Originally Posted by
Cheshire Cat
I have an antique Singer 201 that my uncle gave me. I have never used it. I guess because I think of it as an antique rather than a working machine. I should give it a try. Thanks ladies for your encouragement.
I used to sell Husqvarna Viking machines, they make the Emerald 116 that usually goes for $300-350, its a nice machine that will sew through 8 layers of heavy denim with no groaning, one of my favorite selling points. Its a very smooth machine that sounds like a machine should, not clunky like some new machines.
Older machines from the 1960s and earlier are great and if kept oiled and cleaned will still be sewing when most new machines have died.
I have a 1936 Singer 201 treadle/hand crank that is absolutely wonderful for making quilts from piecing to quilting. Its a fabulous machine, give this old girl a chance and she'll really shine. In the picture you'll see it with the hand crank on it, the treadle belt isn't on the drive wheel under the cabinet so it can be used with the hand crank. I was teaching 2 little girls to sew, they prefer the total control they have using the hand crank; the picture frame magnet is being used for a seam guide.
Sharon