Older Model Machines
 

Have any of you regretted trading in an older model, non-computerized Top Of The Line machine for a current one with all the bells and whistles?

I regretted trading in my Bernina 1630. While I love my 180 there were features on the 1630 that I used a lot. It was computerized and top of the line in its day. I'm not that big on having all the bells the whistles. I've learned that I don't use many of them and can easily do without many more.

I avoid the computerized digital machines like the plague. Every single quilter/sewist I know who has one has had very expensive repair bills that usually involve replacing a computer board or chip of some kind. Plus I can't stand the built in LED lights they usually have.

oh, I am a bit too spoiled by some of the features of the newer machines. and one of things I like the best is the lighting.

Trade in my mechanical, metal geared machine? Absolutely not. I still use it more than my new one with bells. Forty years and going strong! I have to consult the manual when using the new Bernette, but I really just wanted more automated stitches.

It was an early computerized machine, but I still miss my old Viking Rose. Parts died and were unavailable. I do like some of the newer features of my current Elna (big harp, auto cutter), but Rose did everything so well!

Well, both of my top of the line machines (when I bought them) are in the repair shop 80 miles away. I cringe when I think of what the bill will be! But I held onto my Singer 99K and my Harmony 8080 all these years, and the Harmony 8080 has come out of the closet to sew. Still works like a dream and is much quieter than my other machines. Hold onto one of the older machines if you can...they can be a life saver!

I had a Brother purchased in 2017. It was not computerized, but had 37 different stitches, most of which I never used. I boxed it up when I purchased my vintage/antique Singers. I do mostly straight stitching and have a buttonhole and zig zag attachments (well I have 3 buttonhole attachments) which work on all three of my Singers. I also inherited a Pfaff 362 and another Singer from my MIL. The Pfaff does have embroidery stitches built in if I ever need them. I love how easy it is to keep my Singers running. I don't need to bring them anywhere for repair. My hubby is a retired mechanical engineer, which helps when something does go wrong.

I spend a lot of time sewing so I want the ease and time saving of several new features like the auto thread cutter, needle up/down and speed control. I have several vintage machines that sew great but I rarely use them. I won't trade them in, the trade in value is not worth hauling them to the shop.

My newest sewing machine, purchased in 2007 (I think), is a Bernina 440QE. Its bells and whistles have been surpassed by the newer machines, but it does everything I want it to do. In fact I wish I hadn't bought the embroidery module for it, since I have no interest in machine embroidery. Perhaps if I had a newer, snazzier machine I might get used to having other features like the auto thread cutter, but right now I can't imagine why I would want that. I have several vintage machines as well, and my go-to among those is the Singer 301. The only two things I miss when using the 301 are the needle up/down and the knee lift for the presser foot. The 440 hasn't required much shop maintenance at all, and I can take care of any issues with the vintage machines. I honestly think if the 440 were to die, I would be happy using the 301 for piecing. I do have a longarm for quilting though.

Every machine I buy is pretty basic. I like an auto threader, needle down, and speed control. Straight stitch and zig-zag. I have machines with multiple stitches, but rarely use those stitches.

The 440 wasn't the easiest machine to embroider on but it did sew nice. I did trade mine in for the Bernina 630 which I liked better and that was my main piecing machine. I also had a Viking D1 which was top of the line when it came out. That one did embroidery using a floppy drive and also stitched like a charm even through those pleated drapes I made using pleating tape. So I think that was 6 layers of heavier fabric. It was a sad day when the screen went out after about 20 years I think. I do like keeping a simple, lighter machine around for taking to class or traveling and I have a simpler machine in my cabinet for at home piecing with more bells and whistle and I really like it. And I have another one for embroidery. Yep, need several machines. I do have a Singer 66 in good shape but it is heavy and in a cabinet and honestly, I don't use it. I miss the threader, needle up/down and the knee lifter too much.

Old Singer
 

I bought a refurbished Singer in 1963 and still use it! Had it cleaned and the tension adjusted in 2011 and that is the only time it has been out of my sight. The repair man said to not ever let go of it as it was the last full metal machine made by Singer, I have sew everything from elk leather jackets to silk bridal gowns and trust it will last as long as I do!

What is the model njmber of that machine?

I bought my Singer 403A, used, in 1972 and it still runs like a top. The stitch is beautiful and even too. Like Rosimone, the salesperson at the Singer store told me to never let it go and he was right. I would not trade it for anything.

I didn't trade this one in but sold it to a gal at work when I bought my 1st ever combo embroidery machine thinking I only needed one machine. Boy was I wrong. I even tried to buy it back at twice what she paid me and nothing doing. She loved the machine as much as I did. It was an Elna SU62 bought used in 1978, all metal with the lid used as the table. Never saw the inside of a repair shop, traveled to numerous states with me and the only thing that broke on it was a knob which I glued back on it. Even had the cams to go with it. I loved that machine and since 2000 when I sold it, I've been kicking myself for doing it. I've looked for another one just like it but nothing says it will sew like the one I had. My big mistake.

I mostly, 95% of the time, use my 221 featherweight. Only use newer one for zig zag.

I have a White Featherweight and a Janome 6600 and love them both, so have a little of both old and new.

I have never even been tempted by a computerized machine in the first place! Mine are mechanical and a couple are basic electronic. I even have a couple treadles and featherweights, plus a 201, 301, 401 and the one I bought for myself before I got married the first time in 1965 - a turquoise singer 327, all in good working order.

I too have the 403 that my folks got me when I graduated from HS in 1962 (dating myself☺️). While I love the bells and whistles of my Janome, esp the thread cutter, I wouldn’t trade in my Singer for anything. It will still outsew my fancy machine and has sewn everything from wedding dresses, baby clothes, mending overalls and sewing a floor in a tent!

I love my Singer 99K
 

I love my Singer 99K for piecing. It's my dedicated piecing machine. I also used it to make a wedding dress for a friend. I sewed 80 hours worth of pink satin ruffles using the small rolled hemming foot. I dearly love that machine.