Old machine

I've become known in one of my craft groups as a collector of old sewing machines and so have found that I've been given a few. These are always machines to which the previous owners have been very attached and so they wanted them to go to a 'good home'.

Today I had to put a hem on a duvet cover that I'm repurposing as a cover to go over and antique car. I'd slit it up 2 sides and across the entry hole and opened it out so it was just one big piece with a seam across the middle. Basically it was a job of boring domestic hemming but I thought I'd use one of my old poppets to do the hem.

I pulled out a Singer 201 called Phyllis and used her. She has a knee lever and was called that name after her previous owner as are all my machines given to me. It was a superb experience. Dear old Phyllis just purred and was so quiet that I could still conduct a conversation with my SO in the next room but became even quieter once I replaced the needle halfway through. I've nto been able to do that whilst using my new Bernina. The stitch quality was probably as good as the day Phyllis was made. Stunning bit of engineering.

I think I've just made an early new year's resolution to use my old poppets more often.

Reply to
Farm1
Loading thread data ...

The Singer 201 is arguably the best sewing machine ever made. As long as you only need a straight stitch you can not find better anywhere.

Reply to
Ron Anderson

I have a 1930's Singer straight stitch that I also enjoy using--------just because it is a nice quite machine. I like to get an older machines up and running and then I usually try to find them a new home. Yep, often someone with an older machine will give it to me because they just don't see to sew anymore. Barbara in Florida

Reply to
Bobbie Sews More

I'll second that opinion -- even without the credentials Ron brings to the table. I have two 201s, both of which sew like a dream. One is in good cosmetic condition, the other is worn down the metal on the bed and is a homely thing, but still sews like it was new out of the box.

Reply to
Pogonip

You certainly won't find me giving you an argument about that Ron :-)) I really had lost sight of how wonderful these older girls were.

Reply to
Farm1

I think I've got 3 of them now. I'm not sure if my mother's treadle which I inherited was a 201.

Phyllis with the knee lever was a recent addition and I've not done much with her except to clean, polish, oil and tidy her up and try a few feet on her. I must make something on her now.

Reply to
Farm1

I used to rehouse them with youn 'uns who were firends of my daughters and almost always broke. Now they're older, have more money and I don't seem to come across anyone who needs a machine any more so they stay with me and probably will until I need to find a new home for them before I head off to the old people's home. Maybe by then people will have learned to appreciate the superb quality of these machines.

Yep, often someone

Sadly, I think you are right. Most forms of craft/skilled hand work seems to be under threat of extinction.

Reply to
Farm1

Is this the knee lever for power, or the one to lift the presser foot? I think the one with the lever for the presser foot is called the 1200 and was made for dressmakers. It's a relatively rare find.

Reply to
Pogonip

It's for power. It took a bit of getting used to even though I do have one for another machine which I use a lot.

or the one to lift the presser foot?

Do you have one of them?

Reply to
Farm1

*sob* No.
Reply to
Pogonip

--------------------- Dunno about that. There seems to be a resurgence in sewing lately. Mayb e it has to do with the economy. Hancock fabrics is always packed when I ma ke runs for notions. Lots of younger chicks picking through the fabrics. I hope most of them will stick with it until they are skilled.

I'd guess they want the slick new machines with all the bells and whistle s. I think an appreciation for the older machines has to grow on you. I sta rted sewing with my mother's old Necchi, and I ran it into the ground. I have to admit, I wanted a machine to do buttonholes and other fancy st itches. Finally got a Singer Futura, loved it, and wore it out, running it

24-7. It is unfortunate that so many machines are made of plastic parts. Th e Futura started shedding pieces slowly--first the hinges on the top gave o ut, then the body began crumbling. Thread cut rough grooves in the thread g uides. Cea
Reply to
cea

FWIW, I often find good homes for old machines I've fixed up with the local family shelter. And if they can't use 'em right then, they often know people who can.

Kay

Reply to
Kay Lancaster

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.