Eastern North Carolina here.
#1
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Dec 2018
Location: Havelock NC
Posts: 187
Eastern North Carolina here.
Ok I have been tinkering with sewing since I was probably 10 Years old 1980. Not really great at sewing but I ain’t scared to learn more. Just little projects. I used to watch Mom making clothes and picked up a little although Mom didn’t give me instructions. I have done a little bit of upholstery projects I am currently working on some little bass boat seats. Just learning the art of piping or welting.
I really signed up for this forum for advice on machines. My operational machine is a cheap Walmart singer. I think I paid $89 for it in 2007. I also have a singer cabinet model treadle machine built in 1901. The old machine has the electric conversion kit on it. I have been looking at heavy duty machines like a singer 111W155. The W155 doesn’t seem to have reverse? I’m certain I need a walking foot machine.
Again looking for advice on machines. not really a quilting type person yet.
I really signed up for this forum for advice on machines. My operational machine is a cheap Walmart singer. I think I paid $89 for it in 2007. I also have a singer cabinet model treadle machine built in 1901. The old machine has the electric conversion kit on it. I have been looking at heavy duty machines like a singer 111W155. The W155 doesn’t seem to have reverse? I’m certain I need a walking foot machine.
Again looking for advice on machines. not really a quilting type person yet.
#3
Super Member
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Maryland
Posts: 2,613
Go with a vintage machine. There's a lot of good heavy duty non computerized machines out there and as long as you aren't fussy about needle threader, auto thread cutter they're great. You might pay more for a walking foot (if machine doesn't come with one) Usually, walking feet were add-on attachments.
#5
Super Member
Join Date: Feb 2018
Location: North Carolina
Posts: 2,414
Hi and welcome from the NC Piedmont!
I have a Walmart Singer also, that I bought when my fancy computerized Viking broke and wasn't feasible to get repaired. Prices have gone up! I paid $99.00! I got a generic walking foot on eBay for it and it works like a charm. It fits all my needs and I am more happy with it than with that expensive fancy one!
The important thing is enjoy quilting!!
I have a Walmart Singer also, that I bought when my fancy computerized Viking broke and wasn't feasible to get repaired. Prices have gone up! I paid $99.00! I got a generic walking foot on eBay for it and it works like a charm. It fits all my needs and I am more happy with it than with that expensive fancy one!
The important thing is enjoy quilting!!
#6
There isn't a lot of chatter here about industrial machines. Some industrials add a lot of speed and not necessarily toughness. Chose you machine carefully. and no, I don't know enough to help in your choice.
#7
if you are sure you need a walking foot machine, you may want to consider a vintage Davis needle feed machine. If you get a later model they take current production size needles, so you only have to worry about getting vintage shuttles and bobbins for them. They aren't that hard to come by.
I've sewn on several different needle feed industrials, the two factories I've worked at did not have any machines with walking feet. One sewed heavy coats and the other draperies.
I've been sewing for ages, and have yet to actually use a walking foot for anything, and I've done a huge range of sewing, from custom lingerie and wedding dresses, to auto upholestery and large canvas tent repair (had to set up on the lawn for that one).
Singer does not have the reputation it once had, you may to better to look at Brother, Juki or some of the other companies that are really known for quality industrials now days. Though if you get a vintage Singer industrial, they are very good.
I've sewn on several different needle feed industrials, the two factories I've worked at did not have any machines with walking feet. One sewed heavy coats and the other draperies.
I've been sewing for ages, and have yet to actually use a walking foot for anything, and I've done a huge range of sewing, from custom lingerie and wedding dresses, to auto upholestery and large canvas tent repair (had to set up on the lawn for that one).
Singer does not have the reputation it once had, you may to better to look at Brother, Juki or some of the other companies that are really known for quality industrials now days. Though if you get a vintage Singer industrial, they are very good.
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