Hi! New here, and I just had a question for the group.
I just got a nifty Penncrest Swing 'N Sew machine, circa 1970 model, on Freecycle. Had all the accessories, and even the manual - yay!
I'm wondering if anyone has any special hints and tips on this particular machine, or even on older/vintage machines in general. I'm a very bad seamstress but thought it would be good to have a basic model for simple projects, mending, hemming, etc., and I know people tend to feel the older, sturdier machines are preferable to the new, lightweight plastic models.
The person who gave it to me said she'd kept it up in good shape over the years by keeping it cleaned and oiled, and that the only problem was that the tension was off, and to take it to the local sewing machine shop to have it adjusted.
I'd also love suggestions for a good, easy-to-understand book on sewing basics for beginners/novices. Sewing For Dummies looked like a good one, but would love any other suggestions. Realistically, I know I'll never get into anything complicated like highly-tailored clothing (jackets, etc.) so I'm mainly interested in the basic stuff.
Any ideas would be much appreciated, thanks! :)