Getting Excited!
 

Tomorrow I get to go pick up my Two Spools, assuming the spool can is there. :D However, I also have the opportunity to get a Singer 301. Anyone care to share their thoughts on the 301? I would love to get a 201, but I think I'll be satisfied with the 301...at least for a little bit. :rolleyes: I'm looking for an electric model that can handle heavier fabrics (mostly denim), but will also be good for FMQ. I know price is relative to area, but for a mostly rural midwest town, is 175 too much? Thanks!

We really don't do prices here. Why don't you look on ebay to get an idea. Also, do a search using the search feature above and you'll see there are many threads on the 301.

Rach,

Post a pic if you can, as there's a world of difference in the 301. The long bed with the grass case and serviced go for quite a bit more than the shortbed and cabinet and sitting for 30 years. I've paid $5-$50 for the 4 shortbed / cabinet I've bought. Make sure it has the bobbin case as it's worth close to $50 alone. Ebay is a good place to price and/or shop but consider how much work the machine will need and if the seller has a good shipping track record will lots of feedback. 301's are a great machine but lots are out there, I'd hustle over to the 2 Spools myself.

Jon

Jon,
Thank you for the information! Here is a pic of the one I have been considering. I have checked eBay, but of course, it's hard to know whom to trust, then there is always the issue of shipping. I've also noticed that some people LOVE to inflate prices beyond absurdity, so it's hard to get an idea of worth from there. This lady, like everyone, states that it runs really well, it's been serviced, etc. Of course, I'll try it out first before buying. Thanks again for the kind feedback!

Candace,
Being new to the "vintage word" of sewing machines, I thought this would be an appropriate place to ask questions and get some thoughts. While I do watch eBay, I am skeptical for reasons I mentioned above. In addition, being new to this site, I don't know what's all where, and the information available. I guess I thought that a place for vintage enthusiasts would welcome any question. I apologize if it's a question that has been asked 500 times, but I find that getting feedback from other owners of machines I'm interested in is the best way of learning. As I learn more about this website, I'll find more information along the way, the more I'm able to explore, and sound dumb asking common questions. Regarding price, I see people asking about prices all the time, so I had no idea that "we don't really do prices here".

http://images.craigslist.org/00l0l_k...q6_600x450.jpg

http://images.craigslist.org/00K0K_f...P0_600x450.jpg

rachel,

there is no dumb question. i am also a newbie but slowly starting to get firm footing on how to buy and deal with antique sewing machines with the help of forum members here. trust me, they're all helpful. rodney, steveh, manicmike, macybaby, sunflowers, gretchen, to name a few. whoever i missed that i came across and helped me, pardon me but you all know who you are and thank you all.

as they all say, there is no fix price and no good or bad price. it's how much you're willing to pay and i guess the real key is, if it makes you happy getting the machine, then go for it. but my honest opinion on the 301 - it's on the high price for the simple reason that i was able to buy one for $40 in good condition (but without the extra attachments). another thing i will tell you is, don't jump too soon on a machine that you think has a good price as there will be more that will come you're way. i learned it the first time i bought my singer sewing machine. it was listed for $50 but i was able to buy it for $47. weeks after, there were far more better deal that i could have had. now my price range is on the $20-100. beyond that price it should be a really nice and in excellent condition machine. you will learn as you go along. i am still at a learning curve but gained so much knowledge about sewing machines from the members here. they're just awesome. oh on another thing, you can really get a cheap antique sewing machine but you need a lot of elbow grease but that i am willing to take as it's a learning process for me also. just my 2 cents.

I too have had positive experiences here on this board. I have been given a wealth of information, and I thank all of those who take the time to reply to my posts, or answer yet another one of my questions (many are those you mentioned). I am a new "convert" to the vintage world; I mean, I only recently changed my mind on a new Babylock Ellure Plus. There is so much to learn about sewing, and the machines, that I find the best way to find out information, is to ask. Although, I admit that I feel stupid with some of my questions. I tend to NOT look before I leap, that's why I keep asking about machines available in my area. I'm also so nervous about eBay, that I try not to rely on that site for price brackets, or too trigger happy buying there. I know in time I'll learn more, but for now, I'm happy to read replies, and answers that have been posted by the more seasoned vintage collectors and enthusiasts. Thank you to all you guys, and thanks for putting up with my newbie posts!

Nice looking 301, if you have time I'd personally shop some more. 301 or a 15 class is the way to go for FMQ from what I hear, 201 mixed reviews.

Jon

Just to pop in and give a comment. Don't take offense about people not giving prices on certain machines. We all have found that prices vary so much depending on location, condition, and desire. So, it's really impossible to say what a certain machine is worth. I tend to look for pretty cheap machines and have been very lucky finding machines I want to buy for $50 or less. And all of them have only required cleaning and at the most, $15 for parts. The featherweight is an exception to that amount..... I've paid up to $280 for a FW. I do agree with having lots of patience. Once you find a machine you've been longing for, several will pop up at cheaper prices in better condition..... murphy's law, you know.

But saying that, many of us vintage buyers will pay the premium price for that one perfect machine that haunts us till we have it. Let us know what you decide..... we'll cheer you on when you get another gem, cry with you when you pass one up that you really wanted, and jump on the bandwagon helping you hunt for the next purchase.

Oh, I forgot to mention...... my favorite machine for FMQ is the 15. I have 2 15-91s. One is at the summer cabin cause I do FMQ in the summer and winter. The bobbin can be changed while the quilt stays in place, bobbin snarls are super easy to clear up, you can drop the feed dog easily, and I don't have another machine that quilts without making tucks on my quilt..... even the fancy $1000 machine I bought 10 years ago.

As a general rule of thumb, I wouldn't pay an eBay price for anything in a store. It's a good place to get a starting idea of price but in a nutshell, it's what you are going to feel comfortable paying.
301's seem to come in a range of prices. The low end is the short beds and the high end is the black long bed. Plus or minus for complete/cabinet/case/extras.
I would keep looking but if you must have now, go for it.

There are many prior threads about 301's so it's up to you to choose to look for them and do your research. I was giving you a helpful hint. If you decide to educate yourself,....that's up to you. We've all had to do research and read about what machines meet our needs. Many of us choose to also not give PRICES because we are not appraisers and this quilting board is not about telling people what their machines are worth. What a machine sells for in my area at a garage sale has nothing to do with a machine that has been serviced in your area. I've commented in many 301 threads before and it's all in the archives:>

here's some information about THE 301 that might interest you. At first I didn't know anything about the 301A but got so interested when I found a great deal in my area. When I got it I now know why everyone is recommending it. It's so light yet a full size sewing machine. You will love it once you get one (but make sure it's a good price). Don't jump too soon. You'll find a better deal. But the 301 is highly recommended. You need to have one just like the FW.

Rach - like others have said, don't get upset if you get some less favorable responses if you ask about price. Since you've been posting about your Domestic and getting the two spool, you are getting way more favorable responses than what can happen when a newbie comes with a "what is a good price' question.

It's because we see that so, so often - and this site is not about what the machines are worth. And the truth is that it's not that hard to look around and do research and find that out for yourself. Most of us on this board have learned that doing it that way.

My advise - if you think it might be too high, then pass. I think most people will say the paid too much for a machine when they were just starting, or bought something they later decided they really didn't want. I know I for sure did, and now I've got machines I'm trying to sell - including 2 mocha 301 long bed machines in cases.

I was OK with them until I found the black 301 long bed in a case with a folding card table for $250.

If you love the look of that black 301 - AND really like the cabinet, then I'd say get it. If you don't really care for the cabinet, then you are paying too much - IMO. Sounds like you aren't even sure you want a 301 - and $150 is way too much to pay for something you aren't sure you want.

It's a mistake to get in a hurry buying machines that are more common models. Not like the Two Spool, that you might not see very many of.

Another thing about Craigslist - people will look on there - and see 3-4 Singer treadles, all being offered in the $200- $300 price range - and think "Wow, I should be able to get $250 for mine!"

But what they don't take into account - that is usually what machines AREN'T selling for. While some sellers don't remove adds, many do as soon as the machine sells, so you aren't going to see them. If you watch regularly and notice what comes on at what prices, and what is staying - you get an idea of what is a good deal and what is on the high end. But it's still depending on what you want - I've paid way more than a "good deal" to get something that I wanted when I wanted it.

A local Auctioneer that I follow sometimes stops his chant when he’s not getting the bids that he would like on an item, and gives this advice:

“Now don’t hold back folks, the more you pay for it, the more you’ll like it!”

“Ok, let’s go now.....50...who’llbidafivegottahaveafivebida55... ..55! Yes! Thank you Ma’am!.....Now 60......”

CD in Oklahoma

ROTFLMBO hehehehehe

....and there I was, already celebrating my $50 purchase in my mind.....waiting for the gavel to fall...and then she made that bid....and took me all the way up to $90 before she finally quit!

But, the auctioneer was right. It’s a much nicer sewing machine than a cheap $50 one would have been.

CD in Oklahoma

Rach,

I don't know why, but there are several members on this board that get their knickers in a bunch when someone asks about prices. Yes, they do vary a lot from region to region, machine to machine and seller / buyer to seller / buyer. But I see no problem about ball park estimations.

In your case I have no idea because I do not follow price trends. "IF" I want a machine, and "IF" the price is where I can afford it, I get it. That varies too.

As for the search feature, you should see my bookmarks. I keep all my threads and many of other members treads bookmarked because I cannot find anything using the search feature. I'm officially search challenged. I can't even find my own threads. I have no imagination and never can come up with the right combination of words to get the search to work. I can't be alone.

So, go ahead and ask your questions. Those who can and want to will answer, those who don't, won't.

Oh, I have no interest in 301s, but I'd be all over that Two Spool like a cat on a mouse.

Joe

one problem with valueing things is, it depends on how big your market of shoppers is. A backroad yardsale won't usually get u the same price as a heavily searched internet market. It doesn't change the appreciation you have for it, just that a resale price depends on how much work are you willing to spend to sell it. Just my 2¢

Because Joe, this is a quilting board not an appraisal site. No sewing machine forum or group I belong to allows price guessing. And that's all that it is, is guessing. My knickers aren't in a bunch, thank you very much. :> As for searching, you just click on the Advanced search button and enter the topic you're interested in. Easy Peasy. Lots of info out there that folks have spent a lot of time posting and compiling. I've learned quite a lot from just reading past postings on subjects. I was and am trying to be helpful by trying to show others how to use the tools I do, to educate myself and learn about a topic.

I find the crazy sewing machine market fascinating though I'd hate to put off or offend others with it. However, I've always enjoyed the "Antiques Roadshow" so perhaps this is why. Seems OK as long as were not inundated with people wanting guesses and it's not against the rules, IMHO.

Jon

Thanks for all the feedback! I guess when I was asking about price, is wasn't directed towards worth or value, or some type of appraisal. I don't really have any intention of selling my finds, unless it's a means to make room for something I want more. With prices all over the board, I guess I was just looking to get opinions on if that seems relatively high, also stating that I know price is relative to the area. I mean, some of you know, regardless of where you live, some prices are laughable.

Like I said, I'm moving in from the computerized world, and I am, I must admit, completely clueless on what seems like a good/fair deal. I guess there's a fine line there... at least to me. Why asking about it ruffles feathers, I don't know, but I'll keep it in mind. At the same time, I understand how a newbie such as myself can seem overly annoying, but leaving a snarky comment is enough to turn people away. Which I'm sure is not what the creators of this site would want. Then again, maybe I just misunderstood the tone of the post. I know that sometimes it's easy to read a post wrong, and other times, people don't see that their post comes across as abrasive.

To clarify, I do search for answers on machines I want, but no matter where I look, one person loves it, another thinks it's ok, or someone outright doesn't care for it. It's confusing, so hearing from a live person, who's willing to share their experiences, and allows me to pick their brain for a little more in depth knowledge just seems invaluable to me, and seems like it's maybe one of the reasons for a site like this. Although, I could be wrong.

I understand that many of you have had to learn via trial and error, have encountered times when you passed up something you wish you would've bought, or even bought something you wished you would've passed on. Sharing those experiences, as least to me, seems like a good idea. I know I'm willing to share my experiences, only because I hope people don't end up making the same mistakes I have.

Regardless, we all are on here for our love of the old machines, and for sewing. I can't promise not to venture into a taboo area again, because I'll likely do it, mistakenly, just as I have here. I apologize for my error, and I once again, thank everyone, even those whom I may disagree with, for their time to post and share their comments. :)

you don't have to apologize as you have not erred. i hope you will keep on asking and keep on being a member of this forum. we're here and i am here to help you in any way we/i can. be it price, cleaning, or anything related to antique sewing machines (as what this section of quilting board is) but only to the extend of my knowledge as i don't want to give the wrong advise. but hey, i just find out that i am now a senior member.

did you get the 301 ? we would love to see pictures of your new sewing machines. cheers.....

I did not get the 301. I picked up a 99k instead, for what I thought was a deal (25 bucks), along with my Two Spool.

As for posting, I will continue to post, and will continue to be a member, I just get so much valuable info on here, and am meeting so many nice people that I can't stop now, LOL. Everyone's input is valuable to me, even if it just makes me take a new look at things from another angle.

Thank you for the support, I really do appreciate it!

....and a HUGE congrats on your "senior" status, LOL! :D

My intention was not to be snarky, but I'm a concise and quick poster. It can probably be interpreted at being blunt or rude. I will try to re-read my postings to be more aware of this. Thanks.

I, too, have been wondering why it is inappropriate to ask more experienced people their opinions/advise regarding the price of a machine. Not asking for for appraisals, just guidance! Some of the responses not only in this thread, but others, also have made me "gun shy" about asking anything for fear of being shot down. Can't we all just get along? I so value all of your opinions and advice and learn so much from reading all your posts!

When you do find a 301 you will fall in love. I have 4 and 1 for parts. They are wonderful machines and come in a wide range of prices and condition. Always ask to see a sample of the sewing stitch, or sew on it yourself, if possible. I learned the hard way on an eBay purchase and had to learn how to set the timing. Happy hunting!

You're welcome. dont worry you'll find way better deal than that. I have a 99 also and mine is the limited aluminum body. I love mine as it's lighter than the regular 99. That's a great machine. You did good for $25. It's a deal. I hope being a senior member comes with some perks here :)

301s are getting pricier but can still be found for decent prices. If it was in a desirable cabinet, I might have bit the bullet and bought her but a 99 K is a very nice machine too. Congrats on your 2 spools. I have one and love it.

Chris

I found an old machine in a junk/thrift shop and went to the counter to ask the price. I was thinking $5. The guy turned to his computer, googled it, then quoted a price for a clean, working machine. No, I would rather not be a resource for those folks. Though I will happily tell you what I paid for mine.