Tuesday, December 16, 2014

Vintage Sewing Machine Survey




Yesterday my post about vintage sewing machine appeared on the Craftsy Blog. It was also shared on Facebook. And a fun thing happened. Readers actually started listing the vintage machines they have and use. So I'm curious...do any of you use a vintage machine, or just have one that you  love? Or more than one? I would really love it if you left the names and models of your vintage machines in the comments below. If you already commented on Facebook that's fine, no need to repeat.


Personally, I love my Singer that my mom taught me how to sew on when I was little.(photo above) It still runs beautifully and I hope to get it set up in it's own location soon so that I can use it more often. I also have a treadle that works but needs some serious love and maintenance. I hope to get that done next year.

Can't wait to hear what oldies but beauties you are sewing with...
Enjoy every stitch!
Diane

29 comments:

  1. I love my vintage machines. I have a 1926 Singer Featherweight and a 1950's Singer 301. I use them as my primary piecing machines, as they sew fast with great straight stitches. I want more vintage machines! I'm on the lookout for a pink Atlas and a working treadle. My friends tell me I'm an old soul. I think they are right.

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    1. Your soul has good taste whatever age it is! Thanks for sharing, they sound wonderful.

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  2. I love my vintage machines too. I have a Featherweight, Singer 301 and a newly acquired Singer 237. I don't sew on them as often as I should!

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    1. Isn't it fun just knowing that you can though?

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  3. Count me as another vintage and antique sewing machine fan! I have a flock of them - about 15 - but not all of them are in frequent rotation. I have a Singer Model 15 treadle that I use almost every weekend we spend at our camp. I have a Singer Model 201 treadle at home that I love to sew with, but it's not set up in a location where I can use it often. Must fix that! I also have a Singer Model 201 electric that gets used regularly for piecing. My dream house would have all of my sewing machines set up at different stations around the house, so I could sew on any machine on any given day!

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    1. Angie, that does sound like a dream. You could walk from machine to machine and have a different project going on each one. Sigh. Sounds awesome to me!

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  4. Fun question! I have a 1961 Singer Featherweight it is the mint green/white. I use it for classes, retreats, and sewing dates. I also have a 1911 Singer Treadle machine that my hubby had refurbished for my birthday in June and I have not sewn on it because it intimidates me!

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    1. Ooh, I haven't seen one in that color combination, sounds really cute!

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  5. I have two 1936 Featherweights and I love them both.

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    1. So you have an extra one to share? Hahaha just kidding! Thanks for commenting, it's fun to find out about what others are playing with.

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  6. I am a service tech at my LQS and we service tons of old Bernina machines. The most popular ones are the 830 and 730, but we have a few lesser known ones like 801 or 807. The 807 is one of my favourites (it is little and the knobs are red). I have my Grandma's first sewing machine sitting in my basement. It is an Elna Supramatic and I love it.

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    1. I don't think I've seen the model with the red buttons, that sounds cool. How fun that you have your grandma's machine. Lucky girl!

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  7. I use my vintage 1230 Bernina and older (1986) Bernina sport model most of the time but when I travel I take my Singer Featherweight.

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    1. I think lots of folks only use their featherweights for travel. It seems to be a trend.

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  8. I wanted to get a lighter machine after I got one of my modern ones wedged behind the seat of my car.(I thought I would have a hernia!) I didn't want to spend $300-$400 for a featherweight. I searched online and learned about the Singer 301s from the 1950s-like me! I bought my first on EBay for too much. I then kept an eye on Craigslist and have purchased 6 more. Some came in original Singer cabinets. They stitch beautifully. I like tiny blocks and like the metal feet, seems like I am more accurate. They e great to travel with, not too heavy, no motherboard,.....the 301s can even be used for FMQ as the feed dogs drop!

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    1. Wow, I'm going to have to start searching for those. You have me very curious now. Glad you didn't get a hernia, but I did laugh picturing that little situation! Thanks for sharing.

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  9. I have a 1958 Featherweight that I use often.(She & I are the same age). Also a Singer 301 that sews like butter, Plus some other not-so-old machines.Wondering if my Necchi from the 50s is considered vintage.

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    1. I think it would be and I've seen one at a workshop that was super cute. You have a nice little collection there. Good for you!

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  10. I have my mother's Featherweight that I learned to sew on, but I'm afraid I don't use it. When I go to retreats and see some of the gals sewing on theirs, I always think I will oil mine up and put it to work. That never happens though--I'm too spoiled by knee lifts, needle threaders and cutters!

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    1. I am always tempted by the ones I see at workshops and retreats as well. I do wonder if I would use a featherweight as much as I should to justify purchasing it. At least yours found you and has a good home!

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  11. I have my Grandmothers singer sewing machine--I do not use it--it is missing some parts--the tension is all wrong. Having her machine in my home brings me comfort and joy just seeing it

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    1. That is wonderful. I love the connections these machines give us to the women in our lives that used them and are no longer with us. She's probably very pleased that you enjoy it!

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  12. I have a herd of 36 vintage machines, ranging from featherweight size to an industrial treadle with an enormous throat space. Even though I own a newer Embroidery machine, I prefer the Singer 301 for most sewing, including denims and faux leathers, Vintage machines are under valued in my opinion and with proper maintainance, will outlast me! I also blog and podcast about them ��

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  14. I have my lttle featherweight and like to use it for traveling.

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    1. I'm still searching for my on featherweight. I'll find it one day!

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I love to hear what you have to say, sadly, the spam has gotten ridiculous, so I will be approving comments from now on. I apologize for any inconvenience and I truly appreciate you taking the time to comment. Thanks for visiting and have a great day!