Vintage love/modern feature lusting dilemna
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I have been hit by the vintage bug last year and I got a nice Singer 15-91 in a cabinet. The harp size is quite roomy, and it is really fast! I'm working here on a twin size quilt, and I'm not struggling at all.
I also have a Bernina Artista 730 with the BSR, but the harp is a short 7.5, so I have found that the best combinaison is to "stabilize" my quilt with the 15-91 or use it for design made with a simple walking foot. Then I free motion with the Bernina all the area where I want a more complex or detailed design. I also have a Featherweight (for piecing) and a old Bernina 831 (for general sewing). My dilemna right now is to replace or not the Singer 15-91 by a modern mechanical straight sticher (Juki 20-10/Brother Q-1500/Pfaff Grand Quilter). I must say I don't love my Singer 15-91 like I love my vintage Bernina. What I feel is more like the respect for an excellent tool, still performing flawlessly after more than 50 years. I certainly appreciate that. And each time I use it, I'm amazed by how well it sew without any fuss. The only thing I miss when I'm using the Singer 15-91 are the "modern" feature that I'm so happy to have on the Bernina: thread cutter/ tying off/ needle up/down. I know, it's silly. But I make a lots of start and stop in my designs. The Singer 15-91 is fast; faster than the Bernina for sure. But is it doing 1500s/m? If I compare with my serger, I don't think so. Maybe more 1000/1200s/m. Anyway, I'm torn. Rationnaly, it seems stupid to replace a perfectly performing 50$ machine for one that will cost 500$. So why am I itching to do it? |
hmmm... the 15-91 will be performing just as well in another 50 years as it does today. Can you say the same for the more modern machines?
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The best argument I have is your 50 year old machine will still perform just as well 50 years from now with nothing more than basic maintenance. I'm not sure we can say the same about modern machines. I'd keep it and get the modern one too if I really wanted one.
Rodney |
Dunster beat me to it while I was still typing.
Rodney |
i can't really understand why you desire this.
but then...no one can truly understand the desire of another. i do know that sometimes it is worthy to really think about want versus need, or in this case, why you are not satisfied with what you have. what you have is a selection of tools that perform beautifully, meet your needs and are paid for in full, both cash wise and in an environmental cost sense. so....buying a new, mid to high level machine seems to me to be about something other than the tool. maybe you want to know what that is, maybe you don't. only you can say. aileen |
i suspect though that you could easily talk yourself into a need position in regards to "modern" features such as needle up/down etc.
welcome to late capitalism! aileen |
I used to collect vintage machines, but then realized all I was doing was dusting them off because I preferred to actually sew on my Bernina 1230 (which has a foot-controlled needle up/down). Vintage was a phase I enjoyed for a long time. I sold most of my vintage machines to a collector who was just starting out and have never regretted doing so. Not everything is forever, so I say go with the machine that will give you the greatest enjoyment using!
Edit: I would advise keeping the old machine, though, until you are sure you prefer using the new one. Once you are sure, sell the old machine to someone who will value it! |
I am a modern girl myself, but I say do what feels right for you. vintage is not for everyone. If you are not feeling your singer why keep it
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Originally Posted by Prism99
(Post 6513282)
I used to collect vintage machines, but then realized all I was doing was dusting them off because I preferred to actually sew on my Bernina 1230 (which has a foot-controlled needle up/down). Vintage was a phase I enjoyed for a long time. I sold most of my vintage machines to a collector who was just starting out and have never regretted doing so. Not everything is forever, so I say go with the machine that will give you the greatest enjoyment using!
Edit: I would advise keeping the old machine, though, until you are sure you prefer using the new one. Once you are sure, sell the old machine to someone who will value it! |
You said:
"My dilemna right now is to replace or not the Singer 15-91 by a modern mechanical straight sticher (Juki 20-10/Brother Q-1500/Pfaff Grand Quilter). " **************** I have the Juki TL98E which is a previous model of the 2010 and love it for piecing and FMQ. I have great speed control with it, love the needle up/down, thread trimmer, knee lift. I use my computerized machine for other sewing, but the Juki is great for quilting. Debbie |
I too was bitten by the vintage sewing machine bug. I have a featherweight for each of my grand daughters when the time comes, I have a regular treadle and a chain stitch treadle, my dmil's singer 401a (needs work), and a couple of auction bargains sitting in my unfinished room upstairs. But I fell in love with the latest bells and whistles for quilting, auto tie off, needle up and down, etc, etc, of my pfaff QE 4.0. I used a featherweight for classes, and guild sews days. The old machine stitches are more beautiful IMO, and I feel so different when using one of the old machines, kind of like in touch with the fabric and the process, but I am a modern woman. Love creature comforts!
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Nothing wrong with wanting something new with all the bells and whistles, but I would keep my old dependable too! Ask me how I know????
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I have both vintage and new. Both have their places, and you will find now matter how many machines you have you will have a favorate go to machine. If you love your vintage stay with it.
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If you can afford it i say get what you want.. If you feel comfortable with selling the other one go ahead... Life is short.. do what makes you happy as long as you are w/in your means..
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Thank you all for your sharing your toughts. I feel better knowing I'm not the only one who likes bell and whistles. On the other hand, I sold a brand new Viking Tribute a few years ago (excellent machine, never gave me any trouble) because after finding a vintage Bernina 831, I was just not enjoying the Viking anymore. Mighty, I think you are right: every sewing machine have his place.
It would be so nice to have a dealer who would have "in stock" all brands of sewing machine (vintage AND modern) to be able to try it all and decide after. One have to go by trial/error. |
Perhaps if you find it a nice home you will feel better about getting a new machine.
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