tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1991166428290808171.post6670231277616626718..comments2023-10-20T08:27:40.314-04:00Comments on male pattern boldness: The Current State of My Sewing Machine CollectionPeter Lappinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05109154527996679077noreply@blogger.comBlogger50125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1991166428290808171.post-82129713854989941852019-07-08T12:24:12.118-04:002019-07-08T12:24:12.118-04:00Hi Peter. Your sewing machine collection is so coo...Hi Peter. Your sewing machine collection is so cool! I aslo have several sewing machines for different tasks. In my collection: <br />1. ELNA LOTUS. It was my first sewing machine which I learned to sew. My mom bought it to me as a present in the shop not far from home<br />2. JACK 9100BS. I buy it at https://konsew.com/. It has powerfull direct-drive motor. <br />3. Overlock JACK 798D. I have bought it on ebay Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10753845233968578253noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1991166428290808171.post-62081132010952036002019-03-29T16:52:57.776-04:002019-03-29T16:52:57.776-04:00I would just post it on Craigslist if you have tha...I would just post it on Craigslist if you have that in your area.Peter Lappinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05109154527996679077noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1991166428290808171.post-63908302173306845352019-03-29T14:09:20.055-04:002019-03-29T14:09:20.055-04:00Hi Peter, I saw your Vintage Sewing Machine in Thr...Hi Peter, I saw your Vintage Sewing Machine in Threads May 2019 issue. Was wondering if you know how I can go about getting rid of a Singer allotted in 1906 treadle machine in a cabinet that needs work. We are down sizing and this project will just have to go. The blog is great! Thanks Sandra Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1991166428290808171.post-22221954985308958372019-03-22T09:20:42.866-04:002019-03-22T09:20:42.866-04:00Yes the simpler the better. I have to say that I h...Yes the simpler the better. I have to say that I have been stalking you in "Machine Sense". And I have fallen for the Pfaff 30.<br /><br />Since finding your blog I set about buying the machines that you had reviewed/used.<br /><br />My goal was to buy them, fix if needed, sew at least one garment and sell it. No room for me to keep all of them so forced to move them on.<br /><br />I started out buying my first Singer ever, the 201. This was a belted version (Potted not common in Australia). I had it on a treadle and then added a motor before selling. Works great on both an was a very nice capable machine.<br /><br />Next was 66. Nice machine but sold it.<br /><br />Then I bought the first of my four Pfaff 30'S. Still have them all.<br /><br />The first I thought was a pretty nice treadle and it gave me a good impression of the brand and model. But WOW My last is a beautiful electric in great condition and it is definitely my favorite. I have modified a cabinet to allow me to swap from electric or treadle with ease.<br /><br />I love this little transformer trick. I have been doing this with motors bolted onto the back of machines. However, I have just bought a servo motor to mount in a vintage cabinet and run the belt from under the cabinet.<br /><br />Number three Pfaff 30 I bought was a very nice looking machine with almost no signs of use. But it was a right off inside!<br /><br />Rats had nested in the cabinet and urinated into the machine itself. Rust had seized the machine completely! And, it had more oil varnish than I have seen on anything. Odd for a machine that looked like it had been used very little. An over zealous owner with poor quality oil? Whatever this machine had a Double whammy and it was nothing more than good looking junk.<br /><br />This was not something a bit of tri-flow and a hot sunny day could sort out.<br /><br />I completely dis-assembled this machine, cleaned and polished all parts and put it back together. I figured it was a right off anyhow and if I got it back together and stitching correctly I would have learned how a sewing machine worked. <br /><br />I know for some this would not be a big deal as these early machines are pretty simple but I got it done.<br /><br />I have a great sense of pride when I see this machine forming a beautiful stitch. It lives on.<br /><br />Continuing my way through the list I bought a Bernina 931. Could not get a 930 but read in your review that yours did not have the needle positioning and you don't use the fancy stitching so accepted that the 931 was close enough.<br /><br />Yes very nice machine. New experience for me to use an electronic machine. Very impressed one day when the machine slowed up when it met resistance with a belt loop on some trousers, then went on its merry way when the obstacle was passed.<br /><br />I decided to keep this one for a while. My sewing bench then had the 931 and a 707. <br /><br />However, I read about problems with the boards on the 931/930s. Then you had to have yours repaired...… I read another article elsewhere decrying Bernina owners and the HYPE (Quote) they create over their machines. <br /><br />Oh dear! Apart from one Elna I have only ever owned Berninas 530-2 730 707.and my brand was being trashed by Elan owners. AHHH!<br /><br />OK I thought I will get that Elna TSP 72C from under my bench and see how it stacks up to the 931. Short version: I sold the two Berninas and bought a second Elna.<br /><br />So! while I had fun with the 931, for the sewing I do I like the simplicity of the early mechanicals. Either as electric or the mesmerizing treadles. And there are no intricate electronics to tear the whole machine down.<br /><br />I also have a butch Anker RZ and a Bernina 117 but most of all I have fallen for the sweet little Pfaff 30s.<br /><br />Thank you Peter for your blog and inspiration. While I have had a slight deviation away from your list of machines with my Elnas, I will be getting back on track next week as I have now found a Featherweight.<br /><br />Michael.<br />Michael Mhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07363394197149188937noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1991166428290808171.post-10600332873862075782019-03-21T16:10:31.812-04:002019-03-21T16:10:31.812-04:00To be honest, Michael, the Supermatic was a gift a...To be honest, Michael, the Supermatic was a gift and I have since passed it along to someone else. I find models that come with cams to be more complex than I have patience for. But it was definitely a beautiful machine and a workhorse.Peter Lappinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05109154527996679077noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1991166428290808171.post-35739807583600381442019-03-21T10:58:49.059-04:002019-03-21T10:58:49.059-04:00Peter you did not make a comment about the Elna su...Peter you did not make a comment about the Elna supermatic. It is even very low on your list? Did Elna stop making worthwhile machines after the Grasshopper? As you said blog post was getting long? But poor old Elna super got passed-by.<br /><br />I have just sold my Bernina 931 and 707, (My Partner says "Peter MPB would be ashamed of you!"), in its place I am using an Elna SU 65C and a TSP side by side. I have the luxury of space and love to have two machines threaded differently to save changing thread and bobbin for a different task.<br /><br />Price wise the TWO Elna Machines cost me 1/5th of what I sold the two Berninas for.<br /><br />Usual period of adjustment getting used to tension, feed dogs etc but now love the Elnas. For the sewing I do there is nothing I miss.<br /><br />One quirky thing I do love is the ability to change the speed with my toe. Warm climate sew in bare feet!<br /><br />Have you used these machines?<br /><br />Michael. Michael Mhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07363394197149188937noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1991166428290808171.post-58143393583370811872019-02-23T18:18:44.459-05:002019-02-23T18:18:44.459-05:00Happy New Year Peter
loved reading about your coll...Happy New Year Peter<br />loved reading about your collection, have 2 x 201 treadles, a 128 hand crank, a 221 featherweight, just love treadling and free motioning my quilts together but a featherweights easier to carry outdoors when piecing, made a quilt on a rugby pitch, with solar energy 12v battery with inverter, was great fun sewing in fresh air. enjoy your day.<br />VtAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1991166428290808171.post-57485393869253985582019-02-13T12:48:31.397-05:002019-02-13T12:48:31.397-05:00I started sewing again about 5 years ago at age 53...I started sewing again about 5 years ago at age 53. I quickly tossed the plastic Brother machine and on the advice of a friend, I purchased a Singer Slant-O-Matic Rocketeer. It was love at first sight!! Love, love, love my girl! I have since acquired several other vintage machines but I always go back to my Rocketeer. Susan Phttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05704795615344081338noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1991166428290808171.post-57674448757482096672019-01-29T09:20:04.106-05:002019-01-29T09:20:04.106-05:00I've had my 1911 Red-Eye 66 the longest. Dad ...I've had my 1911 Red-Eye 66 the longest. Dad bought it at a garage sale for the treadle legs, which he topped with a marble slab. This is where he reads his newspaper. My sister took the drawers and now has them reconfigured as a night stand. I have the machine, which I brought home flying military space available to commercial connections, running through LAX in my Service Dress Blues, dragging it in a cardboard box on a folding luggage dolly. I got another treadle base, stamped steel 1930s vintage, at a garage sale a few years later for $20, with a WD-40 gummed up machine. I got that one un-gummed with more WD-40, then machine oil, then sold it quick for $20. So my 66 treadle was basically free. It's my go to for heavy work.<br /><br />My second oldest is a 1908 Singer 18-2. This is a shoe machine with a horizontal horn below, rather than a flat bed surface. A little tinkering and I might get it running.<br /><br />My third machine is a Singer Merritt 2404, which takes cogs for decorative stitches. I never use them, except for the one of those cogs that's a basic zig-zag, so this is my one non-straight-stitch machine for when I need that. It's early '80s, I think. Compared to the cast iron Singers, it's a little less soulful. The reverse stitch is by pressing the big pink button, which needs enough pressure that it also pushes the machine away from me across the table. It's my only rotary shuttle machine.<br /><br />My newest (to me) is a 1955 Singer 99K, which I got from the swap room at the dump last summer. With some penetrating oil and buffing, and a few parts from my 66 parts machine, it runs and sews pretty well, and is my current first choice when I need to sew something. I hope to finish a pair of work pants on it this afternoon.<br /><br />I had a late 80s Kenmore with a rotary shuttle, but the bobbing holder had a gouge in the plastic that made the thread catch and break. It's an $18 part, but I didn't bother. I just took it back to the swap room.<br /><br />I also got a 15-92 there, a beautiful machine that ran great. I gave it to my (now Ex) mother in law, who had some 90s machine that was driving her nuts.<br /><br />One of the attendants at the dump told me that they get these old machines and nobody wants them, so they often go on the metal recycling pile, but he offered to set them aside for me. Hell yeah. Someday I want a studio shed in the back yard, and there's going to be a wall with display shelves for a dozen or so machines.<br /><br />Dan the Farmerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02909990776733984628noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1991166428290808171.post-11699492834724906542019-01-25T02:13:10.639-05:002019-01-25T02:13:10.639-05:00Enjoyed reading about everyone's collection of...Enjoyed reading about everyone's collection of sewing machines. I have my grandmother's Singer 201 in a cabinet desk with matching stool; my mom's Viking Husqvarva 400; TWO black Singer Featherweights; a Kenmore 3/4 size 1040 acquired from St Vincent de Paul thrift store, jammed with thread in the bobbin case, attachments in factory wrap; Janome School Mate picked up when our school was being remodeled; Bernina 3/4 size 707 which needed a new foot pedal; and my Baby Lock Accord sewing/embroidery machine. Also a Singer sewing table with a cutout for a portable machine and matching stool.<br /><br />The consumer science teacher also gave me several Singer student manuals and boxes of attachments from old Singer machines found in back of the closet. The treasure she gave me was TWO copies of "Teachers Textbook of Machine Sewing" which covered many models of Singer machines and attachments. drewhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16748261338750863540noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1991166428290808171.post-325662400398765882019-01-24T15:48:35.952-05:002019-01-24T15:48:35.952-05:00Such a collection! I have a Bernina 1080 that was ...Such a collection! I have a Bernina 1080 that was my first 'expensive' sewing machine. Before that I had a Kenmore. I also have a featherweight that I should use more. Also another machine that is basically a Singer 15-91 but is labeled Challenge, which cracks me up. I also have Bernina 640 and now a Juki 2010tlq straigntstitch. I have a Bernina 1100DA serger and a Babylock coverstitch. I also have an industrial Juki 1540-dnu walking foot machine. I will probably sell that since I don't use it much and it takes up a lot of space. I'd really like to get one of those old White turquoise and chrome machines, so beautiful. Not actively looking but if I ran across one, I'd pounce!Margarethttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04353822572440287256noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1991166428290808171.post-25787576606765616312019-01-24T12:18:24.253-05:002019-01-24T12:18:24.253-05:00I had a Pfaff 30 in a table -- it was gorgeous str...I had a Pfaff 30 in a table -- it was gorgeous straight stitcher but I sold it, alas, as it took up too much space.Peter Lappinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05109154527996679077noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1991166428290808171.post-30886130166918562122019-01-24T11:48:56.938-05:002019-01-24T11:48:56.938-05:00You have a great collection, but I miss a Pfaff. I...You have a great collection, but I miss a Pfaff. I love my PfaffAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08083543565851303270noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1991166428290808171.post-33909557486142825922019-01-24T10:56:49.467-05:002019-01-24T10:56:49.467-05:00Interesting -- thanks!Interesting -- thanks!Peter Lappinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05109154527996679077noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1991166428290808171.post-42937418896009030082019-01-24T10:34:35.069-05:002019-01-24T10:34:35.069-05:00They're pretty perfect for the students, and I...They're pretty perfect for the students, and I've even used them for small projects in my own sewing. I like the ones with speed control for my littlest learners, and the needle up/down button that some of them have. The needle threader is a bit sensitive and easily misaligned, but when used properly it's great. I don't like the automatic needle left position and the fact that the throat plate markings are for distance from the needle left, so I have to make adjustments in seam allowance when the needle is centered. You can reset the default on them so that the machine starts with either needle left or centered, and stops up or down. The buttonhole foot has a space to hold the button for automatic sizing, and it makes an okay buttonhole with both sides stitched in the same direction - so it looks more uniform than my Bernina 1230 makes. I bought a set of wide roll-hem feet that snap on, thinking I'd use them with the Bernina, but neither of the two adapters I bought allow the needle to clear the foot, so I've been using them on the Brothers instead. All in all for the price, they're great little machines, but being so much plastic I doubt they'll last long.Janeehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09849692854181978835noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1991166428290808171.post-37120760598066802082019-01-23T20:40:21.328-05:002019-01-23T20:40:21.328-05:00Great post.thank you so much.
Great post.thank you so much.<br />Clipping Pathhttps://www.clippingpathquick.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1991166428290808171.post-79612715311460372162019-01-23T15:09:18.649-05:002019-01-23T15:09:18.649-05:00Just curious because I had the chance to buy a 222...Just curious because I had the chance to buy a 222 here in rural Australia, but passed as I am focusing on hand-crank and treadle. I run a small mending business out of a farmers market, and use a hand-crank 201 on-site, or take things home to work on a treadle 103 (tailor's model, kind of a 15 that has been working out). Love reading your blog from way out here...Eric in Australiahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16235224704241295461noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1991166428290808171.post-89420443832652505292019-01-23T15:02:53.018-05:002019-01-23T15:02:53.018-05:00How are those Brother Project Runway machines? I k...How are those Brother Project Runway machines? I know they've been very popular (judging by the Amazon reviews).Peter Lappinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05109154527996679077noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1991166428290808171.post-53802409279874731882019-01-23T15:00:50.679-05:002019-01-23T15:00:50.679-05:00Yes -- you can find most of this stuff on eBay.Yes -- you can find most of this stuff on eBay.Peter Lappinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05109154527996679077noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1991166428290808171.post-86420085637636320932019-01-23T14:37:55.238-05:002019-01-23T14:37:55.238-05:00I have one machine that isn't a Singer and tha...I have one machine that isn't a Singer and that's a Kenmore I bought about 15 years ago and I use it primarily for making buttonholes. I'm not adding anything more to my collection.scorpioninbluehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12004830986247178040noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1991166428290808171.post-35903767973695145292019-01-23T14:11:15.755-05:002019-01-23T14:11:15.755-05:00Has anyone tried a Juki?
Also the old Singers-some...Has anyone tried a Juki?<br />Also the old Singers-some of them still use a shuttle-type bobbin I'm nor sure whether one has to hand wind.<br />However I was wondering are the parts still easily available?<br />Peggy Suenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1991166428290808171.post-3277609136653045982019-01-23T13:30:39.845-05:002019-01-23T13:30:39.845-05:00Oh, and I forgot - my husband (who's also my r...Oh, and I forgot - my husband (who's also my repair guy) has two that he uses in his workshop occasionally - an old Viking and a Singer similar to my 328! Both were yard sale pickups that he was convinced to take for nothing when he stopped to check for Featherweights -Janeehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09849692854181978835noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1991166428290808171.post-61616624897376593742019-01-23T13:28:21.311-05:002019-01-23T13:28:21.311-05:00I always enjoy your posts, but I loved this one! I...I always enjoy your posts, but I loved this one! I thought I had a lot of machines, but you have me beat. In the order I got them: A Singer Style-O-Matic 328 early 60's, the one I learned to sew on and used to make my wedding gown. Necchi free-arm I bought when I started my business in 1990 and have since given to my daughter "in case she ever needs to sew something"; Bernette 334DS serger, Bernina 1230 both bought in 1991; Babylock blindhemmer; Juki MO664D serger; 2 Featherweights 221s from 1938 and 1939; Janome Coverstitch 1000CP; Singer 99K that my brother-in-law bought for $5 because he thought it was like the Featherweights I'd bought while visiting him; mechanical Bernina 830 that I bought because I was offered it, and someone had to!; Brother PE770 embroidery machine that was a great deal; 4 Brother Project Runway various models for my students' use; and a Brother PQ1500SL that I just got 3 months ago. <br />You're right that it's the ones already set up that get used - my new Brother took the cut-out space my Bernina 1230 previously occupied, the Juki serger came in to replace the Bernette when the motor brushes burned out, and stays in everyday use event though the Bernette reappeared within days; and two of the Project Runway machines are almost always set up and ready to go. I think we all need bigger sewing rooms with multiple machine stations! Janeehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09849692854181978835noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1991166428290808171.post-15259295577448123072019-01-23T13:20:59.381-05:002019-01-23T13:20:59.381-05:00MABLE!!!
[machine amount beyond life expectancy]MABLE!!!<br /><br />[machine amount beyond life expectancy]Testosteronenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1991166428290808171.post-35822457458911935412019-01-23T13:18:10.528-05:002019-01-23T13:18:10.528-05:00Rocketeers!!!
Scorp, wax on, why don't ya, ab...Rocketeers!!!<br /><br />Scorp, wax on, why don't ya, about the knobs and dials. The ability to host cams, and that futuristic chart instructing one how to get so many different stitches by turning just two dials. <br /><br />201 precision, can not be left off the table. <br /><br />I don't have a 401, but you're piquing my interest a bit. <br /><br />Are you getting a Hello Kitty itch? Peter is spreading it all over the Internet.Testosteronenoreply@blogger.com