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Singer 301A Purchase Dilemma
I have an opportunity to purchase a fully restored 301A from a local machine repair shop for $235. The cost is not the issue. Space is not the issue. The issue is that I already have a 1958 Featherweight that I bought a couple of months ago and now do all my piecing on. I also have a 2009 Jamome 4100QDC that I quilt on. I read here that so many of you love your 301A's so I have no doubt that it would be a nice machine to have. BUT - would I use it if I love my FW? What would make me want to use the 301A as opposed to the FW?
What would you do? And would you use the 301A if you already had two machines like I do? (I don't really want to start collecting vintage machines...but it is definately tempting!) |
Only two machines???????????????????? I have eight and only three are vintage. They are like people. Each has a different personality!
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I hear the 301s to a great job with FMQ. I'm hoping to get my Mom's someday. When/if I do I'll have machines in three separate areas of my house - my sewing room (Viking), living room (301) and basement (FW). That way I can sew while watching TV or in between loads of laundry. I also layout quilts on the bed in the basement so it makes it easier to have a sewing machine right there. Like you, I don't want to be a collector. I think three will be my limit.
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I have a 301 but I never use it because I love my FW so much. Lately though I have been sewing bags and I've been using my 401 and 201. Some day I'll find the perfect use for the 301. I say buy it!
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Have you seen this thread, yet:
http://www.quiltingboard.com/vintage...d-t168818.html I think that you might find that each model has it's own pros and cons. As for me, I like having more than one machine because sometimes I have more than one project going at the same time. This way I don't have to worry about changing thread colors, etc. |
the slant needle is so much easier on neck and sholders, visability is fantastic for the perfect scant 1/4 inch that said the price is kinda high unless it includes the table....love FW but they can move around a bit if sewing something large and they do not have the slant needle
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I use my FW and my 301A and my Bernina, and my serger and hope to get my treadle up and going this year!! My kids think I'm nuts-but I like all of them and use them for different projects. The 301 is a good machine and I think you would enjoy it and would still use your FW. Good luck with your decision.
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I also have a older Featherweight but just love the slant needle on the 301. To save my really expensive computerized machine from any damage I also use my 301 to sew patches on my husband's leather biker vest...and it doesn't seem to struggle with them a bit.
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I have both 301 and 211, plus a few other vintage and modern machines....9 in all. All the above comments are true...each machine has it's own personality, and I use them for different things, and just because they are fun to sew on. My 301 is my go to machine for quilt piecing, my modern Brother is for doing zigzag for machine applique. I take my Featherweight to any classes or retreats, or to sew at my friend's house. My treadles sit at home, but I love sewing on them. I have 2 model 15s waiting to be cleaned up and an antique Davis Vertical Feed to put in some kind of base so I can sew on them, too. I have a 99 that I put a hand crank on to take camping, but haven't had a chance to do that yet. So, you see, different machines for different reasons.
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My grandson just asked me why I had so many machines (as he cleaned up my garage) and what was I going to do with them all. My answer....1 for each thread color so I don't have to change the thread/bobbin out! Thought that was as good an explanation as I could come up with on the spot!! LOL
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