This morning I'm definitely seeing the wisdom of this! So I'm looking on CL and found about a 1954 Singer (looking at pics online and dating it). It works but has no attachments and the cabinet needs refinishing but the price is right and is close to where dh is working so he could pick it up for me. I want an older machine that is all metal and not computerized. Also I have my Grannie's Singer 99 clone that needs work. I'm pretty sure it needs a new motor and the wiring and light are shot. Which one of these do you think would be better for quilting? Or just get both of them and have them both up and going? :lol: That way I have a back up and dd has a machine.

Yes, and I have only used it once. But I figure it's insurance in case the other one gets sick!
YTQ

I would buy the 1954 Singer if it's in good running condition. They are workhorses and can be maintained by you. I would keep Grannies old machine and look into refurbishing it. A motor is likely to cost alot (maybe $100)and you would also have to fix the wireing, not cheap if you don't do it yourself. You might just do what I did with a simular old machine, put a handcrank on it (cost a little over $20).

I'd definitely get the old Singer, try it out before buying. You can get attachments and they're great machines!

Yes, I have my Singer Featherweight.

Have hubby pick up the old singer for you. I have a back-up too. I use my back up for piecing when I have quilting thread and the walking foot or free motion foot in my Elna.
I usually have 3 to 4 projects going at one time.

I do have one, but it is an old industrial straight stitch only. A real work horse and I love it. I still have my old Singer, but the foot pedal is on it's last leg. Guess I should replace it.

well I think when I hear back from them I will send him by to look. He's a millwright so surely he can tell if the machine is ok! lol! I'm going to try and get him to look at Grannie's old machine motor this weekend. I can do all the work of rewiring and replacing the motor if need be by myself. I'm a pretty resourceful gal when I have to be! I think that over time I want to restore that one anyway as its sentimental to me.

Yes, I have 2 machines here I use regularly, one with white thread for piecing, one gets changed to whatever color I need in a hurry because it has a needle threader. I have my moms machine, it needs fixed tho, waiting till I can afford to do it.

I have backups for my backups. LOL I have two Janome Gems (one my DD bought and left here), three Vintage Singers (301, Featherweight, and 15-90 in cabinet) One Singer Quantum (computerized) and a Brother 1500 quilting machine. I only bought two of my machines the rest were gifts. I do use them all for different projects.

I have three Janomes so a back-up is necessary. My newest one is going in the shop tomorrow for its annual check-up and will be gone 2 weeks.

I have two back ups. One is a Singer my DH bought for me when we first got married. All metal, no bells or whistles, but a real work horse. The other is a 1958 Singer feather weight.

I have one, its my Singer 132q featherweight. I have had it about 8 yrs now.

I have my Janome for piecing and my Juki is on the longarm, but I can pull it off if the Janome gets cranky.

I actually have 3 backups. One is a Kenmore with decorative stitches which is in the attic. I never liked the machine.

I also have two Vintage Singers in cabinets. The first is a Model 66 which was built in 1930. When I bought it the bobbin winder did not work, but for a $2.00 tire, now works perfectly. Cost me $40.00.

Next is a model 201. This was built in 1937 also in a cabinet. After oiling and cleaning, it works with a nice stitch. The problem is if you go fast it does squeek a little. I gather from the way the bobbin was packed with lint that they never oiled or cleaned the machine, which I did. I might need a little grease and possibly a new belt. I saw tiny cracks in the bobbin tire, but it works perfectly, very smooth.

What I like about these is the stitches are perfectly straight. They were made before they started making zig zags and from what I understand that is why the stitch is so perfect.

I actually like sewing on these better than my Janome. They only go forward, no reverse, but as long as the quilt is not too big, I just turn the fabric around.

I have my old Kenmore as a back up and can use my emb machine as well :D:D:D Can't be without a machine, now can we??? :D:D:D

I have 2 Juki TL98QEs and 3 others, I only use 1 Juki, but, I could use the other, I prefer these they are hard workers and can keep up with me. I would not be without a back up of some sort.

I have a cheapier Brother I paid less than $200 for 10 years ago when I began quilting that I keep for a back up. It just didn't hold up to the amount of sewing it did on it and was in the shop at least once a year for repairs. That's when I bought a Pfaff Quilt Expersion that is great and I use for sewing and quilting. I also have a white Featherweight built in 1963 that I just began using again, it does sew beautifully but it's kind of slow so I might be selling it.

I could kick byself because I had picked up an old Kenmore at a gargae sale for $25, was a little loud but ran nicely. I didn't have room for it so I sold it to a guild member for what I paid for it. Those old Kenmores and Singers don't have anything fancy on them but they are workshorses.

I don't have a backup right now, but it is something I am considering, just in case my Pfaff decides it wants a rest at some inconvenient time. I would really like to get something that is just a workhorse machine no bells and whistles (they are on the Pfaff) that I could use for piecing and/or straight machine quilting

well I've emailed about 2 old "workhorses" on local craigslists and am just waiting on replies. My kenmore has more features than I use now so an old machine that just goes and goes is what I'd like to have as a backup and a spare for dd.

Yes, I have two Berninas the first is a 1260 that I tried to put in part exchange when I bought my 730E and the shop wouldn't take it. Now I am really glad that I have the two. The light switch has given up on the old one, but I solved that with a clip on flexible LED light fitting that only cost me 10 Euro. I'll probably get the switch fitting replaces at the next service.

yes i have a back-up machine. a little Janome Jem..

My backup right now is a Kenmore that's about 25 yrs old. I mainly use it for winding bobbins since the machine I use is being a putz winding them

Of course! How many???? several :thumbup: I use some for quilting and others for sewing (zig zag, etc.)

My backup machine will be my main machine as soon as I run out of bobbins on the new beast. The new beast is a massive pain and I am very disappointed. (or one could say I am excited because I get to buy another machine some day.) hehe

I have about 4 old vintage singers and love to use them better than my expensive machines...they are great! I buy them off craigs list and they are cheap and reliable..201's and featherweights are great .

Me too, got to have one with some applique stitches..

Yes, out of 4 machines I guess you could say I have a back up. Only 2 are out and set up, I use them both, either one almost daily.

Yes - a couple. Gotta be prepared in case the backup fails. :)

I have two machines. One is for quilting (Juki) and the other is for piecing and embroidery. I also have a White if I need it. Gotta be ready for anything, you know.

Look on ebay for a motor -- I got a bernina motor for $20.00 on ebay that new would have cost anywhere between $300 and $600 if I could even get it because it is obsolete and they're not making them anymore! Just put the study on the motor and figure out what you need and apply patience to the project!

Oh yes... three! I would be very sad and a mess without being able to sew.

I definitely have a backup. My main machine is a flat-bed Pfaff 1216 (very similar to the coveted 1222) and my backup machine is a portable Pfaff 1047. Both are late 70's early 80's era all-metal, made in germany workhorses. The flatbed is my main machine because of the built in cabinet and also because it has IDT (built-in walking foot). But I do use the other one when the 1216 is in for servicing. I also use it for sewing knit tops and bathing suits because it has better stretch stitches than my 1216.

Backup machine definitely a necessity if you can afford it!

I have an older Pfaff in the garage waiting for a daughter to eventually want to learn to sew or quilt, but it is there for me to use if my beloved Bernina gets sick.

I do have a few back ups. My favorite is a Household from the 50's or 60's since its not a Singer its hard to date. I love it sews through anything. I also have an old Kenmore that I would live to have room to set out. It has the cabinet that looks like it has drawers when the chair is pushed in. There are also 3 slant machines out in my shed. Oh to have a huge sewing room to be able to set all of them out. lol

Yes, the following Singers Featherweight, a 301A, a 457, awaiting delivery on a totally refurbished 301 (purchased from eBay)and a new Singer Fashion Mate (don't care for it much). A Viking 6460 I will be sending to have refurbished. I take my 301A to guild, one day the foot control would not work, fortunately, my 457 was still in the van, so I had a backup. I bought another foot control off of eBay for the 301A. When I get the new 301 I will use it at guild and keep the 301A in the van for backup. I have learned my lesson. I forgot to mention the treadle, and two in camelback cases.

Yes, my back-up is a Janome Harmony made for Sears. I use it for things that I dont want to run through my Bernina.
Such as...I made new seats and backs for my MIL outdoor furniture. The sunbrella fabric is so thick I didn't want to take the chance of messing up my "good" machine.

I have a Janome 9500 which my partner talked me into for embroidery-which is such a pain it annoys me every time I make a payment! Also inherited an elderly computerized Pfaff that is a great machine, and old metal portable we've never even looked at, odd brand, and 2 sergers that are incomprehensible to operate! Back-ups are a must but this may be a little over the top.

I don't have a back-up. My machine is ill and, in the words of the repairman there's not much to do with it now but, "to keep it warm and comfortable." I'm limping along with it and really wish I had a dependable backup. It's not a good time for me to buy one now but nevertheless, I will be out shopping for a good bargain this weekend.

I have a Singer featherweight too. I got a new computerized and thought of selling the Singer, but what if something goes wrong with it (God Forbid) I would be lost until it was repaired. I will always have a backup.