I'm glad you checked the holes before the needles went out of a return to seller date.

Am I too late to comment on thread? My vintage machines like the thickness of Mettler silk-finish 100% cotton thread. I don't like using thread with poly in it because the poly can coat the surfaces of the needle, bobbin, and bobbin case. I do remember the SM repair guy showing me how to use a Q-tip with oil to dissolve that film from polyester thread around all those parts. I mostly get the largest spools of offwhite and black for all my piecing. If I need colors (for applique) I usually use vintage thread. I unwind the entire exposed surface of thread and then test what's underneath. If it doesn't 'pop' easily when pulled, I'm good to use it.... or I use silk if I have the right color.

Okay, I've put in my 2-cents worth. You all have a great day.

Jean I am with you on the Mettler silk finish thread. I like using that too - not just my machines. :D I also use silk if I have the correct color. Polyester is very frustrating to use as it is extremely linty and shreds easily. Plus I just plain don't like it. End of my $.02. Have a fabulous weekend.

Chris

As a person who has done a wee bit of machining, I've wondered how in the heck sewing machine needles ARE made so finely... even over 130 years ago!! That was amazing.

An awful lot of what they did 130 years ago blows my mind. Do you realize they haven't really come up with a better sewing machine? It is still a needle, thread and bobbin... even with computers they haven't changed how a stitch is made. Yes the needles are very amazing.

Two things I'm finding really interesting are the lengths of threading paths and how they affect tension and how the power of a motor is more apparent when a machine is straight-stitch, as it's not being dissipated across other mechanics such as zig-zag, cam, etc.

One quick question: the Singer 206 -- buy or pass? Good condition, cabinet, seller just wants it gone, heaps o' attachments. I know about the needle and odd setup but also about its historical significance. Apparently there are three versions of this machine at last count. Any experience with sewing on a 206? I've read both rants and raves and since I have no experience (but I do own a 319W and I like it very much), I'm wondering what you folks might think.

I like mine.

Thanks, Miriam -- would you buy a 206K over a 306K or vice-versa? (The 306 is black and in very good shape, table, etc. The 206 is nice but needs a thorough cleaning and wiring but from what little I've seen, 206s are rarer. The 206 is $30 and the 306 is $70.)

I have one of each. The 206 is very nice but just does zig zag. The 306 does decorative stitches if you have disks. Check the bobbin area - check to see that things move. If not offer less money.