Pamela,
Did you need to drop the serger needles a hair to get them in time with the hook or did they not fit in the needle bar because they are round? I haven't tried regular needles to see if they straight stitch but the 206 I have was sold because it had the wrong needle in it and wouldn't even straight stitch.

Miriam, my issue with the serger needles was that they were round and wouldn't stay seated in the proper direction. I had just taken that machine apart and put the needle clamp back on (with that weird little jig inside), and had a horrible time anyway even finding my way up through the clamp. (I wound up using a mirror and a flashlight with the machine tilted back so I could finally SEE). So getting that round needle organized just didn't work. I was just a *little* annoyed with the local sewing machine store... I had asked for the "DX-something F" needles, and they gave me the package without the "F", which I now guess means "flat" sided. But it's a family business, they'd just lost a daughter-in-law to cancer, and getting the wrong package just didn't seem worth complaining about right then. I still need to order the proper needles so we can do special stitches though!

I have wondered if you can put a different clamp on it but never experimented.

I have a 201 with the same needle clamp. Any others?

Looking much better.

You are very fortunate to have a DH who shares your passion. Good luck with the new baby.

This info should work for the SINGER 206 and 306 as well as the 319.
To clean the crinkle finish I’ve done well with Dawn and a toothbrush. Rinse carefully and get everything dry so nothing rusts.

That is just amazing ! I recently cleaned up my grandmas Singer that she bought when I was born. Because everyone smoked in the house back then it was totally gummed up with nicotine ,it is really sticky! I wonder if thats what was on your machine.

Very likely from smoking or an oil stove....

Amazing before and afters! I hope she's humming along for you real soon!