Wintersewer

I love my Japanese made Kenmore machines, esp. if they are center homing and have a low shank. I started collecting vintage Singer's, but when I discovered Japanese made machines they became my favorites. I love the look of the Morse, but they are just too dang heavy.

I don't have exact dates, but it seems that Singer started using plastic gears many years before the Japanese did, at least in those sold by Sears. I don't buy any vintage machines with plastic gears. Kenmore and Brother, at least, sold zz free arm all steel machines. I would not hem jeans on anything else.

pennycandy

My reason was to have a back up for my Singer zz with plastic gears. It's a simple zz & ss with a 1.3 amp motor. The price was right. Only thing I don't care for is the left homing needle.

grandmasieg

Pinky was built by Toyota, at least that is what is stamped underneath her belly.

singerguy

hmmm. interesting. reading thru your replies, there must be something that i am missing. i might start looking and maybe check it out and see if i will love or at least like it. in any case, what's the best brand/model that has zigzag ?

thanks,

Cari-in-Oly

[QUOTE=singerguy;6898490]hmmm. interesting. reading thru your replies, there must be something that i am missing. i might start looking and maybe check it out and see if i will love or at least like it. in any case, what's the best brand/model that has zigzag ?

thanks,[/QUOTE

That's the same as asking us why we like them. We all have our favorites for whatever reasons. My favorites are any Brother or Brother badged machines.

Cari

singerguy

i know. as for me, at the moment i only collect singer sewing machines. when i see some retros or other brand i tend to stay away from it. but it might change - or if i find something that will really caught my eyes. but i am open as i do like sewing and having a great sewing machine is a plus.

manicmike

If it does, you'll have to change your username

singerguy

maybe 'retrosinger'

Caroline S

I think it is all about nostalgia Singerguy. The pretty paint and chrome takes me back to the time when sewing machines, automobiles, etc. were built to last and were beautiful.

miriam

or restoreolsinger