My name is Leslie and I am addicted to sewing machines. Because of this I feel compelled to share The Shocking Truth About My Sewing Machine Obsession.
I’m sure many of you have a fabric stash that will extend far beyond your life expectancy. But, how many of you have a sewing machine stash that will live past the grave?
Well, at this moment, I’m ashamed to admit, that’s me.
Currently in my sewing room I am in possession of five sewing machines and three sergers. Before you schedule an intervention, I need to explain.
Three of the machines belong to my Mom. A few years ago she started losing her vision and stopped sewing. In November we moved my parents to a senior apartment near my sister, and I brought the machines to my house. I have no idea what to do with them.
The rest belong to me.
Let’s review, shall we.
The Pfaff:
My Mom’s Pfaff Tiptronic 2030. This was my Mom’s dream sewing machine that she purchased about 15 years ago when she retired. It’s an excellent machine that works as well as it did when she bought it. One of the best features is the Pfaff IDF – Integrated Dual Feed (built-in walking foot). At the time, this feature was still under the Pfaff patent and only available on Pfaff’s. The patent has since expired, so several manufacturers now include this feature on new machines.
The Pfaff has all of those truly awesome features you want on a machine:
- IDF – Integrated Dual Feed
- Needle Up/Down
- Needle Repositioning
- Buttonhole Setting
- Huge selection of presser feet
- Semi-Automatic Needle threader
- A ton of utility and decorative stitches
Two things that are not on this machine are a knee lifter and thread cutter. It’s kind of a trade-off. IDF instead of a knee lifter. Kind of hard to choose which I prefer.
Since my Mom is no longer able to sew due to seriously declining health issues, I now have the machine. It’s about as solid as they come, and I’m not sure what to do here. My Mom loves this machine and I hate to part with it – but I can’t see keeping it forever, either. I’m hoping one of my nieces will want to learn to sew and this machine would be an awesome first machine.
The Singer:
This machine was a bit of a surprise. Here it was sitting on a table in my Mom’s sewing room {which could be considered a sewing hoarders mess}. I have no idea when she purchased it or if she ever used it. It looks brand new. My guess is she bought it to take to classes because the Pfaff weighs a ton.
Anyway, I had to look on the back to find out that this is a Singer E99670 (affiliate) and my Mom probably purchased it at Joann’s. All in all, it’s not too shabby.
One of the first things I look for in a sewing machine is a solid base. Who wants their sewing machine to move or tip when sewing, right? Well, this one has a solid base and a 35 stitches. I think that it would be a great first machine and isn’t too expensive.
Here are a few features:
- 35 Built-in stitches
- Semi-automatic needle threader
- Button hole attachment
- Adjustable stitch width
- Includes 4 feet: All Purpose, Buttonhole, Button-sewing (darning), and Zipper
There is no sentimental connection to this machine since no one even knew it existed {including my Dad}. I will probably sell it soon. If you live in the Austin area, shoot me an email ~ I’ll make you a great deal!
The Kenmore:
The Kenmore 158.19412. Yes, that’s really the name and model number: 158.10412.
I always say this was my first machine, but technically, I had a small Singer that I got for Christmas when I was age 12. It only did straight stitch and zigzag. But, this was the machine I sewed on for 30 years.
When I was a newlywed back in 1978, my husband took me to Sears and told me I could pick out a new machine as long as it didn’t cost too much. This was the one I picked. I think we put it on a Sears credit card and paid it off in monthly installments. #pooryoungandstupid
It’s all metal and not a lick of plastic to be found anywhere. It was made in Japan and during that era they were turning out high-quality machines {which I didn’t know at the time}. It is so well built that I am sure it will outlast me. I think I hold on to it because I know if all of the other fancy machines fail me, this one will still be sewing.
This machine has been able to handle most sewing, including buttonholes. Because it is all mechanical, I’ve been able to find and fix issues ~ most were related to thread residue or lack of oil.
Like I said it’s a solid machine that still works. I should probably sell it. Or not. I just can’t decide.
The Berninas:
The 240:
I’ve had this machine about five or six years. Talk about a workhorse. I bought it because I was sewing and selling aprons on Etsy and my Babylock Allure (since gifted to Kitty) wasn’t powerful enough. This machine is small in size, but it really does it all. It has everything a sewist could want.
- 256 Built-in Stitches
- 5 Buttonhole styles and the super awesome Bernina Automatic Buttonhole maker w/memory
- 10 Quilting Stitchs
- 3 Alphabets
- Free Hands System (Knee Lifter)
- LED Lighting
- Front load CB Bobbin for stitch perfection (and I mean perfection)
- Bernina DC 2-speed motor (sew with this and you’ll understand)
This is one of those machines that is almost perfect. It never misses a stitch and will sew over anything. I always say I’m never getting rid of this machine. It’s so reliable. In reality, I wouldn’t really every need another machine.
Yea, right! Y’all know me better than that.
The 640:
I call this machine, My Boyfriend. I was sewing on the B 240 (see above) and embroidering on the Babylock and sew, sew satisfied. At the time Bernina had just come out with the 800 series machines that cost around $10K. Not.in.my.budget.
I was wishfully thinking I might like a higher end machine to replace the Babylock and sought the advice of a friend. She suggested I look at the 600 and the 700 series machines from Bernina. They had a bunch of top-notch features. Once I looked over them all, I settled on the 640 as a machine that would meet my needs.
Since so many people were trading in their older machines for the new 800’s I asked the gals at Sew Much More (Austin, TX) if they’d let me know when a 640 became available. A slightly used version of this machine was really all I’d need. I had set aside some funds and was waiting for the call.
Then, in July 2010, while celebrating my grandson’s birthday one of the sales gals called and said they had a used 640 for me. We wrapped up the party and headed up to the store. When I got there, the machine was no longer available – and the sales gal had mistakenly given me the wrong information. Everyone was let down.
But not for long. I had purchased three machines from Sew Much More over the last three years and the owner of the store wanted to fix this. That Monday they called me and said they would order me the 640 with the embroidery unit and Bernina Stitch Regulator for 40% off.
And two weeks later I had a brand new 640. #sometimesihavetopinchmyself
Three Sergers:
When I wrote that it looked like Three Stooges. And, I’d have to be a stooge to have three sergers, right?
Like the sewing machines, one belongs to my Mom and is in excellent condition. One was my first serger and one is my new serger.
Serger 1:
The Babylock 5280E. Back in 1990 when I purchased this serger it was at the top of the line. Babylock had been making home sergers for a few years, and this one was a super deluxe model ~ with 4 threads!
At the time I was making a lot of clothes for my two girls and a serger was just what I needed. It was an excellent investment. Cloth World (remember them?) and Babylock had a deal. The first 3 people on a certain day would get this serger for half off. I went, I stood in line, and I got my serger.
This serger works as well as it did the day I purchased it. Contrary to what many think, it’s really not that hard to thread. There is a guide on the inside of the case that you flip open.
Everything I learned about serging I learned on this machine. It’s a real workhorse and I consider it my backup serger, but really I should just sell it. I have more than gotten my money’s worth.
Serger 2:
The Babylock Protege. This is my Mom’s serger. I’ve never sewn on it so I can’t say much about it. I would guess that my Mom purchased this sometime in the late 90s or early 2000s.
If you compare side-by-side you can see that this machine isn’t much different that my 5280E. After reviewing the manual, I realized that most of the functions are the same as my older machine. You would still need to adjust the tension to get a perfect stitch. The seam width dial is almost the same. The way you convert from 4-to-3-to-2 thread serging is almost identical.
It does look a little easier to thread. And it has this Free Arm Feature. I will probably be selling it soon.
Serger 3:
The Babylock Evolution. I purchased this serger to replace my 5280E. I was sewing and selling aprons on Etsy and this serger was an investment. Sew Much More was having an end of the year sale. It was New Year’s Eve a few years back and Mr. SH thought I should buy myself a new serger since I was sewing several aprons a day.
It was the end of the day. We walked in, paid for it, and it was mine. And, we got a great deal.
I know that this isn’t a perfect machine, but it sure comes close. It also has some pretty awesome extra features:
- Jet Air Threading (put the thread in the hole, push a button, and the loopers are threaded ~ worth every penny)
- Automatic Tension (as in you never have to set the tension dials ~ Oh! Happy Day!)
- 87 Stitch Combinations (although I use fewer than 10)
- Cover Stitch (this is that double stitch hem you see on knits)
- Chain Stitch (look inside a woven garment and see the chain stitch serger seam)
- Wavy Stitch (something I think I like but never use)
I love this serger. It sews like a dream and was worth every penny I paid for it. I would recommend it to anyone looking to update a serger. If you’ve never used a serger before, then you may want to find a used one (I have a couple I’m willing to sell!) and learn to serge. Then step up to this one.
As far as serger brands go, I only recommend Babylock because they are so reliable and trouble-free. I have sewn on some other high-end sergers and they didn’t even come close to the consistency of my 5280E and Evolution. I’m sure other brands are equally as awesome, but that Jet Air Threading is amazing.
Now you understand why I have 8 sewing machines. And, I have to tell you something that I know will sound crazy.
I’ve been looking at purchasing another machine! The Juki TL2010Q. Am I insane, or what?
Fess up ~ how many machines do you have. I can’t be the only one with 8 machines.
Wow, 8 machines. I can only dream. I had 3 until last week but finances dictate I sell one. Really, I didn’t need two sewing machines when one of them does everything I need. I still would love to have 8 though.
I am in a similar position to you, except I only have one overlocker. I’d love a quilting machine. /when we move this month and I have a sewing room i’ll be on the lookout haha
I have:
4 Pfaff 1222/1222E/1222SE – two are in Alberta – for me to use when I visit my DD – did have one more but I sold it to another Pfaff 1222 nut
Singer FW 222 (used to have another one and 2 221FW)
Singer 201 in cabinet – was my grandmother’s – learned to sew on it
Singer 301 – picked up for a song – came with the zigzag attachment
Singer 347 – was just a paperweight when I purchased but between my DH & I got it running – hand wheel was jammed and it needed new belts
Janome QE8400 – purchased to replace my initial Pfaff1222 – has lots of embroider stitches – only reason I’m keeping it – FOR NOW
Babylok serger – not sure whether I like it or not – more into quilting now
and I won a rather basic Janome which my DD uses
I have all the sewing machines to use for 4-H sewing projects which I lead
That’s my excuse and I’m sticking to it.
Thinking of selling the 8400 and replacing it with a Pfaff Passport and possibly selling the FW 222 as I’m not using it to its potential IF I can find a reasonably priced 221.
🙂
Wow – we sound SO much alike!! I have a few machines myself!
Singer Athena 1000 – my first “expensive” machine – now sits in my garage. It was running last time I used it though!!
Bernina 730 – my first Bernina machine and I fell in love with them!
Bernina 830 – so many have had problems with this machine, but mine is truly a workhorse – I was blessed with this machine!
BabyLock Ellisimo – Just had to have this after sewing on one at American Embroidery Conference a few years ago.
Janome – ?? Small machine with built in stitches that I have relinquished to my daughter so that I won’t have to stitch up all their “boo-boos” – ask me how that’s working out for me!
BabyLock Evolution Serger – I absolutely LOVE this serger with that air threading!!!
Had a Bernina serger for about 20 years and gifted it to my best sewing buddy! I never could thread that thing!!
Oh, and a pedal machine that I bought at a flea market and had refurbished. And it still works – but just sits and looks beautiful!!
And they say boys have toys!! LOL I love to think of my machines as power tools – with thread!!
Brenda
My sister is like that. She owned a sewing shop and when it closed she took all the machines home with her. I got a Pfaff from her, but I am not sure how many she has left.
I have an Ult2000 sewing/embroidery machine(I love the sewing on this machine), a white sewing machine (It is older but sews great)…A BL Serger, the Imagine, a BL Coverstitch and a Husqvarna Felter (which I seldom use)…I too would like that Juki..I am going to take a look at it soon but I would have to sell one of the other machines.
Got my Kenmore, like yours above, in 1982. It is a trooper and I know I it will last forever. I also have the Kenmore I inherited from my mom. Haven’t used it but hope to learn about all the cams as I now have two granddaughters to sew for. Gave a cousin my grandmother’s Kenmore that was a knee treadle machine–think it was made of cast iron! Took 2 people to move it anywhere. That one is also still going strong.
Hi Susan:
I would love to see a picture of your Kenmore with the Cams. I had one and used it for 25 years. It was not sewing correctly and everyone told me to take it into a sewing shop and have it cleaned. I took it somewhere where the man was inexperienced and the first time I sewed with it the shaft bent. I was so upset I threw it out. I kick myself almost daily! I bought a Pfaff and make quilt tops on it, but it is useless for buttonholes, etc.
I currently have 5 machines.
Singer Featherweight – this was my 8th grade graduation present, $25 used. Can’t sell!
Bernina 1230 – great machine, my workhorse until 3 yrs ago when I bought a…
Babylock Ellisimo. Really enjoy using this one.
Sergers:
Babylock (not sure of model). I like the needle threader esp.
Elna Pro DC 5 I will not get rid of this one (even tho it doesn’t have a needle threader). Love this serger!
But, alas, I still want a Babylock Evolution. But I may settle for just adding a cover-stitch machine to the collection since that is the function I’m wanting most.
I have 4 machines. They all do something different. A pfaff sewing machine, (thats going to be replaced soon), a babylock serger, a pfaff mega quilter on a frame, and my newest baby, a babylock coverstitch. Now thats a machine you should check out!! It does the stretchy hem stitch……and this machine doesnt skip a stitch…ever. I’m no dealer, just a sewist. Im so in love with this machine, and cant get enough stuff to hem!!
I would be will to purchase any of the servers or sewing machines! I do not own a serger, however, would really like to have one for all the sewing I do. My only machine is no slouch but is old Pfaff 1473CD bought in Germany. A newer one with more quilting stitches and embroidery on it would be ideal. I live in Arkansas and could meet half way, maybe? By the way, I am very serious! :-))
I do also. I have my great grandmothers, another I snagged an antique from an extreme discount local place (it had all the attachments AND the original manual), and one, after I moved and didn’t bring a single machine with, at a yardsale for 15 bucks. I love my machines, and can justify each if backed up against a wall.
In some aspects I’m afraid I have you beat! I have 3 antique Singers, 2 Bernina sergers, a cover stitch machine, and 5 miscellaneous Singers. I like to teach sewing so a friend of mine started tracking down sewing machines for me. She found them at yard sales and even at a dumpster. But I’m a Bernina girl at heart and they are the work horses in my sewing room. I really do need to whittle down my collection because between all these machines and my crazy huge fabric stash my living space is being challenged. I guess I’m one of those sewers that has more fabric than I can use up in a lifetime. (Sheepish grin!)
All the best!
What a fun post to read! I only have one sewing/embroidery machine- a Brother Innovis 1200, but loved reading about what every one has and why they like them!
Oh confession time. I have my grandmother’s treadle machine which did work, but I now use it in the cabinet as a nightstand. It is beautiful. I have my mother’s slant needle Singer workhorse in the cabinet. I used it when I first started quilting, but then the foot pedal started getting hot…very hot, so I bought myself a Bernina 1031 as a college graduation gift to myself. The Singer in its cabinet now is a modified desk for my computer. The Bernina is my workhorse and I love it. I also bought a Bernina 1630 on ebay several years ago for the extra stitches…okay for the blanket stitch..ha, but it is a good machine and I use it off and on. I recently sold my Tin Lizzie 18LS longarm. It was time. The Juki looks interesting. I know they are very reliable machines, but I have not used one. I will either quilt on my Bernina, send my tops out to a longarmer, or handquilt, I think. I am two years out from retiring. A friend of mine looked at my closet in my sewing room the other day and said…this is your retirement right here and she is right. I could sew 24 hours a day and not come close to using up all this fabric, but I will give it my best shot! (It is all sorted by color, looks like a rainbow when I open the doors….for now, until I mess it up again)
What fun this post was to read. It made me smile and laugh plus I learned so much in how to look at and judge a sewing machine. You have the ability to turn every post – even a fun one like this – into a learning experience. You “go girl” – get that Juki and quilt like crazy. 🙂
Hello… I have come to join your group, I too have many machines and I want two more. I have five sewing machines and one serger (that is pink) and over 30+ years old.
Thank you for letting me express my need for another couple of machines, I feel I need. OH yeah and I also feel I need a Long Arm machine for my quilting habit as well.
Oh and I also am a hoarder of material, scraps, patterns and magazines that pertain to what I want to make.
May I have some more coffee so I can go and sew? Thank you !! (Yep I have a sense of humor !LOL)
One can never have too many machines in life or too much material ! LOL
I have 10, some of them are antiques. One serger, one workhorse Kenmore similar to yours vintage 1973, a Brother with embroidery, an A1 longarm, a Pfaff 7550, a Janome Gem and Singer Featherweight for classes, and three more antique machines – one a Singer treadle, a Goodspeed and Wyman 1860s and a White or Domestic (?) made for Macy’s around 1880. You can see the antique ones if you like in a post I did on the History of Sewing Machines – https://frommycarolinahome.wordpress.com/2014/01/26/history-of-the-sewing-machine/
Loved the look at your collection!
I have I 4 sergers and 7 sewing machines. Some were from family or friends. I am not selling any of them did that once and wish I hadn’t. I am saving for a multi-neddle embroidery machine. I do use some of them to make a living.
I have seven machines and a serger. I would not part with any of them. They all do different things well and when I really get the sewing urge I thread all of them and sew up a storm. Of course I am fortunate enough to have room to set them all up and a
secretary’s chair that rolls between them
Just found your blog….really well done, and I like your aprons….that’s how I found you…googled fabrics for aprons…need to make myself and my two daughters some new ones with some snap to them! Anyways, DON’T EVER get rid of your good ol’ Sears Kenmore machine! They don’t make them like that any more! Wish I still had my first machine, a Montgomery Ward purchased in 1980. We couldn’t get parts to repair it any more, and it went to the home for old sewing machines in the sky. Between my daughters and me, we own 9 Husqvarna Viking machines. They are fantastic, especially my daughter’s Designer SE….which was still made in Sweden. We refuse to buy any of the newer machines now all made in Taiwan. I think if I were to buy a new machine these days, it would be a Bernina or Pfaff. Great machines! Isn’t sewing fun? God bless, Elizabeth Hansen, Chester County, Pennsylvania
Hi, can you give me a suggestion as to the correct tensions for the baby lock 5280E?
I have no idea. I have not sewn on the 5280E for several years. I recommend that you contact your local Babylock dealer. They will know the answer to this question.
Leslie, I inherited a Baby Lock 5280 E from a friend and it was quite dusty and dirty from sitting for a few years so I got out my brushes and Q-tips and cleaned it up. Looks like new now. Yay!!! Sadly, I thought I could get the manual from Baby Lock. Nope. Out of print. So, I found your site during my 3 days of searching the internet and continuing to run into not available. That being said, would you, or anyone reading this that has a manual for it be willing to copy the manual for me? I don’t want to start it up until I know if it needs to be oiled or not and I want to be sure everything is in its place and be able to troubleshoot if I run into issues. Thank you in advance.
Hopefully someone will see this and be willing to help out. In the meantime, did you check on Ebay. I think I’ve see manuals for other machines there.
I have mine all set at approximately 3, and it works well for most mid-weight fabrics, (woven and knit).
I have that exact Kenmore! It was purchased maybe a year earlier than yours. I was in 8th grade and had a sewing class in school for the first time. I loved the class and did very well in it. My grandmother (God bless her!) wanted to encourage me to keep sewing so she went to Sears and bought me that machine. It truely is a workhorse! My daughter now has it and I have a Pfaff – my new workhorse. 🙂
I have my favorite sewing machines, 1. baby lock EVOLVE’ worth every dollar, it is a work horse , bought 2000, I love my 2. pfaff 2040 bought in 2001 , it is also a work force, I use it for quilting . The new pfaffs are not the same they are not made in germany . I have a 3. BABYLOCK embrodery machine which I enjoy playing with and making gifts. I have my husband grandmother 4. treadle machine, 5. singer hand crank, 6. my neighbor singer I got 30 years ago, 7. a singer antique machine with a cabinet, 8 . an industrial sewing machine with a quilting frame, 9. my friend antique singer. 10 a singer featherweight . I gave my friend my old green baby lock serger from the 1970. I have a sewing room with a large table attached to the wall with a romote to bring down when I quilt. I love to sew for my neighbor fix her clothes she is 90 years young.
This was a sweet post to see. When my grandmother passed away, I asked for her sewing machine and still have it. I remembered all of the nightgowns she lovingly made me, and can’t help but think that her loving energy is still imbued into the machine. I have no daughter or nieces, so it still lives with me. Sewing machines can be sentimental, if not bulky objects! :). However, I would also say, find a worthy recipient for one of your Mom’s machines, and let them know about all the awesome things your mom did/does with it and how awesome she is when you pass it on, sending the love on.
I only have 2 but that’s a lot for someone who doesn’t really know how to sew (though I’d really love to, and well). Keeping the one that MIL gifted because it’s newer and I can handle it better (and it came with a great sewing cabinet). But – I do have a model similar to your Kenmore that I need to sell (craft room too small), 158.19311, see it on Craigslist: http://raleigh.craigslist.org/hsh/5080282494.html
Well, I guess I’m a collector too. But in a different way – I have four and a half Singer 500 Slant-O-Matics, aka Rocketeers. (The “half” is a 503 model.) They’re from the early 1960s and all metal. Any one of them will last my lifetime and probably my kids’ too – but all five of them? I can’t imagine how long they’ll last. Oh, and just for good measure, my mom left me her pink Atlas – a Buick disguised as a sewing machine.
My mom had a pink Atlas too! Wish I had it or could find one. It was the machine I learned to sew on!!
Got all y’all beat..this lady owns 13, which includes 4 sergers! Singer, Brother is my stash but I would LOVE to own a Baby Lock Imagine serger and the Ellisimo Gold. Nothing like having our own ‘toys’!
Ding, Ding, Ding! I think you’ve won this contest.
I have 3 x Janomes and a Brother 1500 plus a My Locker Overlocker (serger) plus a non descript tiny thing that my hubby bought me (which is rubbish and very rarely actually works) and so I have to keep as it is sentimental and am toying with the idea of purchasing an upgrade for my Brother as it doesn’t have a memory stick port. Husband says I should sell my Brother and trade in for a new model but I want to keep them all!!!!!!
I love my Baby Lock 5280E serger, but now I find myself in a position where I have to sell it. It hasn’t been used in a few years, but I tested it and it worked like new! I can’t believe I have to part with it. But maybe before long I’ll be able to replace it. I also have my Bernina 1630, a Beretta embroidery machine (at the time, was top of the line, and I do like it), as well as a Singer featherweight, and an old black Singer! Can’t part with any of the others!
Regarding the Baby Lock 5280e, I purchased one recently on ebay and the needle plate it came with was the narrow rolled edge plate. I’m looking online for a standard needle plate but I need the part number(was not in the manual). Do you have any idea as to where I can find a list with part numbers for this machine? Baby lock headquarters could not help me. Thanks!
Gosh, this is embarrassing. I think I need more help than all of you. I had to go and count my machines because I didn’t know how many I had. I guessed about 10 but there are actually 14. (Don’t tell my husband.) I need to sell quite a few of them in order to help our son pay for school. The trouble is that I’m having trouble deciding which ones to part with. I have picked up all of them on Craigslist and yard sales for exceptionally good prices (which I obviously couldn’t resist.) I recently gave away an antique metal Kenmore and sold my Bernina 930. It was a beautiful machine but I didn’t like the clicking noise it made whenever the machine stops sewing. (I don’t think the later 930’s did that.)
My current machines include a Bernina Virtuosa 153, Bernina 1031, Bernina 910, Bernina 117L in a cabinet, Pfaff 7570, Juki insustrial LU-162, Singer 99, Singer Scholastic 6510, Singer 401A, Singer 2210, Shark Intellisew, Brother 6000i, Bernina 1100DA serger, Bernette Funlock 006D serger, . I use the Bernina 153 Virtuosa machine the most and probably won’t sell it. I just acquired the Pfaff 7570 with the embroidery unit and tons of accessories for $175. I haven’t had a chance to get to know it much. I have the Juki up for sale but I wish I could keep it. I plan to sell the 910 and 1031. They sew beautifully but I’ve become too spoiled by the computerized models. The 117L was the first zig zag that Bernina built. It is green and doesn’t run. I plan to restore it and then decide it it should stay or go. I will probably keep either the Singer 99 or the 401A for buttonholes. I will sell all of the cheaper machines and possibly both sergers. I’ve never learned to use the sergers so it’s easier for me to part with those. I figure I can buy another one later. Leslie, your Babylock Evolution sounds amazing! Too bad it’s way out of my price range.
I’m at 21 sewing, embroidery and serger, 5 I vintages machines but all the rest r brand new, I’m ilmost cheking into rehab lol kkkkkkk
Hi – I stumbled on this site looking for yet another machine. My obsession started when I was about 7 or 8 and my mum bought me a Singer treadle because she did not want me on her electric machine. I still remember making my very first skirt and some very wild dolls clothes.
Over the last 45 years I have aquired and still always use: 1 Brother overlocker (serger) my Grandmothers old Singer, Juki industrial overlocker, Pfaff leather post machine, Juki cylinder industrial walking foot, Brother 12 mm industrial zigzag, Pfaff high speed 6 mm zigzag, 84 year old Singer treadle patch machine, Pfaff industrial twin needle (very useful), Janome domestic machine.
I also have in my collection machines that I just admire: my original Singer treadle, another 308 Singer, my very first modern machine (Husqvana), about 5 old electric antique Singer machines. I did have a fantastic Pfaff treadle machine that I had picked up for about $30 Australian, but I felt too guilty about keeping that machine because it was needed by someone so I actually parted with it. So my confession is about 18 machines, with about 10 that I regularly use.
Well I have four sewing machines and two sergers. One sews leather or thick items, one is four embroidery and the other two bernina 830 vintage are just because. I too am an hoarder of sewing machines. It is addictive.
Did you sell your serger
It went to live at my sister’s house.
I understand about the sewing machines. I have a few different vintage/ antique sewing machines that I love. But I have over 15 different sewing baskets. My mum past away at the young age of 58, and left me several sewing baskets. She had different baskets for her hobbies. One for knitting, the household mending basket, her embroidery basket, etc. After adding these to the ones I already have. I have quite a collection. As it is something, I could never throw or give away, I have them displayed in a beautiful bookshelf in my sewing room. It is nice having memories all around me as I go about my work.
Thanks for sharing such a lovely story about your mom and her sewing baskets.
I have the tiptronic 2030 and just love it. It is a work horse. I have my Mom’s old brother that she got over 50 years ago. The one I started sewing on. In 2003 I received a lovely Singer feather light from a lady that had to move into a care home for seniors. In 1988 I bought a Kenmore 3/4 thread serger. But my big sewing machine is a P3 longarm that I have had for 3 years. And I an also thing of upgrading my Pfaff tiptronic 2030 to one with more memories.
I have three.. The SAME metal Kenmore.. A Pfaff similar to yours and an elna.. I also have a serger.. Babylock I think (they’re all hand me downs. Well exept the elna) who knows how many I’ll get in the future Lol I’m only 17 n I am seww crazy. My grandma started to teach me to sew when I was six.. And I can’t imagine not sewing. It’s my LIFE 🙂
I have 5 sewing machines and a serger. The Bernina 1031 I got at a yard sale for 10 bucks. The Featherweight belonged to my husband’s grandmother! I also have a Kenmore from the 70’s, my grandmother’s Singer, and another Singer from a yard sale. The Babylock serger I have never even used, also from a yard sale. My husband doesn’t bat an eye. They are all deals!
I, also, have several machines in my stable. I started out with a new Kenmore 158 (TOL with all the cams, etc. which I unfortunately gave to a family member!! Regret getting rid of that machine!). Somewhere, I purchased an old black Singer straight stitch machine to do heavy repair work, which now sits forlorn in the closet.
I replaced the Kenmore with a Bernina 930 Record which is still my fave! Then added a Bernina 440 QEE for quilt piecing and free motion quilting. I inherited a Nelco J28 when my dad passed away and it is the best machine for repairing heavy items, like horse fly masks, etc. A serger always intrigued me so I eneded up buying a used Bernina 1150 MDA, and then added a Janome Coverpro 1000 CPX. Then…I began resurrecting “frozen” older mechanical machines and added several Bernina 830 Records and 530 Records, a Bernina 1100 serger, some of which have found new homes. The latest addition is a Pfaff 260 in a cabinet found at the thrift store for $25 that works perfectly (after some cleaning, oiling, & elbow grease).
We will be moving sometime next year, so some of the machines will need to find new homes.
Hi,
I have 6 machines, my Necchi which my parents bought for me when I was in my 20s I think. Then I inherited my grandmothers Pfaff from 1955 or so I think it is a model 250 or so. Bought another Pfaff Quilt Expressions 4.0 4 years ago, it was used and about 10 years old now. Then I found a Viking work horse for $50 on Craigslist, and an Elna for $50 which I couldn’t pass up, and I wanted a Bernina so I got the first portable they made for $150 which is also fantastic. And I want more vintage ones!! I follow Bonnie Hunter…maybe I’ll get a Singer Featherweight, but I don’t know. So many machines, so little time…
I just added a Featherweight to my “stable.”
What’s wrong with having lots of sewing machines? Doesn’t every smart sewer have a back-up machine or 2? I’m a quilter and also have a small apron business so I “need” lots of machines – right. At the present time I have the following bernina machines: 910, 931, 1020, 1090S, 1230 and a real old one in the 500’s. I have 2 singer featherweights 221 models and a singer 301 and then I have a juki mid-arm machine on my grace quilting frame. I only have 2 sergers – one pfaff and one singer. Also forgot – I also have a pfaff 1222 that I just had to buy when I found it newly repaired when I took my bernina 931 in for a rare service call. I think that adds up to 11 sewing machines and 2 sergers – maybe I need an intervention. I must say I love all my machines and don’t see myself getting rid of any of them – the sergers I’m not in love with, but when you need one I have one to use.
Join the obsession club. When I look through blogs I always stop to see what machine is being used! So I have 3 bernina machines, 1260,140,560. I have two Janome: Threadbanger,and 4400QE, A green White, a crank Singer, two featherweights, a teal Singer, a Kenmore that looks like yours, a mini Kenmore with a foldout table and rose embossed case, two pink machines ? in cabinets, one Brother 400 that I use just for small embroidery, two more black antique singers, a Janome Coverstitch, a Singer 9980 and 9985, and an American Home. and a Necchi. So that’s 21 sewing machines and one coverstitch I gave 16 to our sons school auction so I had 37 machines, 1 serger (since gifted) 1 coverstitch and 3 toy machines. I pick them up at Goodwill, thrift shops because they call my name! Then I clean and oil and grease and polish and let them be sold at the auction. It is a fun and addicting habit! I know I am missing one or two!
Singer Ultralock 30 years old serger, Janome 3160, Janome Coverpro 900 and brand new version my dream Bernina 570qe with everything I want 8.5” throat space, dual feet, bright lighting, 9mm decorating stitches, Bernina hook, big bobbin, Bernina one piece presser foot, beautiful accessory storage box, … My sewing room is completed with what I want.
I inherited my Mother In Laws Baby Lock Evolution. My sewing skills are very basic. I am so hoping I can figure out how to use this machine. My Mother In Law only used it a few times.
You lucky lady! I have this same machine and it is an awesome workhorse. I’d contact a local dealer and ask if they can give you a class on this machine. It will be worth the cost because this machine can do so much.
Your Kenmore was the very same one I purchased as MY first machine! I used it so much that I wore out the motor and couldn’t get it replaced. I then got the same Pfaff that your mother had! I have my grandmother’s 1918 treadle machine (that doesn’t work), and just gave my mother’s 1958 Singer to my daughter. I guess I shouldn’t feel too bad about wanting to also get a mid-arm machine for quilting, since I only have ONE! Thanks for a fun post. I miss my Kenmore so much!
Hi Leslie, you are not alone. I am wondering just how I am going to spill the news to hubby about my wanting another sewing machine. Only last week I purchased a brand new sewing/embroidery machine as it was half price. The embroidery is wifi and as the internet is not too reliable where I am, I thought I would love a machine that has inbuilt patterns. So now I am hankering after another machine and feeling like I am some sort of idiot or something – how many machines does one need. In fact I can almost hear my hubby thinking the same thing. So I am planning on ordering it and not saying anything about it – that is until it arrives and then it is too late, but then I hope it would not cause any ill feelings from him. So feeling a bit like I am being dishonest, but I really find it difficult to face up about it. Already I have a Pfaff 7570, A Brother NX600 and I purchased a Bernina 820 at an auction really cheap. Add that to a coverstitch, and two overlocks I am like a machine hoarder. Trying to sell a couple to finance my forthcoming purchase.
I love how this post has become a place where people can share that they may or may not have a problem. I look at it like I’m a collector of machines.
Oh my Ladies,
I am so happy to have found you! I have had 8 sewing machines: singer featherweight, singer 90, singer 90S, quilter White, Kenmore, Necchi, Baby Lock JazzII and Juki HZL DX7. They all work and look beautiful to me. I need to get rid of the first six machines. But I am too attached to them. It is a heartbroken feeling to let them go. I realize that I am insane and suffer only thinking about departing from my toys, however, it is comforting to know that I am not alone. Also, I am happy that hubby is not around to disapprove my insanity. LOL
Wow! It seems there are a lot us “addicts” out there. I’ve been sewing for over sixty years, starting with my mother’s 1940-ish White Rotary 77 straight stitch. I still have that great old machine and it still works, but I keep it mostly for sentimental reasons. I use it now and then to remember Mom and reminisce. It does a beautiful straight stitch and has reverse, but that’s it. I’d probably use it more if it was easier to change needles. The little screw holding the needle in has a very rough texture! I used to tear my little fingers up on it when I was a kid. Still, it’s a workhorse and I’ll not relegate it to the dump; it means too much to me.
When I was a teenager, Mom and Dad gave me a new Kenmore 158-14000. It had zigzag and stretch stitches – oh boy! I was in heaven and sewed on it for many, many years. I even made my daughter’s wedding gown with it. I was stupid enough to sell it in the late 1980’s and eventually I regretted it terribly! I had bought a new Baby Lock electronic machine and was thrilled at the new functions. I’ve since bought a Euro Pro serger, a little Brother SC3000 for travel, and a few years ago, a huge Brother Innovis VQ3000 Dreamweaver for quilting and regular sewing. The Innovis is a marvelous machine with a very wide harp space, full auto-threading, auto cut, auto presser foot release and lots more of those great “bells and whistles” that we love.
But I missed my old “Kennie” still. Then I got lucky and found a refurbished duplicate on ebay; I jumped on it and now it has pride of place in an original Kenmore table, right next to the giant 46-lb Innovis. I use it regularly and when the Innovis has a big quilt under the needle or goes in for routine maintenance. I love it – it still purrs like a kitten and sews a perfect stitch. I wouldn’t give it up for anything and I know that with care, it still will be running perfectly long after I’m gone. When these post-war Japanese Kenmores were built, they were done so with precision and pride. There was no “planned obsolescence” back then and they were all metal inside – no plastic or nylon gears anywhere. Most of the 148-158 series were superb machines which served their users well.
Sadly, in the late ’70’s, Kenmore began producing machines in Taiwan and with plastic and nylon gears. They moved into the arena of electronics, which isn’t a bad thing, it was just the end of an era. (sigh!)
It doesn’t end there though; I’ve been bitten by the Kenmore ‘bug’. I now have a gorgeous little ¾ size Kenmore 158-1040, a travel machine from the mid-70’s. It will do quite a bit of what the bigger Kenmore does (zigzag, stretch stitch, overcasting and buttonholes) with ease. It hums along very quietly and is a joy to use. And if that isn’t bad enough, I’ve now acquired duplicates of the old White rotary, the full-size Kennie and even the little 1040 as parts machines. Now I’m looking for a Kenmore 158-19800 convertible which has a few specific features that I’d like to have.
My quilting friends laugh at me, my husband says I’m nuts, “Why did I buy you that expense big machine if you’re still using the old ones?!” He has no clue. But you and I know, don’t we?
H-m-m-m, think I’m gonna go check out ebay and see if I can find that 19800 or some other Kenmore “goodie”.
Hi Leslie:
Any idea who made the Kenmore machines in Japan? Was it another sewing machine company? I had a Kenmore with the coloured Cams for embroidery, which I bought a year after we were married (1984) and I used it for 25 years. Took it in for its’ one and only service and it was someone who was inexperienced and when I brought it home the 1st row of stitching bent the shaft and I parted with it about a year later. I still miss it!
Hi Stephanie, I’m not an expert, but I love Kenmores and have done quite a bit of research on them.
Kenmore never made their own machines – they contracted with other companies to build them. Prior to WWII, Kenmore machines were made by companies such as White and Gritzer Kaiser in Germany. Up until the mid to late 70’s, the majority of the postwar machines were made by Maruzen/Jaguar in Japan. Buy the 1980’s however, Kenmore switched to having them built in Taiwan by Janome. If the model begins with 158, it’s Japanese-made (with a few exceptions), and if the model number begins with 385, it was made Taiwan. Some of those early Taiwanese-built machines were well-designed & built by Janome, but to save money, they began to use more and more plastic and nylon in the construction and the quality suffered. Eventually, Sears gave up selling machines altogether.
If you loved your machine that much, you might want to start searching through Offer Up, eBay and Craig’s list to find and buy the same model. As a teenager, I had a marvelous 158-14000 that I used for many years before selling it to a young woman who wanted to learn how to sew. And I missed mine too! I’ve had many machines since and still do, but when I found the exact same model on ebay, I grabbed it and use it regularly. It actually does some things better than my more modern machines.
So start looking around, I’ll bet you’ll be able to recognize your machine by site and perhaps have your ‘baby’ back again. Good luck.