DonnaMiller

Just for giggles try ISMACS. They may have something on it. Odd bobbins are a problem. There aren't many Virogellis out there so hunting won't be as easy as Singer.

Manalto

While the BU is one of my favorite machines, it does vibrate quite a bit at high speeds. When you put the accelerator to the floor, the Vigorelli is as smooth as a... well, you know.

From your comment, I can't tell if you're hunting for bobbins or Vigorellis. Bobbins are not only easy, they're the desirable (especially for quilters) large-capacity class 15 type. Hunting for a Vigorelli? Not as easy as Singer, to say the least.

Those who like the Vigorelli may want to keep an eye out for a Mundlos machine. A quick Google search didn't produce the Vig's twin, but an old forum buddy recently sent me a tin of attachments from a Mundlos, suggesting that they'd fit since the machine he got it from was identical, right down to the unique double spool pin. (I now have two extra double spool pins - better safe than sorry, I guess!) Maybe it's a Vigorelli badged for the Spanish (or Portuguese) market? (Although I think I can almost decipher the word "Malta" on the worn label.) The tin, by the way, is the same olive color as my machine.

Manalto

Way off - the Mundlos name is German; still can't find one comparable to the Vig.

Cari-in-Oly

The BU vibration is why I got rid of mine. My vintage Brother machines don't vibrate like that. But, neither does my Necchi Lelia.
Didn't Vigorelli work for Necchi at one time? It seems to me I read something about that somewhere, but I don't remember where or when. Might be the reason the Vig looks so much like the BU.

Cari

Manalto

I've heard the same, including that both companies operated out of Pavia (Italy). The Robot (pictured above) was the machine that created a stir in 1953. The first "automatic" sewing machine, it compelled gigantic Singer to enter into an agreement with tiny Vigorelli in order to use internal cams in their machines (319 and 401).

Cari-in-Oly

Very interesting. I'm surprised Singer didn't buy him out like they did W&W. I really think Singer dropped the ball after the mid 50s. I have a Brother machine from 1956 that has dual built in cam stacks that allow it to do stitches that Singer machines didn't have built in until around the mid 1960s.

Cari

Manalto

They were slow to jump on the zigzag bandwagon, that's for sure. They eventually realized, along with the other manufacturers, that quality was no longer important to the consumer. Introducing new gimmicks, along with planned obsolescence, was the way to sell machines - a policy that continues to this day.

miriam

Well said.

caswepa1

Ro


I have been using brother bobbins in this machine with success.

booboohd

Check this
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n1ijx5K41Lk

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G-rBeBw2lAU