I was looking for my posting of the machine that I looked at in the Vintage machine site, and messed up and put it in here instead. Sorry for the goof-up. :(

Hey folks,

I've been down with the plague for the last couple days, but I thought you all might like to see my new "Parts" Elias Howe Model A. This incomplete machine was $38 on EBay. it has a couple parts the others need to become operational. then I cleaned it.. WOW. the best painted accents of the bunch. This body and Arm may get put on another base...

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Jennb,
I had the same experience with my crappy,cranky 1986 Singer machine(most horrid machine ever built!!!). When I first tried a Bernina 1031, it was a wonderful experience. AHHH Finally a machine that sewed like it should. I bought the 1031 the next day and she still sews as nicely as the day I brought her home.
When I worked for a sewing machine company and had to demonstrate, the crappy low end machines to customers. I was ashamed to sell them to people, knowing they were junk.
I'm happy that I own good quality old Singers and other brands of treadles and electrics. Its sad that Singers,Whites and other brands of new machines that used to be built to last for generations; have become plastic wonders that won't stand the test of time.

Amen to that Purple...

Way too many people out there don't get it. Then they buy a plastic wonder for someone to learn on... Is it any wonder the younger generation doesn't sew much???

I taught my daughter on that Bernina. Both my older boys have sewn on it as well. They aren't allowed to touch my brand new Viking. They can use the Bernina and I gave Ashley the 185, and she's laid claim to one of my White Treadles. I'll probably let the boys use one of my 99Ks.

I taught my daughter to sew on my 1031, she is in her mid-twenties and has a Bernina 930 that's all hers. I guess I spoiled her with the Bernina. :D She makes quite a bit of her own clothing and does a very good job too.

I've tried to convince her that learning to use a treadle is great fun. She looks at me like I've grown 2 heads complete with horns. :shock:
Sharon

this is outside of my "radar" but someone here MUST want this for $75....

http://smd.craigslist.org/atq/3576096516.html
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I have one of those. Its not in my house at the moment though. I have no idea how well it sews. Mine is in a base.

Steve,

These take a non-standard needle that is shorter than the normal ones and of course it's obsolete.
Its from 1949 not the 1800s.

Cathy