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 Sewing Machine
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handyam
True Blue Farmgirl

394 Posts

Ada Mae
Greensburg KY.
USA
394 Posts

Posted - May 17 2008 :  7:23:52 PM  Show Profile
I'm soon going to be in need of a sewing machine--just for general sewing. Any suggestions for a stout, basic machine? Thanks.

www.adasadorableaprons.blogspot.com

This is the day that the Lord has made.

kissmekate
True Blue Farmgirl

890 Posts

Kate
Delano Minnesota
890 Posts

Posted - May 17 2008 :  10:47:22 PM  Show Profile
Buy an old Singer type that has been refurbished. The kind that had metal parts and dont wear out. I am sure you could find them online.

Don't miss out on a blessing, just because it isn't packaged the way you expected. ~MaryJo Copeland
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lisamarie508
True Blue Farmgirl

2648 Posts

Lisa
Idaho City ID
USA
2648 Posts

Posted - May 18 2008 :  06:54:05 AM  Show Profile
That's a good recommendation, Kate. They just don't make them like they used to.

Farmgirl Sister #35

"If you can not do great things, do small things in a great way." Napoleon Hill (1883-1970)

my blog: http://lisamariesbasketry.blogspot.com/
My Website:
http://www.freewebs.com/lisamariesbasketry/index.htm
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Aunt B
True Blue Farmgirl

108 Posts

Terri
Chillicothe OH
USA
108 Posts

Posted - May 18 2008 :  07:06:38 AM  Show Profile
I have several sewing machines and I love my old Singer -- all metal, black. It just sews standard stitches, but is a real work horse and I only paid $35 for it at Salvation Army thrift store.
Other than my Singer -- I have a Brother that has 50 built in stitches that is very easy to use.

Proud Farmgirl Sisterhood #168, Aunt B
http://www.hummingbirdsprings.blogspot.com
http://www.hummingbirdsprings.etsy.com
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electricdunce
True Blue Farmgirl

2544 Posts

Karin
Belmont ME
USA
2544 Posts

Posted - May 18 2008 :  10:37:18 AM  Show Profile
The old Singers really are workhorses. I love all of mine. I have my mother's featherwight which is a great little portable machine and a couple with tables that still work vey well. of ten you can get one at a yard sale, they take up more room than the others so they seem to be the most easy to find. I got a copy of Nancy Srebro-Johnson's book, Featherweight 221, The PERFECT PORTABLE, AND NOW I KNOW HOW TO TUNE UP MY MACHINE, WRESTLE WITH THE BELTS, DO ALL THE MAINTENANCE. IT'S A RE4ALLY GOOD REFERENCE BOOK FOR THE FEATHERWEIGHT, whoops didn't realize I hit the capital button again, and I can use it to help me with my other Singers too because the motors are quite similar. Sorry to blather on so, I just have such a love of those old machines.
Somewhere in my barn is an old celery green Singer made in England that weighs, oh, several hundred pounds, or so it seems to me. My son dropped it once and it's always been a little wonky since then, but green is my favorite color, so I can't really part with it. Hope you are all haveing a nice relaxing day....Karin

Farmgirl Sister #153

"Give me shelter from the storm" - Bob Dylan
http://moodranch.blogspot.com
http://domesticnonsense.etsy.com
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kissmekate
True Blue Farmgirl

890 Posts

Kate
Delano Minnesota
890 Posts

Posted - May 18 2008 :  9:19:10 PM  Show Profile
I have an old one that runs great. I have a newer one that I use most of the time. I am not sure why because I don't especially like it. LOL But it is lightweight and easy to carry off to my Mom's for consultations on what I am doing wrong.

My daughter has a new one (Singer) that is ten times nicer than my new one. My Mom got it for her for Christmas. She is sewing her own Renaissance garb right now. She is hoping to have it done by August when our faire starts up. She is learning patience by sewing. (The seam ripper has proved very valuable.)
My "old" one is in my basement right now. My back and shoulder can't handle lugging it up and down the stairs to use it for now, I swear it weighs fifty pounds. Too crazy busy this month to sew.


Don't miss out on a blessing, just because it isn't packaged the way you expected. ~MaryJo Copeland
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handyam
True Blue Farmgirl

394 Posts

Ada Mae
Greensburg KY.
USA
394 Posts

Posted - May 19 2008 :  10:52:20 AM  Show Profile
Thanks for the great tips. I will watch the paper for yard sales and listen to our local "Swap Shop" on the radio for any machines. My mother is still using her first sewing machine--a Singer, black, very heavy. I would like to know the number of spools of thread she has sewn on that machine!!!!

www.adasadorableaprons.blogspot.com

This is the day that the Lord has made.
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MarySueK
True Blue Farmgirl

96 Posts

Susan
Richland WA
96 Posts

Posted - May 19 2008 :  10:59:53 AM  Show Profile
My mom has an old Pfaff from about 1960 (no lie!) that still works really well. She has sewn about a zillion things on it. It is heavy, metal, does basic stitches and buttonholes. The old ones with fewer fancy parts seem to run forever!
Sue in Richland, WA
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handyam
True Blue Farmgirl

394 Posts

Ada Mae
Greensburg KY.
USA
394 Posts

Posted - May 19 2008 :  12:09:48 PM  Show Profile
I know what you mean about the old machines. My mom's is about a 195-- model. She bought it after I was born in 1950, but I don't remember the exact year she told me. I'll try to remember to ask her again.

www.adasadorableaprons.blogspot.com

This is the day that the Lord has made.
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