne

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Thank you all for the great replies, keep them coming. I will start to keep my eye out for some of the models listed. I can't wait to get my 2nd machine, especially if I can get it FREE! (I'm a bargain hunter on top of being a sewer/vintage lover.)