The Sewing Place

Tools of the Trade => Sewing Spaces and Furniture => Topic started by: Sewingsue on May 08, 2017, 11:23:40 AM

Title: Multiple machines
Post by: Sewingsue on May 08, 2017, 11:23:40 AM
I know several of you have and regularly use more than one machine -sewing machines/overlocker/coverstitch etc.
Do you have separate tables for them or do you just get a lot of weightlifting exercise getting them in and out of cupboards?
Title: Re: Multiple machines
Post by: BrendaP on May 08, 2017, 11:29:53 AM
I have a very big corner desk.  The Husqvarna and overlocker sit at the back of the main part and get pulled/lifted forward as necessary.  The cover stitcher lives at the other end of the desk and gets pulled towards the middle of the desk as required.  The Singer is on a separate table which faces the main part of the desk and doesn't get moved. 
Title: Re: Multiple machines
Post by: Francesca on May 08, 2017, 11:57:49 AM
I use a Horn cabinet so I have space for the machine in front of me and then my O/L to the side. The rest of the machines are tucked away!
Title: Re: Multiple machines
Post by: Sewingsue on May 08, 2017, 12:16:51 PM
I use a Horn cabinet so I have space for the machine in front of me and then my O/L to the side. The rest of the machines are tucked away!
I lust after those new Horn cabinets with space for O/L etc, but the one I bought years ago (sale when local Singer shop was closing, but still a lot of money) is still in too good a condition to think of replacing it.
Title: Re: Multiple machines
Post by: Bodgeitandscarper on May 08, 2017, 13:42:56 PM
I often have two at the back of my makeshift table (a very cheap small Argos desk with a larger sheet of contiboard on top) behind whichever one is in current use.  I am a little concerned about how much weight this cheap desk will take, so try to move them off and only have two on it.  I'm also in the process of buying padded/insulated bags for all my machines, as they have to be in the conservatory til we have the extension built, and it get so ridiculously hot sometimes.  Do you think the heat will harm them, or make the oil disappear as it gets hot?
Title: Re: Multiple machines
Post by: Surest1tch on May 08, 2017, 15:16:25 PM
My favorite flatbed machine has its own stand, I use my overlocker on my cutting out table.  As for the other machines I rarely use them unless it's for something like buttonholes, they have to go on the cutting table too.
I'd love to have a separate table for the others but my sewing room is too small to fit one in.
Title: Re: Multiple machines
Post by: b15erk on May 08, 2017, 15:50:29 PM
I have now lost count of my machines, which is a shameful situation.  The ones I use at work are the 15k and 66k treadles, one in my office, the other in the front office with the Riccar overlocker and the Singer 327k.  There are various others under the desk, cutting table, ironing board.  My preferred sewing machines at home, live on a long IKEA desk surface.  The Pfaff 1475cd, Pfaff 4850 Coverstyle (Combi O/L & CStitch), and the Bernina 730 lives at the back (should the need for her services arise).  There is also my Singer Slantshank in a Horn Cabinet, and another 15k Treadle which atm is unused.

Jessie
Title: Re: Multiple machines
Post by: Sewingsue on May 08, 2017, 16:00:02 PM
I have now lost count of my machines, which is a shameful situation.
Jessie
 
:D
Title: Re: Multiple machines
Post by: UttaRetch on May 08, 2017, 16:20:14 PM
We'll have to stage an 'intervention'.  0_0
Title: Re: Multiple machines
Post by: Sewingsue on May 08, 2017, 16:45:44 PM
I  think I might be able to fit in a Horn Hide away table, which would also give me a flat worktable as well as a machine stand (not that expensive either).
Many thanks for comments (and any still to come).
Title: Re: Multiple machines
Post by: Efemera on May 08, 2017, 17:44:01 PM
All my machines are in cupboards so I have to set everything up. When I do there's room for two on my desk... I have to shuffle the overlocker and coverstitch about
Title: Re: Multiple machines
Post by: elephun on May 08, 2017, 18:50:15 PM
I also have a long IKEA work top. It nicely fits three machines: Babylock Elizabeth SM, Babylock Imagine serger, and a large Singer combo machine set up for regular sewing, without the embroidery unit and extra space needed for that specialized task.

I'd be cramped on that work surface with the three machines if I actually wanted to embroider, but that never happens!

I have my Babylock coverstitch set up in a different corner on a small pedestal bookshelf that's the right height. I can roll my chair right up to it like its a desk.

I'd love to have Mom's machine out, too, but I hate feeling cramped.
Title: Re: Multiple machines
Post by: Marniesews on May 08, 2017, 21:37:04 PM
Of the 4 working machines that I have at home, the heavy computerised one is in an RMF cabinet but I'm using it less and less as I've become just too smitten by my old 1020 Bernina), which sits on the floor and I try to think of it as good exercise as I groan to lift up and down onto the gate-leg table. The fact I have to do that but still use her the most emphasizes just how much I love her.

I then have a fairly heavy overlocker and lighter coverstitcher but they both sit on a small table to the back of me so it's very easy by comparison to lift them up a couple of inches and swing them around and over to the table.

At my daughter's I have a sewing machine and overlocker both in cases on the floor so I always have to lift them up. They're lighter than the ones at home so it's not that bad.
Title: Re: Multiple machines
Post by: DementedFairy on May 09, 2017, 05:25:40 AM
I use the dining table, now given over entirely to me.  The overlocker and sewing machine are on there 90% of the time, the Singer treadle [mainly for buttonholes] directly behind me in its own cabinet of course.

The two get moved onto a chair or the windowsill when I use the table for cutting.  The two newer additions to the stable are currently under the table [Featherweight, still waiting to be electrical-checked and declared fit for use, and another old hand operated one, which I plan to set up just for ruffling]

Two of the main 3 have dustcovers, must finish the third!
Title: Re: Multiple machines
Post by: Sewingsue on May 09, 2017, 07:53:23 AM
I have avoided the temptations of vintage machines, but I would make an exception for a Featherweight  <3 .
I know I really should get Mum's Singer out of the case and give it some exercise (oh, the lovely smell when I open the carry case).
Title: Re: Multiple machines
Post by: Gernella on May 12, 2017, 11:42:18 AM
I've got four sewing machines.  Two sit on a 5ft folding table with a cover over it (great for sticking pins in when the cushion has gone missing).  I have another which sits on a smaller folding table and the third is the moveable machine, which  goes up and down stairs.  The overlocker sits behind it and then gets pulled out on to what I use as my cutting table.  The Coverstitch machine sits on the ottoman and just gets lifted out as required.

Ideally I ought to downsize.  I had a clear out in January but I think  I need another one soon, in fact thinking about it I'm going to get rid of that b****y machine that I hate.
Title: Re: Multiple machines
Post by: Catllar on May 14, 2017, 00:04:06 AM
I keep one machine and 2 overlockers out permanently, on one table and the other machine is under the table. I also have 2 ironing boards out  - one for standing at to do big bits and one by my machine for small bits and bobs. Really need to lose one or the other  -  don't need 2 of those really.
Title: Re: Multiple machines
Post by: rubywishes on June 03, 2017, 07:34:52 AM
My vintage machines are all in the lounge room on a hall table, the treadle next to them. I don't use them very often at all but can on a moments whim whack a dining room chair in front of the treadle and "off I go"!  When I use the 99's they are usually plonked on the kitchen table.   In my sewing room....the old Janome is set up in the Horn cabinet...use that for quick repairs, the overlocker sits on the extension table of the Horn. Big Bernina and the new Juki both sit either in, or on a humungous custom made table (love my Mr.Ruby!) depending on which one I am going to use.
Title: Re: Multiple machines
Post by: Syrinx on June 03, 2017, 10:01:37 AM
I only have two machines, and one is an embroidery machine. They both live somewhere on a floor in a corner and get used on the kitchen table, which will fit both. My Janome on the side so I have plenty of space for resting quilts and the embroidery machine fits very nicely across the end of the table.

What is the difference, for those that have both, between a serger and a coverstitch machine? And are either essential for making clothes? Or just nice to have :p
Title: Re: Multiple machines
Post by: b15erk on June 03, 2017, 11:40:43 AM
I'm afraid that my machines live in any vacant space which will accommodate them!  I'm looking at a 201k under the desk, a 66k in a cabinet at the back of the office, 99k lives at the side of the bureau, others live in the front office (which doubles as a sewing room).

At home I have my 611g in a Horn cabinet (set up for buttonholes), Pfaff 1475 go to machine is left out on the desk, as is, the Pfaff C/Stitch/O/locker.  A Bernina 730 lurks at the back.

I'm sorry to say, that if I want to buy a covetted Featherweight, I will have to re-home a few machines, but which ones  :'(

Jessie
Title: Re: Multiple machines
Post by: Sewingsue on June 03, 2017, 12:48:59 PM
I'm afraid that my machines live in any vacant space which will accommodate them!  I'm looking at a 201k under the desk, a 66k in a cabinet at the back of the office, 99k lives at the side of the bureau, others live in the front office (which doubles as a sewing room).

At home I have my 611g in a Horn cabinet (set up for buttonholes), Pfaff 1475 go to machine is left out on the desk, as is, the Pfaff C/Stitch/O/locker.  A Bernina 730 lurks at the back.

I'm sorry to say, that if I want to buy a covetted Featherweight, I will have to re-home a few machines, but which ones  :'(

Jessie
That is a prize winning collection

0_0
Title: Re: Multiple machines
Post by: Marniesews on June 03, 2017, 13:47:05 PM
What is the difference, for those that have both, between a serger and a coverstitch machine? And are either essential for making clothes? Or just nice to have :p

I managed for years without either serger or coverstitcher but wouldn't want to be without either now. They're not essential like a sewing machine but I use both all the time for far more than I'd originally envisaged.

Of the two the serger is the most used as so much of what I sew is knit fabric. I also use it to neaten the seam allowances when I'm using wovens.  Of course that can easily be done with a sewing machine but the serged edge is neater. You can make most and sometimes all of a knit garment with the serger alone and the stitch and finish in one go is a great timesaver. As I've lost a lot of weight over the last couple of years I love the fact that I can simply roar up the sides and sleeves of knit tops, pyjamas etc to extend their life long after I'm several sizes smaller than the originals.

The coverstitcher was bought for sewing lycra dance dresses/leotards - primarily but not exclusively for neck/armhole/ leg openings.  Lots of other users love to use the reverse of the coverstitch to form a style line through a garment as shown below, you see it a lot on athletic wear to give surface detail to an otherwise plain garment.

What I hadn't realised would be as wonderfully useful as it is, was the chainstitch. I use it for as much tacking as possible (it sews up quickly and pulls out so easily) and if you sew it on the inside it makes a lovely bold topstitch just with serger thread. Because it has stretch it's great for attaching binding onto edges and then the 2- or 3-needle coverstitch finishes them off when the binding is folded over. If it's a permanent stitching you do need to ensure you knot the ends securely and I sometimes even knot then sew the ends if it's going to have lots of wear and washing (belt, braces & safety pin!).
Title: Re: Multiple machines
Post by: Mamashep on June 10, 2017, 18:59:18 PM
I have a large corner desk with cupboards/drawers attached at both ends, which makes a large corner unit around  2m x 2m. I have my Brother PR1000, Janome MC8900, Babylock Evolve, Janome Cover pro, and blind hemmer on it, and have Singer 201k Underneath at the moment. Apart from the PR1000, the machines get moved forwards or back as required. I did consider getting rid of the Cover pro, when I got the Evolve, but decided against it. I did however get rid of my Janome 500e when I got the PR1000. I had intended keeping it for a backup, but did not realise ho much space the PR1000 would actually take up, so it had to go.
Title: Re: Multiple machines
Post by: crooknees on June 14, 2017, 18:44:23 PM
I have an old sewing cabinet housing my Pfaff sewing/embroidery machine. Backing flush to that, I have an old wash stand with my Pfaff coverstitch/overlocker. The depth between these machines gives me ample room when curtain making or similar jobs requiring lots of fabric behind the machine and for the embroidery unit. The sewing cabinet also has a useful drop down leaf on the end, courtesy of DH. My Riccar machine is on loan to DD2 at the moment, but used to live on the top of a drop leaf table on the landing, just outside the sewing room. Leaf up and plugged in, it was ready to use. The old Jones straight stitch is only used to mend horsey stuff which is not allowed in the sewing room. This machine is kept under the stairs and is lifted out and set up by whoever wants me to do them a favour ;)
Title: Re: Multiple machines
Post by: rowe1311 on June 14, 2017, 19:50:04 PM
I have 6 machines but looking to re-home the 66k.  I have a line of tables on one side of the wall.  My singer 201k is in the treadle base that the 66k was in, and my overlocker on another treadle base sitting on top of an old chopping board, and my Bernina on an old desk.  The 15k is in the sitting room in a foldaway treadle base so is used as a desk as well.  My Frister and Rossman is my spare and that lives on the floor and doesn't get used very much, but I haven't wanted to part with it yet. 
Title: Re: Multiple machines
Post by: Jo on June 15, 2017, 07:07:30 AM
I only have two: the sewing machine and the overlocker/coverstitch, and they both share a desk. I move my chair to one or the other when I need to use them.
I previously had just one on the table to have more room, but found it sooo annoying to change machines that I decided I could do with less space and no moving.
Syrinx, I have a Juki that does both overlocking and coverstitch. When I bought it, I was advised it would be better to buy two separate machines because the combination one has to be rethreaded when you want to change between them. I did go for a combi in the end because I don't have that much space, and must say I don't regret this decision at all. It's a great machine, haven't had any issues with it (I did hear complains about cheaper Brother combi machines) and it takes me less time to rethread than it would take me to change machines on the table.
If you like to sew/wear knits, both are great, as they are very fast and give you the needed stretchiness and no wavy seams. You can substitute with stretch stitches or double needle on your machine, so I wouldn't say it's mandatory to have one or the other. But they are nice to have :)
Title: Re: Multiple machines
Post by: Mamashep on August 30, 2017, 22:51:13 PM
Thanks for all the replies and info. I will go with laminate with a commercial guarantee. I don't know when it will get down now, as I have inherited a property, and need to do some decorating there as a priority
Title: Re: Multiple machines
Post by: b15erk on August 31, 2017, 08:58:05 AM
I now have the Featherweight, but can't seem to part with any of the others.....

Must get my head around it, some I don't use, some I can't use, and some were only bought on a whim.

Do I have a problem?  ;)

Jessie
Title: Re: Multiple machines
Post by: Sewbee on September 20, 2017, 20:32:50 PM
We'll have to stage an 'intervention'.  0_0

Yes!! I just bought one machine and I am getting the urge to buy a second!  |O