I love the idea of a sewing machine skin. Wonder how well it would stand up to wear on the bed. Personal preference for me- I like the old black machines, and they look strange to me painted. Bonnie Hunter sent one out for painting a few months ago and seemed satisfied. She gave the name on her blog- quiltville.blogspot.com.

Ah, I love it when we can be a free spirit and just do what we darn want! Go for it! Isn't that the beauty of it all!

That is a neat idea. Dress my machines up with removable goodies. I requested a catalog so I can look at it and dream of what my machines would like. Machine candy! :)

I like the idea of the skins but I think I still want an underlying paint job. I've googled a bit and found a custom motorcycle shop that has repainted a long-arm before and shows it on their web site so that's a hopeful sign. Otherwise, it seems no one specifically mentions it and i'm a bit afraid that they'll try to take it apart and not put it back together correctly. I don't think I can do it myself, that's beyond my reach but I would love to learn. I have issues with spray-can paint, let alone auto body paint. :D There's a shop that sells vintage machines in Topeka so maybe I'll give them a call for a referral.

After thinking about it, public opinion may be right on this one. I'm thinking that Orange may be too hard on the eyes. Deep sparkle purple, with an almost vinyl wet look is where my brain is at now. I will post pictures when the extreme makeover happens! I don't think I could not show her off!

I am going to depart from the majority opinion. If the paint is good and not deteriorated, I would honor the machine and the designers and keep it the way it is. Your mileage may vary.

Bonnie Hunter at Quiltville has had several of her machines repainted and decals replaced. She's in SC and I don't know who does this work for her.

I'm inclined to agree. The paint they put on those old machines is pretty tough stuff most of the time. If you just don't like the color the decals or something might be the way to go. That said, I've had to get decals off a machine after they were on for a few years and it isn't easy. The beige blah colored machines were that color to prevent eye fatigue - it is why surgery drapes are that funny turquoise color - if you look at something long enough the image goes in your head - if you look away it changes - they chose the turquoise for surgery because it is the opposite color from blood and guts - if the doctor looks away and looks back the color won't have changed. Maybe someone did some studies something like that with the sewing machines.

Miriam,

You are too funny! Also, I learned something new and interesting today. Thanks!

Judy

I made surgical drapes for a veterinarian for a time - he told me that... makes sense

A good cheap paint job a tech school that dos cars.