The Sewing Place
Machine Talk => Sewing Machines => Topic started by: Sara-S on September 03, 2019, 13:23:18 PM
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I have gathered that, with only 3, I am a beginner. Mine are as follows;
1) Janome Derby- a 5-pound (2.25 kg) basic machine that’s great for basic sewing or repairs and taking to classes..
2)Singer 4423- mid-weight- 15 pounds (6.8 kg) does 2 dozen stitches and has a sturdy metal interior. I take this one to classes sometimes.
3) Brother Inovis 575- This one was a 60th birthday present from my husband, It does just about everything but tie my shoes for me. It has over 100 stitches and is bigger and heavier. So this one stays home and does most of my quilting and free-motion embroidery.
What machines do you all have?
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I have lots! :S I'm not quite sure how it happened but.... I have three Bernina sewing machines; a Nova 900, a 1260QE and the older (new) 570QE. Also a Babylock Imagine overlocker and a Janome 1000CPX coverstitch machine.
Out of all of them I like and use the 1260 and the Imagine most. The newer Bernina has lots more shiny things but I don't think it sews as well as my old faithful.
I'm not a quilter, just a dressmaker.
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Only had a few until I joined this forum!....
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Thanks to some ‘enablers’ a few years ago, I have a few vintage machines. My Singers include a couple of 201Ks (just sold one of them), a handcrank 28K with lovely decals (will sell this week), a 99K, and a beautiful 221K featherweight (will never sell). For quilting I have a Janome 8900 and have just treated myself to the Janome HD9 for bag making. Also ‘looking after’ my daughters Janome, for its portability.
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I don't have many compared to some on this forum! -<
My stable comprises a Bernina 720 which I bought recently and love, a Bernina 570 QE (the 5.5mm version), a Janome DC3050, and a Janome 6234XL overlocker. I'm considering adding a coverstitch machine to this collection but I don't really need it - just quite like the idea, so I'm pondering for a while. :)
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15k treadle
66k treadle
99k
185k
201k x 2 Duel Fuel
Featherweight (221 black)
320k
611g
Singer O/L
Pfaff 1475 cd
Pfaff combi CS/OL
Babylock hemmer
Janome x 2
Toyota
New Home x 2
Jones Family CS x 3 Handcranks
I may have one or two others, but the ones I use most often are the Pfaff's , the Singer 611g, Singer 185k and the 320k.
Need to re-home a few...
Jessie
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I have the following:-
A Janome 4618LE which was an identical replacement in 2011 for the MyStyle 3018 which I had for 20 years. Mechanical and I'd buy the same one over again as it's a workhorse! Current name 5024 and I think it's the same as the HD models.
A Janome DKS100 which I bought in 2015 thinking I would like a computerised machine and a lot more stitches and types of buttonhole. I don't and it sits on a shelf in a cupboard and never use it.
A Brother overlocker 730D which I've had since 1989 and still use for most of my overlocking. It's a bit temperamental hence my purchase of another as I'd hate to be without an overlocker that works! I probably alter more than I sew from scratch.
A Brother 2104D which I bought in 2018 as the other can sometimes be temperamental and it is 30 years old, and this is a 4 thread. I don't love its plastic sound, and it's louder than the 730D which purrs along. I don't have it set up at the moment.
A Janome 1000CPX coverstitch which I've had since 2013. It can be temperamental and the looper tension only works if I avoid the 'tension control thing' that it has. I know how to get round it so it stays for the time being!
Don't think I'll buy anymore unless I find another coverstitch machine.
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I had one when I joined this place...
Now I have:
A Pfaff Classicstyle 2027 (supposed to be a quilting machine, but only has a standard sized harp-space, although it does have IDT (Integrated Dual Feed)). It's a good, reliable general machine and lives in my sewing room/study.
A Husqvarna Viking Topaz 25, which is an embroidery machine and also a general sewing machine. It lives on the dining room when we don't have guests and is the machine I use the most.
A Singer Featherweight, which lives in my sewing room and is more-or-less permanently set up with a Griest buttonhole attachment.
A Frister & Rossmann Jaguar 234DF Knitlock Overlocker which I have only had for a few months, but absolutely love (despite having spent years telling everyone that overlockers were the machines of the devil...) This one lives on the dining table too.
A Britannia CS4000 Coverstitch, which I've only had for a bit over a month, and need to get to grips with properly. Also on the dining table. Fortunately we have a large dining table. Not that it was bought with sewing in mind. No, of course not.
If I ever find a particularly decorative hand cranked vintage machine, ideally set into a table, I will bring it home to be loved, but apart from that I think I have my quota.
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Blimey! I've only got 2 and I seem to be managing ok!
I've got a pretty basic Janome J3-20 and an old Riccar which I'm hanging onto incase the Janome ever packs up at a vital moment.
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Mine came to me in various ways. The Pfaff's, Singers, and Bernina were bought intentionally. The others were either gifts, or came by default as they were destined for landfill.
All have brought me pleasure in different ways. Even the ones I don't love, have relieved my anxiety by occupying me either by cleaning or fixing them up.
I feel that by keeping hold of them, at least they are staying out of landfill for a while.
Jessie
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My word Im an absolute angel on this score! :angel:
Since I started sewing I have had a secondhand Toyota, which I used when I made waistcoats for a sort of living in the 90's ...
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/IGCPi7TEQHuGC0OiAQu0B7E-Y-sS32IWJTyRxvtGl-EGxQNtE-2R0WLPtLqknEdMzZxUB7DQmTGuKUFxFfRtNr0RsQqIgYMow4Yy0tielOkNWKEd5QzmcwAdJR_seZnIno4pLbiD6lRs5SB2jwlFrcrNvwGCHuezONeKvkwltSyA6u4rDGOj5zWJ-SU64D8I8afshcRgYLv6HQ_wl8unny56-90_Do6A9mkhUk3wDOQTRhNbzTpL8X85sMD36lrfcvm0SX67sSqEtL8VU19tX-6jClqB-VMmEZ7gJ8QlpcS4GbtK_tJipZc4yA3VdAlz11ldpnQ0W12wGDVAXQ99uby9KMn6DzdPt6SKDbCs_DzvJ35sxqhyknaa2TfAeN1fJRcsZc5xj_4Fk_J52WHkk8--bBK1QzonxFhn9aeNRziLRtV3hOuHGV5blijnTeO5U3f9sKR6Za-HI3PaYutuII97cZZXql1VZ-g3B-CJDAXfvFEKtzdbUZXXesUTGzb_y0ISd-HJQdXWM2mpwKCc1wawBAtWq_9LUt37IWtgeFfdmWWHlt2OD92ygMf6QqbDkA1G9svUOLQA48h3hmeT8rBzacQnGA43Lp-wX7OGgAtSCoRv9Sw_K43SSZfwJ-d98v7d2iFBxIK3_pgPCMq6dEuxOzOJbSdomMJN_B4PEnuaiCz0=w1063-h773-no)
This was dragged out again in 2013 when, realising I was not coping at all well with my fathers death the year before I started sewing. It soon became apparent that this machine was too 'fast' for me so I bought a Janome 525S from Sewing Machines Direct, giving the Toyota to a family in my terrace, and dived into the Darkside ...
The 526S lasted about 6 or 9 months when I upgraded to a secondhand Janome 4000, selling the 525S to help fund it.
A further year or so on I upgraded again as I got a very good deal on The Splurge (Janome Atelier 5) ...
This was a distinctly odd purchase from a girl that joined TSF; She probed everybody about the best machine to buy, got the recommended machine (The Splurge ) and almost immediately put it up for sale at a ridiculously low price for a machine she had never once used.
I know this because of the state of it and the fact that the red tape was still in place over the swingy out door over the needle (all good technical terms there)
She cited a messy divorce and imminent house move as the reason for the sale, but as she had all the correct paperwork so who was I to say No?!
The Splurge was everything I ever wanted and we spent many happy years together until I got yet another offer I couldn't refuse on my current machine, The Splurgess (Janome Atelier 7) This was again the victim of a divorce, was also barely used.
Fran bought The Splurge from me around Christmas of this year and I sold the Janome 4000 at around the same time therefore covering the cost of the Splurgess.
Apart from The Splurgess I have Elvis, my Brother 750E embroidery machine and that's my lot.
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My mum's old Singer 522 - great for straight stitching when precision matters
My Brother Super Ace II - great for one-step auto buttonholes and the continuous/incremental needle position is handy sometimes. I don't use the fancy 'heirloom' stitches, however
My Singer 5-thread overlocker - bought before Singer went completely down the pan and then virtually untouched for several years do to work then motherhood then bafflement. The old forum was a great source of advice and now I use it more and more.
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@Sara-S
I used to live in Staten Island (Travis Avenue) in the 1980's before I moved to Brooklyn!!
I'm English but lived in New York for several years in the 1980's....
:D
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Brother Innovis CS-8080
Singer 99k Hand Crank
Singer 222k featherweight
Bernina Record 930
Janome Atelier 6
Pfaff Creative 2134 (my most favourite, favourite machine .. love the IDT....)
Bernina 009DCC Cover Stitch
Elna 744 combi Overlocker/Cover Stitch
Various others have passed through my hands, either sold on or donated to local college or Tools with a Mission.
Would love to buy a new cover stitch and a new overlocker .. but feel guilty about how greedy I can be as both machines do still work.
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I have never understood why people need more than one machine.However, I have recently bought for £25. a tiny machine to take to a monthly sewing group. It never sees the light of day any other time. My real machine is a Brother.
I would never have multiples of any tool, it goes against my minimalist principles :D
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One. I can only use one at a time :P
I inherited my MIL's Janome
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@Sara-S
I used to live in Staten Island (Travis Avenue) in the 1980's before I moved to Brooklyn!!
I'm English but lived in New York for several years in the 1980's....
:D
Travis Avenue is not far away from where I am (Just off Huguenot Avenue). Where were you in Brooklyn? I grew up in Sheepshead Bay.
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I had one when I retired 5 years ago (a gorgeous wine coloured Viking 6570 bought new at the end of the 70s) then I used my retirement cheque to buy a computerised sewing machine and my first ever overlocker.
-- Pfaff Performance 5
-- Brother 4234D overlocker
The Viking didn't like the new company and promptly cracked her camstack in a huff making it beyond economic repair...and then the buying commenced. I've tried so hard just to write a simple list but the guilt complex won't let me without including some justifications.
-- Pfaff Select 3.2 (new from local dealer) a basic mechanical with IDT and light enough to carry!
-- Frister + Rossmann Cub 7 (Gumtree) bought as a gift for a friend wanting to learn to sew. Does that count?
-- Bernina 1020 (eBay) because I've always wondered what the fuss was about - I found out and loved it!
-- Bernina 1130 (eBay again) and with lots missing in a bit of a state but only £65 and in good working order. All the loveliness of the 1020 with some useful but unobtrusive computerisation.
-- Bernina 1130 (yep, eBay) this time fully complete with lots of extras. Now I had a backup if either blew its motherboard.
-- Juki MO-1000 overlocker (new from local quilt show) - my husband was finding hard to sleep with me hammering away on the Brother. Such a great machine (thinking I really should sell the Brother).
-- Bernina L220 coverstitch. (new at a different local dealer) No justification needed. Used a lot, the chainstitch just as much, if not more, than the coverstitch function.
-- Vintage Singer 201K hand crank (eBay) - definitely enabled by reading the love in The Sewing Forum's vintage group. Used very intermittently.
-- Vintage Singer 201K treadle & electric (eBay) - this time impressed by the vintage gang at The Sewing Place. Sadly not yet restored to working order (electrics burned out)
In my defence...I've not bought any machines for over 2 years! I just have a few eBay and Gumtree searches that I look at and then delete.
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I only have three. :angel: so far
My Singer 367 that I bought with my 'near enough' first wages. Still banging away like a good un.
A Brother plastic nasty with many many stitches which is fine for lightweight work but turns it's nose up at too many layers which is a bit rich since it was bought specifically for P&Q.
A Singer 28k with a vibrating shuttle and bullet bobbin which I bought a couple of months ago at auction and cleaned up. Not that it needed much cleaning. It's gorgeous! :loveit:
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Main one,
Pfaff Expression 2
Pfaff Select 4
Husqvarna Mega Quilter
Bernina Activa 215 (the downstairs sewing machine)
Bernina Overlocker 1150MDA
Janome Coverstitch 2000CPX
Bernina 009DCC Which purrs beautifully but all I can get is a chain stitch so I've given up the battle
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I had a bit of an inadvertent clear out last year so now I have
Janome 8900, my big girl, fortunately my sewing class offers Janomes and Berninas.
A Babylock Evolve bought S/H, it’s a combo O/L and C/S and I thought that would do me but I saw a Babylock Imagine for a wonderful price and so the Evolve is just used as a coverstitch.
I am looking for a good solid mechanical that the grandkids can use.
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The ones I use:-
Pfaff Quilt Expression 4.2 - I don't quilt, but it does great buttonholes
Elna 3003 - my previous machine, does really crap buttonholes, but kept cos it sews some materials a lot better than the Pfaff
Brother 3034 overlocker - a great, if noisy, little machine
BabyLock BLCS2 coverstitch - brilliant, so much better than the previous Janome
Brother V3 embroidery machine - replace the previous Janome cos the brother takes much bigger hoops
The ones I don't use:-
My Mum's (or actually my Grandmas') old Singer ( I think it's a 28k), that I remember when I was small enough to sit inside the upside down lid
T'Other Half's mums' Mundlos treadle in a cabinet
A very pretty blue Jones D66 bought in a junk antique shop as it was only £25 and such a lovely colour
A Jones cat back hand cranked antique machine
A Singer overedge antique lump - it's very heavy - I think it was for edging blankets
And too many toy sewing machines to list.
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@Sara-S
I lived in Park Slope in Brooklyn - great area and was becoming quite gentrified by the time I left in late 1980's.
I still miss NY a bit even though I lived there so long ago.
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3 sewing machines. In order of purchase
1) Singer. Model number unclear but has 150 Anniversary edition on it. Bought to make curtains when the only sewing I contemplated was curtains.
2) Janome SMD3000. Struggled to find a bulb replacement for singer so bought a new machine obvs. Also dipping a toe into computerised function but only a toe.
3) Bernina 807. Ebay. It looked lovely. I was weak. Small free arm is good for youngster sewing. Though the one tunic made for my great niece isn't the best justification.
Also an Aldi special Singer overlocker, bought last year which I use, but in a fearful way with a sigh of relief when I manage to do a curve without slicing though the seam.
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Too many is the answer not sure I want to elaborate :devil:
If I write them down I feel I must deal with getting rid of at least 2 but I really cannot decide which 2!!!!
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I have never understood why people need more than one machine.However, I have recently bought for £25. a tiny machine to take to a monthly sewing group. It never sees the light of day any other time. My real machine is a Brother.
I would never have multiples of any tool, it goes against my minimalist principles :D
You have, in part, just answered your own question. A portable to take with you and a better machine for the house are a likely reason to own more than one machine. Also, some machines are specialty machines for specific purposes, such as sergers or computerized embroidery machines..
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how many machines? hmmmm, enough . . .
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how many machines? hmmmm, enough . . .
Is that actually possible? :sew: :sew: :sew: :sew:
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1 Singer industrial flatbed (my favourite)
2 Seamstress zig zag's (1's for spares)
2 Janome overlockers
1 cheapo from Lidl (regrettable impulse buy)
2 Vintage singers
1 Husqvarna 9?
1 I can't remember the make.
I've promised myself no more unless I can find an affordable Singer fiddle base which I desperately covet
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I have six; see my signature line.
For all the odd jobs, repairs etc that can be done with straight stitch only my preferred machine is Caroline, the older 201 which sits on the desk work-table downstairs and sometimes I use if for FMQ as this table is bigger than the one upstairs.
Other sewing is done in the sewing room upstairs. I use the other 201, Azilia, for straight stitch and Vera the Husqvarna for the utility stitches, and I wouldn't be without the overlocker. The cover stitcher gets used for topstitching knit fabrics but I could live without it.
My extravagance is the little Featherweight; cute but also portable.
I don't feel the need for an embroidery machine, or even one with a zillion fancy stitches, they wouldn't get used, although occasionally I think it would be nice to have an alphabet facility for labels.
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I have one sewing machine - Husqvarna Emerald 118 and one Overlocker - Janome 9102D. I sew in the dining room and it has to be cleared on a regular basis because we need the room when we have guests (frequently). I don't have space to keep any more machines.
I do have my grandmother's old Singer in the garage and one other vintage machine - I know not whence it came. Neither of them is in usable condition at the moment.
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I have four:
Viking #1 which is now 22 years old and I hope it lasts as long as I do because I don't ever want to replace it
Memory Craft 4800 which was purchased as a backup machine
Janome Gem Gold 660 (very light weight) purchased for traveling
Babylock Imagine (serger/overlock)
In reality I use the Viking 99.99999% of the time. I never took to the serger though i will keep it because I'm thinking about revisiting it after I retire next year. I would like to buy a coverstitch since I sew primarily knits and will probably do so in the next six months once I figure out what I want. I should probably get rid of the Memory Craft since I've only used it a hand full of times and if I had to be without the Viking for an extended time I could use the Gem.
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My collection of sewing machines are my own Elna SU bought 1975 and still in use today. My Mother's Bernina 830 Record bought in 1975 and which I inherited in 2002. My own Bernina Artista 200 bought by me around 2010. My own Bernina overlocker 1100A which I had to buy as a replacement overlocker in a hurry in 2003 three weeks before my daughter's wedding as my original Elna overlocker was playing up. My own Bernina 2500 DCET overlocker which is also a coversticher as well. Then on a whim I found a 1925 CWS Federation hand crank which is waiting for me to clean and bring into use. Up until 1975 I used to sew on my own Cosson bought from new way back in the 1960's and was a straight stitcher - that eventually went off to East Africa via a charity. The only reason I have two Bernina overlockers is that I originally sold the Bernina 1100DA to an elderly friend who wanted a modern overlocker but felt she coud not justify the expense of a new one at her late age in life. She was so happy to buy this from me but sadly shortly afterwards she learnt she had a terminal condition and was keen for me to have this back - and sadly my friend passed away and had never used this lovely overlocker. I managed to get the larger overlocker the 2500 DCET as a pre demo model and at the time was the top of the range overlocker that Bernina made.
I would love a treadle machine but it has to have a black cast /wrought iron base but then it is finding space for this in my tiny home.
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I don't feel the need for an embroidery machine, or even one with a zillion fancy stitches, they wouldn't get used, although occasionally I think it would be nice to have an alphabet facility for labels.
Elvis is always at your service @BrendaP ... Imi xxx
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Currently
Singer 514K in table, a spare, should sell really
Singer 538K in cabinet, main machine because it is free-arm
Singer 760G A rescue (big job), but fun with the monogrammer and template buttonholer
Singer 99K Both hand and motor options, like new, eye candy
Singer 28K Resored (big job), pretty too
Singer S14-78 Overlocker, saves time
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As per my signature
Bernina Aurora 440QE, my biggest expense (apart from the car)
Brother BC-2500, bought as a 'take to classes' machine - may use as a part exchange in the future
Singer 99K (1938), my mother's machine, hardly used. Going in for a service and to be motorised next week
Silver Viscount 620D overlocker.
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I had one when I joined this place...
Now I have:
A Pfaff Classicstyle 2027 (supposed to be a quilting machine, but only has a standard sized harp-space, although it does have IDT (Integrated Dual Feed)). It's a good, reliable general machine and lives in my sewing room/study.
A Husqvarna Viking Topaz 25, which is an embroidery machine and also a general sewing machine. It lives on the dining room when we don't have guests and is the machine I use the most.
A Singer Featherweight, which lives in my sewing room and is more-or-less permanently set up with a Griest buttonhole attachment.
A Frister & Rossmann Jaguar 234DF Knitlock Overlocker which I have only had for a few months, but absolutely love (despite having spent years telling everyone that overlockers were the machines of the devil...) This one lives on the dining table too.
A Britannia CS4000 Coverstitch, which I've only had for a bit over a month, and need to get to grips with properly. Also on the dining table. Fortunately we have a large dining table. Not that it was bought with sewing in mind. No, of course not.
If I ever find a particularly decorative hand cranked vintage machine, ideally set into a table, I will bring it home to be loved, but apart from that I think I have my quota.
I forgot one! I also have an Essex Mk 1 miniature sewing machine from 1946. It's a curiosity rather than something I use very often, but it is a lovely bit of machinery.
(https://thesewingplace.org.uk/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=600.0;attach=3872;image)
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@Acorn I’ve seen vintage sewing machines, but never one like that. Does it work?
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Absolutely. It's a chain stitcher, and has no bobbin, so one side of the stitching looks like ordinary backstitch, whereas the other is a chain stitch. It's a miniature machine, but was never designed as a toy.
I love having no bobbin, but the threading diagram is something else! The worst thing about it is that it has to be clamped to the table, because it isn't heavy enough to stay in place on its own - the clamp is original and came with it, but I get nervous about damaging the table.
There is more information about them here (https://sewalot.com/essex_sewing_machine.htm) - scroll down a little.
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I have my new Bernina 570 QE which I bought three years ago and they have since brought out another new 579QE with a wider throat and other changes. -<. I’m not happy that Bernina did that but I love the machine. My girls have my two previous Bernina. I have an embroidery unit for mine. I have a Bernina 2500 DECT overlocker and a Janome J3-18 light and portable for taking to classes.
I also have my grandmothers Singer 99k which she taught me to sew on and my great aunts sewing machine which I have to confess I haven’t opened to see what it is. I was going to ask OH to get them going but put it off when he mentioned 3in1 oil which may be fine for cars but not for sewing machines.
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I have:
an elna 'decorator's' touch' and a Frister+Rossmann 'fantasy'
A Singer 99k handcrank
Singer 201k/2 potted motor in it's own table (will be nice for FMQ when I have the nerve!)
Singer 221K featherweight in black
elna 664pro overlocker
Sold a 70's Singer recently.
No more machines I want (don't have the room)
:vintage:
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Im not sure I want to do this but here goes:
my favourite: the Singer 500A
the unstoppable Pfaff 30
A F+R 504 - that is so beautiful and looks like icecream
a singer 221 that i keep stashed away
a 401 - a doughty machine that I 'keep for spares'
2 singer 201s (one a potted and the other an aluminium)
an Elna Grasshopper - so cute and the kids get to use it sometimes
my grandmothers elna lotus - I love to have it but cant quite use it
a Bernina 530 - beautiful condition but Ive not warmed to it - ill probably sell it fairly soon
a 503a - fab machine but I have to sell it
a 48k beautiful - but cant be used
a 306 black - currently being worked on around real life (sorry for the delay)
a 95K - that works beautifully smoothly but doesnt make stitches yet - that i need a new motor for because its current motor is 500v rather than 240v - Doh - that was a mistake!
and a Juki Overlooker...
and a Spartan - that I need to sell too
Dont know how I ended up with so many US machines in the UK.
and somehow I still have a want me - for a 320 :) or a 216 :)
R.
and I missed out a Cresta T-132...
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Blimey Roger! Do you and your family live in a tent in the garden?
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After Roger's list, I feel I'm under-equipped! I have a John Lewis Janome Decor Excel II 5024 mechanical as my main machine. It's very capable, although probably in need of a service after nearly 10 years.
I'm using my Singer 401g to sew a dress at the moment. I love using this machine and it has a straight stitch foot and throat plate which is great for finer or more difficult fabrics.
My overlocker is new, a Juki MO654D. Very happy with it.
Coverstitch - Janome 2000 CPX, useful but can be pernickety. Which means I'm not sufficiently skilled to use it properly. I got that a few years ago when there was a very good reduction on them.
Finally an ornament, a Frister and Rossmann vibrating shuttle model E hand crank. Complete and in working order, but I don't sew on it.
I occasionally 'ooh' and 'aah' over the fancy, expensive, computerised models, but in reality I'm happy with my machines.
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Blimey Roger! Do you and your family live in a tent in the garden?
getting close :) I'm in trouble with the Mrs at the moment and need to part with a few, I know a few easier ones to part with... but a couple more wouldnt hurt ... too much probably :)
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Blimey Roger! Do you and your family live in a tent in the garden?
I like the certainty that it would be the family living in a tent and not the machines!! :)
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Singer 201K handcrank
Singer 201K electric
Singer 99K electric in a table
Singer 99K electric knee lever
Singer 221K electric black X 2
Singer 221K featherweight white
Singer 222K electric
Grain chain stitch machine - handcrank
Elna "grasshopper" electric knee lever
Bernina 730 Record
Singer 66K lotus pattern handcrank
Singer 28K handcrank - flood rescue
Half an antique Guhl & Harbeck named Lyra :)
13 1/2 - not too bad
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I was right. With just 3 I am a beginner. (Though I can’t see the need for others, based on the things I am doing.) The smallest one is likely to be the first to wear out, as it is so light it probably has a lot of plastic parts. When that goes I am not likely to replace it.
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I wouldn't call you a beginner. I have been sewing for over 50 years - all but 10 of them with only one machine. If the machine you have does what you want it to do, then you don't need any more.
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Pfaff QE 4.2
Janome 6234XL overlocker/serger
Janome 2000CPX coverstitch
Singer 201k (1953)
I'm currently looking out for a 221k. That's a bit of a minefield though. I know some people don't understand the need for more than one machine unless they serve different functions, which the first three on my list do, but many of us get great pleasure from our machines. It also helps that DH is a great enabler 0_0
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Enabled since finding this forum's predessessor, I realised I needed an overlocker. I got a Brother 1034d. And an embroidery machine. A short while after buying my Pfaff Creative 3 with embroidery unit, I sold the Janome 350e, the FR404 and the Lidl machine. Then bought a Pfaff 1229 to repair boat covers, as didn't want to mess up the big Pfaff. That was sold on this year, after lurking in the understairs cupboard for a while. A year ago I realised I needed a coverstitch, Janome CP2000x. I'm now sewing a lot more knits so it's useful. I also have a Bernina 730, bought on eBay to see what all the fuss is about Berninas. It has a very small freearm, ideal for baby/toddler sleeves. It's beautifully quiet and has good satin stitch scallops but I think needs new drive belts as there are 'flat spots'. It's more portable than the big Pfaff so I shall probably keep it. So the short answer is, I only have 4. Very restrained compared to some!
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Ok I am wondering with the new thoughts about de cluttering and minimalist feelings if I only had 1 sewing machine and maybe 1 Overlockers would I actually feel inspired to sew more?
I have to say this is never going to happen as my minimum would be 2 sewing machines but which 2 will I keep?
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If my eye is well enough at the weekend, I'm going to give the Featherweight an outing. I can put it on the dining table.
Jessie
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Ok I am wondering with the new thoughts about de cluttering and minimalist feelings if I only had 1 sewing machine and maybe 1 Overlockers would I actually feel inspired to sew more?
Probably not.
Why we sew is different for everyone - eg. to produce a wanted item or as part of a creative process or as part of a learning or personally challenging project or just to keep the head space between the ears occupied for a few hours or to earn some cash, and so on.
How we spend our time changes and if you don't feel like sewing/making it's fine.
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There is usually a story behind every purchase
I had mechanical New Home when I was 21, got a very large bonus around Christmas 1990, went into a sewing shop for some thread and saw the Janome 7000 being used. Cash rich, that was it. The old New Home went on Freecycle.
In maybe August 2008 I joined a sewing forum, and month later I bought the Pfaff Select 2. Lovely machine but it didn't do an automatic buttonhole (to be honest I never tried with it), so about a year later I bought the Pfaff Expression 2. A few years later I saw a Bernina 1015 for sale in Sheffield and bought for a good price, another great machine.
Having trouble with some heavy duty fabric I saw a Husqvarna Mega Quilter for sale and bought it, with the proceeds of the sale of the Bernina (big mistake really letting it go).
Some time later I saw a brand new Bernina 215 for sale, an unwanted competition prize from a Quilt competition so much reduced but no guarantee, I bought that and started using down stairs in summer.
The Grand Quilter was so good for sewing anything without messing about with the tension that the Pfaff Select 2 wasn't getting used, so I sold it.
But, before it went, the lady wanted to come and try so I thought I'd better familiarise myself with it. I fell in love again and I didn't want to sell it. Unfortunately I couldn't put her off and it went.
About three months later one boozy Sunday afternoon I saw a Pfaff Select 4, brand new and reduced and bought. It had a needle threader and the IDT which I couldn't be without now. The Bernina's walking foot is clunky and doesn't seem to work as well as IDT.
Now they all get used all the time but for different things. The Expression is sometimes picky with the tensions with lightweight fabrics so it's easier to use another machine that's not picky.
The only time I'd get another one now is if the Expression died (10 years old now and guarantee run out). Probably another Pfaff with IDT and good buttonhole maker.
These are my excuses and I'm sticking with them.
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@Gernella what is an IDT?
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@Sara-S IDT is Integrated Dual Transportation. It is a plastic mechanism that comes down behind the presser foot and clips onto the bottom of it. It has teeth-like projections on the base similar to those on the feed dogs. These teeth then act like the lower feed dogs but on top of the fabric, thus creating an even feed. It is brilliant!
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I parted withn a few of mine, and was down to 5, but they seem to attract other machines.
Janome MC8900QCP
Pfaff Quilt expression 4
Pfaff 7550
Singer 201k
Janome Cover Pro
Joy's Blind Hemmer
Brother PR-1000 embroidery machine
Babylock evolution
The Janome was brand new unwanted gift at half price, so hI just had to buy it. Pfaff Quilt expression 4 was a bargain as it had a couple of missing accessories that I had anyway, Pfaff 7550 was because I got rid of my Pfaff 1475cd a few years ago and regretted it ever since, and I put a bid in on Ebay not expecting to win. The PR1000 was an ex-demo, just over half the new price, and the Babylock Evolve was pre-owned in excellent condition, and another too good to miss bargain. I have told DH I will get rid of a couple, but I don't think he believed me lol
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Do you use them all regularly @Mamashep ?
Do you keep them out for easy access?
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I have a husqvana 500 computer 30 years old
Husqvana overlocker 30 years old
Husqvana designer diamond sewing and embroidery
Babylock imagine overlocker
Pfaff performance 5 feel in love with the IDT
And a little brother that I use for the sewing group as its light
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Do you use them all regularly @Mamashep ?
Do you keep them out for easy access?
I use all except the Singer, as it's not out all the time, The rest are all ready to go. I have only been doing repairs and alterations at the moment as Ive lost a bit of weight and hoping to lose more, but looking to start making things for my grandaughters now
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I’m not sure I should admit my list... pretty sure it’s 20+
Janome xl601 not used much but it’s the first one.
Pfaff overlocker which I break any time think I’m getting somewhere working out how to use it.
Singer 28k I use to mend things and sew on Velcro etc.
Jones Family CS x2
Essex miniature chainstitch machine
Singer 201k treadle
Singer 201k handcrank
Singer 201k add on motor style x2 used the most
Singer 201k aluminium add on motor used second most
Jones D65 I use for free motion quilting
Singer 12
Jones D68/69??
Brother 661 zig zag with Cams
New Home 921 I was gifted because I wanted its table for the Brother
Singer 20 chainstitch
Singer 20 chainstitch aluminium
Singer 99 knee operated (I forgot I had this until writing this post and checking my machine list!)
Singer 99 handcrank
Singer 66
Muller no.5?? Chainstitch
Singer 221 use if travelling places and want to do sewing.
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And a big house @Cheesecake ?
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No just no space to move in my sewing room.
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I think we have a winner! :o
Blimey O'Reilly @Cheesecake!
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@Cheesecake I thought I was bad! To be fair, they all specialise a bit.
My old pushbutton Pfaff is like another limb. When I use that, I don't think about the machine at all. Best for complicated repairs.
The QE4 is so heavy I can hardly lift it. Big harp space so ideal for big roman blinds. Might even use it for quilting if I ever finish the MMQ. It has useful decorative stitches and lettering.
Mid range Janome that I love for the buttonholes.
Overlockers- old one with a small freearm, Janome with easy rolled hem and knife that can be moved out of the way.
Babylock blind hemmer and a new heavy beast with a curved needle, very heavy and very fast. Beginning to regret this one.
Then the coverlock and a 350e embroidery machine.
Er, an old Bernina that I bought for the joy of the engineering. Feel happy using it on heavy stuff, even though mentally I know the modern motors can cope - except the Qe4 which complains it is overloaded. Brat.
Finally, a lovely little Featherweight with exquisite straight stitching.
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Today I read through the earlier pages.
The phrase that comes to mind is one I heard from a Geordie carpet fitter: "Step away from the cookie jar"
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The herd chez moi:
Bernina 930 bought new in 1984, an absolute rock, my desert island machine, and for a long time an only child
Bernina Virtuosa 150 QE made 1999, bought her second hand for quilting and reprogrammed her which was a thrill
Bernina 707 Minimatic I got because it was like my grandmother's that someone stupid gave away after she died
Singer 201k Mk2 handcrank from 1959 I got because it was like my mother's that was also given away :'(
Singer 99k handcrank/treadle from 1917 because she is so old and lovely and does the best straight stitch of any in the herd
Singer 431G (1964/5) free arm with chainstitch function, arrived stripped by the seller of any accessories or bits like a bobbin slider plate and foot controller so this is my restoration project in a small way for the next few weeks
Grain Mk2 a British made toy machine from 1963 that will do chain stitch and is very retro cute when she doesn't buck me off
('Collictivitis' now gaining quite a hold I think you can agree)
Elna Lotus SP from 1975, a little minx, still channelling the cute theme
Elna Supermatic 62C with a shedload of very sexy cams, and who wants a Necchi Supernova to come and live with her
Bernina MDA 1500 Overlocker, we are still working out who's boss, she and I
Janome Coverpro 2000 Coverstitch, we're good friends and whisper together about the overlocker when she's not looking
Janome Embellisher from someone very nice on this forum, being used to make C'mas decorations at the moment
Bernette b35 bought for daughters but surprisingly fun and up for it so she may join the breeding programme right here
I don't think I have missed any out, yet you can see I am a Necchi short but I can't decide which model - Supernova Automatica or Ultra? Grateful for any suggestions on that or another machine entirely.
ETA: I suggested a FW to myself that I came across purely by chance yesterday (yes, really) so the Necchi will have to wait. I said to myself for ages that a FW does hardly anything except straight stitch and look cute but suddenly all that was forgotten and I had to have it. OH to his enormous credit has not suggested that another must go to make space :*
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@Rhapso I'm interested to know what you are making with the embellisher. I have one but not managed to make anything with it yet :[
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I too have an embellisher I haven't managed to use yet. :S
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I'm almost afraid to look up what an embellisher does in case I decide I can't live without one -<.
Edit: Oh no, too late!
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I only have two: a Brother Inno-via 10a and my Mother's mechanical Singer. I did flirt with a overlocker, but no longer have it.
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I'm feeling rather melancholy tonight reading this thread as it has suddenly dawned on me that my children will probably send all my machines...modern and vintage...to the Charity Shop when I eventually drop off my perch. I almost wish I'd never got any of them, particularly my vintage lovelies.....my heart is kinda breaking over the inevitable. :(
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You never know what will happen between now and then, but even if they do, the machines will then meet up with their next loving owners.
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@rubywishes Neither of my daughters have any interest in sewing, so machines and fabric I have will be theirs to deal with. I do however have a very good friend who is a member on here and lives close by. He helps me out when physical limitations arise and with many other sewing issues. He spent a good few hours today sorting out an problem with a purchase I made which proved to be less desirable on receipt than photos and descriptions depicted.!
When I depart this mortal coil, he'll be there to sort out the machines/fabrics etc. etc. and will have first choice to acquire.
He's much younger than me so I trust he'll be here to enjoy the process.
Sorted. :)
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They're just things @rubywishes just things!!!
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@Rhapso I'm interested to know what you are making with the embellisher. I have one but not managed to make anything with it yet :[
I've been doing C'mas decorations such as little birds and reindeer cut out from embellished shapes then edged with crystals, and a border to go onto a woven scarf I made for DM who is having memory problems but loves anything with texture. I bought a case for my machine, otherwise it could still be living in the box it came in and possibly forgotten too.
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I have my Toyota EZ1 which has served me very well. I especially appreciate the automatic threader, and the slow speed function.
A couple of years ago I got Brother overlocker for $15 at a market but never managed to get as far as threading it. Just a few weeks ago I took it to a lady at my nearby shops who does dressmaking for help with it. She had a look and couldn't figure out how to do it so when I saw how hard it really was, and that it wasn't just me, I decided to buy a new simpler one. She said I should sell the Brother as it was a good machine so I tried that, but no takers so that's back in the shed.
A couple of weeks ago I got a Janome 8002dx overlocker. It was already threaded, so I've had a great time with it until tonight when I got a big mess of cotton stuck in the feed. Consequently it's now unthreaded and with needle plate and foot removed, waiting for me to get it back together tomorrow.
I wouldn't really need any more than these 2 machines.
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Pip, which Brother overlocker model is it? If it's the 1034D they're not as hard as they look and very worth having.
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A bit late to the party, haven’t felt too well recently. So, here is my list:
The Hong Kong residents:
Esmeralda the Pink - a basic John Lewis machine that hides a decent entry level Janome under the pink exterior
Bellatrix - a 1948 Singer 201 K, excellent for topstitching
Arabella - a 1929 Singer 66K hand crank
The residents in Thailand:
Bella - a 1955 Singer 222K (repainted pink)
Trixie - a 1954 Singer 221k black
Luella - a 1964 Singer 221K white
Isabella - a 1964 Singer 338K
I love all of them dearly, they give me joy. If and when we finally move to Thailand, I will probably part with Esmeralda the great and only take the vintage machines with me.
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Pip, which Brother overlocker model is it? If it's the 1034D they're not as hard as they look and very worth having.
It's Homelock11 760DE
What do you think?