I listed a nice Singer 185 on Craigslist for five bucks. I had two bites. I reeled in one and as I was testing the machine it flat out died. Luckily I had another. I was dusting it off when the buyers came. Turns out, he loves to tinker, she loves to sew. I sold the one working one, gave them the dead one (which is likely easily fixed BY SOMEONE OTHER THAN ME) and offered up a 328 that had been given to me last year. Three gone, plus the stand.
This, my friends is what Ed Lamoureux calls Phase Seven. I am very happy to be here.
The reason I got into old sewing machines was because they straight stitch better, run better. My favorite is the 301. 15 for binding. 401 for zig zag. Featherweight/Ketherweight for classes. I sew a lot. I am happy with these machines. I like cleaning other people's vintage machines, it is rewarding to me to see something so well made and so useful ready to go again. There are some I would get rid of and if someone would take them to a good home, I would let them go. Like the 99 and the Spartan. But if I had never bought them, I wouldn't know what I really love to sew on. I love my treadle, very relaxing. My machines are part of my sewing experience and process. All because I bought that horrendous $2200 Pfaff quilting sewing machine. I owe a lot of my machine bliss to you. Thanks for helping me and being a friend.
ReplyDeleteI just went and counted the "threaded for use" machines, and SURPRISE- there are three I have settled on. I found a recipient for a treadle this week and am thrilled to have it going. I tried to shine it up some more and after and hour I just decided- phhht; it is what it is, and there are dozen more out there just like it...
ReplyDeleteHow many phases are there?
ReplyDeleteNine
DeleteI'm not yet at phase 7, but I have reached the point where I no longer shop for machines. I would rather spend my time sewing than collecting and cleaning machines. When I get some free time I've got a few I intend to will sell also.
ReplyDeleteSince I was a professional sewing machine operator for so many years, sewing projects (unless Extremely interesting - like helping a friend sew his hot air balloon ) do not interest me as much as repairing machines ( I also got to repair his industrial double needle machine too!) I really do like to meditate and sharpen my elderly brain while repairing. But I too am not adding any more vintage machines to my stable for rehoming "sweet old nags." It's so nice to find friendly souls who want to adopt the oldie but goodies in your stash.
ReplyDelete