miriam

Some times when you find a machine in the wild they look really terrible and you wonder if they will ever sew. Patience, time and lots of T-F - give it a good scrub - some times they clean up and look just like new. This one did believe it or not. I guess I do not have an after picture though. The orange ends and nose are a hoot.
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miriam

I hope these will come up so you can see what a fun machine... The stitch selector levers were gummed up solid. T-F to the rescue.
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miriam

sorry - my pictures didn't come up.

miriam

Here is a machine I cleaned up this morning. It seems to be a very nice machine - no disks came with it. Some I have around fit the shaft but were too big at the business end. It sews to the left and has a push button reverse. Everything works!

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Candace

You have to be careful when buying these old colorful yet beautiful machines. A good percentage of them are left needle machines, like Miriam has talked about. Now, that's not a big deal if you're using it for general sewing. But left machines that can't center the needle are terrible at piecing as the fabric only rides over 1 feed dog to get a 1/4" seam. Not good at all for accuracy. I found that out the hard way on my last purchase:< It's a beauty but not what I need as a quilter. I need to look down at a centered needle with a walking foot too. But, here it is...

miriam

I though my pictures came up when I was posting. I'm so frustrated.

Maggie67

I have been given this machine and can't find any information or history on it. It is a Brother Riviera 1681-M. It does zz and a few decorative stitches and also shows how to monogram with it. It has the removable bed to make it a free arm for pants, sleaves, etc. Doea anyone have any information on it. Thanks in advance!!!!
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Candace

What information are you looking for? You may want to open the top and check the camstack on it. My Brother of similar time period has a large crack in it and a little bird told me many of the 70's type Brothers have cracked camstacks. Many of them can still sew o.k. but the decorative stitches may be affected.

Maggie67

Thanks Candance. No I haven't taken the top off yet....got to get my courage up!! I wondered about its history...when made etc....opinions on if they are worthwhile to get working right, if in good working order if they are keepers...etc. The same person also gave me a Singer 237 and I love, love, love that one.

Candace

I wouldn't put money into it if the camstack is cracked. You should check that first thing.