Daylesewblessed

Am I crazy? Our guild is having a jelly roll race in July. I want to take my 301 for it, but I definitely don't want the fast, continual sewing to do any damage. Am I taking too much of a risk by overworking the machine, or can the 301 take it? (The first seam on the race will be 800 feet long).

What do you think?

Dayle

jrhboxers

A 301 can DEFINITELY take it. Probably better than most machines - old or new.

ArchaicArcane

Fast isn't a problem. Slow is, that's when the pedals get hot and such.
I say take it and show 'em all that Brand new, Hi Zoot, all the Bells and Whistles isn't all it's cracked up to be.

foufymaus

Go get im! Show them what the old gal can still do! TWANDA!!

janiesews

Give her some oil before you go and have fun!! The 301 will do great.

miriam

clean out all the lint, too

Daylesewblessed

I will let you know how it goes. I think it will be a lot of fun. I expect to be the only vintage machine there, but you never know.

bearisgray

I am always so happy when 'older does better' !!!!!!!!!!

cricket_iscute

Put one drop of sewing machine oil or Tri-flow oil everywhere metal meets metal on the 301*, including underneath, clean out the lint, put in a new needle, wind some bobbins, and go for it. The 301 can handle it.

Do you have the 1/4 inch foot for the 301? You need the slant foot version. That would make things so easy! Another good one is the metal sewing guide that is held on with a magnet. There are other things you could use, too, but the 1/4 foot is the best. You need a consistent seam width for that - and most - pattern(s).

*Do not oil the gears. They get Singer lube or Tri Flow lube after the old grease is removed.

Daylesewblessed

I don't have the quarter inch foot for the 301, but the needle plate has the ruler markings, and I think I will use painter's tape, running it all the way forward to the edge of the machine, just to make it easier. I am most used to doing my fast sewing on the Pfaff 130. Not having a cabinet model or table/bed will slow me down a little, but I think I should be able to hold my own against those Bernina's!