Sewing machines?????????

I have an original Singer sewing machine that belonged to my grandmother. It operates by foot pedal. I think, in the 1920s she had it modified to be semi electric. The last time it was used was probably 50 years ago, by me, and I don't remember if it I used the electric function or not. It's the same as jujube describes above.
 

Back in the early 1970s, I made myself a shirt just to prove to myself that I could. Created my own pattern, bought the materials, and did all of the work. Apropos of the times, it was made of hopsack fabric, had belled sleeves and a Nehru collar (yeah, my short lived "hippie" period). It came out well. Wasn't that difficult. I've never made a thing since.
 
fuzzybuddy said:
I was watching one of those 70s game shows. One of the prizes was a brand new sewing machine. When was the last time you noticed a sewing machine in someone's home? When I was a kid, my mom had a sewing machine. Back then, a sewing machine was the symbol of a good home. It was something you had to have. My mom rarely used it. In the 70s, she got a brand new one, which she rarely used. She got rid of it after I left home. I'm sure some have a sewing machine, but most of the rest of the nation doesn't. A symbol of domesticity bites the dust!!!!
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This is funny. I bought a sewing machine at a yard sale across the road.

I use it almost constantly. Today I bought a zipper at Walmart for $4.50.

I'm going to replace the one on one of my favorite jackets.

I bought the original machine when I moved into my apartment. There were no curtains on the windows.

I taught myself how to make the curtains and I even have sheers which let the light in with privacy.

I never have to pay a tailor when I buy pants. And it's not the money. It's the time involved. Take them there, get measured, pick them up.

Now. Take them home. Shorten them. Wear them.

My mother had a machine. I used to stand by and watch her sew embroidery designs and that was with a pedal machine.

I also have a golf vest that is too loose. I'm going to alter it so it fits.

It's fun.
 

A friend called me last week to ask if she could use my sewing machine. She got rid of hers a few years ago.

I used to sew a lot; I made all my maternity tops, kids' Halloween costumes, etc. Seems like nowadays fabric costs more than ready made clothing so I don't bother with it except for occasional repairs or alterations.
 
001 (800x600).jpgI posted last year that I bought a sewing machine on impulse. My mom sewed but
I never had an interest in learning.Last year I managed a simple blouse . I recently dragged it out again and am attempting to make curtains. The photo shows what was my dining room. From all this mess I have created one small curtain. I have 6 more to go. This may even spill into the living room before I'm done. Lucky we aren't expecting company.
 
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It is stinking hot over here at the moment. As I type this I am wearing a broderie anglaise nightie that I made myself. It is very cool and respectable enough that if someone turns up at the front door, which is wide open, I won't be too embarrassed while making the dash for the bedroom.

To get a suitable pattern I simply unpicked a favourite store bought nightie that had expired. I do that now with other favourite items. The results are very satisfactory.
 
Warrigal said:
I have two. The old one, a Brother, needs a service and that usually costs me around $110 to $120. Late last year I saw new Elna machines on sale for $99, so I bought one. I kept using the old one until last week when I decided to unpack the Elna and set it up. Followed all of the instructions and it is faulty. The motor whirrs but the mechanism doesn't engage. I now have to take it back to the store and wait while they send it back to the manufacturer. Meanwhile, the old Brother is back in place in the spare room.
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Follow up.

I took the 'faulty' machine back to the shop today. I explained the problem and told the shop assistant that if she plugged it in she would see the problem - the motor activates but the needle doesn't move.

Wouldn't you know it? It behaved perfectly.

I exclaimed that I should be happy but I felt such a fool. She was very nice and packed it all away for me with a smile.
I did come home with some new lengths of broderie anglaise to make a couple of new nighties.

Now... about that old Singer overlocker...
 
Interesting to see those who still do some sewing if only repair and those who don't. I never do alterations or hemming pants as this can be very tiresome and exacting. We take them to a lady who has a large shop and can knock things out in a few days for about $10. As far as the future, who knows. I gave my 1st embroidery machine to a woman who was teaching inner city girls to sew and they had fun with the embroidery. Today's machines are mostly electronic and can do crazy fun stuff but I doubt they will last as long as the old mechanical Singers. Just like cars, some electronic part usually dies first and repairs are expensive. Unless every broken thing gets tossed out in the future, repair people may be a constant need.
 

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