Elna Grasshopper
 

I am still thinking about an Elna Grasshopper with the case that becomes a small table. I saw it at a yard sale on Saturday. It had tools with it, didn't see any books, the vendor didn't know anything about it, it belonged to her uncle. It looked clean and unworn. She was asking $50. but I tried to pick it up and found it was heavy. I have had surgery and am not supposed to lift for 2 weeks but I had to ask myself, do I need this. The answer is no but I like them. I do expect to get a treadle when our renovation is done. That might not be til next summer. Would I even have room to set up a grasshopper? Darn.

Of course you don't need it... but it's a 50's Elna - back when they were made to last - which is why it's heavy. Take a wagon, a stroller, a friend that can lift! There's been one advertised on our local listings for 2 years. The seller just will not back down from the $150 they want. (Even after the 15 dollar one came and went). It folds up. You could set it next to the treadle. They take little space and even less to feed. Use it in case of emergency only, lol. Back-up is back-up! And classic vintage back-up is just nice to admire, and besides, the vintage sewing machine seems to be a requirement for all the well-equipped sewing rooms. =)

I have an Elena Supermatic (not a grasshopper) and it is heavy. Mine only came with one bobbin and I have a hard time finding any that work. They do fine in the machine but won’t go on the bobbin winder. I seldom use the machine for those two reasons. Just my experience. Yours may be different.

Bobbins turn up, I find them on ebay, Helen Howes, etc... I think the grasshopper (Elna 1) and Supermatics use the same bobbin. There is a groove inside the "hub" that makes them go on the bobbin winder. That's the main differences between the metal Elna Bobbins, and you have to make sure they have this groove. I wouldn't hesitate too much if the price is right. I have yet to find the early grasshopper with out scratch marks on the finish.

A grasshopper would be welcome with my Elnas.[ATTACH=CONFIG]599530[/ATTACH]

I have had several sellers offer to load a machine into a car. Of course, when I got home I had to harness up the cats to pull it out.

Kelsie, go grab that Grasshopper!

I hope some of you that have responded are still looking or listening. I have been doing some research as I knew nothing about them before. What about this business that they get a flat spot on an internal friction wheel if not used for any length of time. And apparently it is expensive to replace. I would not want it if it does not work. I actually wonder if I could use it for FMQ. My main machine is a Singer 348 (I think), Turquoise, made in 1967 and I also have a FW.

Steelsewing and leonf: Can either of you tell me more about the machine and it running? I only have one cat but I do have a husband.

Mickey2: What is the right price? I did mention $20 after she said $50 but she was busy telling what another lady had told her about her grasshopper. It was funny because she kept talking and 2 or 3 times I clarified that what she was telling me was about this other ladies machine not the one in front of us that she is trying to sell.

I must admit I can't stop thinking about it but of course it could be gone. It was after 11:00 when we were there so most of the activity was over. But I checked with my husband last night we do remember where it is.

Mine had that when I bought it. It sewed but made an awful racket. DH was able to find a replacement and change it. We were told to loosen the tension on the wheel (like you do when winding a bobbin) when not in use.

If it's intact with case, accessories and nice conditon it's worth the $50, $20 is definitely a bargain price. Some ask $150 for them around here, and they often sell with a bit of patience. Some times the price comes down before it goes. Smaller portable machines tend to be more sought after. I payed around the equivalent of $30 for my Supermatic, it didn't stitch, major thread mess, dirty, oil stained, needed a new friction wheel,... It cleaned up well with a lot of work and a bit of money. I managed to get hold of an aluminium friction wheel with rubber o-rings. Elna 1, the Grashopper, has no problem with flat spots, it doesn't have a friction wheel, but is belt driven and it's easy to replace if needed. Don't confuse Elna 1 and Elna 2 (Supermatics), they are green, but not the same machine at all.