John, a friend of mine just bought one of those Singer 160th black anniversary machines - it is very large - looks more like a modern embroidery machine - it is very noisey! She was driving everyone crazy at Girls Night Out with that noisey thing. She is going to put some batting or something under it next time she brings it - there is so much plastic on that machine that it rattles! I wanted one too, until I saw it in person! No way! It is way too big for what it does, and way too noisey, way toooooooooo much plastic for me! But if you want one, I hope you get one - they are getting pretty cheap!

Nancy

I am like Nancy, I tried one out and it has to much plastic and it is very noisey for me. I will stick to my heavy old lady treadles.
Skip

That's awesome, Nancy. All of my 301's have been very loved:>

Charlee, I hope you get it. Honestly, I really think you'll love it. I keep telling myself that I need to part with at least one on CL and then I don't. It's very hard to let one go, once you've sewn on it! I know you don't do e machines much. Have you sewn on a 301 before?

Thanks Nancy and Candace!

Candace, I've never used a 301 before...have not, that I remember, ever laid eyes on one in person! There was a shortbed on the local CL, in a cabinet for $100...I stopped myself from even looking...more than I wanted to spend, and Lord knows, I do NOT need another cabinet in here! :D
When I saw this one on a CL where the spousal unit's auntie (who loves me lots! :) ) lives, I asked if she'd bring it to me when she comes in a couple of weeks....she hasn't answered yet...

Good luck, Charlee! When will you know?

Nancy and Glenn,

I just saw my first one of those 160th Anniversary machines today too. FOR GET IT! I posted my opinion and review in my post about Louise in the Vintage Machine section.

Joe

Thanks Melinda....as soon as Aunt Kandi logs into facebook...I've already sent an email to the folks that have it, haven't heard back from them yet!

OK, to tell the truth, I really shouldn't open this thread... I'm satisfied with all of my lovely vintage machines that live with me and DH and then, I pop in just to see what is happenin' and (sigh) I see all of the cool machines you all have brought home in the past few days... then, I want to go look on craigslist. When I do that I am either sad there isn't anything interested and elated that there is a coll machine available. Where I really go off the tracks and when I start looking in somewhat nearby cities. Of course, there are 'usually' cool machines that get my heart pumpin'.

So, here is ONE of today's finds, in a nearby city that looks cool! Does anyone happen to know anything about this one? http://spokane.craigslist.org/hsh/3111662360.html

Phyllis, I own a Davis that looks like that. It's a Davis NVF, which takes 15x1 needles. The needle that shows on my plate is the same size as the 15x1. Try putting the standard needle, 15x1, on top of the image. Mine has a reverse button, which is only used to tack back just a wee bit. I don't think the reverse on the Davis is like what we think of as a reverse or preforms like the reverse on the Singers. Looks like the treadle is missing the treadle pedal. Is it?
You can toss the motor and treadle that machine- if you wish.

Yes, This Cl posting is missing the reverse button knob.