Originally Posted by
sustraley
Ok, I have been quilting for about 3 years now. I have a singer sewing machine that is about 30-35 years old. Used it a lot when I made clothes and Halloween costumes. I bought a Brother a couple of years ago to do my piecing on. At some point I will purchase something better. I don't mean to sound dumb, but what is the fascination with the machines such as the ones shown on this post? Someone please fill me in.
Many of the vintage machines sew better, are easy to maintain, are relatively inexpensive, parts are available, they are repairable, easy to use and will sew through about anything. The new and vintage machines with plastic and stamped metal just don't have the durability the older machines have. There are some people out there that will still repair your older machines. Go into about any JoAnn and look at how many plastic wonder machines are lined up for repair - they are built to last about 5 years or less. It doesn't matter what you pay initially they don't hold up. I will admit I sell some vintage machines on CL for about the cost of a repair plus or minus a few bucks. Some will go for more and will do more all are serviced. I know people get on QB and brag about how cheap they got a machine but some times it is worth your while to buy one that has been serviced and pay slightly more money. There are people who offer a warranty with the older machines. I have been considering doing just that. I haven't had many problems with the older machines once they have been worked over. If you REALLY think about it 99% of your sewing will be with straight stitches. WHY NOT a vintage machine?