Question for those of you with antique sewing machines
04-15-2010, 06:37 PM
#21
Banned
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Bikini Bottom
Posts: 5,652
For me I love the sounds they make, especially the VS machines like my Singer 27.
Then there is the quality of the machines, the pride of American engineering sitting in front of me. They didnt have CNC machines, computers to design it. It was all done by a pencil, paper, slide rule and trial and error.
But for me its almost a way of life. Treadles are the only type of sewing machine I use. My newest is a 1948 Japanese 15 (which I pulled the motor off of to make use of it in a treadle) and the oldest is an 1870's New Home Model A.
When I use my machines its like I have been transported back in time, to a more simpler way of life. Its relaxing and when I am done making a quilt you can almost see the love that is put into making it. You are holding something that was made on a piece of history. It also means so much more to the recipient knowing the effort and the type of machine it was made on.
Billy
Then there is the quality of the machines, the pride of American engineering sitting in front of me. They didnt have CNC machines, computers to design it. It was all done by a pencil, paper, slide rule and trial and error.
But for me its almost a way of life. Treadles are the only type of sewing machine I use. My newest is a 1948 Japanese 15 (which I pulled the motor off of to make use of it in a treadle) and the oldest is an 1870's New Home Model A.
When I use my machines its like I have been transported back in time, to a more simpler way of life. Its relaxing and when I am done making a quilt you can almost see the love that is put into making it. You are holding something that was made on a piece of history. It also means so much more to the recipient knowing the effort and the type of machine it was made on.
Billy
04-16-2010, 06:38 AM
#23
Super Member
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Orchard Park, NY (near Buffalo, which is near Niagara Falls)
Posts: 3,884
I have an industrial Singer 95-80 from the 1930's and I love it.
At the time, I was sewing "professionally", making lots of things and selling them at craft shows (this was 1986). I was using a second-hand old all-metal Kenmore that I had to keep taking into the shop for repairs every couple of months as it would not hold the timing. And the repair man basically told me, "Lady, you've worn it out! Get another machine!". I asked him about industrials - secondhand only, as I could not afford a new one - and he showed me this ancient, cosmetically-challenged Singer. And he assured me that I would not be able to wear it out within my lifetime.
I do believe he was right. In all these years - 24 now? - it has been in for repairs exactly once, when I got it jammed up with fabric. I can oil it, clean it, and since there are manuals online I can even time it myself. Just think of the money I have saved in repairs and tune-ups. It has more than paid for itself.
Yes it does a great straight-stitch. And... yes, that's all it does, no reverse, no zigzag. But most of the sewing I do is straight-stitch anyway. I have a Bernina 1130S that does fancy tricks... but my choice is always to go over to the Singer.
Love story? Well... years ago my son took my seam ripper and carved an "I love you" into the finish. So we have that, too, as part of the history of this machine.
At the time, I was sewing "professionally", making lots of things and selling them at craft shows (this was 1986). I was using a second-hand old all-metal Kenmore that I had to keep taking into the shop for repairs every couple of months as it would not hold the timing. And the repair man basically told me, "Lady, you've worn it out! Get another machine!". I asked him about industrials - secondhand only, as I could not afford a new one - and he showed me this ancient, cosmetically-challenged Singer. And he assured me that I would not be able to wear it out within my lifetime.
I do believe he was right. In all these years - 24 now? - it has been in for repairs exactly once, when I got it jammed up with fabric. I can oil it, clean it, and since there are manuals online I can even time it myself. Just think of the money I have saved in repairs and tune-ups. It has more than paid for itself.
Yes it does a great straight-stitch. And... yes, that's all it does, no reverse, no zigzag. But most of the sewing I do is straight-stitch anyway. I have a Bernina 1130S that does fancy tricks... but my choice is always to go over to the Singer.
Love story? Well... years ago my son took my seam ripper and carved an "I love you" into the finish. So we have that, too, as part of the history of this machine.
04-16-2010, 09:29 AM
#25
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Ireland
Posts: 786
I have a couple of old singers, my Grandma's. my sister's ex hushband's Grandma's featherweight (get your head around that!!) I have an old Singer treadle too. I used to have lots of others but ran out of space!
I love the sound and the history - like the other guys said. I dont use mine though - I love my Bernina's with a passion, PASSION!
But I still love to look at the old ones and turn the handle and hear that sound.........
I love the sound and the history - like the other guys said. I dont use mine though - I love my Bernina's with a passion, PASSION!
But I still love to look at the old ones and turn the handle and hear that sound.........
04-16-2010, 10:11 AM
#26
Member
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: NW Florida Panhandle
Posts: 30
I also have several sewing machines. None computerized.
I learned on a treadle machine in a home with no electricity, running water, bathroom, etc.
I have an embroidery machine that I have had for over 30 years. My husband bought it for me so I could make clothing for our children that did not look "homemade". The cams and ability to use wing needles or twin needles turned my sewing into heirloom clothing...plus a bit of handwork as well.
But I don't like to piece tops on that machine. It's straight stitch just doesn't compare to my featherweight. Plus the smallest presser foot is 3/8" not 1/4".
My sister's husband was working with a crew to empty a house after the estate sale. And there in the huge pile to be hauled away to the land fill, was this featherweight and some other antiques that he just knew his wife would be thrilled to have.
She loved the antique furniture, but knew I would be the right new owner for that little sewing machine. So we swapped something that she needed I had, for that little darling.
The folks at the estate sale had it threaded wrong, so the machine appeared to be out of order. No one would buy it. If only they had opened the manual that was in the bottom of the case, and read what it said...but then again, I wouldn't have my little darling either. And the attachments that went with it...wow.
I used a hand crank machine when we were in the Cuna Islands, off the coast of Panama. No reverse, and which direction you turn the crank makes a huge difference. I rather like having both hands able to control the fabric...so if there is no power, I either want a treadle machine...or to simply hand sew.
When Hurricane Ivan (2004) hit, we had no power (or water) for 6 weeks. When Dennis hit (2005) same time line...but both times we still had things to do. So if power is your issue, also look for hand crank record player, so you can still listen to some music while you sew.
And yes, I too love history, and imagining my ancestors watching what I am up to, and sharing a cup of hot herbal tea or coffee with me while I make love offerings for the next generations to come.
I learned on a treadle machine in a home with no electricity, running water, bathroom, etc.
I have an embroidery machine that I have had for over 30 years. My husband bought it for me so I could make clothing for our children that did not look "homemade". The cams and ability to use wing needles or twin needles turned my sewing into heirloom clothing...plus a bit of handwork as well.
But I don't like to piece tops on that machine. It's straight stitch just doesn't compare to my featherweight. Plus the smallest presser foot is 3/8" not 1/4".
My sister's husband was working with a crew to empty a house after the estate sale. And there in the huge pile to be hauled away to the land fill, was this featherweight and some other antiques that he just knew his wife would be thrilled to have.
She loved the antique furniture, but knew I would be the right new owner for that little sewing machine. So we swapped something that she needed I had, for that little darling.
The folks at the estate sale had it threaded wrong, so the machine appeared to be out of order. No one would buy it. If only they had opened the manual that was in the bottom of the case, and read what it said...but then again, I wouldn't have my little darling either. And the attachments that went with it...wow.
I used a hand crank machine when we were in the Cuna Islands, off the coast of Panama. No reverse, and which direction you turn the crank makes a huge difference. I rather like having both hands able to control the fabric...so if there is no power, I either want a treadle machine...or to simply hand sew.
When Hurricane Ivan (2004) hit, we had no power (or water) for 6 weeks. When Dennis hit (2005) same time line...but both times we still had things to do. So if power is your issue, also look for hand crank record player, so you can still listen to some music while you sew.
And yes, I too love history, and imagining my ancestors watching what I am up to, and sharing a cup of hot herbal tea or coffee with me while I make love offerings for the next generations to come.
04-16-2010, 01:08 PM
#27
Super Member
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Illinois
Posts: 5,142
M.E. I like to hand sew too. So many people don't anymore. I love to sew on my machines (sometimes I have different ones set up with different color threads) but I also love to hand sew. Machines are good for speed, hands are good for relaxing.
04-16-2010, 02:04 PM
#28
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Ireland
Posts: 786
I machine sew all day ad hand sew all evening!! During the day - I line up jobs to finish by hand. I just sat this evening hand quilting a cushion!!
Embroidery is my first love and I mostly do that by hand.
Embroidery is my first love and I mostly do that by hand.
04-17-2010, 05:17 AM
#30
Junior Member
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Arlington, TX
Posts: 243
I think any older straight stitch sewing machine will have a prettier stitch. First, all the gears are machined metal and don't wear like the newer nylon/plastic gears. The new machines have to move so many ways in order to embroidery and have lost the pretty straight stitch.
I have 2 treadles, 1 hand crank, 10 feather weights and several newer zz machine. If I want a pretty stitch, I get a feather weight out and if I want a work out, go to the treadle. The treadle is a good exerciser for the butt. So, if you have to justify another sewing machine, it's now became a exercise machine.
I have 2 treadles, 1 hand crank, 10 feather weights and several newer zz machine. If I want a pretty stitch, I get a feather weight out and if I want a work out, go to the treadle. The treadle is a good exerciser for the butt. So, if you have to justify another sewing machine, it's now became a exercise machine.
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