A "herd" of Vintage Machines!!
 

I needed to find a specific fabric the other day so I went to a shop that I don't visit often, but has a super large inventory (Roberts Sewing Center in Crest Hill/Joliet IL). The first time I had been there (few years ago) the second floor was an area with lots of tables and folks could bring their sewing in for group "sew in's". Since I never went there for that purpose, I visited the 2nd floor once, and never again.

When I was checking out last night there was a guy getting fabric cut and he and the sales clerk were talking about the "sales area". Where is that I asked - upstairs! So I dropped my bolts and went upstairs.

Imagine my surprise when I saw all the tables had gone and the 2nd floor loft was FILLED with old sewing machines - mostly industrial - but a few others as well.

Yes all the machines are for sale. No I have no idea of any of the prices. I tried to talk to the one and only person that knew anything about the machines to ask him questions (Ken the owner) and true to this stores form, he was not very talkative (the main reason I don't go to this store is that I don't like their staff which is too bad because the store itself is AWESOME).

Anyway ... here's a few pics of a "herd" of vintage industrial sewing machines.

Wow, that last one looks mighty dangerous:> Looks like they bought out a sweatshop!

The last one I *believe* is a blind hem stitcher.

There was another I posted that looked dangerous as well. There was no presser foot, and the feeder was a giant round gear on the left. The needle on that one was enormous - I suspect it was for leather, perhaps shoes.

Oh my goodness. I'm glad I live in NY!!!! I'd be there in a heartbeat. Look at all those machines. Pretty quilts in the background.

Wow Oh Wow!

DogHouseMom, I'm glad I'm not the only one who feels that way about Roberts--great fabric, not so great staff. :rolleyes: