Favorite machine in your collection and what would complete it
06-23-2018, 10:14 PM
#32
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Location: Victorian Sweatshop Forum
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Those Pacesetters make everyone jealous!
My favorite is my 1916 Singer 31-15 treadle, AKA "The Tailor's Machine." It has a 16" flywheel which gives excellent control and goes like the wind on the straightaway. No features - nothing but forward stitches; tacking means you have to turn your work around or hold back to make several stitches in one spot. Utterly reliable and forgiving. Will go through several layers of canvas or fine silk without complaint. Domestic machines feel cramped by comparison.
To complete my "collection" (accumulation is probably a better word in my case) I'd like a Pfaff 138 because it has zigzag and reverse.
My favorite is my 1916 Singer 31-15 treadle, AKA "The Tailor's Machine." It has a 16" flywheel which gives excellent control and goes like the wind on the straightaway. No features - nothing but forward stitches; tacking means you have to turn your work around or hold back to make several stitches in one spot. Utterly reliable and forgiving. Will go through several layers of canvas or fine silk without complaint. Domestic machines feel cramped by comparison.
To complete my "collection" (accumulation is probably a better word in my case) I'd like a Pfaff 138 because it has zigzag and reverse.
I really don't know what it would take to complete my collection. I haven't figured out how to focus my herd. Try to get one of every color? Get as many different badge names as I can find? Get every model from a certain time period? For any of these choices I'd have to have a much bigger house.
Cari
07-05-2018, 03:41 AM
#33
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Join Date: Feb 2017
Posts: 25
My collection of vintage machines is not as large as some here--let's just say "under 20"-- but two I really love sewing on are my 301 and 404. Beautiful straight stitching and fast. I just got a 201 and I think I am going to love it too. The only other that I really want is a blue (turquoise) and cream colored Wizard straight stitcher like the one my mom had. I have seen photos of one like it on line and some similar ones but most have zig-zag.
07-05-2018, 03:52 AM
#34
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Join Date: Jan 2011
Posts: 3,198
I have a few Singer vintage machines that I really enjoy using for different purposes. Yet, the machine I use primarily is my Elna Carina that I purchased new in mid 80s. It is a mechanical machine just like the old Singers and is easy to maintain. It does have cams so fancy stitching can be done, zigzag and it is a heavy weight machine. I keep seeing that vintage lovers enjoy the 201, so maybe there will be a trade out for a 201 someday.
07-22-2018, 08:55 PM
#35
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Join Date: Jul 2018
Location: SW Pennsyltuckey
Posts: 111
This is such a difficult question. My favorites are always going to be the 2 machines that needed the most repair work. They really shouldn't be working at all but I refused to give up: A 1930 Singer 101, and a 48-53 Necchi BU. They run like new... now. Both very smooth, and the loudest thing using them is the needle punching through material. A joy. Just a joy to use. I actually prefer the 101 over a 201, or 500a. Now, if I could dash back in the burning house and save 2 more... probably the Kenmore 117.740 and a 63' Necchi 525 (no FA).
What would 'complete' the collection? I would like to try a 201Kv2, yes I would, and a Mira to complete the early Necchi set (BU, Nova, Mira), and either a Kenmore 117.840 or White 651/666 to again complete the set (74-84-89)... but honestly... that's just the collector talking... I have enough. If I could find an early (3 drawer) type 40 DeLuxe Library table and a Necchi Parlor type cabinet... I might just call it quits. Maybe. I mean, well, you know, unless like a 55 Gritzner Zigzagger landed on my foot or a... a... no. No. No, I'd stop. Really. I would. I know I can. Maybe...
What would 'complete' the collection? I would like to try a 201Kv2, yes I would, and a Mira to complete the early Necchi set (BU, Nova, Mira), and either a Kenmore 117.840 or White 651/666 to again complete the set (74-84-89)... but honestly... that's just the collector talking... I have enough. If I could find an early (3 drawer) type 40 DeLuxe Library table and a Necchi Parlor type cabinet... I might just call it quits. Maybe. I mean, well, you know, unless like a 55 Gritzner Zigzagger landed on my foot or a... a... no. No. No, I'd stop. Really. I would. I know I can. Maybe...
07-29-2018, 10:19 AM
#37
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Location: Victorian Sweatshop Forum
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Cari
07-29-2018, 01:38 PM
#38
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Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Huntsville, AL
Posts: 2,609
My favorite machine is my Frister and Rossmann 1898 Hand crank.I use it for everything. I love to piece with it. Then my grandmas red head(66) treadle for sewing clothes. I have never had any trouble with either of them.
07-29-2018, 06:56 PM
#39
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Join Date: Jul 2018
Posts: 89
So far my favorite is probably the Pfaff 130. I just enjoy sewing through ridiculous layers of cloth with it while making our son in law a boat top. I doubt any machine will fill out my meager collection, but for some reason I really would like to get a featherweight.
07-29-2018, 10:06 PM
#40
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Join Date: Mar 2018
Posts: 87
Since I made this post I have added a class 15 zigzagger (it has a spoked wheel and can be cranked or treadled), one of the chinese patchers, and an 80s serger. Also my roommate got a white family rotary but it has an internal issue that i can’t solve yet
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