Ever since I started sewing I have always used modern day mostly-made -of-plastic sewing machines. Usually the cheapest one I can find. I won't lie. I am a bad sewing machine mama. I use the hell out of them and never take them in for service. About every 3 months I do carefully take my machine apart, give it a good cleaning and oiling but that's about it.
The average lifespan of a plastic modern sewing machine in my house is 3 years. I could always take my broken down machines in for repair (I've got three sitting in the garage, lol) but the cost of repair usually ends up more then I paid for the machine in the first place. My current machine, a Brother CE-5000 is on its last leg. Yesterday the feeddog decided it no longer wanted to play and is now permanently stuck in the down position making it almost impossible to sew even stitches. I told my husband I needed a new machine and he said ok, but this time get a good one. So I started to research around the internet to find out what model is considered a good one.
Behold the Singer 401a Slant-O-matic. This my friends, is the good one. (At least I *hope* it is.) This time around I am not going to rush out to Target/Walmart/Joanns and buy another modern machine like I usually do. Even if it is an upgraded model with all the computerized fancy pants stitches there is no point if I am just going to wear it out in three years! In my research this past week I have learned that one of the best longest lasting workhorse machines was this one made by Singer from 1956 through the early 60s. Unlike most machines it is gear driven instead of using a belt. I found a wealth of information about it here on the wonderful Sew-Classic blog. (Check it out!)
So yesterday I took the plunge and bid on one on Ebay and won! I paid a heck of a lot less then I would on a brand new machine and not only am I getting a more durable well made machine but a vintage one from the 50s! (Even better!) The one pictured above is now in the mail and on the way to me. This machine I promise to treat right. It is a vintage treasure that I will baby and keep running forever. I can't wait to use it!
5 comments:
yay!
so this is where the magic happens.
way to go,I been wanting a 50's sewing machine,I seen them at the boot sales but I have no romm for now.
ooh this sewing machine looks fabulous, i hope it is indeed 'a good one'! Im a sewing machine novice, so im too scared to get 'a good one' in case i break it :/
I love ebay for bargains too :)
in response to your question over on my blog (re comfort food shepherdess pie recipe ) i use either corn canned in water, or the frozen variety just because im lazy lol, but i think any kind will work well in the recipe :)
sam x
oooh how exciting! I have always used modern machines and I also never get mine serviced or look after them at all, it's shameful! However as I sew more I think more and more about treating it right!
I love your Singer, I have a similar one but I think its slightly older as it doesnt have as much going on......hope you have fun sewing on it
Congrats! I have a '64 Bernina and I love it! These old steal machines are BEASTS!
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