I can't afford a "big, real" sewing machine. As a gift idea, my father bought me one of those "handy stitch" machines. You know the ones: the hand-held dealies that are supposed to be so simple to use. I was excited! I didn't have to sew EVERYTHING by hand anymore! I took this thing out and started to sew some stuff to test it out. The thing was pre-threaded and the needle was through a piece of Denim to "show it's stuff" I guess. I took off the denim and started, and then the needle broke after 30 seconds. luckily, it had 2 more. I thought that maybe the needle wasn't mounted high enough into the arm(I don't know the name). I tried again. Again, a broken needle. I tried the third and last needle. broken. I followed the directions EXACTLY as the instructions said. What am I doing wrong?!?
How about a good used machine? Maybe even one in need of some TLC?
Start to scout the thrift shops, garage sales and classified ads in your area. People are getting rid of good, used machines all the time. What used to be top of the line back when is considered 'junk' by many today. Others, however, like myself, consider those old machines gems. They sew a LOT better than many of the machines on the market and the users is totally able to leatn to fix and repair themselves. I should know - I have a $20 Italian-made Necchi Supernova from the 1950's in parts in my basement right now. The cam stack wasn't turning and thanks to the help of a group member in the Necchi Yahoo group I belong to, I'm getting her back together. I know she will reward me with a nice stitch for saving her from the trash heap.
I have over 25 vintage singers as well that I've picked up this way and if there's one think I've found out, you can't kill a Singer. =20
=46or the majority of these old machines, there are no plastic parts and not belts. Everything is metal and gears which means very solid and strong sewing.
=46or example....I just picked up a Singer 1951 Centennial Featherweight in a case, with all attachments and even original can of oil for $50 from the original owner, who was moving south. A Singer 404 in a cabinet for $5 in need of a through cleaning and oiling...she sews a perfect straight stitch. A pristine Singer 615U in it's case, with a full box of attachments and decorative stitch cams. Several Singer 301s for under $40 in various places mentioned above...including a perfect black one with a full box of attachments and its buttonholer.
So, if you're able to scout around through the for sale ads, go to garage sales or hit the thrift sh>I appreciate the tips! The only thing is that I still live at home, so I
As Val said in a previous post, check out tag (yard) sales and the thrift shops. Certainly under $50 will find you a decent machine, I think I've paid $20 each for two of mine.
Where do you live, I certainly have enough machine that I'd consider letting one go cheaply. I'm in central CT.
InspirePoint website is not affiliated with any of the manufacturers or service providers discussed here.
All logos and trade names are the property of their respective owners.