I, for one, collect them. I specialize in old treadles and handcranks. I make mine fully functional. I have found the old Singers, prior to the 600 series, can sew through almost anything without a problem. The newer plastic ones can have some real problems with multiple layers of denim and canvas and leather, for example. I do keep one modern machine (a Janome 4800) and a serger, but the rest of my machines are rescues. They are pretty, they sew a better straight stitch than the new ones, and it is difficult to harm one. Unlike the new ones that go out of time alot. I just picked up an industrial machine, sews perfectly, for free because the owner died and the son-in-law couldn't keep it. Sews like a dream, now I have one real industrial treadle (Singer 31-15) and one electric (Singer 95-40) plus a multitude of machines originally designed as home machines. I guess I just like preserving some history. And as an added bonus, I can sew a tent if I want to <g>. One of the other machines, a 201, was my grandmother's machine. And it still works as well as the day she bought it (well, it got rewired once for safety). It was the one I learned on. I'm sure there are a few more on this list who also collect and appreciate the old ones - I sometimes recognize a name or two from the treadle-on list. Sure, some of the features and stitches are nice on the new ones, so I keep one just in case I need it, but I find the majority of my sewing is straight stitch, and any of my machines can do that. -Megan
On May 11, 2008, at 4:06 AM, Suzi Clarke wrote: > > I am fascinated by the fact that some people have many machines. I > have only two plus a serger, and I sew professionally. I only need > one, as long as it works - the other is in case anything goes wrong > with the main machine. > > So why do people have so many? Do you not trade in the old one when > buying a new one, which is what I do? Do you have machines that do > different things? > > Suzi - wasting time 'cos I hate the current job! > _______________________________________________ h-costume mailing list [email protected] http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume
