Do you check the Craigslist for everyone you know...
 

who lives in a different area than you? I do this, and I am sure I am not the only one. You have to cast a wide net, right?

The only thing is, I am not sure I would really follow up on it. I can't imagine contacting someone I haven't talked to in years to ask them to pick up a machine for me and store it for who knows how long. I would ask family though for sure.

Anyone have success stories of an awesome score that they would like to share?

Am I seriously the only one?

Nope...but I've yet to ask anyone to go pick up a machine for me....they all think I'm crazy as it is!! :D

I check the whole province - but i have yet to ask anyone other than my daughter to go get a machine for me.

Joann

i do this, and people think i am nuts, who knows maybe i am, even when people i know take a trip i start looking just in case, if i find something i want i buy it and have them get it for me. you should see some of the stares i get, so funny.

I'm not good at craig's list at all. I never see anything close to a sewing machine anywhere. So, no I haven't any stories.

I've gotten my son in Chicago to pick up two for me; he's my second enabler. ;) He likes the looks of the older machines, and helps his mother's latest fetish. He hasn't been here in awhile, will be interesting to see what his response will be when he realizes what he is contributing to.....
oh CL..

I have scored to FW's on CL, great price on both, also I know isn't a machine, but I scored 108 yards of good quality fabrics for $80.00 on CL, I check it almost daily, I can always use another machine

I do it...our area has NOTHING to offer in way of affordable machines or fabric. SO, I have to search in areas where friends/family live!

I am glad to see that I am not a crazy level above my fellow vintage sewing machine collectors.
Jaciqltznok, I have total other place-craigslist envy. The NE and Washington state seem to have such awesome deals all of the time, while my region is expensive and boring in comparison.

I don't, just for myself. Today in the Nashville, TN CL there is a FW for $150.

I check, but more, I look at what others have found. Recently there have been a lot on the Omaha, NE CL. If someone wants something from there, it is fairly close. I would help by picking up a machine, if someone found something they want.

Did anyone see the CL add for the 50 antique machines in San Antonio? I wish I knew someone from there. My "need" for a crank machine is getting worse :-(

I do and also before I go on travel. I see if there is anything I may pick up on the way. Last trip to visit family in NE, I had a Davis head in my carryon coming back. The TSA xray operator just looked at me. Said it wasn't the first sewing machine they had seen but they don't see them often.

Didn't even have to open my bag to show them.

I have tried my brother, but I get the same as most phone calls to him, no response.

No you are not crazy.

I live in SW Missouri and I check KC area (3 1/2 hrs. away) all the time. One afternoon I saw a Singer 301 with the case, original attachments and even the original can of oil and manual for $70. I called a friend of mine who lives up there and she went and got it for me! She even paid for it and then I mailed her a check. She held onto it for me for about 4-5 months until my cousin was coming my way. I got the 2 of them together and here comes my 301!! I love it! I gave the original friend some gas money and made her a quilted pot holder. Funny, she didn't want the gas money. She seemed very happy to just be able to do something nice for me.