manicmike

I was adding to Sewnoma's "Fixed my 332" thread when I realised I'd gotten so off track I was going to cancel the message. Thought it was interesting enough though:

That machine [Pfaff 332] is the ultimate one stop sew anything machine. It's old, free arm and German (and Pfaff). I'm quite envious: My place is over full with machines but I'd make room for this one.
There, I said it
Excellent buy, Sewnoma, they need frequent lubrication at the hook race, but a truly amazing machine. I only have the non free arm 260 (my 2nd 260) and I'd say that the Pfaff 230/260, Singer 201, Necchi Supernova and Bernina 730 are the only sewing machines I've been really taken aback by, because they were so much better than I expected.
The middle two machines are very cheap in Australia, incidentally. The Necchi has a bad reputation (it's like a Ferrari - amazing performer but won't work if not given frequent attention) and the 201 only does straight stitch.

Most desireable: 222K, 320K2
Rarest: 320K2,
Fastest: Pfaff 260, industrial 96K (scary fast), Bernina 642-1 (but hard to control)
Most beautiful: Singer VS2, Singer IF (15-1), Singer 12 MOP, Bernina 642-1 (because of the cabinet)
Loveliest to sew with: Bernina 730, Singer 201, Necchi Supernova, Pfaff 260, (and any treadle for the meditative effect of treadling)

So, what does everyone else have experience with that really blew them away? I figure you'd remember the feeling: Quickened heartbeat, gaping mouth, feelings you had when you met your life partner.
My list is Bernina 730, Singer 201, Necchi Supernova, Pfaff 260.

It has to have really surprised you though: Any free arm Pfaff will not make this list, because regardless of how good it is it won't match the surprise I got with the 260 and thus won't blow me away.

liking quilting

I'm going to have to broaden my horizons, I can see. Interesting, as always. If only there was a "sit down and try it out" for vintage machines, like the longarm and midarm quilting machines we get to take for a spin at a quilter's expo. I have not had the chance to sew on any of the machines you've listed. I'm still plugging away on my two 301a's, one at home, and one at the cabin.

HelenAnn

My singer VS2 has to be the one that amazed me the most. I got this dirty old treadle for $25 , cleaned her up and made her sew. Then the lady I had bought it from called me 4 months later to say she had found the coffin top for her.

lovelyl

I'm with you on the Singer 201! I have a 201 hand crank that sews the most beautiful stitches. And it is so quiet without a motor. Almost like treadling...
The other machine that surprised me was the Singer 15-91 for free motion quilting. I don't have to "play" with the tension, just set it once and it will free motion quilt anything I throw at it! Out of my 10 machines, I would be devestated if I lost my 201 or my 15-91.

Vridar

WOW! Great thread. But, to make a person choose is like which child do you like best? But, I'll try.

Worst was my first and most expensive - Reliable 2000U.

Heart beat the fastest In order for - 201-2, 15-91, 29-58, 403, 404, Necchi BU, 206, 306, Younker 15 Clone. The rest can do the jobs they are intended but the heart rate doesn't change - 99, 66, 192, 127, 301, 20, Remington Commercial Clone, Elna Supermatic, 15 clones (lost count how many I have).

The biggest disappointment is a $25 Morse 2600 or 2900 (I forget the #).

My heart does flip-flops when I see a nice 31 sell for less than $200 too far away for me to pickup.

Cari-in-Oly

Of all my machines the ones that made my heart pitter patter the most are my Brother FZ2 Pacesetter, my Singer 201-2, my pink Brother Select O Matic, my embroidery machines and my black Singer 301. Others that I love and use are my Brother Prestiges, Flairmatic and Rivieras, Consew serger, and my Underwood 142b.

Disappointments or ones I just didn't bond with- Singer 66,99 and FW(though I use this occasionally), Pfaff 92, a Universal clone, and the Singer 400 and 500 series machines I've had.

Cari

tessagin

Mine aren't old Singer 2662 about 10-12 yo. and my Singer Slant 401 (I'm older). but I sure like sewing on them. DH is always stitching up something. He said he was sorry he misunderstood about the 2 set out on the curb. Me too! Tissues!

Rodney

Great discussion!
Cari: Your experience is the opposite of mine. I was very impressed by my Singer 401A. I thought it would be about the same as sewing with a Touch & Sew. It's not, it' far better. It's a very smooth running and powerful machine. Even though the Touch & Sew series are descended from the 400 series machines, the 401A is superior to them.

Liking quilting: Arrange to have a get together with other members in your area. Not only will you be around vintage machines you wouldn't see otherwise, you will be able to talk face to face with other members near you. I know I've made some very good friends from our get togethers here.
Rodney

JudyTheSewer

My two favorite vintage machines are the Necchi Supernova and the Bernina 730. When my friend sat at the 730 to do a quick seam her mouth dropped open at how quiet and smooth it was! The Supernova is the only machine my husband likes me to sew on when he is in the same room watching tv.

Mrs. SewNSew

Oh golly! I am so excited to get my Pfaff 332 up and running! You give it such a nice review.

My biggest surprises have been the Singer 301 for it's consistently perfect stitch, my white Featherweight which I heard Singer cut corners on and produced a model that wasn't as good --it's quiet and strong and I quite like sewing on it! The Elna 1 "grasshopper" it's so small and cute and amazingly quiet. My Singer 15-125 for free-motion work-amazing. Lastly my mothers Bernina 830 - it's not a machine I find particularly attractive but it takes my breath away when I sew on it. I've never driven a luxury car but this must be what it feels like to drive one.

I am still searching for a Necchi Supernova.