Finding old machines
11-22-2020, 04:58 AM
#12
Super Member
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Mendocino Coast, CA
Posts: 4,848
Goodwill has an online site and you can bid, just like on EBay. https://www.shopgoodwill.com/
One caveat, make extra sure that if you buy a machine online, the seller knows how to properly pack a sewing machine for shipment. Many people think that since these old machines appear indestructible, nothing can hurt them. However, they most certainly are fragile and need some extra TLC. The is a, "how to pack a sewing machine," article floating around on EBay and also in the Vintage Sewing Machines thread. I'll see if I can find it for you and post it later.
One caveat, make extra sure that if you buy a machine online, the seller knows how to properly pack a sewing machine for shipment. Many people think that since these old machines appear indestructible, nothing can hurt them. However, they most certainly are fragile and need some extra TLC. The is a, "how to pack a sewing machine," article floating around on EBay and also in the Vintage Sewing Machines thread. I'll see if I can find it for you and post it later.
11-22-2020, 05:50 AM
#13
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: Missouri
Posts: 347
Originally Posted by platyhiker
ebay.com is another place you can look.
11-22-2020, 05:51 AM
#14
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: Missouri
Posts: 347
Originally Posted by Peckish
Let everyone in your guild know you are looking, and also your local quilt shops. You never know who might have one stuck in a closet somewhere, and they've been thinking they should get rid of it....
11-22-2020, 12:54 PM
#15
Super Member
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Pacific NW
Posts: 9,396
Originally Posted by beckyboo1
I've checked ebay several times but they prices are way higher than anything I find on FB marketplace or craigslist.
11-22-2020, 02:37 PM
#16
Super Member
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: South Dakota
Posts: 8,137
yes, you should come to my house. I'll give away machines to who ever shows up that wants some. I left over 50 of them at the old place when I moved (with the blessing of the buyers) and still have way, way too many.
11-24-2020, 06:41 AM
#17
Super Member
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Upstate New York
Posts: 1,231
I'm only divulging my sources because I'm done collecting ! I used to find machines on goodwill.com ...check shipping to your zip code,as rates can be very high. The other great site is catawiki.com ..they have machines from all over Europe.. it is an auction site,most of the machines are dirt cheap,but shipping to U.S. can be 75-100 dollars,but factored in to a killer deal,the price can be worth it. I used to collect hand cranks and featherweights and over the years I've gotten about 10 machines from catawiki. The only caution I would add now would be that since covid and the volume of packages has increased so much,I'm not sure if boxes are being treated with less care now ? I would think that would show up in feedback, though. When I was buying from them,I never received a machine damaged in shipping. Make sure they ship to U.S. before bidding.
Last edited by donna13350; 11-24-2020 at 06:46 AM. Reason: add more info
