I was wondering what Sewing machines everyone is using on their projects.
I recently submitted a noble garb tunic (to the finished projects gallery) that I finished using simplicity pattern 4942 on a Viking 6570 that I believe was purchased by my mother in 1977-1980. I received so many compliments on the quality of work that I was beginning to think it might just be the amazing machine.
The machine was given to me by my mother when she purchased an embroidery machine. I had been using the Viking 6570 from age 3 sewing myself pillows and blankets then graduating to shirts and dresses for myself when I was about 10 years old. I have never had an issue with the Viking. It is an amazing machine.
I would like to know what everyone else is using for their projects too! :D
I use an old Brother machine that was given to me by my mother-in-law. I dont know what the model # is but it does say that it is rated for school use and the thing is a tank, made out of metal. I think it does an awesome job as well. I also have a singer that is in closet waiting for parts unfortunately I dont know the model # on that one either.
I was given my Mom's sewing machine a couple of years ago, cuse she never used it. I primarily use it when I sew and it is a Simplicity Denim Star sewing machine. But the one I learned to sew on about 4 - 5 yrs ago, and still use sometimes, is an old Singer from the early 1900's. Sometimes the older one works better than the newer one, the only down side is that it only has one stitch instead of my newer model with several stitch types.
I used a cheap Brother machine until I got a Kenmore 19606 in February.
I started out sewing at a young age like you on my mother's Singer, late 50's model, she got when she was in high school. I had that machine up until 6 years ago.
Then three years ago I had bought a White Heavy Duty. It wouldn't sew leather.
Then just recently a friend gave me a Singer 2430, early 80's model, gently used and I love it.
It just depends...
My main machines are the Husqvarna Lily 550 I bought ten years ago, bought for the numerous buttonholes and the brilliant job it does on eyelets, and my Bernina 1150MDA serger.
For free-arm serging, and for times when I need two different lots of thread or different processes going on at the same time, I dig out the Brother 1034D serger. Both sergers bought new a couple of years ago to replace worn our or less versatile machines.
For different sizes of eyelets I now have the eyelet kit for the Bernina 1105, so that comes out for those, and again, if I need two different threads, etc.
For travel I have a choice of three Elna Lotus machines, a Frister & Rossman Cub 4, and a Singer Featherweight... After that it gets complicated. There are 17 working machines in the house!
Quote from: LadyShadow on May 14, 2009, 11:03:52 AM
I was given my Mom's sewing machine a couple of years ago, cuse she never used it. I primarily use it when I sew and it is a Simplicity Denim Star sewing machine. But the one I learned to sew on about 4 - 5 yrs ago, and still use sometimes, is an old Singer from the early 1900's. Sometimes the older one works better than the newer one, the only down side is that it only has one stitch instead of my newer model with several stitch types.
That's kinda funny, I also got my mom's machine cause she never used it. It's a Brother machine, don't know the model number offhand. She also gave me a mini-serger. I want to get a full-size serger at some point, but the mini works for now. :)
I am by no means a seamstress, so I totally understand if you laugh, but I have a battery operated, straight stitch sewing machine, similar to the one in the link below. It holds a full spool of thread and has regular sized bobbins, but it is a very simple machine.
http://fortunel.manufacturer.globalsources.com/si/6008800604467/pdtl/Sewing-machine/1004457996/Sewing-Machine.htm
A Brother SE 270D, which also embroiders & has a bunch of Disney & other designs built in. I haven't used it for embroidery (yet) but works just fine for everything I've thrown at it, as long as I give it a new needle regularly.
Quote from: Taffy Saltwater on May 14, 2009, 01:12:52 PM
A Brother SE 270D, which also embroiders & has a bunch of Disney & other designs built in. I haven't used it for embroidery (yet) but works just fine for everything I've thrown at it, as long as I give it a new needle regularly.
I was looking at buying that one a couple of years ago, just for the built in Disney designs. But by the time I had the money and remembered what I meant to buy with the money the store I went to didnt carry it anymore :( Oh well. I'll find another one eventually.
Quote from: Sabrina Black on May 14, 2009, 12:31:16 PM
Quote from: LadyShadow on May 14, 2009, 11:03:52 AM
I was given my Mom's sewing machine a couple of years ago, cuse she never used it. I primarily use it when I sew and it is a Simplicity Denim Star sewing machine. But the one I learned to sew on about 4 - 5 yrs ago, and still use sometimes, is an old Singer from the early 1900's. Sometimes the older one works better than the newer one, the only down side is that it only has one stitch instead of my newer model with several stitch types.
That's kinda funny, I also got my mom's machine cause she never used it. It's a Brother machine, don't know the model number offhand. She also gave me a mini-serger. I want to get a full-size serger at some point, but the mini works for now. :)
Funny how that works. My Dad got mad cuse he bought it for my Mom and Sis. Because they wanted to whatever. It sat in the office on a new sewing table as well for a year. My Dad saw what I was doing and struggling sometimes on the old Singer my Mother-n-law gave me, and said I could just have my Mom's machine all it was doing was collecting dust.
I am currently using a Baby Lock designer's choice.
178 built in stitches. Up to 9 at a time can be programmed into a combination stitch.
But the big deal is the self-threading!
Whoop!
I have a Baby Lock Denim Pro for the extremely heavy fabrics.
Quote from: LadyShadow on May 14, 2009, 01:22:55 PM
Quote from: Sabrina Black on May 14, 2009, 12:31:16 PM
Quote from: LadyShadow on May 14, 2009, 11:03:52 AM
I was given my Mom's sewing machine a couple of years ago, cuse she never used it. I primarily use it when I sew and it is a Simplicity Denim Star sewing machine. But the one I learned to sew on about 4 - 5 yrs ago, and still use sometimes, is an old Singer from the early 1900's. Sometimes the older one works better than the newer one, the only down side is that it only has one stitch instead of my newer model with several stitch types.
That's kinda funny, I also got my mom's machine cause she never used it. It's a Brother machine, don't know the model number offhand. She also gave me a mini-serger. I want to get a full-size serger at some point, but the mini works for now. :)
Funny how that works. My Dad got mad cuse he bought it for my Mom and Sis. Because they wanted to whatever. It sat in the office on a new sewing table as well for a year. My Dad saw what I was doing and struggling sometimes on the old Singer my Mother-n-law gave me, and said I could just have my Mom's machine all it was doing was collecting dust.
Don't ya just love it, you get a free perfectly running sewing machine just because Mom doesn't sew lol. My dad bought my mom's for her birthday or Christmas or something. Finally I just told her I wanted it. Every once in a while, she'll be like "I need to use my sewing machine". I just tell her to give me what she needs fixed and I'll do it cause I'll never get the machine back, since she won't get around to what she needs it for lol.
I learned on a Singer machine. Never knew the model number, but it was a birthday gift when I was...10? Something like that. It mostly collected dust until college when I started sewing again. It was an awesome machine that I loved...until it died. Could have had it repaired, but the cost to do that was more than the machine was worth.
So, it was replaced with some model Brother machine that I got at Target. Has straight stich and several other simple stiches. It served me well, until it stopped working at 4:30am on the day I was getting on a plane to go to my wedding...with my corset less than half assembled. I think I may have just bent the needle, but I was far too sleepy at 4:30 in the morning to figure that out. That the needle might have been bent didn't occur to me until I was on an airplane halfway across the country hand-sewing the corset. :) I haven't investigated further, yet, so I don't know if it's going to remain my sewing machine or if I'll be getting a new one soon. If I need a new one, I think this thread may be useful. ;D
Quote from: Sabrina Black on May 14, 2009, 01:28:43 PM
Don't ya just love it, you get a free perfectly running sewing machine just because Mom doesn't sew lol. My dad bought my mom's for her birthday or Christmas or something. Finally I just told her I wanted it. Every once in a while, she'll be like "I need to use my sewing machine". I just tell her to give me what she needs fixed and I'll do it cause I'll never get the machine back, since she won't get around to what she needs it for lol.
I do enjoy it. My Mom keeps saying she is going to take it abck so that she can makes some quilts. But she has yet to buy fabric or anything or even take the machine back and its been about 2 yrs of her saying this. ;D
Quote from: LadyShadow on May 14, 2009, 03:35:46 PM
Quote from: Sabrina Black on May 14, 2009, 01:28:43 PM
Don't ya just love it, you get a free perfectly running sewing machine just because Mom doesn't sew lol. My dad bought my mom's for her birthday or Christmas or something. Finally I just told her I wanted it. Every once in a while, she'll be like "I need to use my sewing machine". I just tell her to give me what she needs fixed and I'll do it cause I'll never get the machine back, since she won't get around to what she needs it for lol.
I do enjoy it. My Mom keeps saying she is going to take it abck so that she can makes some quilts. But she has yet to buy fabric or anything or even take the machine back and its been about 2 yrs of her saying this. ;D
Lol, yeah I know what you mean :D when mine gave me the serger though, I knew she probably wouldn't take either one back at that point lol
QuoteI had been using the Viking 6570 from age 3 sewing myself pillows and blankets then graduating to shirts and dresses for myself when I was about 10 years old.
I'm willing to bet that this is the reason for all the compliments, not so much the machine. ;)
I just got a new Viking at Christmas. I went with this brand b/c several professional garbers I respect a lot, as well as two of my most trusted long distance sewing buddies, all use Vikings. I love the new machine, but so far I'm not any better a seamstress than I was six months ago. :)
I found that after I got the Lily, I sewed so much more because it's such a pleasure to use, that my skills increased! Works both ways. ;)
I use an old Kenmore that had (HAD, *sigh*) cams one dropped in the lid that made different stitches. I have sewn on it since 1974, and have sewn everything from lingerie to upholstery. Leather with triangular needles, (Sporrans!) silk, velvet, fur (Fake!), and every costume for every Godson, bride, castmember, and realtive. It does buttonholes and eyelets, mending triplet zigzag, etc... I learned from a job in a fabric shop (And wasn't that like giving a drunk a job as a bartender!) how to maintain it, and there's a shop locally that does repairs for the things I can't fix. I am very loyal to my old workhorse!
I use a 35 year old Kenmore which was given to me as a high school graduation gift. I love it so much that I recently bought a very similar old machine at the thrift store for $15.00, and it is just as tough! ( I do envy the seamsters who have machines that will do eyelets, though, as neither of mine will do those! :()
I usually use my mom's Kenmore she got in the 80's - (Photo of an identical one) but it's needing to be serviced at the moment. First time in almost 30 years, too. Wowza.
(http://veganknitting.typepad.com/vegan_knittingand_then_so/images/kenmore.jpg)
So while that's out of commission I'm stuck using the Singer I bought in college - it's not my favorite but it works pretty well. Just hope something doesn't break on it x_X;;;
(http://www.getprice.com.au/images/uploadimg/250_BimgSinger%20Advance%207422.jpg)
I'm tempted to drag out my 1960 Kenmore that I found at a church sale for $1.00 - it works GREAT, too! All it does is a straight stitch, but that's about all I need it to do sometimes! ;)
(http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_IZX28ZTI12k/SdA7YJlWSAI/AAAAAAAAADM/eCV_Q6XwpCE/s200/new+sewing+machine+001.JPG)
And I can't wait to get started with my new baby, a Kenmore serger!
I'm working on getting my late mamaw's Kenmore sewing machine from the 70's... What can I say, they're good machines.
This is an interesting thread. We have several machines. Right now my wife is using a Janome L392 that was her grandmothers. It's a very basic machine but seems to work pretty good. We also have a Kenmore that we bought before we were married but it doesn't work right any longer. On top of those we also have my mothers old Singer along with both my grandmothers Singers. I'm not sure where they are right now but as far as I can remember they all work perfectly. I think the last time I used one of my grandmothers Singers (a big old black machine) I was making a cover for my Snap-On toolboxes. Her machine was the only thing I could find that would sew through multiple layers of heavy commercial vinyl. I also remember using that same machine as a kid to sew leather projects.
Many years ago my mom owned a small company that made sewn specialty products. At one point she priced out a Viking machines but the cost would have been way too much considering how small her profits were. I remember wanting one of them really bad too. When they gave us the demos on the units they were stitching material you should have needed a drill to get through!
I still want a good heavy duty Viking but I would still like to get a large format embroidery machine too. $$$
Jon.
I've got a Bernina Matic 910 Electronic on indefinite loan from a friend. It seems to be able to do just about anything I need it to do. It is also proved to be super reliable. Now, granted, I haven't exactly been burning it up, but it quite simply seems to do just what it's supposed to every time.
I have an Elna 3005. It's got about 20 different stitches- sorry, I just checked. There's only 19. It does fairly decent button holes, it has a drop in bobbin, and I haven't had lick of trouble from it yet, no matter what I've been sewing. I made a pair of jeans (I didn't make them WELL, but I made them) and it had no problem going through about four layers of denim. The only trouble I've ever had is that it sometimes winds the bobbins too loosely, which then leads to wonky bobbin tension and a whole mess of threads on the underside of my sewing. Other than that, it's a dream to use.
Oh, and her name is Betty.
I use a Brother LX3125 I got at Wal Mart last year. It's a very affordable machine and perfect for beginners and those with basic skills.
I am still using the Bernina I got, 27 years ago. Runs great, only needs a tune up now and then. I use it a LOT, too. ;D
Viking 950E Sewing/Embroidery machine (can't figure out how to embroider on it though...)
and a Babylock Imagine serger - no tensions to adjust = love (for a beginning sergist)
I have a Janome Decor Pro 5124 as a backup (my old main) in case the Viking has issues (as precision instruments tend to)
I use a Singer 2732 and I was recently given an in-table Singer 457 that is waiting for some serious love and care. The older machine seems sturdy and powerful, but I haven't had time to diagnose any issues that it may have.
Quote from: Alisoun on May 15, 2009, 09:31:17 AM
I use a Singer 2732 and I was recently given an in-table Singer 457 that is waiting for some serious love and care. The older machine seems sturdy and powerful, but I haven't had time to diagnose any issues that it may have.
Those older Singers can be quite the work horses. I used a baby blue 1959 Singer until we just couldn't find replacement parts anymore.
I sew on a Janome Memory Craft 4900. It does so many neat things such as Decorative stitching that I use on Shirts, Chemises, etc.
Two Sergers. My newest one does a wonderful toght roled hem serge perfect for when working with Organzas, Chiffons, and edging for ruffs in a different color.
At school, I use some sort of Juki industrial machine. It just does straight stitches, but it sews through thick things fairly easily. I think the sergers they have are the Juki pearl line ones, but I really don't know anything about sergers.
At home, I use my mom's Pfaff. I don't know what model it is, but it's at least from the early 90s, I think. The only thing I like about it are the different embroidery stitches it does. It has a ton. But other than that, the tension always seems to go all wonky, it can't get through very thick things, it breaks all the time... Basically, it's super annoying to sew with.
My mom said she's getting me a sewing machine for graduation in Dec. So far, the Brothers Project Runway LB6770 PRW looks good. Does anyone know anything about it? Also, how much do Vikings cost? It seems like all ofyou who have those really like them.
Quite a bit more than a Brother with the same sort of stitch range, but once you try them you can feel where the extra quality goes.
I've gone through a number of machines -- I spent a lot of time sewing on several Vikings (and I liked 'em all); particularly liked my 6460, 990SLE, and 1200 (AKA the #1). A while back, I picked up a Bernina 930 and it's pretty much been my full-time machine ever since. I keep meaning to load up the Vikings again, but keep thinking "well, maybe after this next project". It's looking unlikely that the 930 will get swapped out anytime soon.
Current project(s): making a pavillion-style round tent and making a few dozen half-circle cloaks.
I have a couple of older sergers -- an Elna L4 and a Pfaff Hobbylock 796 (I know it's just a branded Pfaff) that I use most of the time when I need serging done.
You can see the machines at http://www.using-sewing-machines.com (http://www.using-sewing-machines.com).
I am so SO baaaad... I fell of the sewing machine diet in a proper orgy! A friend on Live Journal was having to skip a number of old sewing machines that were taking up space at work, not really usable for their purposes, and in the way... She felt this was criminal, but the Powers That Be said Old Sewing Machines----->Skip!
She tossed them in the back of her car. She brought them down to me on Friday night in exchange for dinner and a photo-call with the Victorian undies I'm working on (laundry marks say 1886 and the like!).
13 sewing machines... She took one for a friend. I was left with:
1 1950's Jones type 15 clone: rotten belt, broken motor fixing, salvaged the bobbin case.
1 almost new Brother XL 50 12: needs feet and bobbin case and a manual
1 Toyota RS 2000 series KB13: needs bits box, feet and bobbin case, a spool pin and a manual. Not expensive, so I might just get those.
2 plastic Jones machines: too many bits missing. Salvaged the shuttle hooks.
1 Frister & Rossman Cub 4: needed type 15 bobbin case, so gave it the one out of the Jones!
1 Viking Husqvarna thing: SHOULD have been good, but needle clamp, bits box and accessories, presser foot ankle and extension table missing... Also seized solid. Salvaged the single bobbin it had and the shuttle hook and retaining ring as they'll fit Big Sis' 190...
2 Bernina 807's, one with missing extension table
3 Bernina 707's
1 extra Bernina 707 extension table...
1 Bernina 707 manual
The Berninas are all working beautifully. I cleaned up and serviced the Bernina 807 with matching extension table, scrubbed up the better of the red plastic cases for it, and sent it home with another friend for her 18 YO daughter to learn to sew on, after downloading the manual. I needed that to work out access to the feed dogs for cleaning and oiling.
I shall keep the Cub 4 for the kids to sew on, as I already have one complete with manual and feet.
The Viking Husqvarna, the Jones 15 clone and the two plastic Jones machines went to the tip yesterday. It hurt to let the Viking go, but after hunting about the net, there was nothing showing as available for it except bits I had and bobbins, and putting it back in order would be way too time consuming and expensive.
So the herd is currently rather bloated and in need of culling! I have a modern Brother, a modern Toyota, and 4 elderly Berninas to re-home! I'm sure I can easily re-home the more modern ones, but I'll need those with a longer view to take the lovely Berninas!
Quote from: Lady Rebecca on May 23, 2009, 09:25:58 PM
At school, I use some sort of Juki industrial machine. It just does straight stitches, but it sews through thick things fairly easily. I think the sergers they have are the Juki pearl line ones, but I really don't know anything about sergers.
At home, I use my mom's Pfaff. I don't know what model it is, but it's at least from the early 90s, I think. The only thing I like about it are the different embroidery stitches it does. It has a ton. But other than that, the tension always seems to go all wonky, it can't get through very thick things, it breaks all the time... Basically, it's super annoying to sew with.
My mom said she's getting me a sewing machine for graduation in Dec. So far, the Brothers Project Runway LB6770 PRW looks good. Does anyone know anything about it? Also, how much do Vikings cost? It seems like all ofyou who have those really like them.
I just purchased a Viking Emerald, for about 400,the 118..
Haven't had a chance to use it much.. so I don't have alot of input there!
So far, I think that I will LOVE it!
You will! ;D ;D
I use a bernina 950 industrial. I LOVE IT! I can sew every kind of fabric I need to on it, from delicate silk chiffons to leathers. I make horse costuming and also design for a bridal shop so I really the large table to hold my work. The other plus is speed, when you sew for a living time is money. I've gotten so used to it that when I use my table top machine I feel like a turtle!
Finally learned how to use my Kenmore serger (thanks Lucy!) yesterday...
Today I learned how to thread the freaking beast with my eyes closed...Broke a serger threader, realized I had to thread the thing right to left (hey never had to do it before), and had to undo part of the other ones just to do the right one (that's the one that kept coming undone).... That was user error on my part but once I figured out what I was doing wrong while I was testing, it's been a breeze! Oh. My. Gosh. I'm sewing like a fiend, and things are going soooooooo quickly. Love love love! Now I wanna find lots o' accessories for it so I can do other things. *grin*
This is my big, metal machine.
(http://pic80.picturetrail.com/VOL825/2840988/17867480/292622074.jpg)
I got her from my grandmother who stopped sewing shortly there after. So she still has the manual and ALL of the accessories. ;D
I've been able to find very little information on the "Mark II - Dial N' Sew". But I do know she's fully capable of sewing your fingers together if you're not careful. Manual buttonholer and 2, count them 2 fancy stitches!!
And she's pretty!
I also have a Brother 1034D serger, because of Kate's recommendation. Which I love too... But he's not as pretty.
wow
so many machines hehe
I got my mom's Brother, its from the late 90s, just a simple machine works ok but sometimes gives me real headaches- the stictching on the underside will get all messed up sometimes and it takes me forever to get it all cleaned up and then I have to start over.
Quick question
I found a White Multi-Tasker 2200 for $35
is that a good deal??
Quote from: Sorcha on May 27, 2009, 09:39:34 AM
This is my big, metal machine.
(http://pic80.picturetrail.com/VOL825/2840988/17867480/292622074.jpg)
I got her from my grandmother who stopped sewing shortly there after. So she still has the manual and ALL of the accessories. ;D
I've been able to find very little information on the "Mark II - Dial N' Sew". But I do know she's fully capable of sewing your fingers together if you're not careful. Manual buttonholer and 2, count them 2 fancy stitches!!
And she's pretty!
I also have a Brother 1034D serger, because of Kate's recommendation. Which I love too... But he's not as pretty.
I think they were made by Saishin (?) somewhere in the Far East and badged for the USA market. From the look and colour, somewhere in the mid 60's to early 70's. Keep it well cleaned and oiled, use a new needle for each new garment (and more often as needed), and it'll keep on sewing for a good few years yet!
And no, the 1034D isn't so pretty, but he sure does sew nicely! ;) Glad to hear that it's working for you.
hi sorcha i have sewing machine just like yours the mark 2 you said you have the manul for it. is there any way i could get you too send me a copy of.it to me it would be vary helpful to me thank you vary much
i am a club member
Husquvara Designer SE, I am still thinking about upgrading but I love my machine to pieces!
I also have a Kenmore Computerized machine that I hold for back up it is the best machine, but typically unless I am embroidering on the SE and then I will use the Kenmore.
Cilean