tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26975001.post8228184057167204419..comments2024-02-15T13:00:51.078-05:00Comments on Vintage Sewing Machines: Sometimes You Gotta Let Go!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06057276731453019090noreply@blogger.comBlogger52125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26975001.post-54085288283661206952015-11-09T23:13:11.561-05:002015-11-09T23:13:11.561-05:00I've been planning to sell my Pfaff 2170...thi...I've been planning to sell my Pfaff 2170...think I'd better keep it. Closer to Step 9 than Step 1.osmgreasemonkeyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15364623206183114049noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26975001.post-71348891884475643752015-11-03T23:11:54.932-05:002015-11-03T23:11:54.932-05:00OK... You nailed me. I have finally realized I ca...OK... You nailed me. I have finally realized I cannot own at least one of every VSM (1920 through early 70s and many of them after that until the last 20 years or so). Am up to around 120 machines. Have only checked ONE so far, oiled it and verified it operates. Most are still in their boxes. I have been so busy collecting.<br /><br />"Hello, my name is Joe and I am grateful to VSM Collectors Anonymous."Concerned Citizenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06640327455582690739noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26975001.post-3269097651979553592013-05-04T14:04:30.508-04:002013-05-04T14:04:30.508-04:00I'm late to the party here, but that was hilar...I'm late to the party here, but that was hilarious. I think I'm heading towards phase 3.Leigh Annhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17459054294111375380noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26975001.post-32912727107561674542013-02-08T12:07:37.272-05:002013-02-08T12:07:37.272-05:00LOL! hilarious! i am in phase 2 right now, and i c...LOL! hilarious! i am in phase 2 right now, and i can see the way ahead. it's a slippery slope!jenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12485308077476669837noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26975001.post-52035482227195411942012-07-27T22:56:35.191-04:002012-07-27T22:56:35.191-04:00This was hilarious, thanks for letting me know whe...This was hilarious, thanks for letting me know where I'm headed! <br />I just got a Singer 503A today and told my husband I'm selling my computerized Singer...Elisanahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07305771226575862505noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26975001.post-42417985713687844722011-09-22T11:46:53.196-04:002011-09-22T11:46:53.196-04:00Heh, I am between phase 3 and 4. Fun essay, Ed.
...Heh, I am between phase 3 and 4. Fun essay, Ed.<br /><br />www.2knitwits.blogspot.comNancyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09696484913602288917noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26975001.post-34400371640683332772011-09-14T12:46:37.294-04:002011-09-14T12:46:37.294-04:00Hi, I just found your blog and I see myself in you...Hi, I just found your blog and I see myself in your essay. Only the lack of money and space keeps me from having a huge collection. I love the older metal machines. I have been sewing since I was 7 or 8. Started out on my Mom's Singer treadle machine (which she still has in perfect working order). We wore out her late 60's Morse. Then after I was married I was given a straight stitch machine that I can't remember the name of.<br /><br />I have had several different machines and now 4 that I don't want to part with. My Riccar M40 has been one of the workhorses that just seems to go on forever. It doesn't need foot pedal. Push button start and stop. Then my Mother needed a decent machine and I found a JC Pennies from the early 70's. She did not like it. I would not part with it now. I USE my machines. Now for the collecting bug. I watch Ebay machines and learn a lot by looking at old machines and researching them. I found a Dressmaker machine still in original box with all the cams. It was listed for 9.99. No one bought it on the first listing. then it was going unsold for the second time and I could not bear to see it go unsold. It might have ended up in the dump. The shipping was more than 4 times the cost of the machine. But it is a wonderful machine. (I've got the bug, don't you think?)<br /><br />My 4th machine is a Kenmore serger.<br /><br />But I love these older all metal machines. Mom bought a lower level Brother plastic machines and I have used it a few times and I just don't think it would last as long as these older machines that I have. I love using them. <br /><br />My niece wanted a machine but didn't know what to get and only wanted to spend about $30. At a thrift store I found a Morse 6300 that was dirty all over and looked rough. But when the lady let me plug it in and I touched the foot pedal it took off so smooth and even that I knew that a good oiling and minor tension adjustments would be all it needed.<br />My niece was perfectly happy with it. The machine is older than she is but she didn't care. <br />Well I didn't mean to go on for so long, but I just get carried away.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26975001.post-12366338660831561202011-08-10T23:22:00.062-04:002011-08-10T23:22:00.062-04:00Ed, You should sell the machine carcasses as ancho...Ed, You should sell the machine carcasses as anchors! Yeah... well I am full of Ideas... anyway.. <br />I love your blog! Love this post! It is priceless!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26975001.post-72289548219828905972011-06-07T11:30:37.940-04:002011-06-07T11:30:37.940-04:00This was a fun read. I do understand how it could...This was a fun read. I do understand how it could become a collecting obsession. I've recently acquired a Singer 15-91 for myself and a 201-2 for our middle daughter. And then in the process of looking for a cabinet for the 15-91, ended up with a 201. Thank goodness lack of space is a major consideration or who knows where this could lead... lol.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26975001.post-32857082949836519622011-04-22T11:23:13.216-04:002011-04-22T11:23:13.216-04:00I know exactly what you mean. I keep telling myse...I know exactly what you mean. I keep telling myself that I have to put and end to this insanity. After all, I am gettin absolutely NO sewing done. Fixing the machines to get them working seems to be my high priority. I have ALMOST every machine I could possibly want, YET, tomorrow I am going to pick up 3 FREE machines. When will this stop????❦Bayside Gal❦https://www.blogger.com/profile/09105362227111452218noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26975001.post-89919440489696656382011-04-01T17:07:02.279-04:002011-04-01T17:07:02.279-04:00Certainly. - EdCertainly. - EdAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06057276731453019090noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26975001.post-38546503950378898652011-04-01T14:45:55.132-04:002011-04-01T14:45:55.132-04:00I would love to share this wonderful essay with my...I would love to share this wonderful essay with my quilting and collecting friends. May I copy it? I would of course give you credit thanks. LouiseLChttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08996664833427517199noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26975001.post-28873710384725801872011-03-01T21:39:28.710-05:002011-03-01T21:39:28.710-05:00LOVE IT!!!LOVE IT!!!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26975001.post-15820608762857093182011-01-03T22:08:49.021-05:002011-01-03T22:08:49.021-05:00Im with you on collecting,but I set a limit of onl...Im with you on collecting,but I set a limit of only 50 machines and they all have to work. I try to sell at least 10 a year but most of the time selling a "$10.00" machine that works and has a manuel isnt mush of a sale.But the people Ive met and have made friends with are priceless,I found your site by looking for info on a Easy machine itlooks like a singer Model 15 ,well thanks and good luck write me any time.kittyhawkhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16020600484123227564noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26975001.post-86312037419020163282010-12-26T13:23:29.499-05:002010-12-26T13:23:29.499-05:00Singer Feathweweight my all time favorite for quil...Singer Feathweweight my all time favorite for quilting!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26975001.post-45261173296446628712010-12-08T13:28:56.071-05:002010-12-08T13:28:56.071-05:00I hate to hear the phrase "Industrial Strengt...I hate to hear the phrase "Industrial Strength Sewing Machine" because that is a phrase manufactured by scammers to sell old, unwanted family sewing machines at an industrial machine price. A sewing machine is either industrial or not industrial. Further, "industrial strength" implies that the machine has a 1/4-3/4 horsepower motor while those "industrial strength" machines still sport their original 1/10-1/20 hp motors.<br /><br />That said, an all-metal vintage machine with an end-loading bobbin would possibly serve your purpose. A higher hp motor would help, so look for one with an external motor. The Japanese made good machines and they are not in fashion, so the prices remain reasonable. Kenmore, Signature, Brother, Fleetwood, or any of hundreds more machines made in Japan in the 50's and 60's would be my suggestion for a reasonably priced family machine strong enough to sew leather. -EdAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06057276731453019090noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26975001.post-61075612723584943522010-12-07T23:05:19.628-05:002010-12-07T23:05:19.628-05:00Ed, I enjoyed reading your post. I'm just now ...Ed, I enjoyed reading your post. I'm just now retired and interested in building my own heavy weight motorcycle jacket as a hobby.<br />Leather will be cowhide in the 4 oz. range so I guess I need a machine that can handle 2 layers @ 8 ozs total. <br /><br />I am hoping I can get away with one of the so-called *industrial strength* older machines with metal gears, perhaps a "walking needle" machine?. There seems to be more of these type of machines available as opposed to real industrial machines.<br />*(I understand these aren't real industrial machines).<br /><br />Could you possibly advise me if I'm on the right track here Ed?<br />And if so are there a couple of machines you could recommend?<br />(with reverse and/or with options you would recommend as being useful for this type of project?)<br /><br />A final query; can these older 'industrial strength' machines be made more powerful by simply swapping in a more powerful motor or does this idea not work well?<br /><br />Thank you in advance for any assistance Ed. <br /><br />Cheers, Ted.<br />superbonnie2009@gmail.combarneyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10572095990952474034noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26975001.post-88503152247582699862010-12-07T08:30:21.884-05:002010-12-07T08:30:21.884-05:00I laughed out loud at Phase 2:
"... After cle...I laughed out loud at Phase 2:<br />"... After cleaning, oiling, adjusting, and testing your find, you learn that it's an enjoyable activity and relatively easy, and you ... FEAR THAT YOUR DAUGHTER may actually want it..."<br />omg - LOL - is that me!<br /><br />I'm in between Phase 2 and 3 - I own 4ish. I say "ish" because - well - I don't think my Sears sewing machine bought back in 1978 qualifies ... :DGailnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26975001.post-86582308966856570612010-11-08T19:41:19.624-05:002010-11-08T19:41:19.624-05:00Hi Ed,
Great piece. I admire you and am grateful ...Hi Ed,<br /><br />Great piece. I admire you and am grateful for the warning. I plan to stick to phase one and stay there.<br />I have only experienced my moms singer from the late 60's that she covets now (after planning to pass it down when she got her new high end plastic machine from the sew and vac store that she sorely hated.) I got a Revere metalic blue Delux made in Japan at the thrift store and had it tuned and the motor and cord replaced. Was hoping to track down a manual? It had lots of foot attachments but was hoping to learn more about the machine. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.<br /><br />Cheers,<br />SonyaAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26975001.post-44285198339558947622010-10-18T15:34:09.508-04:002010-10-18T15:34:09.508-04:00Phase 7 had me laughing so hard...no I was howling...Phase 7 had me laughing so hard...no I was howling because that was exactly my idea. Good thing I didn't hoard Singer 221 or even 222. Last year I watched a 222 go for EUR130.00 on Ebay Germany. My husband asked why I didn't bid for it but strangely enough I had no desire even though I would have given my left arm for one years before. Singer 221s routinely go for EUR49,00 or thereabouts,sometimes in absolutely mint condition!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26975001.post-3002169543168783002010-09-22T16:20:13.640-04:002010-09-22T16:20:13.640-04:00Wow! that's an expensive machine.
I don't ...Wow! that's an expensive machine.<br />I don't own a Janome, but a repair guy in town I talk to, LOVES them.<br /><br />I purchased a used 2006 Singer 2732 mechanical machine for sewing classes. It has a horizontal cogged belt running the feed dogs similar to the old light blue Singer stylist 348. The top gears in my Singer 2732 are (of course) plastic. I love the auto threader on it, even though it's feels kinda flimsy and cheap.<br /><br />In terms of new machines, personally, I love the sleek and simple design of the Singer Confidence machines. The reviews are mixed - which is a shame. They are really smart looking machines. I might have to buy one anyway...lol. <br />take care,<br />JonathanJonathannoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26975001.post-90692343450349087702010-09-21T19:25:33.084-04:002010-09-21T19:25:33.084-04:00Actually, I have one - a Janome 6500P. My wife bo...Actually, I have one - a Janome 6500P. My wife bought one for quilting and I contracted sewing machine envy and bought one for myself. I rarely use it now that I no longer try to make clothing, the home dec and craft stuff I sew most is all straight stitch and I use vintage all-metal family machines or industrials. Haven't fired up the Janome in a year or more. - EdAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06057276731453019090noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26975001.post-53970686435890953072010-09-21T13:31:47.552-04:002010-09-21T13:31:47.552-04:00Ed,
I LOVE my vintage machines! I haven't star...Ed,<br />I LOVE my vintage machines! I haven't started getting rid of any. So, I'm probably still in phase 6. But recently I saw a really cool typeface monogrammed on a dog toy and started looking into machines that'll do alphabets - lol. <br /><br />I decided a computerized machine bought sole for the monograming feature was a huge waste of money. So I'm going to try my hand at monograming manually instead.<br /><br />What I really want to know is...<br />Do you think you'll ever actually buy an expensive computerized (plastic) machine with a one step button hole and alphabets?<br /><br />KEEP POSTING!!!<br />I love your blog!<br />JonathanJonathannoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26975001.post-49305639813160041922010-09-20T08:09:14.021-04:002010-09-20T08:09:14.021-04:00dont know what is funnier...your blog or the respo...dont know what is funnier...your blog or the responses... I collect SMs...know that they will not ever be valued by others...have a back up plan for thinning...am looking for one more machine...have lots of offers of freebys out there...lots of ones I ought to be fixing and a local museum where I can clean, oil and polish to my hearts content without adding to my own herd...accept I asked them to send people to me who are offering the machines they no longer are accepting..:-0...guess I am in a bad way....robinAunt Robinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07415711350427145200noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26975001.post-49326309832090646432010-07-03T05:35:32.219-04:002010-07-03T05:35:32.219-04:00Hi there,
Do you know how to fix a needle bar on...Hi there, <br /><br />Do you know how to fix a needle bar on singer 306k that has come apart?<br />the [art that holds the needle has fallen apart and im unsure of how to put it back together as there is a little piece that looks like it sits inside... i cant find anything on the net...<br /><br />please help ??? urgently...Miss Madelinehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15925257995545948248noreply@blogger.com