I'm ready to get my sewing machines out of hiding, and will be sewing once again this Winter. I'd like to start quilting again, as it is fun to do, eases stress, and is healthier than just sitting in front of the TV. I have even designed a few items of clothing in the past that I have sold, although I am by no means another Madeleine Vionet or Issey Miyake-lol.
I've always liked sewing machines even as a child (Much to the dismay of my parents-lol), and there are a couple favorites that I have had for many years. One is a Singer featherweight from the 40's, and another is a Singer treadle machine in an Oak case. I love that machine, as it was made in the early 1900's, and the gold decals are done in Egyptian themes. I wish that I had a camera handy, but HERE is the same model machine on Ebay, minus the Oak case, treadle, and drawers. The bobbin is different than the type that is in use today, and is called a "Bullet bobbin" as it looks like a bullet, and the threaded spool fits inside of it. Mine is in excellent condition, and once I get the treadle going, it sews up a storm!!!
For everyday sewing and repairs, ie; hemming, etc. my machine of choice is a Singer featherweight. The featherweight is the most popular machine ever made, and they are still so popular today that the prices for these machines are in the hundreds of dollars each for used ones, even for the standard 221 model. Being an antiques dealer, I have possessed many of these gems, but I have kept 3 for myself. Two of them are the typical glossy black finish model 221's, the other is a model 222k freearm, also in the black finish. I had 4 until the other day, but I have a friend in Florida who also collects featherweights, and I just sent her my only Turquoise colored one as a surprise for the Holidays, as she has all but that one particular color. She even has an uber rare black "crinkle" finish model from 1939-1940 that is valued at $1,000-$1200, which she paid only $10 for! We were together that day treasure hunting when she bought it, and I must say that I was a little bit jealous even though I was happy for her-lol
If you are lucky, you can get a featherweight in the $200-250 range, but it is rare to get one that cheap as most common ones (Glossy black 221 model) range in price from $300-450 depending on the condition and the accessories that come with it. If you have one of these vintage machines, you are very lucky, and if you ever sell it, you will be at least a few hundred dollars ahead!!! They regularly sell on Ebay for top dollar as they are such a desirable machine due to their small size, portability, and ease of use.
A few years ago, I decided that I wanted a machine that does fancy stitches, so I bought a brand new Brother model 1500 on sale. I haven't used it once though, as I enjoy my vintage machines much more, and all I need is a straight stitch. Also, there is nothing like the sound and the smell of a vintage motor whirring away!
Sewing machine accessories are also fun to use. Besides the standard attachments such as buttonholers, binders, zigzaggers and edgers, there are some rare ones that are also valuable, and in some cases are worth more that the machine itself!!!
I am deciding what kind of quilt to make this time. I am leaning towards a silk tie quilt, made only of vintage silk ties. I've seen pictures of some, and they look really neat! HERE is an example. I have 11 antique quilts in total, ranging in age from the late 1800's to the 1930's, and in many different patterns, such as double wedding ring, victorian crazy quilt, bowtie quilt, log cabin, and others. My own hand made quilt will be a nice addition to the collection, and it can be passed down to family.
So, so, do you sew? What kind of machine(s) do you have? What do you make?