Machine recomendations

Do you need to buy new? How about a vintage Singer 401? They were TOP of the line in it's day (1950s) and are a joy to sew on. The 401s are all metal, gear driven (no belts), and have a load of built-in stitches. They will sew through anything you can fit under the foot.

They are fantastic machines, and many of the members here have one (or more!) These typically go for $150-$250 through eBay. If you have a local sewing machine repair shop, the owner may be able to help as well; people sometimes post their 'for sale' items or trade older machine in for newer models.

-Irene=20

-------------- You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough.=20

--Mae West=20

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Irene, Good question. I think that because it is her birthday, I would prefer to get her something new. I will relay your comments on to her to see if she is interested in going that route as she grows. Being a 'tool' guy myself, I love having older tools around whether I use them or not. I can just imagine the old craftsman standing in the shop with me when I look at them. Probably rolling his eyes ;~)

Thanks for the input,

Rich.

Do you need to buy new? How about a vintage Singer 401? They were TOP of the line in it's day (1950s) and are a joy to sew on. The 401s are all metal, gear driven (no belts), and have a load of built-in stitches. They will sew through anything you can fit under the foot.

They are fantastic machines, and many of the members here have one (or more!) These typically go for $150-$250 through eBay. If you have a local sewing machine repair shop, the owner may be able to help as well; people sometimes post their 'for sale' items or trade older machine in for newer models.

-Irene

-------------- You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough.

--Mae West

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Rich, may I also suggest that you read the FAQ that was put together by some of us in this group. I think that it will be helpful to both you and your wife. Make her a gift certificate on your trusty puter, print out the FAQ and then take her shopping. She'll be thrilled beyond words.

husband took me shopping when he gave me my serger a few years ago and we were both very happy with the gift. It was a surprise because I just never thought I'd purchase a serger.One other thing, have her join us her at alt.sewing. We love to help. No question is every considered unworthy of an answer. No problem is every to small to get help finding a solution.Juno

I am going to hop in here and say, as the others have, allow her to test-drive different machines, then she will be content with it. Something else important in my opinion, have her take a few scraps of fabric on which she will likely be sewing and test-drive with them. Some dealers do not have good scraps on hand for the tests. A card made up on the computer, saying "We're going shopping for your machine" along with plans for a dinner date after the shopping will make most women happy. You could always include some thread, machine needles, small screwdrivers, and perhaps a new pair of scissors, etc with the card. Emily

I replied to the sender and his address was (shall we say) incognito.......So much for wanting a reply..............................

This is Usenet. Replies are posted to the news servers unless you have permission to email the OP or unless you know the person well enough to know that your email is welcome. I did not see the OP request an email reply or indicate a "reply to" address in his headers. As with posted sales ads, the last thing most of us want here in alt.sewing is to receive emails from people wanting to sell us their machines or related items. If you have information you want to discuss only in email then you ask the OP to email *you* and not the other way around.

Phae