Thread: Why is everyone buying the old sewing machines?

AMEN I love my FW, and would not trade it for anything, I wish I could find a treadle, if nothing more for the cabinet, a plus would be if it worked. I see them all the time @ thrift shops but then you need money. lol

Well maintained manual sewing machines are less trouble and expense compared to the computerised ones that stop working because the companies withdraw the device drivers so that you are forced to update your programs or machines.

Love my old Singer tredle machine. Its in good working order and has the original tool box with it. I plan to make at least one quilt on it when I give up work. Singer still make all parts for all machines so repairing them is easy.

Originally Posted by isewhappy

First, I mean NO offense to anyone. I'm just curious as to what the draw is to the old sewing machines. I think they are being called "featherweights."

While I love antiques and find them beautiful I don't understand what people are using them for. Many are missing parts and I've never seen one that I considered easily portable...

What am I missing?

(Again, I'm not trying to offend anyone - I'm just clueless.)

I think its the same as men buying antique cars. The older models bring back memories, look different than modern ones and are fun to own, work on, use etc.
I can say all this from experience. My ex and I owned 4 antique cars. Now it's my turn with antique sewing machines. Costs much less than his cars! :D

We have both antique cars and old sewing machines. My husband has a Model T Pickup and a 29 Nash. I have at least 13 sewing machines, both old and new and a staggering stash of fabric and patterns. He also has a collection of pocket watches. We support each other's hobbies and enjoy them.

I bought a Singer 301 from a local ST.Vincent De Paul about 10 years ago for $25.00. My husband just about hit the roof! What did I need another sewing machine for? I cleaned it up, oiled, polished; SAID A PRAYER, then gently turned the wheel.That machine is my favorite.I sewed 'Mission' quilt tops on her for a year using what ever fabrics were supplied. Many times it was that old double knit stuff, poly blend. Anyway ; I love to sew with 100% cotton for my quilting and cotton thread also. I would sew the 'Mission' quilt, change my thread[ to cotton , if it wasn't already] and then sew my own project. The 'Lord' was good to me. I didn't even need to change my needle [regular to ballpoint] from sewing the double knit to the cotton without skipping a stitch. It is a must have machine, powerful,easy to maintain, quiet, all metal; a real blessing to use and own. So much so that I looked for others [usually found them a little cheaper] and when Mom needed something reliable I sent one to her home.She's now going to be 77 this year[still sewing quilts]. And one to my sisters home.[Use this till you can find something you either like;or can afford and won't let you down.] Both machines need to come back when you're finished. Am not in a hurry, please enjoy. I thank 'God' for these blessings. Linda

I have a 301A which I got at a yard sale. Many quilters like the nostalgia of the antique machines. I also found a Singer from 1954 that we bought a new cord for. The older machines really seem to sew straight and feed the fabric well and it's just FUN to own!

I've never had my Featherweight or Singer 306W in the shop for repair - now, I might next week - but so far since 1994 - repair free - or can put on a new belt myself and etc. They just sew like a dream. Dorothy Coleman

My daughter recently bought a FW and a treadle machine at a auction. Paid $5.00 for both. Come to find out they worked beautifully. During one of the ice storms they were without power so she threaded the treadle machine and spent the afternoon quilting. Not bad for a $2.50 machine!!

my treadle is a "free" and i have a singer 5050 (about 20yrs old now) and i have an innovis quilt club 1000/computerized. just recently i had trouble with the portable singer...paid a visit to the repairman and the part i need is no longer made...told to take her home, treat her with care and if she gets hot to let her cool off.as for the computerized machine..i do love it..especially great for fast jobs and the ease of just touching a button or screen. the treadle for me is a machine that not only gives me comfort and reminds me of the old days, but it still produces the best stitching and no electricity required. so i guess that with the treadle i am still able to stay in style with fashions and quilting techniques while being environmentally "green".