They don't make em like they used to or why I love vintage

[sabrinat]

I thought I'd post about an experience I had yesterday that reinforced why I love vintage sewing machines. Now...this is not to slander any particular brand as I've been recently shopping for an embroidery only machine and have looked at them all. But I thought it was valid since a lot of mama's post about what machine should they get as a newbie. I always say start off with a good vintage machine. Here's the reason...Yesterday I sauntered into the Bernina store looking for a particular KS pattern, but while I was there I thought I'd check out the machines...the embroidery machine was spendy, but nice looking then I stepped over to the SM, they had little scraps for you to try out the stitches on. I've always coveted a Bernina...it's supposed to be one of the best, great Swiss quality and last forever w/beautiful stitches. The slogan is even Nothing Sews like a bernina, nothing. So I get there and I try the 1008 (the basic mostly metal electronic machine). It sounds wonderful, the ss is a bit wavy...I ask her, is this set for a straight stitch, she says yes. Hmmm...I move over to the activa 125, Sounds great, but again very wavy looking. Now I know that all zz machines have a bit of a wave to their ss becuz of the mechanism that allow for the zz, but I really expected better. I kept the scrap and came home took out my Rocky (singer 503) and sewed a straight seam...beautiful almost no wave. How did they do it? I can't believe that this relic (50 years at least) could sew a more perfect looking stitch then a spendy new supposedly superior european brand. Now, I just share this to say sometimes a treasure might look like a piece of coal, but when you polish it off, you've really got a diamond. When you're out looking for your beginner machine and you see something that might need a TLC, think about that perfect seam I sewed up and take a chance on an old girl

[Sharondio]

Does the Rocky do a ZZ?

I do know that quilters in particular are very picky about a straight stitch and will go to great lengths to procure vintage machines because they *don't* have ZZ.

I don't think they make modern machines without ZZ. Maybe they should!

[sabrinat]

Originally Posted by Sharondio

Does the Rocky do a ZZ?

I do know that quilters in particular are very picky about a straight stitch and will go to great lengths to procure vintage machines because they *don't* have ZZ.

I don't think they make modern machines without ZZ. Maybe they should!

Yes, it does a zz, but the 503 requires a "0" cam to do a zz. I also have 401 that I'm rehabbing and it too has a beautiful ss, the 503 and 401 are essentially the same with the 401 having the stitches built in and the 503 requiring cams. I think singer had some formula for their machines until the 70's. If you look on ebay, it's amazing what the vintage singers go for especially the featherweights. The straight stitch really is lovely.
I've just been sewing a christmas present for ds, 8 layers of fabric, including 4 layers of denim and it was like butter.

[FillingMyQuiver]

I my vintage machine. I have a Diana (Singer 560), it was introduced in 1977, and I've been able to sew through EVERYTHING w/ it. I don't know much about ss and zz and the wave you're talking about, but I do know this...
I've seen quite a few mamas say how when they're making leather soft soled shoes they have to manually turn their machines when they get to the part of sewing through 6 layers. When I get to that part of the shoe, my machine just slides right through it w/ not problem, *like butter*, as you put it
My mom bought this machine used before I was born, I learned to sew on this machine, and she had it serviced and gave it to me as a b-day gift this year so I could start *really* sewing. It's FANTASTIC!!! LOVE vintage AND it's so well made, sturdy, runs smoothly....

[mamarhu]

I'll second all of the above!!

For sale only in developing countries (as far as I know), Singer still makes a treadle machine! It is absolutely fantastic - perfect stitch, the ultimate speed control once you get used to it, I just love it! No frills, but a workhorse at what it does. I got mine for $60 in a table, 7 years ago, in Central America. I wish that sort of thing were more readily available in the US. Buy what you need and nothing more.

[Shantimama]

Another good thing I have heard about Singer is that you can get replacement parts for them forever. Janome , etc have some great machines, but apparently 10 - 20 years down the road you can't count on being able to get a replacement part, whereas with Singer you can get replacements for decades. That makes a difference in a big purchase like that!

I have a Singer Quantum 9940 and it does a lovely straight stich as well as the fun decorative ones.

[sabrinat]

Originally Posted by Shantimama

Another good thing I have heard about Singer is that you can get replacement parts for them forever. Janome , etc have some great machines, but apparently 10 - 20 years down the road you can't count on being able to get a replacement part, whereas with Singer you can get replacements for decades. That makes a difference in a big purchase like that!

I have a Singer Quantum 9940 and it does a lovely straight stich as well as the fun decorative ones.

I've heard the same thing...and know from experience that I haven't any problem getting parts for my singers. I remember looking at a Viking and the sales person basically telling me that after 20-25 years they stop making the parts for particular machines and that if I purchased an older used machine from her I might not be able to get parts for it later. She might have wanted to sell me a new pricier machine, but it made me not want to buy that machine or any other viking. I know that I'll be able to give my dd one of my singers when she's older...that's if I can bare to part with it

[Amatullah]

I too am all about vintage machines. My sewing machine is a vintage Bernina Nova 900. Simple yet such a workhorse! I absolutely love it. Those cheap plastic machines have nothing on my metal bernina!

[PumpkinSeeds]

I didn't know that, but it makes sense. I hate quilting on my machine because the straight stitch is always a bit wavy. Very frustrating!

Originally Posted by Sharondio

I do know that quilters in particular are very picky about a straight stitch and will go to great lengths to procure vintage machines because they *don't* have ZZ.

[sapphire_chan]

Can someone post a picture of the differences between the wavy ss done on a zz machine and straight ss done on a non-zz machine?

Because I have a basic machine that was the cheapest available that had a zz stitch and I never thought of the ss stitching as "wavy". So the question is, is it actually not wavy or am I just not seeing it (most likely).

[p.s]

I love my Bernina 910. I had the 1010 for a backup but hated the sound and feel, so sold it on ebay.

[sabrinat]

I too am all about vintage machines. My sewing machine is a vintage Bernina Nova 900. Simple yet such a workhorse! I absolutely love it. Those cheap plastic machines have nothing on my metal bernina!

Oh you lucky lady! The 800-900 series Bernies are much loved for their beautiful stitching. Hang on to that treasure!

Can someone post a picture of the differences between the wavy ss done on a zz machine and straight ss done on a non-zz machine?

Because I have a basic machine that was the cheapest available that had a zz stitch and I never thought of the ss stitching as "wavy". So the question is, is it actually not wavy or am I just not seeing it (most likely).

I can't post a pix (digi cam challenged) But, I can try and describe it for you. A machine that does has a zz has to enable the zz to do a ss. Usually it does that by shortening the zz (at least that's what I was told) since it's really a variation of a zz, you get a bit of a wave. A ss is just that you could line a ruler up and it would look straight without any bit of a wave. You might have a pretty good ss even if it's not perfectly straight. I have a much nicer ss on my PC 6000 than on any of the Bernina's I tried out, but most people would think a Bernina would give you a much better looking stitch simply by virtue of rep and $$$. However, my best looking stitches are from my vintage machines (I have a bunch, necchi, pfaff, singer, kenmore, Montgomery Ward)

[sapphire_chan]

So I can check it out by holding a ruler against the stitches? What's happening is that instead of ---- you get a slight /\/\ effect? (Shallower, of course.)

Thanks!

I have a newish Kenmore, I'm curious to see how it compares.

[sabrinat]

Originally Posted by sapphire_chan

So I can check it out by holding a ruler against the stitches? What's happening is that instead of ---- you get a slight /\/\ effect? (Shallower, of course.)

Thanks!

I have a newish Kenmore, I'm curious to see how it compares.

Yeah, although I've heard you can run a piece of paper through w/o thread and then take straight edge dowe the stitches, the wave is stuff to the outside of straight line, kwim.

Your newish Kenmore is probably made by Janome...a very good company and well liked. I imagine you have a fairly nice looking stitch and if it hasn't bothered you before I wouldn't worry about it. If you become a quilter and are a perfectionist then you might purchase a straightstitch only machine, but for everyday use, especially garments you'll be glad you have the zz, wave or no wave.

[sapphire_chan]

Oh, this is purely an intellectual activity. I'm very specifically *not* taking up quilting. Cuts down on my guilt when I toss a scrap of fabric, you know.

[PumpkinSeeds]

The horror!

I'm actually making a small quilt from scraps at the moment...

Originally Posted by sapphire_chan

Oh, this is purely an intellectual activity. I'm very specifically *not* taking up quilting. Cuts down on my guilt when I toss a scrap of fabric, you know.

[sapphire_chan]

I still have a rubbermaid tote (one of the umpteen gallon ones) full of scraps. I should make a patchwork quilt.

[sabrinat]

Originally Posted by sapphire_chan

I still have a rubbermaid tote (one of the umpteen gallon ones) full of scraps. I should make a patchwork quilt.

You can make some really beautiful scrap quilts. There are people who sale/trade scraps for just that purpose.

[MonkeyAndOtterMom]

ive been promised a red eye singer 66. i cant wait till its done with its rehad so i can try it, the ole lady passing it down says she loved it and it will probably stitch on forever! i am a beg quilter so the straight is all i need it for

[Shantimama]

I just bought some inexpensive rubbermade type containers with drawers to sort my scraps by colour. I have the makings of some great applique quilts!