I am downsizing….sounds like something retired people do but I am no where near retirement! I do find it necessary to simplify my life and that includes getting rid of some things. Confession time: I do not even know how many sewing machines I own. I have a collection of old Singers including several Featherweights that I love. I have a couple Berninas, a Singer embroidery machine, several old Singer 128s, 201s, 15s, 301s, 99s, an 1870 something Singer New Family, a Singer 115 with the coolest gold angel wing decals, an assortment of toy sewing machines and a bazillion attachments and gadgets with the Singer name on them.
I didn’t grow up wanting to collect sewing machines, it just sort of happened. An outgrowth of quilting it seems. I have always loved old things and have a mechanical bent. When I bought my first 1955 Singer Model 99 at an estate sale, I lugged it home with a grin that would make you think I had won the lottery! She was beautiful and it was love at first sight. I cleaned, oiled, polished and read the manual cover to cover. She sewed like a charm, Much better than the Singer I bought at Sams Club in the early 90s. That was what started this obsession with old machines. It becomes an addiction! A happy one, a fun one, and at least it kept me out of…..well, you know. The concept that they were made to last and did last for 50-100 years and more with only the most basic attention is incredible.
I still love them. The machine I use most of all is a 1950 something Singer 201. It was the Cadillac of the Singer line back then. I paid all of $25 for it. She has some scars but will sew through anything and is never fussy about the threads I use…..my Bernina 155, not so much. I like Berninas, I have owned three but there is nothing like the old metal gear driven Singers.
But seriously, how many do I really need? A collection takes time to maintain and it is fun to do so but I want the space and time to make art. So I am back to what to keep and what to sell? Tough question.
To bring this back to quilting, here is a miniature quilt made from vintage fabrics and made on a vintage machine:
This one was made with vintage fabrics from the 30s-40s. It is machine pieced and quilted. Back to cleaning and sorting and selling. Hello e-Bay…….Until next time.
KatyQuilts 
I believe you are right Lisa. I think there are some new things on the horizon!
Katie, I was always under the impression the old models were difficult to deal with. I remember my mother having to take her machine to the shop the have the tension adjusted. Perhaps the problem was with my mother rather than with the machine? I live in central Pennsylvania — an area seemingly lacking in sewing machine retail. I’m not looking for fancy stitching, but do need a bit more than just a straight stitch. My “new” machine does not do freehand well & I definitely need that. Any info. would be very much appreciated.
I think you will find energy for some wonderful new things when you release some of these machines back in to the wild.
Hi Kim! Thanks for stopping by. “Simple” and “New” do not seem to go together these days. I guess that is why I love the old ones so much. You might consdier looking for an old one. you will likely spend less and be happier than with a new one. If all you need is a straight stitch, the old Singers can’t be beat. I especially like the model 15-91, 301, and 201. And of course the featherweights are wondeful though I really prefer using my 201. Where are you located? I am on several old sewing machine e-mail lists and could likely put you in touch with someone that could help you out if you are interested. Take care, Katy
Wow, I wish I could have the relationship with my machine that you have with yours. My machine and I seem to tolerate each other. I really want to get along better with my machine. Perhaps there is some sort of counseling we can take together.
What I would really like is a simple, new machine. I’m not sure where to start looking.
I have never been to your blog before, but I love your graphic style.