oldsewnsew

...because they're all in my garage??

Tothill

OP have you asked about sewing machines and supplies at your local thrift shops?

I know our Lion's Thrift Shop will give you a call when something comes in. Have you asked them which days are their big delivery days? The Lions do pick up on Tuesday and Thursday.

There are always sewing machines at my local Thrift Shops. I have had some luck finding sewing tools too. Yesterday I bought two baggies of precut strips for $3.00 each.

I live in an area where many people come to retire. Some of the Thrift Shops like the Lions will get a household worth of stuff after someone dies and the family had taken what they want.

MonnaL

I had no idea about the shopgoodwill site! Thank you for the tip!

Tippysmom

Thank you all for the great tips! I know there has to be one (or more) out there that have my name on them!

You'll be the first to know when I score!!

Renate

J Miller

Susan,

Here are some of the things I've learned about buying at any auctions, not just GW.

>Study up on what you are buying. If you see a machine you are not familiar with ask questions of the seller, or here on QB or elsewhere.

>Look really close at the pics. Pay attention to details. I sometimes download the pics to my computer then enlarge them some and do some focusing as well. Generally that helps.
If the pics don't show a part of the machine that you need to see, email them for more pics. BTDT.

>Details; look at the thread take up lever, it might be broken off or just not visible due to an odd angle. Look at the wiring, the motor, the case. Especially the case if it's wooden. A damaged or worn case won't stop me from buying the machine, it just gives me an idea of what work the ensemble might need.
Is the slide plate there?
Bobbin cover?
Thread spool pins?
Filthy, grimy, or greasy?
Is the presser foot there?
Is the needle clamp there?
Is all the thread guides there?

I don't worry about the electric cords, belts, bobbin winding tires or spool pins as those can be replaced easily.
It annoys me when the slide plate is missing, although those for many machines can be had easily.

I have bought bare naked heads with no case, no wiring, no manuals, just the machine. I did so to learn what it would take to refurbish the machine back to a functional machine. Or, just cos I wanted it.

Generally speaking if the machine is vintage and sanitary clean it will be gummed up inside because it was not used much and has sat for years.

Also if you want a machine to sew with don't ignore the machines with worn paint or decals or some needle rash. Those old ladies have been used and loved and will probably sew better than the new looking ones.

Joe

Sideways

Great advice Joe, thanks so much!! I'm going to save it!

miriam

Don't overlook the ugly ones. Joe is right they are the best. Glenn and I have been working on some pretty crappy looking old machines. We have those old ladies shining. Tutorial coming soon.

amcatanzaro

My goodwill stores never seem to have any machines, except for the goodwill outlet. They have a back rack of machines. When I wasn't really looking they had about 100 every time I went in. Now? Like 5 seriously parted out plastic wonders.
I shopped about 10 garage sales this weekend, at one I missed a FW but it wouldn't have been a deal and I don't carry that kind of cash.
Auctions and estate sales are good. Thrift stores with pick up services are usually a win. Craigslist is usually well stocked. I have two major antique stores here that I haven't been through yet but they are on my list. I seem to have good luck with friends of family. Every time I tell them I quilt they start telling me about having great grandma's machine in storage for xx years. I always tell them if they are interested in rehoming it to let me know, I have three unknown machines coming. It will be like Christmas when this happens.

foufymaus

I usually go to a thrift that's about an hour away from my area. LOL But on occasion i do find some locally. Um... I don't have too much luck in garage sales.

mlmack

I have an app on my phone that alerts me whenever items that have certain keywords in the description get listed on Craigslist.

With keywords like "sewing machine", "sewing machines", and "sowing machine", I get multiple hits for garage sales, estate sales, and private sales on a daily basis. Occasionally I get hits for machines at pawn shops, thrift stores, or other retail establishments.

I could do a really generic term like "sewing", and I would get even more hits.