Comments on: Lady’s loves and loathes…

By: Natalie

Natalie — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 02:00:29 +0000

I second the person who said to get a vintage one!! I have a beautiful black vintage Singer 201-2 and I’m in the process of refurbishing a Singer 66-1 for my mother for her bday (I refurbish vintage machines as a hobby and plan to start selling them to raise money for charity). They work much much better than the new plastic ones coming out now (I personally think the only reason to buy a sewing machine made after 1960 or 1970 (60s vs 70s depends on the brand) is if you do machine embroidery and need a super computerized machine or if you quilt and need a longarm). I suggest getting one that is straight stitch only because, since the needle cant move side to side and all about the straight stitch will be much more beautiful than what is produced on a zig zag machine. And you can still to zig zags and buttonholes (many people thing the buttonholers for straight stitch only machines are much nicer than the automatic ones on new machines) and decorative stitches and monogram and embroidery with the help many cool attachments that just screw on like any other foot (like a zipper for or regular presser foot). Scour around thrift stores and second hand shops and you should find one easily. Another option is to buy a refurbished one (just do a google search for refurbished sewing machines and a couple places should show up). Also, there is an etsy seller who sells refurbished machines (make sure its refurbished because there are others who sell them there for the same price even thought they arent refurbished). A reasonable price range is not to pay more than $250 for a completely cleaned polished tuned up timed rewired machine with a refurbished or brand new motor unless its super rare, has lots of accessories (in that case no more than $300) with it, or is a featherweight (not rare, but super popular among quilters because its small enough to take it to class, I wouldn’t recommend it as much more than a travel machine but you could use it for your regular sewing if you wanted to pay more money for a little machine). Good brands are Singer, Viking, White, Elna, and others like that.

They are mostly easy to clean up and get working too. I’m planning on posting a tutorial on my blog about how I fixed mine up to get it in tip top shape (when I bought it, it was gross) but since that wont be right away you should take a look here to see what to do to fix it up nice when you first get it (http://blog.sew-classic.com/2009/02/07/refurbishing-whats-that.aspx).

If its electric (aka, not a treadle or handcrank) even if the wires look great you should rewire it. These machines are old and the original wires will not be electrically safe. If you are handy with a soldering iron you can do it yourself (completely remove all the wires to the footpedal, motor, light and plug and completely replace them) but if not just take it to your local sewing machine repair place and have them rewire it.

Sorry for the long post, I just love sewing and I love helping people find sewing machines so I got carried away!!

By: Emma

Emma — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 08:52:43 +0000

Yeah totally – I’m shite at de-cluttering, so having someone to love my old sewing machine would be great!

I’ll let you know when the new purchase takes place…

By: Lady Smaggle

Lady Smaggle — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 08:03:44 +0000

Michelle – Thanks for the advice! I’ve had a few iffy deals in the past and I just feel like I should bite the bullet and go hardcore on a newbie. I’ll keep an eye out though!

Nadist – That’s what I’m gathering! Roomy Smaggle and are having a stand off as to who will buy one first!

Adele – It’s this American magazine that’s all crafty and feminist. Not available in Aus though.

Nicole – You’re an angel! xxx

The Mumma – Overlockers scare the bejesus out of me. And yes I NEED a sewing machine so badly!

Emma – Um… seriously? Are sure I can’t pay you for it? Perhaps I could make you something purdy in exchange???

By: Emma

Emma — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 01:31:21 +0000

Y’know lady, I might have an offer you can’t resist…

I’m thinking about replacing my old Janome with a shiny new one at some point soon (probably no later than January). If you can wait, you’re welcome to my perfectly serviceable, slightly loved Janome.

Let me know what you think…
E.

By: The Mumma

The Mumma — Sat, 05 Sep 2009 11:44:37 +0000

You NEED a sewing machine! I have a fairly basic Janome that has served me very well over the last ten years. I also have an overlocker. Sooooo useful!

By: Nicole

Nicole — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 21:56:23 +0000

I’m so happy to hear it got there ok. Thanks for the virtual kisses haha

By: Adele

Adele — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 09:36:11 +0000

I totally agree with your sentiments on ‘A Current Affair’. So fracking useless and so not journalism. What is Bust magazine?

By: Nadist

Nadist — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 05:27:05 +0000

The appropriate time to acquire a sewing machine is when you leave home. I was 18 and Mum gave me her old Bernina and bought herself a new one. I’ve still got it (I’m 36).

By: Michelle

Michelle — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 23:44:08 +0000

It’s not the usual course, and I’m not sure what you’d be able to find at thrift stores in Australia, but I’m a total whore for vintage sewing machines. They’re cheap, sturdy (most anything made before the 70s has all-metal parts), can sew through damn near anything (my Viking Husqvarna has sewn through two belts – kid you not!), easy to take care of, will last ages and tend to be much more aesthetically pleasing than the sewing machines of today. There’s some on eBay, but they run a lot higher – two of mine were found via Craigslist and were $25 and $35, whereas the machines on eBay will run you $100-200 USD + shipping. Which would probably be an insane amount to Australia. No – they aren’t fancy computerized machines, but I can do a huge variety of stitches with the cams for my Husqvarna and I’ve never missed anything that I could do with a newer machine. Whatever you decide, good luck!