Patty55

I have been researching buying a sewing machine for several weeks now and no matter what I put in my search engine, I ended up here. So I think I was meant to be here. And I joined.

I keep running about in circles so I am looking for recommendations from those who use these machines all the time. I want a machine that will sew almost anything. Clothing weight leather, light upholstery fabric, denim, and of course quilts. I am leaning towards a vintage machine with direct drive like the Singer 201, or 15-91. My other option is go with a treadle/hand crank type of machine.

I really don't care about the antique value of these machines. I want to use them. I do know I don't want anything plastic or made in China. All I care about is straight stitch and reverse. Zig zag would be nice but not a deal breaker. I don't want a lot of computerized stuff I can't fix if it breaks. I've had machines with lots of bells and whistles and I never used any of it. I am fairly handy and I'm not afraid to pick up a screwdriver.

I've been sewing for years. Mostly simple projects but I can make just about anything. I've always had cheap hand me down machines that weren't all that good. What do you think? Am I looking at the right machines? Suggestions on great machines I missed?

Thanks everyone! I'm looking forward to getting to know you!

BellaBoo

I have the Brother ps1500 and it is heavy duty, straight stitch and reverse, high feed dog lift for thick layers. It's easy to clean inside and very low maintenance. The manual is lousy but there is a great yahoo group just for the 1500 to answer any questions you have. Juki makes a straight stitch heavy duty machine too.

I hope this helps you. There are great posters here and between all of them every machine known to man is somewhere sewing up a storm! You come to the right place. Welcome!

Jingle

Welcome, I have a Juki TL98QE and Babylock Jane. Both straight stitch only machines. My Daughter has the Brother 1500, straight stitch only. All three of these are wonderful. She quilts on hers and I quilt on mine, up to queen size quilts. Good luck finding a great for you machine.

Patty55

I keep getting outbid on e-bay but maybe for a reason. I just talked to a woman who is selling a 1906 Singer treadle machine that's been in her family since it was new. She doesn't know anything about sewing machines but she says the cabinet and the machine are practically showroom new and working.

So I'm off to take a look. For $100 it sounds like a real bargain!

Lisa_wanna_b_quilter

I vote Bother 1500S, too. Great machine. Large throat. Heavy duty.

NewbieToQuilting

I love my 201! It goes through anything. I also have a vintage Bernina 730 record and a new Pfaff. Love the vintage machines but enjoy the decorative stitches on the new one!

calicoquilter

You might try a singer 500. It does straight stitch and zig zag. Heavy duty with all metal parts. I think it is supposed to be the last great machine that singer made. I love mine.

ckcowl

my 1956 Singer 99-K is a wonderful (utility machine!) it is cast iron- weighs a ton!-- very simple- easy to maintain- sews the most wonderful straight stitch - has reverse...and is heavy duty enough to deal with anything i decide i need to sew- best thing about it---i bought it for $20
i have a Viking that cost over $5000...it does not sew as nice a straight stitch as my vintage singer!...it does have lots of other 'bells & whistles' so has it 's place ...but that little singer was the best $20 i ever spent!

Cherylsea

I hope the antique Singer visit turned into a buy - if so you got a great deal!
Welcome from coastal central Florida!

Patty55

I got it! A 1906 model 66 Lotus pattern complete with cabinet, attachments(I don't know what some of them are), and the treadle. It's a drop in bobbin and the only thing missing is the bobbin plate cover. It spins freely and the treadle is complete and working(it's even on wheels). The belt needs to be replaced. There's a motor on it with a knee pedal that's very dicey wiring wise so I will just take off the motor when I start cleaning it tomorrow. The cabinet is in great shape and complete with 5 drawers. The lap drawer needs some glue on the front plate and a new bottom. What an amazing find!

I think down the road I will look for a 15-91 for my powered machine.