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sewing machine help - clicky poll
So I have two sewing machines - both hand-me-downs from my Mom, and both are Singer brand. One is from 1970 and is really bare bones (straight stitch and zigzag are about the only options). The other is from about 1985 and has more options (decorative stitches, buttonholes, etc).
The problem is that both currently have something wrong with them. The 1970 machine will only do straight stitches - you can move the stitch dial, but it will still only sew straight. The 1985 machine won't reverse and after using the fancy stitches twice, is all jacked up (I think it skipped time or something, I don't really know - all I know is I try to sew with it and the thread just piles up in place).
So, the question is, do I bother trying to fix either of them or just look for a new machine? I had the 1970 one serviced several years ago and it was close to $100. I don't know that sinking another $100 into it would be worthwhile, although of the two, it's the one I prefer to use (because it's so simple and straight forward - and every time in the past that I've tried the other machine the thread got messed up). If you vote buy new, thoughts on brand or where to shop?
Re: sewing machine help - clicky poll
I guess my answer depends on what you want from a machine. Do you want the fancy stitches? If so, then I'd look into new machines. Machines need to be serviced (probably a LOT more often than many of us do), so I wouldn't base your decision on the service fee alone. Investing $100 into a solid machine is better than buying a more "disposable" one that might only last a few years before giving you trouble.
90% of what I do on my sewing machine is straight and zig-zag. I have a few fancy stitches, but never use them (with the exception of the automatic buttonhole stitch). I sew on a early 90's Singer and have a 1970's Kenmore (from my GMIL). If hte Kenmore weren't such a PITA to thread, I would probably use it more than my Singer because it can sew through ANYTHING! It has one powerful motor!
ETA: I love my Singer (had to add that since Singers tend to get a bad rap here
)
My Valentine Bookends (2~13~13, 2~15~09)
ITA with this.
BTW, old Singer machines are great...it is the new, low quality ones that I pick on relentlessly.