Necchi Supernova
 

Hi all :)

I'm excited ...and nervous!! I've now officially said YES to a machine I cannot house. Have I finally made the ranks of a true addict?

A little bit of background:

I was perusing machine listings as I often do for relaxation and noticed there were a couple of Necchi Supernova's for sale, both quite inexpensive too. I was mostly drawn to the cabinet because I go ga-ga for anything that has a lot of drawers in it. Interestingly, both of the listed machines had the same cabinet, but Googling produced no other pics of the same one.

I'm not sure of the vintage but it's 50's or 60's. The ad read, "over 50 years old. 1 owner." The asking price was $50. I got in touch with the lady to ask some questions. It was a typical ad with slightly blurry pics taken from too far away. After some back and forth, she ended up calling me and told me that it was her mother's machine from a deceased estate. When I said I was very sorry to hear about her mother, she said it had been nine months and it had not made it any easier. Having the machine there was only causing her further distress.

She then proceeded to insist that if I wanted it, I should come and just take it. No charge. I was gobsmacked, of course. It was both a very generous and heartbreaking offer. I said I couldn't possibly take it for free, but was definitely happy to come and take it if that would help her. We have arranged pick up for tomorrow and agreed that I can bring her a gift as a token of thanks.

It's funny, if the transaction had been purely "buy/sell" then I would have been more hard-headed; picky about the condition of the machine and more discerning about my need (or lack thereof) for yet another mid-century machine in a cabinet. I would like to think that I might have made a more sensible decision to decide not to buy this machine... But now, it's gone beyond a simple business transaction and become personal. The same way it became personal when I saw that Phoenix treadle peeling and rusting in the wet grass and just had to get it out of there!!

So, I feel it is only right that my first project on the Necchi (once I get it working :rolleyes:) should be some sort of "supernova" superhero outfit so that the next time I zoom to the outer reaches of Melbourne to rescue an unwanted machine, I can do it in style. What do you think?

Congrats! That is a nice acquisition. Would it help if you thought "vertical" for housing more machines. :D:D:D Please continue to rescue - future generations will be grateful. Please post pics once you pick it up!

Yeah, you not only are a confirmed collector/rescuer, but you are also a really good human....

The Supernova is a great machine. Quietest sewing machine out there. It needs lots of oil because the tolerances are so precise. Sometimes the needle position switch sticks, but undone with oil and patience. Check the belt and inspect for wear, the machines run them down. I have two, one of my favorite machines!!

I think it was wonderful of the daughter to offer you the machine at no charge. But I would 'pay it forward' a bit and make a donation for the requested amount to a charity in the mother's name. Perhaps the Project Linus program, or something else quilt oriented?

That's a great idea.

Unfortunately, it all happened rather quickly so I didn't get a lot of time to think it through. I ended up getting her gifts to the value of what she was originally asking because I just wanted to cheer her up. ...I think it definitely did! We had a lovely meeting and now it's down to business to see if I can get the machine working.

Issues noted so far: Mangled power cord.
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A couple of frozen dials. The crustiest bobbin case I think I've ever seen!! The whole machine has got that real 'frozen in time' vibe about it.

Coolest features upon first inspection: AMAZING accessories box with a built-in cam stacking/stitch guide in the lid... You turn the wheel at the front and it tells you how to set up the machine for that stitch. It's also double sided so you can use it from the inside of the lid as well.[ATTACH=CONFIG]411455[/ATTACH]

The accessories box is really awesome. This is what's under the magic lid. The top tray swings out to reveal the bottom tray and there's all these very precise compartments for everything.
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I also really like the tension assembly - I think it looks cool. The Supernovas have this great subtle curve if you look at them from the side. It's so subtle you really need to walk around the machine to fully appreciate it, but it's part of it's sexy Italian swag :cool:
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I had to keep the table and machine separate because of storage issues, but here are the pics of the table from the original listing:
[ATTACH=CONFIG]411470[/ATTACH] [ATTACH=CONFIG]411471[/ATTACH] The cabinet is in bad shape, but I love all the drawers!

Oh, lucky you! I have a Super Nova and am just starting to use it after taking it apart and cleaning concrete dust out of it (don't ask!). I wanted that cool table but just didn't have room for it. Everyone I know who has a Super Nova loves it. Even at $50 or the equivalent and even though it needs a lot, you did good!

i laughed so hard when I read this! You did a really good thing frudemoo! We have a Necchi and they sew Wonderfully. Your cabinet is awesome!

Thanks Lara - I laughed when I read your signature. I'm very lucky to have the sort of husband who doesn't notice if there's a different sewing machine head on the kitchen table... or if I'm wearing shoes I've never worn before ;)

What kind of Necchi do you have?

BTW - I love the cake in your avatar. Did you make it?? I love cake decorating as well :)