Sewing Machine Collectors

[louvac]

Hey guys! Are they any sewing machine collectors here? I have been working on several Singers, particularly a model 328K.

Does anyone know anything about this model? I have two of them and they are different. One has an on/off switch and the other one doesn't. And, I have seen a third version with a different needle position label plate.

It's funny how this model seems to have all of the lines of the future Rocketeer, as well as the 401K, which is one of Singer's finests!

Didn't have a sec to take a pic but I can later if someone wants to see.

 

[cfz2882]

not really a collector,but...

...I have accumulated ~30 or more machines over the years:Singer,Pfaff,Meister,Huskvarna,1950s Japanese,ETC.Main machine is a JC Penny euro singer clone made in Poland ~1984,fave is a 1983 singer touch-tronic 2010-made in USA

 

[petek]

I love em but I just can't start collecting anything more LOL. I had a nice early one in a pristine wooden case, but gave it back to the thrift store I originally got it from .. I recently bid on a Featheweight and thankfully I guess didn't win it.. I see so many beautiful sewing machines languishing in thrift stores it's hard to resist but I'm managing .

 

[tolivac]

I have several sewing machines to go with my vacuum collection-since sewing machines are most often sold at vacuum places.I bought a full featured Rocket Singer at a yard sale-spotted it as I rounded the corner-stopped and bought it.Just needed a little TLC at the sew&Vac place-Mike the sewing place owner said I ran into a good deal!!The machine was owned by the sellers mother.Surprized he would sell it.The desk and machine was only 25 bucks.Had the parts& doco in the drawers.

 

[askolover]

Had only one Brother machine for 20 years and then suddenly I have 3 machines and a serger now!  My 100-year-old National treadle I got for free...the cabinet literally fell apart but I was able to reglue the drawers and made a new top for the stand.  I took a 1950's Japanese Singer clone machine and put it on the treadle for machine embroidery.  Then I tinkered with the National machine head and managed to get it unlocked, lubed up, and now it actually will sew nice stitches.  I don't use it though because needles for it are NLA and it takes too much tinkering to make a Singer needle work correctly...every time a needle is replaced.  Recently serviced MIL's two machines that were having problems and now she has two working machines she loves.  I almost bought another one at Goodwill yesterday just like MIL's, but I just don't need it.

 

[louvac]

Sewing Machines are just as addictive as any other....

As any other machine! LOL

Sewing machines are not really that hard to work on and restore. Most of the Heirloom Quality machines, meaning the good older ALL METAL machines are worth acquiring and holding onto since the newer machines are not going to outlast them by any means. Most of these older machines need a good brushing of the feed dogs and "de-linting" and they will run quiet and super smooth once again.

I was also wondering if anyone has a good pattern for a sewing machine cover. What are some of the things you guys like to sew?

 

[askolover]

Scrub tops, tablecloths, placemats, curtains, and pillows, to name a few.  I just got a ruffler attachment to make pillow ruffles easier.  I don't usually sew much during the summer as I have too much to do outside.  During the long dark winter nights I'll sit and treadle embroider or crochet and tat little projects.  When a coworker is pregnant I try to crochet them a baby blanket.  Can't tell you how many of those I've made in the past couple of years!  I've been "working" on a blue and white all cotton quilt for the past 18 years!  Time won't give me time.

 

Here are some cover ideas

https://www.favecrafts.com/Home-Decor/7-Free-Sewing-Patterns-for-Machine-Covers

 

[askolover]

Have you ever heard this song on youtube?  This lady has several videos of sewing machines her store has refurbished and she is also a songwriter.

 

[tolivac]

Curtains for me--simpler to do.If they are large-it seems like---get it???like you are sewing a mile of cloth--also for the heck of it would like to try to do small sail kits-just for the heck of it even though I don't have a boat.Of the machines I have the Jukie is my favorite-this is metal-heavy duty.I tried a 5 grand machine (Jukie) that come in a table and has digital motor and controls.Love sewing on the thing---even did a woman customers small quilt for her!!!Wanted to do another!That machine is so quite and effortless to use.The digital adjustments are a little tricky and funky to use.You can adjust ANY of the parameters on the machine.

 

[cfz2882]

items made with the machine

-mostly on the Polish JC penny-(started using it in 1998):specialty pants,shorts,hats,caps,and some misc.items like shot bags,camper curtains,etc.A bit of a bother to get patterns right for clothing items,and then you don't always know how the fabric used will behave(shrinkage,skewing) once item has been washed and worn There is a Mennonite colony in my area,and all their clothes are handmade Amish type-they check local thrifts for certain"old skool" sewing machines This winter,might practice using the '83 Touch Tronic 2010.

 

[twintubdexter]

<span style="font-size: 14pt; color: #008000;">People collect everything, why not sewing machines? The old Singer cabinet I bought for a Bernina machine came with a Singer TouchTronic which I still have...not to use but to look at. I think the design has a "Tommorowland" look, almost like sculpture.</span>

 

[cfz2882]

touch-tronic='70s futuristic

they look like something that could be in the 1973 movie "sleeper"

 

[volsboy1]

I have just 3 of them of them, I don't know much about sewing machines to be honest.
I have a Berina Record that was bought in Germany I think and brought over here.
I have a Riccar Electronic its a Mid Eighties model.
There is another that is in storage that I have never used before.
When my Mom Passed away I got them and I have kept them ever sense.
She loves Berina first then the Riccar 2nd I don't know nothing about the 3rd I
think its junk I am not sure.

 

[louvac]

Those are all nice machines!

I wouldn't ditch them by any means! Sewing is a very relaxing hobby especially quilting which I would love to start doing again. There is nothing like getting the satisfaction of making something yourself and even more so when it can't be purchased in a retail store!

These machines will function like new if you starting using them and give them some much needed oil. Don't over do it-just follow the instructions in the manual on cleaning and oiling.