Originally Posted by
manicmike
For Aussies eBay's alternative is Gumtree, although I've probably bought about half on eBay, half on Gumtree.
That lovely tan machine in the cabinet seems like a 206. I have a real fondness for this type, which includes the 306, 319 and 320. They use a special needle (206x13) but can do almost any pattern of stitch. The 319 has several built in too, meaning you can select a combination.
Miriam started a great thread a while ago about her 319. The cabinet it's in is amazing: I'd love to have that one at my place. You need to ignore it when people say things like "Picked up that phone yet?" but... have you? Ha ha! With that cabinet I think I'd be just weak enough to say "to hell with the consequences".
amcatanzaro, a work colleague offered me her grandma's machine a few weeks ago. I haven't seen it but it sounds like a 201. I know they're fantastic, but I already have three!
Regarding the prices, yes they fluctuate really stupidly, hence the "what are they smoking" thread. In this Internet age it astonishes me that so many people still do minimal or no market (or any) research!
I think you're now attuned to seeing old machines and if you wait, you'll find them everywhere. Those Japanese machines from the '50s are a great one to collect: They're really good quality and generally extremely cheap.
You should still get the 206, though
I do like the cabinet the - 206 is it? - is in. Thankfully it's a good 3 hour round trip from me. Makes it a lot easier to resist :-). OTOH I'll be there in a few weeks so if it's still languishing (at a vastly reduced price) I might just..... oh hell.
There certainly is no shortage of treadle machines out there but talk about no room!
It would be nice if there was a real market for these machines. Thing is - so relatively few people have a use for them. The nice young woman who had the Universal bought it some years ago from a friend of her Grandmother. She was attracted by its looks and thought it'd be fun to learn to sew. The last part never happened. Apparently she now has an infant son. Well that's just when my mother was at her busiest...when raising children.
My wife learned to sew and sew well in parochial high school. Apparently it's a skill people no longer need as it seems fewer people have it. Do they still teach it in schools? I know "Shop Class" for boys is all but a thing of the past. Probably deemed too dangerous - what with the real tools and all.
At any rate, I'm having fun learning how to sew and hopefully our project will bear fruit aside from a multitude of machines!