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Messages - KayK

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226
Sewing Machines / Lightweight machine to take to classes
« on: February 16, 2020, 14:18:51 PM »
Oh here I go again, on the whim for yet another machine!

I started in September a 2 year course (with a potential for another 2 years after that) in Creative stitch and patchwork.  it involves a lot of design work and a fair bit of class time sewing a host of techniques.  I am a pretty competent sewer and machine user, but the course is great and the camaraderie is second to none!  It is for a whole day each week, and there is enough 'homework' to keep me sewing for the rest of the week, with an assessment piece at the end of each term.

Now, problem, (although DH says it is not a problem!)  is having a machine to take.  I have two Bernina's - one 25 year old 1260 which, although working perfectly, is a little fragile, and a 550QE which i'd rather not take as it is pretty heavy, and am slightly bothered about it being bounced around in the car as I travel on windy 'B'roads.

I did (stupidly) buy a seriously cheap mechanical Toyota which was awful - never knew where the needle was going to drop, and it had only 3 stitch lengths, no satin stitch, no dropping of feed dogs.  My poor tutor has never heard so much language!  I had to use her machine as mine was just not up to the job.  I have to say I have sold it and it's new owner loves it.

So folks, I am partly torn by a second hand machine again, but now have doubts about whether it will be good enough, or if it needs a service that will all add to the cost, - or - do I buy a new lightweight which has at least a guarantee.

I shall only be using it for classes, but a high standard of work is almost expected, and need something fairly compact.  I have weighed both Berninas and all their gubbins that I need to take with me, and they come in at 15.5kg!

I have an (unhelpful) DH and I have to carry it downstairs and load it into the car.  I sometimes have a (short) walk to the class from the car park, and reverse, and I have having to unpack the lot when I get home again as I use them both and need the flipping accessories etc!

I really dont want to spend much money (£250 top whack) .  It does need to drop feed dogs, have a decent satin stitch and possibly use a walking foot.  Dont need an automatic threader.  would like needle up/down.

All suggestions gratefully received and it would be interesting to hear what others use!  (my classmates all have new/newish Janome's and one has an enormous Brother!)

227
Sewing Machines / Re: What to Trade in for New SM
« on: February 16, 2020, 14:01:22 PM »
I think I would trade in the 570, as there are some similarities with your potential purchase!  The other two Bernina's will go on for ever so I would keep them.  Both of them seem to fetch reasonable prices on Facebook Marketplace if you have decided to sell them!  I have sold a couple of machines via Facebook marketplace and they have sold extremely quickly!

228
Sewing Machines / Re: Bernina SM Prices
« on: February 16, 2020, 13:55:05 PM »
I bought a 2nd hand 1260 for £85, and had it serviced as it was a little tricky - that cost another £90, but money well spent.  It is still going strong and the engineer reckons it has a lot of life left in it.  I treated myself to a 2nd hand 550QE from a dealer and it is fine, but I have to say the stitch quality still isn't as perfect as the old one!  I too have found variable prices for Bernina - I think they 'upgrade' models fairly quickly too so that might have something to do with it.  I sometimes think I would like to upgrade too, but they are eye- wateringly  expensive now.  I'd quite like one that has an auto thread cutter - my Juki has one and it is brilliant!  The 550QE did come with a stitch regulator, but I sold it as my free motion (big head moment!) is pretty good and I found it far too controlling!

Good luck with whatever you decide, It sure is a minefield!

229
Welcome Lounge and Information / Re: Important!!! Please Read!!!!!
« on: February 05, 2020, 12:31:00 PM »
Thank you indeed!

230
I sometimes use one of those seriously cheap and basic one for threading hand needles - work a treat for pennies!  I have even been known to twist two ends of piece of thing fuse wire together to make a loop!

231

Just because a machine is a Bernina doesn't necessarily mean it's a good specimen. The high (inflated) prices sometimes delude the naive buyers.

Very true.  Back in the 70's a lot of sewing machines in schools and colleges were Bernina as they were thought to be the most reliable and repairable - however I wouldn't want to buy one as I reckon they had serious mischief done to them by some pupils!

I am constantly amazed by the prices asked for some Singer Featherweights - I have seen £600 being asked.  That is of course not to say that it sold for that much. 

232
There are a certain amount of sewing machines that I have sold or Part Ex-ed that I wouldn't want to use again, including some 1970's Singers, which I have seen classed as 'semi-industrial'!  The one I did regret letting go was a Janome Memory Craft - I needed to raise some funds for a hefty vet bill  :(


233
In the wardrobe / Re: Seven major looks for 2020
« on: January 04, 2020, 19:36:26 PM »
Oh gosh! Two of those bags look like items from my stables!  One looks like a hay net  and the other looks like a 'tub trug' which I use for water!

Tangerine is a very difficult colour to wear.  Like the look of the leather but no doubt will be horrendously expensive. 

234
For Sale, Wanted & Free to a good home / Immaculate Singer 401G for sale!
« on: January 03, 2020, 12:11:04 PM »
Ive only now gone and sold it within minutes of it being advertised on a facebook site!

I am now selling my Singer 401G.  I am having a cull of machines, too many and now not enough space for them!

This machine is immaculate inside and out, and sews like a demon.  It has lovely balanced stitches, five extra cams for more decorative stitches, and a whole range of feet, including a walking foot, ruffler foot, free motion foot, clear foot, and zip foot. It has its original accessories case and handbook, but it does have a new foot pedal and plug. 

235
Vintage Machines / Singer 401G
« on: January 03, 2020, 12:07:45 PM »
Well blow me, if I haven't gone and sold it within minutes of it appearing on a facebook site! It has now been posted off to its new owner!


I shall put this on the sales page as well, but I am now selling my Singer 401G.  I am having a cull of machines, too many and now not enough space for them!

This machine is immaculate inside and out, and sews like a demon.  It has lovely balanced stitches, five extra cams for more decorative stitches, and a whole range of feet, including a walking foot, ruffler foot, free motion foot, clear foot, and zip foot. It has its original accessories case and handbook, but it does have a new foot pedal and plug to comply with today's regulations.  It runs smoothly and accurately, and I only wish they made machines like it now.

As it is all metal (apart from the bottom which comes off if you wish to put it in a table) it is very heavy - just a warning!

It never had a case when it was in my ownership.  I would prefer collection, but will post if necessary.  I am asking £125 for it.

These are a real workhorse and collectors item! 

236
Vintage Machines / Re: Overlocker?
« on: December 27, 2019, 08:23:21 AM »
What an amazing bit of kit! I almost want one, just becuase.........I do!

I have a Brother 1034D pretty basic, about 15 years old, but it just does what it supposed to do with the minimum of fuss.  Quite fast tho!  It's all mechanical, bit of a whatnot to thread until you get the hang of it, but a surprisingly sturdy, basic 4 thread overlocker.

237
I've had a further look at his post and he seriously isn't doing himself any favours for his 'bricks and mortar' shop!  I certainly wouldn't buy anything from him!  To reduce any potential damage I would have simply removed the ad, then reworded it!

I had an issue with someone who was selling a saddle, using my photos and words.....eBay did leap upon it when I pointed it out, and I would have thought a Facebook admin would have stepped in by now.

I think there is a case of "emperors new clothes" going on these days - rather a lot of the old machines seem to be advertised for extortionate amounts of money......there is no way of telling how much wear and tear they have had.  I have only ever paid peanuts for my old machines, and have been very lucky so far.  Going by his prices, my old Bernina 1260, which is brilliant, must be worth around £3000! (I paid £85 for it!).

Oh well, I'll keep on watching.

238
Reply by sasewingmachines (03-Jul-19 15:56):
Rude, arrogant, impatient & ignorant, 3rd party issue - damaged in transit

So, this is the reply he sent for his negative feedback!

There is another site which sells horrendously expensive second hand machines of the same description......
I have no doubt they are well serviced, but........

https://www.sewing4everyone.com/product-category/type/semi-industrial-sewing-machines/?fbclid=IwAR1S8f7Vh9qRKmeQIOjdNRTT-CS2zZYvh3L57YR2IQ0VgE3JIwYsXYfGX50


239
Lacking expertise, I am going to ask you for a bit more detail.  I imagine that a machine is either industrial grade or it isn’t.  Am I making the correct assumption?
You are indeed!  A lot of 'sellers' describe the old metal bodied machines as 'semi-industrial' I think in the hope that the older machines will appeal to a potential (novice) buyer.

240
OOOO....it's all getting stroppy out there!

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1730433007257745/2232816817019359/?sale_post_id=2232816817019359&comment_id=2232821217018919&reply_comment_id=2233567240277650&notif_id=1576776026926540&notif_t=group_comment_reply

A chap is describing a machine as "Semi-industrial" (which we know there is no such thing) and there are several replies!  It does annoy me when people do this for sales - I'm sure a lot of people out there buy one mistakenly thinking they can be used for continuous heavy work.  I know two bods who have purchased this 'type' - usually old metal bodied machines and expect them to cope with heavy repairs to horse rugs, and making dog beds and to sew through many layers of webbing, and both have been disappointed as they expected to make a business out of their services.  The old machines might cope with it on a few occasions, but not for long!

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